Design Operations Manager, Design Systems (m/f/x)

Atolls is the world’s largest community-driven shopping platform, active in 20+ markets.

We help millions make smarter spending decisions across discovery, evaluation, and (re-)purchase by connecting people with the right brands and retailers.

Our 1,000+ team across 10 countries builds products used every day at global scale, where you’ll have real ownership and see your impact. Want to shape the destinations people rely on to shop with confidence? Keep reading.

About this Role:

We are looking for a Design Operations Manager, Design Systems to join our Product Design team in Berlin.

At Atolls, your role will be instrumental in helping us strengthen and streamline the operational backbone of our design function. As a key part of our team, you’ll help optimize the processes, tools, and workflows that connect design with product and engineering, enabling efficient execution and supporting our commitment to high-quality, user-centric outcomes across all Atolls platforms.

Your contributions will help shape how millions of consumers interact with our platforms, guiding them to make smart, fair, and rewarding choices.

Our Benefits:

At Atolls, we believe in nurturing both your professional and personal growth. Here’s what you can expect:

• A culture that values personal and professional development, with internal mobility opportunities.

• A supportive and open-minded team that embraces diverse perspectives and innovative ideas.

• 32 days of paid vacation plus your birthday off, giving you the time you need to recharge.

• A flexible hybrid working scheme to balance work and life.

• Access to a learning budget and internal training to help you grow in your role.

• Mental health coaching to support your well-being.

• Regular global and local get-togethers to celebrate successes and build connections.

• The possibility of taking a sabbatical after two years with the company.

• A cloud-based company setup, providing flexibility and collaboration opportunities no matter where you are.

*These are global benefits that apply to all employees, with additional local perks based on your location.

Responsibilities:

Lead the Design System & Ops team, driving tokenization implementation and standardizing design system practices across tribes and different technology stacks. Bring hands-on technical expertise across:

• Develop and optimize scalable design processes, tools, and workflows to boost team efficiency and alignment.

• Advanced Figma features (branches, variables, teams, permissions) and factors influencing Figma performance

• Design token structures (primitive and semantic tokens in JSON) that feed into CSS, iOS, and Android builds

• Version control fundamentals (branch, commit, merge)

• Service architecture fundamentals (APIs, webviews, caching)

• Accessibility fundamentals (AA vs. AAA, minimum contrast requirements, WCAG 2.1, APCA)

• Common UX patterns and platform guidelines for iOS and Android

• Own and optimize scalable design system workflows and contribution models (processes, tools, standards) to boost team efficiency and alignment.

• Support the design process through automation and AI, across phases from discovery (research) to prototyping, including building lightweight tools where relevant using AI tools such as Cursor.

• Enable effective tooling usage across the design team by managing the toolset, contracts, subscriptions, and ongoing tool evaluation (including external partners as needed).

• Define and track design KPIs to measure operational efficiency, team health, and impact on product outcomes.

• Manage a team of 2+ designers, supporting development and day-to-day execution.

• Oversee operational budgets and external partners, ensuring efficient and transparent spend.

Your Profile:

• 3+ years of experience managing design systems, including design tokenization implementation, as well as in Design Operations, Program Management, or a related role supporting product or design teams, with a focus on operational excellence.

• Strong knowledge of design workflows, tools, and systems (e.g., Figma, Token Studio), with the ability to leverage AI tools (e.g., Cursor AI and similar) to automate work and build lightweight tools.

• Solid understanding of agile processes and effective cross-functional collaboration.

• Experience with accessibility.

• Experience working with distributed or large-scale design teams.

• A proactive problem-solver with a systems-thinking mindset and a drive for continuous improvement.

• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

Our hiring process:

• TA Call: Meet one of our Talent Experts and get to know Atolls better.

• Technical Round: Focus on the technical aspects of the role (Through a Live Case), and meet your potential manager.

• Final Round: Meet other Atollians 🏝️
It varies from 1 to 3 interviews

*Some processes might slightly change according to needs

Ready to apply?

Be part of a destination where your work helps millions of people make better decisions every day. One focused application is all we need. If you truly fit more than one role, you’re welcome to apply to up to three. This helps us match you with the right opportunity faster.

We review every application with equal care and will reach out if your profile aligns. Apply now with your CV in English.
*Portfolios, writing samples, or certifications may be requested based on the role.
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At Atolls, we want to ensure that all employees can thrive in an inclusive environment. Our employment opportunities are open to every gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, ability, place of origin, or socioeconomic status. We remain committed to a culture of diversity, equity and belonging, where all employees are welcomed, respected, connected, and engaged.

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