Design Manager, Contractor Network

Viget is an independent digital agency that has been designing and building digital products and platforms since 1999. Our culture is ideal for lifelong learners seeking meaningful work, supportive collaboration, and a healthy work/life balance. We work from four offices (hybrid) and remote locations throughout the U.S., and we maintain a strong cadence of virtual and in-person connection. Viget works with a carefully vetted network of contract designers to support long-term client engagements with companies like Robinhood and Coinbase. We are looking for a Design Manager who will ensure that work delivered by our contractors meets Viget’s quality standards, and that the people doing that work feel supported, connected, and motivated. 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 How to Apply: Apply by completing the application form. We expect you may use AI for research, prep, and proofreading during the job application process. We use AI daily and believe that building AI skills is essential, but at this stage we need to get to know you. To that end, unless directed otherwise, we expect you will not submit AI-generated answers or assignments (writing, coding, designing) nor use AI for real-time help during interviews. Using AI tools to misrepresent your knowledge, ability, or experience is unethical. It’s also impractical and short-sighted since once you’re in the role you’ll often need to think and communicate in real-time without AI help. As a small team with high standards for quality and, above all, integrity, we ask that you write your own application answers, submit work that reflects the real you, and share openly how you used AI in the application process if at all. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications and are actively seeking people from underrepresented groups to join our team. Before you apply, learn more about us on LinkedIn , Instagram , Flickr , X , Vimeo , and by exploring pointlesscorp.com . Viget maintains a drug-free workplace. We are unable to offer work visa sponsorship at this time. Viget is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all of us feel valued and heard. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, socioeconomic status, religion, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email [email protected].