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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build a dynamic design team while crafting innovative retail experiences.
- Company: Join a renowned creative agency with a vibrant culture and global reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design in an exciting, fast-paced environment with premium brands.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in creative production, strong portfolio, and proficiency in 3D software.
- Other info: Collaborative studio atmosphere with a clear pathway to leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
We're working with an internationally renowned creative production agency who are now looking for a hands-on, highly skilled Head of Design to build out and lead their UK design function based in central London. The agency has had a fantastic few years and has grown solidly. Due to a significant amount of planned work and ambitions to grow further in the US, they now have an opportunity for a current HoD, Senior Designer or Lead with 5+ years experience in a creative production or experiential agency to come on board at this exciting time.
The aim is to build a team over the next two years, so in the meantime you'll need to be someone who likes being hands-on and loves both crafting great work and running a high-performing creative & design workflow, briefing, resourcing, scheduling, QA, delivery. You'll manage & brief freelancers (2D, 3D, technical) ensuring all work is production-ready and aligned with brand & fabrication requirements.
Collaborating closely with the International Creative Director and partnering with the UK MD & Commercial Director, you’ll shape their processes, support pitches, and grow the team as they scale. You’ll need to be a hybrid leader-maker who’s detail-driven and is able to guide others. Be ambitious with a passion for retail & experiential design, be organised, proactive and be energised by building something new.
The Head of Design will:
- Support pitches with fast, polished creative and storytelling.
- Develop design processes, templates and creative standards.
- Have a strong, broad portfolio (concept to execution).
- Proficiency in 3D software + Adobe CS; technical drawing experience is a bonus.
- Confident working hands-on in a fast-paced, initial lean team environment.
- Experience managing freelancers or junior designers.
- Understanding of production, materials and feasibility.
- Have 5+ years in a creative or experiential agency (retail design, activations, events, pop-ups).
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in a creative production or experiential agency.
- Hands-on design leadership with ability to brief and manage freelancers (2D, 3D, technical).
- Strong portfolio from concept to execution.
- Proficiency in 3D software and Adobe Creative Suite; technical drawing is a bonus.
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the creative capability of a brand-new in-house agency function and team, where you'll be backed by the infrastructure of a global operation. Be exposed to premium brands, large-scale installations and global creative direction with a clear pathway to grow into Creative Lead/Design Director position.
Benefits/Opportunity
You’ll enjoy working in a friendly and collaborative studio and work a hybrid week. You must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Head of Design in London employer: becollektiv
Contact Detail:
becollektiv Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on that Head of Design role you’re eyeing.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your designs do the talking.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you love, reach out even if they’re not advertising a position. A well-timed email can put you on their radar for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can give you a better shot at landing that dream job. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Make sure to include a strong portfolio that showcases your design journey from concept to execution. We want to see your creativity and how you’ve tackled different projects, especially in retail and experiential design.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in creative production and your hands-on leadership style. We love seeing candidates who really understand what we’re about.
Be Clear About Your Experience: When detailing your experience, be specific about your roles in managing freelancers and leading design teams. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at becollektiv
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a strong portfolio that highlights your best work from concept to execution. Tailor it to include projects relevant to experiential design and retail, as this will resonate with the agency's focus.
✨Understand Their Vision
Research the agency's recent projects and their ambitions for growth, especially in the US market. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your enthusiasm for being part of their journey.
✨Prepare for Hands-On Questions
Expect questions about your hands-on experience in managing freelancers and leading design processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've crafted great work while ensuring production readiness.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Highlight your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, including creative directors and commercial teams. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with others to shape processes and support pitches.
