Design Manager, Contractor Network

What You'll Do:

• Ensure design quality and consistency
• Help uphold Viget’s design standards across client engagements staffed with contract designers.
• Step in thoughtfully when issues arise by clarifying expectations, mediating concerns, and helping all parties move forward.
• Review design work and provide feedback when alignment is needed.
• Act as a thought partner to Client Strategy on design quality, risks, and opportunities within active accounts.
• Support contractors’ success
• Be involved in onboarding new contract designers, providing context, expectations, and guidance so they can contribute effectively from the start.
• Build relationships with contractors that go beyond logistics. Understand what motivates them, where they’re growing, and what kinds of work excite them.
• Offer occasional coaching, feedback, or collaboration when requested or when client feedback calls for it.
• Help create a strong sense of connection to Viget, even for contractors who work with us intermittently.
• Support sourcing and evaluation
• Partner closely with our Director of Talent Strategy on contractor sourcing, evaluation, and long-term network planning.
• Review portfolios and backgrounds; participate in interviews as needed.
• Help match designers to opportunities based on skills, experience, and client context.
• Partner with Client Strategy and Business Development
• Collaborate with Client Strategy to support account health and growth.
• Advise on design staffing approaches during sales conversations and early engagements.
• Develop an understanding of client design expectations, maturity, and ways of working to inform guidance and contractor support.
• Build professional, trusted relationships with client-side design leaders, without owning the account relationship.
• Collaborate internally
• Work closely with Client Strategy, Talent Strategy, and design leadership to strengthen how Viget supports, delivers, and evolves contract-based design work.
• Contribute to improving systems, processes, and best practices in this growing area of the business.
• Navigate the realities of a distributed role
• This role is primarily relationship-based with independent contractors rather than full-time Viget staff.
• You’ll need to be proactive about connection, communication, and visibility to avoid isolation and to build influence without formal authority.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has a strong background in digital product design and can confidently assess high-quality work.
• Has experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting designers (formally or informally).
• Understands how design quality impacts client trust, outcomes, and long-term relationships.
• Is pragmatic, clear, and steady, able to step in when needed.
• Communicates directly and constructively with designers, clients, and internal partners.
• Values relationships and reputation, and takes pride in supporting people to do their best work.
• Has experience in a digital agency or working closely with contract designers at a product company.

Everyone at Viget

• Embodies our core values of integrity, work ethic, collaboration, creativity, and lifelong learning.
• Values mentorship, learning, and knowledge-sharing.
• Writes and speaks clearly, confidently, and succinctly.
• Believes in and supports our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive company.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual base salary: $105,000–$135,000, depending on skills and experience
• Additional comp available via spot performance bonuses, sales referrals, and new hire referrals
• 401(k) retirement plan matching up to 4%
• 100% company-paid health and dental coverage for you and your family
• Stipends for wellness (apps, gyms, etc.) and connectivity (mobile phone or home internet)
• 15 days PTO (20 after 2 years), 9 paid holidays, and 2 community service days per year
• Up to $2,000/year in conference and training (professional development) budget