Team and capability building
I built the design function end to end, partnering with recruiters, defining role profiles, and establishing a structured interview process that assessed craft, collaboration, and problem-solving.
The team grew to two in-house designers, complemented by a trusted freelance network of five specialists, covering web, design systems, motion, copywriting, and 3D illustration, giving the function reach well beyond its core headcount without adding long-term overhead.
Once the team was in place, I focused on sustainable growth through regular 1:1s centred on development, mentorship, and long-term progression. Knowledge sharing was embedded through regular design catch-ups, creating space for the team to stay aligned and continuously learn.
Operating model and ways of working
Alongside team growth, I introduced ONMO’s first design operations framework to bring clarity and consistency to how work moved from discovery to delivery.
This included:
- Clear ownership across design, product, and engineering
- Defined stages and decision points in the design workflow
- Lightweight review and alignment checkpoints before production
The result was a more predictable and transparent way of working, reducing rework, improving cross-functional alignment, and enabling the team to deliver with greater confidence.