Design Director
13 hours ago
City of London
About the Company We’re looking for a talented Design Director to join our team and help lead a growing, multi-disciplinary studio. With an ambition to set new standards in creative excellence, we combine craft, collaboration, and a supportive culture to deliver high-impact work across digital, brand, and product. About the Role Act as a design leader within the studio, setting the standard for creativity, innovation, and project delivery. Responsibilities • Provide direction and oversight across multiple design teams, spanning UX, UI, branding, strategy, motion, and web., • Oversee the entire creative process, from discovery and concept development through to launch, ensuring projects are delivered to a high standard, on time, and on budget., • Support and mentor team members, from developing technical skills to building client management confidence., • Lead design research, validation, and experimentation to inform and strengthen creative outputs., • Run internal kick-offs, reviews, and retrospectives to maintain clarity and quality across projects., • Contribute to team resource planning, daily standups, and company-wide updates., • Line-manage senior designers, holding regular performance reviews and shaping development paths., • Collaborate with leadership on pitches, proposals, and project estimates., • Play an active role in evolving studio processes, operations, and culture., • Keep the team up to date with emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices, and integrate them into our workflow., • Build strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and balancing commercial goals with creative vision., • Represent the studio at industry events and speaking engagements, showcasing our expertise and strengthening our reputation. Qualifications • 8+ years of digital design experience in a senior creative role, ideally with exposure to both agency and product environments., • Broad understanding of brand strategy, digital product design, and business-focused design thinking., • Proven leadership and management experience, with the ability to mentor and inspire design teams., • A portfolio that demonstrates creative vision, strategic thinking, and innovative execution across platforms., • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and align teams in high-pressure situations., • Collaborative mindset, with experience building strong relationships across disciplines and with clients. Required Skills • 8+ years of digital design experience in a senior creative role, ideally with exposure to both agency and product environments., • Broad understanding of brand strategy, digital product design, and business-focused design thinking., • Proven leadership and management experience, with the ability to mentor and inspire design teams., • A portfolio that demonstrates creative vision, strategic thinking, and innovative execution across platforms., • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and align teams in high-pressure situations., • Collaborative mindset, with experience building strong relationships across disciplines and with clients. Preferred Skills • Experience in both agency and product environments., • Strong understanding of emerging design trends and technologies. Pay range and compensation package • Competitive salary package reflective of senior-level experience (£80–100k depending on skills and fit)., • Contract role (9–12 months) with potential for renewal or transition., • Performance-related bonus opportunities., • Retirement contribution scheme., • Personal development budget for training, courses, or industry events., • Additional lifestyle and commuting support schemes. Equal Opportunity Statement We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices and strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Time Off & Flexibility • Generous holiday allowance, including company-wide closures during the year., • Hybrid working model blending office collaboration with remote flexibility., • Opportunities to work from anywhere for designated weeks each year. Culture & Community • Monthly social activities and regular team events., • Seasonal retreats that celebrate collective success and build team connections.