Head of Design

Geneva, Switzerland, London, England, United Kingdom

Join Proton and build a better internet where privacy is the default

Proton was founded in 2014 by scientists from CERN on a simple truth: privacy is a fundamental human right. Since then, we've built the world's largest encrypted email service (Proton Mail) and expanded into Proton VPN, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, and Proton Calendar — tools used by millions globally to protect their freedom, fight censorship, and keep their data safe. In some situations, Proton has literally helped save lives. We are profitable, independent (no VC control), and selectively hire from the top ~1% of applicants. Our 700+ team members across 50+ countries come from leading organizations and elite academic backgrounds. We move fast, keep hierarchy light, and prioritize impact over optics. If you want to do meaningful work with exceptionally high-caliber people, this is it. Check our open-source projects here. The Role As VP Design, you will own and lead the design function across both Product Design (user experience, interface, service design) and Brand / Marketing Design (visual identity, campaign creative, brand experience). You’ll partner closely with the CEO, VP Marketing and Heads of Product, helping shape strategy, drive design excellence, and ensure that design becomes a core differentiator for Proton. You will build, mentor and scale a high-performing, multi-disciplinary design organisation, embedding design thinking across the company. What you will do

• Define and execute the strategic vision for design at Proton,

briding product and brand to deliver a unified and differentiated experience globally.

• Lead,

develop and grow a world-class design organisation: recruiting designers and researchers structuring teams across product and brand, setting performance metrics, fostering a culture of creativity, craft and user-centricity.

• Partner with the CEO,

VP Marketing and Heads of Product to ensure design is embedded into strategic roadmaps, product launches, marketing campaigns and brand initiatives.

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for all major product lines and brand campaigns: user research,

UX/UI, service design, prototyping, testing, visual design, motion, interactive experiences.

• Ensure that the Proton brand identity is strong,

consistent, scalable and flexible across all touchpoints: digital, mobile, web, marketing, physical, events.

• Drive design systems,

tools and processes across product & brand to deliver efficiency, quality, consistency and scale.

• Advocate for users and privacy-first design principles in everything we build and brand.
• Monitor and measure design impact: user experience metrics,

brand perception, conversion, retention, campaign effectiveness; iterate and optimise accordingly.

• Represent design externally: speak on design at conferences,

build Proton’s design reputation, collaborate with creative agencies and partners worldwide. What We’re Looking For

• A minimum of 15 + years of experience in design leadership roles (product , brand

and/or marketing) at a global technology company or agency.

• Proven track record of building , scaling

and operating design organisations with cross-functional reach .

• Strong experience overseeing both product (UX/UI , service

design)and brand/marketing design (visual identity , campaign creative) — not one or the other only .

• Demonstrated ability to define

and execute design strategy that drives business impact (growth , engagement , retention , brand equity).

• Excellent stakeholder management skills , with the ability to work at executive level

and influence across product , marketing , engineering and operations .

• Deep user-centred

design mindset ; strong portfolio showing end-to-end work (research → strategy → UX → UI → brand visuals).

• Skilled in designing for global audiences , with sensitivity to cultural differences

and brand consistency across markets .

• Expertise in building

and scaling design systems , establishing best practices and operational processes in fast-growing environments .

• Excellent leadership

and people development skills : mentoring senior designers , creating high-performing teams , promoting a culture of craftsmanship and innovation .

• Comfortable working in a dynamic , high-growth company with a mission-driven ethos

and a global diverse team .

• Strong communicator with polished presentation

and storytelling skills ; fluent in English (other languages a plus).

What We Offer

• Work that Matters: Millions of people trust Proton with their privacy.

We answer only to our users — not advertisers , not investors with conflicting agendas , not governments.

• A Great Team: Diverse , collaborative ,

and tight-knit , with people from MIT , Harvard , Stanford , Caltech , Cambridge , ETH , and more.

• Technology: The right hardware

and software to do your best work.

• Learning & Development: We invest in your growth.

Proton is one of the fastest ways to accelerate your career — real challenges , real ownership , from day one.

• Employee Benefits: Strong health coverage , solid retirement options , generous leave ,

and wellness support.

• Stock Options: From day one , you have a real stake in what we're building.

When Proton wins , you win.

• In-Person Collaboration: Offices across Geneva , Zürich , Barcelona , London ,

and more. you'll spend most of your time collaborating face-to-face.

• Food: Lunch

and snacks on us every day in the office.

• Transport: We cover public transport , bike allowances or parking — whichever works for you.
• Flexible Working: You own your schedule.

outcomes matter more than clock-in times.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At Proton we believe diversity drives innovation & strengthens our mission to provide privacy as a default for all. the company fosters an inclusive environment where all individuals regardless of race ethnicity gender age sexual orientation physical ability or socio-economic background feel valued & empowered. they offer reasonable adjustments during hiring process if needed. candidate privacy notice included regarding data stored & used by Greenhouse platform & contact info provided for questions about data handling & unsolicited CV policy stated.