Principal Lead Designer – Design Practice

About the role

GovTech is looking for a Principal/Lead Designer to shape the Design Practice that supports Singapore’s Smart Nation initiatives. You will influence design standards, mentor emerging talent, and help new product teams build strong design cultures across the public sector.

Key responsibilities

• Define and evolve design standards and the product‑first playbook used by government teams.
• Support newly formed product teams, guiding leads and fostering a robust design culture.
• Establish and maintain practice systems such as hiring processes, role frameworks, evaluation rubrics, and quality benchmarks.
• Develop design talent through mentoring, reskilling programs, and leadership community building.
• Connect designers across GovTech by organising community spaces, events, and showcasing successful outcomes.

Required profile

• 12+ years of design experience with a proven track record of shaping standards, culture, or capability.
• Deep passion for design and willingness to engage in hard, impactful conversations.
• Comfortable being opinionated and able to influence debates without needing to win.
• Focus on advancing the design field rather than just delivering polished artifacts.
• Thrives in ambiguous environments and enjoys defining new processes and practices.

Required skills

What we offer

• Purposeful work contributing to Singapore’s Smart Nation vision.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Collaboration with a diverse, mission‑driven team.