Principal Group Design Manager

Job Description

Overview

About M365 Core Design Studio

The M365 Core Design Studio is a global, multidisciplinary team at Microsoft dedicated to bringing humanity to AI experiences. We design intelligent, human-centered solutions that seamlessly integrate into people’s lives and transform how they find, ask, and do across Microsoft 365.

Our studio combines technical depth with creative excellence, blending expertise in UX, motion, voice, storytelling, and systems architecture. We work on some of Microsoft’s most impactful experiences, including Copilot, Business Chat, Windows companions, People experiences, and Search—all with a focus on responsible AI and inclusive design.

Why join the M365 Core Design Studio?

- Shape the Future of AI: Work on cutting-edge AI experiences that redefine productivity for millions.

- Global Impact: Collaborate with diverse teams worldwide.

- Human-Centered Innovation: Make AI more intuitive, inclusive, and trustworthy.

- Growth & Learning: Access world-class resources and mentorship.

- Culture of Creativity: Join a team that values experimentation, storytelling, and bold ideas.



The Role

As a Group Design Manager, you will lead a talented team of designers, driving the highest standards of design quality, usability, and user-centered practices. You’ll set the creative and strategic vision for AI-powered product experiences, ensuring alignment with business goals and fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and inclusion

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:
Responsibilities

- Craft and communicate a long-term design strategy and vision that inspires and motivates.

- Influence plans and strategies to shape a UX strategy aligned with business objectives.

- Partner deeply with Design, Business, and Engineering to drive product direction and investments.

Lead cross-organization and cross-product initiatives.

- Maintain high standards of design quality, usability, and user-centered practices.

- Oversee the development and maintenance of design systems.

- Foster a healthy team culture, provide opportunities for professional growth, and manage performance.

- Mentor and develop designers, guiding career growth and skill development.

- Allocate resources strategically, lead prioritization discussions, and oversee execution and delivery.

- Build strong relationships within the team, across design organizations, with partners, and up to leadership.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Qualications

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Graphic Design, Human Centered Design, Visual Communication, or related field. Computer Science Degree a plus.

- Design leadership role, preferably in a corporate environment.

- Portfolio showcasing end-to-end product thinking and execution required.

- Proficiency in Figma and prototyping tools (e.g., Framer, ProtoPie, Principle).

- Deep experience designing for AI/LLM-powered experiences.

- Strong storytelling, presentation, and async communication skills.

- Ability to collaborate and influence outcomes in cross-functional teams.

- Familiarity with design systems, accessibility, and inclusive design practices.

- Excellent leadership, management, and communication skills.

- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
Competencies

AI Fluency: Deep knowledge and experience with AI and LLM capabilities. Technical acumen preferred.

Adaptability: Thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments.

Design Craft: Delivers polished, user-centered solutions.

Time Management: Manages multiple priorities and workstreams.

Async Communication: Communicates clearly across time zones and tools.

Stakeholder Engagement: Builds strong relationships with product and engineering partners.



Microsoft Leadership Principles & Values

Create clarity, generate energy, deliver success.

Customer obsessed, diverse & inclusive, One Microsoft.

Respect, integrity, accountability.

Shape

Ready to shape the future of AI at Microsoft?
Apply now and help us create the next generation of AI-powered product experiences.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.