Design Thinking Strategist

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands. We’re looking to hire a Design Thinking Strategist for a Utility/Energy client.

This is a 2+ year contract opportunity. The role is located in Charlotte, NC and is hybrid with 3 days weekly onsite required.

Video submission required: Candidates should record a 2-3 minute video answering two questions provided by this client - details provided.

As a Design Strategist, you will lead human-centered design initiatives to uncover new opportunities, streamline business processes, and develop products that enhance employee experience and drive business value. With a deep empathy for users and a strong understanding of business and technology, you will foster creative problem-solving, systems thinking, and strategic visioning. Operating at the portfolio level, you will help align business partners behind a cohesive vision and integrate products and projects to achieve it.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Consultation:

• Act as the primary design consultant and creative strategy leader for project teams, product partners, and key stakeholders.

• Guide teams in problem framing to ensure effective articulation and prioritization of business challenges.

• Develop and execute user research strategies to inform business decisions and reduce risk.

• Assist business partners in testing and refining strategic initiatives to maximize impact.

• Ensure a seamless user experience across a portfolio of products, adhering to brand guidelines and UX best practices.

Design & Research Execution:

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to uncover insights that shape product development.

• Design holistic, end-to-end experiences across digital, print, and multimedia touchpoints.

• Collaborate with UX/UI designers to translate user research into intuitive design solutions.

• Define technical and data requirements in partnership with engineering and data teams.

• Prototype and iterate on design solutions to optimize user experience and business efficiency.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing:

• Work with change management and product analysts to drive adoption and measure impact.

• Mentor product teams in human-centered design principles to build internal capabilities.

• Engage with and contribute to the design community through thought leadership and peer mentoring.

Tactical Responsibilities:

• Lead innovation workshops and design thinking sessions to generate new solutions.

• Ensure design consistency and usability across products and services.

• Evaluate and refine business processes for increased efficiency and user satisfaction.

• Align cross-functional teams behind a unified product vision and strategic objectives.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required in Business, Marketing, Design Management, Industrial Design, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 6+ years in a related role.

Perks & Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401k Program
• Commuter Benefit
• eLearning
• Education Reimbursement
• Ongoing Training & Development
• *To qualify for our benefits package, you must work over 30 hours per week and the length of assignment must be a minimum of 10 weeks.

To learn more about this Design Thinking Strategist opportunity, apply now. Our recruitment team will be in touch, guide you through the interview process, and advocate on your behalf.

Employer Details:

• Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in an employment with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• Onward Search is unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp or Independent Contractor arrangements at this time. All freelancers will be paid as W2 employees.
• Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401k program, for all eligible full time temporary assignments.
• Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.
• Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing and technology. Our clients are continuously turning to us to fill their open positions. Therefore, there is no application deadline for this position, as we are seeking candidates for this type of role across all our clients on an ongoing basis.