Principal Design Manager

Join Microsoft Windows and become a driving force in shaping the future of design for the world’s most popular desktop operating system. As a Principal Design Manager, you'll lead a dynamic, multidisciplinary team to evolve the Windows design language for a new era where AI is seamlessly integrated into daily life.

You'll collaborate across teams, including the Fluent Design System team, to ensure cohesion and creativity as we advance the Microsoft design language across devices and experiences. You will also oversee the team responsible for crafting our UI components, systems, and toolkits, ensuring they are beautiful, functional, and future proof.

Additionally, you’ll partner closely with the Windows Feature crews to explore brand expression, identifying bold new ways for the Windows experience to come to life in both product and marketing contexts. This is an opportunity to make an indelible impact on the Windows ecosystem and influence the broader evolution of Microsoft’s design identity. We are looking for a Prinicpal Design Manager who can inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and champion inclusivity at every level of the design process.

Join us in shaping the future of Windows and creating design experiences that will inspire millions worldwide.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of designers and creative professionals to evolve the Windows design language for the AI-driven future.
• Collaborate closely with the Fluent Design System team to refine and evolve the overall Microsoft Design Language.
• Guide the development and evolution of UI components, systems, and toolkits, ensuring high standards of accessibility, usability, and innovation.
• Partner with the Windows product and marketing teams to explore new opportunities for brand expression.
• Advocate for a user-first design approach that resonates with a global and diverse audience.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends in technology, design, and user experience, applying them thoughtfully to the Windows ecosystem.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, Interaction Design, or related field AND 8+ years experience working in product or service design
  • OR Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, Interaction Design, or related field AND 6+ years experience working in product or service design
  • OR equivalent experience (e.g., demonstrated experience working in product or service design or using design thinking to solve problems).
• 3+ years people management experience.

Other requirements:

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft background and Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A portfolio showcasing your ability to design and deliver exceptional products and experiences from concept to final creation. We seek portfolios that demonstrate a command of visual design, brand expression, and systems thinking. You not only produce stunning designs but also has a critical approach to UX, with proven experience in creative direction, particularly in digital product design.
• Leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage a diverse team of designers.
• Proficiency in Figma creating UI kits (working knowledge of tokens, variables, variants, prototyping, etc.)
• Experience collaborating across large, matrixed organizations and leading complex design initiatives.
• Working in a design horizontal team across complex product ecosystems.
• Driving alignment efforts across multiple teams to reach a uni