Design Thinking Lead / Associate Director

Company Description

We are a Digital Product Engineering company that is scaling in a big way! We build products, services, and experiences that inspire, excite, and delight. We work at scale — across all devices and digital mediums, and our people exist everywhere in the world (15000+ experts across 26 countries, to be exact). Our work culture is dynamic and non-hierarchical. We are looking for great new colleagues. That is where you come in!

Job Description

Job Title: Design Thinking Lead
Location: Tokyo, Japan

Must-Have Skills:

• Innovation Frameworks
• Design Consulting (Expert level)
• Digital Product Engineering
• Product Design
• Level 3 Japanese Language Proficiency

Good-to-Have Skills:

• Experience with digital transformation, CX design, or business model innovation
• Familiarity with technology trends like AI, IoT, and their applications in design and innovation
• Consulting experience in high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, or financial services

Job Description:

We are looking for an experienced Design Thinking & Innovation Leader to drive creative problem-solving and transformational strategies for our clients in Japan. This leadership role will focus on leveraging Design Thinking principles to guide innovation initiatives, develop future-focused strategies, and consult with senior leadership teams on sustainable business transformation.

You will play a critical role in shaping innovative business models, products, and services while fostering a culture of creativity and agility. This position requires strong expertise in design thinking, leadership capabilities, and an understanding of global innovation trends, especially in the context of Japanese and Asia-Pacific markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Design Thinking Initiatives: Champion and embed design thinking methodologies across the organization. Lead workshops, sprints, and sessions that unlock creative solutions to clients’ business challenges.
• Consult on Strategic Innovation: Partner with C-suite and senior executives to shape long-term business strategies through the lens of innovation and human-centered design.
• Drive Innovation Projects: Lead cross-functional teams in developing, prototyping, and launching new business models, products, and services to meet evolving market demands and customer needs.
• Mentor and Guide Teams: Provide leadership and mentorship to innovation teams, promoting collaboration, creativity, and a customer-first mindset.
• Facilitate Client Engagements: Consult with clients to understand their business objectives, challenges, and market opportunities. Deliver tailored design thinking strategies and actionable solutions.
• Market Research & Insights: Stay ahead of trends in design, technology, and innovation, especially in the Japan and APAC markets, to guide innovation roadmaps and strategies.
• Build Innovation Ecosystems: Establish relationships with startups, academia, and industry partners to create a network that supports innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Measure Impact & ROI: Develop metrics and KPIs to track the effectiveness of innovation initiatives, demonstrating the business value of design-led approaches.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Business, Innovation, or related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 10+ years in design thinking, innovation strategy, or business consulting, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Global Perspective: Experience working in international markets with a strong understanding of Japanese business culture and innovation landscapes.
• Languages: Proficiency in English and Japanese (written and spoken) is required.
• Proven Expertise: Strong portfolio of successful design thinking projects and innovation initiatives across various industries.

Skills:

• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management abilities.
• Expertise in leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Tools:

• Proficiency with design thinking tools, agile methodologies, and innovation frameworks (e.g., Lean Startup, Service Design).

Personal Attributes:

• Innovative Mindset: Visionary thinker who challenges the status quo and inspires creative problem-solving.
• Cultural Awareness: Understanding of both global innovation trends and local market dynamics in Japan.
• Leadership: A natural leader who can inspire and motivate teams toward a shared vision of the future.
• Customer-Centric: Advocates for putting customers' needs at the center of innovation and design.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in digital transformation, customer experience (CX) design, or business model innovation.
• Familiarity with technology trends like AI, IoT, and their applications in design and innovation.
• Previous consulting experience in high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, or financial services.