Principal Creative Director

Join Microsoft as the Creative Director for Windows and become a driving force in shaping the future of design for the world’s most popular desktop operating system. As the Windows Creative Director, 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.  

As Principal Creative Director 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 leader 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.

Required 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

Candidates must be able to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements that 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 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 strong command of visual design, brand expression, and systems thinking. The ideal candidate not only produces stunning designs but also has a critical approach to UX, with proven experience in creative direction, particularly in digital product design, UI/UX, or a related field. 
• Demonstrated 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 unified experience strategy. 
• Passion for innovation and the ability to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and human-centered design. 
• Commitment to fostering inclusive design that serves a diverse, global audience. 

Product Design M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $137,600 - $267,000 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $180,400 - $294,000 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until January 27, 2025

• 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. 
• Embody our and