About Us: Booking.com uses data to drive decisions. Technology is at our core, and innovation is part of our everyday. We’re about the experiences we enable—creating memories and journeys for travelers around the world.
The Lead Design Operations Specialist (DesignOps) ensures the smooth running and administration of UX Operations (UXOps) programs, projects, and initiatives with a primary focus on Design Operations. The Lead Specialist sets key program objectives and milestones and collaborates with Design craft leaders to implement and execute projects. They develop and maintain a portfolio of capabilities in areas such as design systems, ways of working, and design tooling to improve effectiveness and enable design at scale. They work with UXOps team members, researchers, designers, writers, and internal and external stakeholders to deliver outcomes that impact business objectives. The Lead Specialist owns a portfolio of topic areas focused on building the DesignOps function and improving operational excellence for Booking.com Design through their deliverables.
Tasks & Responsibilities- Owns and works on a portfolio of complex DesignOps programs and projects, aligning with the broader UX and Product Operations strategy.
- Sets objectives and milestones for the Design craft, then implements and executes projects to improve the end-to-end design lifecycle.
- Influences Design Directors and cross-functional partners to deliver operational improvements that raise the bar for design excellence.
- Acts as the founding DesignOps portfolio lead and team consultant, identifying gaps in current workflows and architecting scalable solutions.
- Manages and monitors the performance of design-specific tools and vendor relationships (e.g., Figma) to ensure ROI and team efficiency.
- Mentors and coaches other specialists, fostering a culture of operational excellence and a "Product Team as a Unit" mindset.
- Identifies opportunities to bridge gaps between Design, Research, Content, and Product Management through unified operational support programs.
- DesignOps Mastery: 8+ years of professional experience, with at least 5 years in Design Operations within a large-scale, global technology organization.
- The “Builder” Mindset: Proven track record of building a DesignOps function from zero to one, including strategic planning, stakeholder mapping, and initial process architecture.
- Technical Depth: Expert-level knowledge of the design technology stack.
- Design Systems Governance: Experience partnering with Design System teams to operationalize tokens, components, and handoff standards.
- Strategic Stakeholder Management: Ability to act as a peer and advisor to Design Directors, translating craft aspirations into operational roadmaps.
- Portfolio Management: Advanced skills in managing multiple complex, ambiguous workstreams using Jira or similar enterprise tools.
- UX and Product Synergy: Understanding of how DesignOps fits into a broader UX and Product framework to support the product team as a unit.
- Communication: Strong storytelling skills; able to communicate the value of DesignOps to non-design audiences.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in Design, Business, or Operations.
Booking.com’s Total Rewards Philosophy includes a competitive compensation and benefits package along with unique benefits. Examples include:
- Annual paid time off and generous leave options (parent, grandparent, bereavement, care leave)
- Hybrid working arrangements with up to 20 days per year working from abroad
- Industry-leading discounts and Booking.com wallet credit
Inclusion is a core part of our culture. We value a diverse workforce with colleagues from many nationalities and backgrounds. We strive to create an inclusive travel experience for everyone.
We provide adjustments and tools to enable applicants with disabilities to participate in the job application and interview process and to perform essential job functions.
Application Process- How we Hire: Learn more about our process and what to expect.
- Post-application requirements (deadlines, portfolios, assessments) as defined by the BU or department.
- This role does not come with relocation assistance.
Booking.com is an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Pre-Employment ScreeningIf your application is successful, your personal data may be used for a pre-employment screening by a third party as permitted by applicable law. A screening may include employment history, education, and other information necessary to determine qualifications and suitability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr€70000 - €90000 monthly














