At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative team to develop innovative FMCG packaging designs that captivate and communicate effectively.
- Company: Coley Porter Bell, a global branding agency with a friendly, collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of creativity and collaboration in a supportive, equal opportunity workplace.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of iconic brands through your creative vision.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in design leadership, especially in FMCG packaging, with strong Adobe skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re Coley Porter Bell, a global branding agency based in London and New York, and we’ve been helping world famous brands discover their Unordinary Idea for almost 50 years. Whether its multi‑national businesses or local heroes, we harness the power of Unordinary Ideas to accelerate growth for ambitious brands. We’re a friendly, down‑to‑earth team, backed by a global network. A big agency engine with a smaller agency experience: We offer strategic rigour, global talent and cutting‑edge technology. You’ll access a senior yet nimble team for a highly personalised, collaborative experience.
Fiercely collaborative yet joyously independent thinkers: We deliver creative strategy and strategic creative. We recruit free thinkers and individual experts to foster a culture where your Unordinary Idea can grow. A blend of human craft and tech‑fuelled creativity: We combine brilliant craftspeople with a real understanding of today’s technology. We’ll deliver your brand in an immersive and engaging way.
What we’re looking for
A Design Director leads our creative team, guiding the design process from start to finish. You will be responsible for coming up with fresh ideas, creating strong and appealing designs, offering expert advice, and inspiring your team. This key role focuses on a global leading FMCG client. We need someone with deep experience in creating brands and FMCG, from the first idea to the final packaging on the shelf. You should know how to manage product messages, organise information on packs, and help customers easily find what they’re looking for in a range of products. Today’s market needs packaging that does more than just hold a product. We’re looking for a creative leader who knows how to design packaging that stands out, clearly communicates the brand and product benefits, and looks great on the shelf.
What you’ll do
- Lead our creative team to develop new and exciting design solutions that meet client goals.
- Guide the team in exploring many different design ideas to make sure we find the best ones.
- Develop and push for big, impactful ideas based on design plans and client briefs for packaging.
- Lead the creation of strong and unique design plans, especially for FMCG packaging.
- Work closely with our internal teams and clients, presenting your design ideas clearly and with enthusiasm for branding and packaging.
- Guide and motivate other designers, helping them grow and do their best work.
What you’ll need
- Lots of experience leading design projects as a Design Director or similar senior role in a design agency, with a strong focus on FMCG packaging.
- Expert skills in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop and Illustrator, and able to teach others.
- An impressive portfolio showing recent work where you’ve led successful and smart FMCG packaging projects from start to finish.
- Excellent knowledge of current design trends and what’s coming next, applying this to effective packaging design.
- Great communication and presentation skills, able to explain design ideas clearly to clients and build strong relationships.
We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Coley Porter Bell, a WPP company, is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics, committed to a culture of respect where everyone belongs and can progress in their careers.
Design Director (fixed term contract) in England employer: Coley Porter Bell
Join a global branding agency that champions creativity and innovation, where your design skills will flourish in a collaborative environment. With a focus on delivering extraordinary solutions for FMCG and packaging clients, you'll have access to continuous professional development and the opportunity to work alongside passionate individuals who value technology in design. This is not just a job; it's a chance to be part of a vibrant culture that celebrates unique ideas and fosters growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director (fixed term contract) in England
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.
✨Get Involved in Design Meetups
Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like Coley Porter Bell.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Coley Porter Bell, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in landing your dream design job! Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with accounts from your desired companies—this could put you on their radar before they start hiring.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director (fixed term contract) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work Coley Porter Bell does, so they can see you in action.
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at Coley Porter Bell.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Coley Porter Bell. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at Coley Porter Bell.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coley Porter Bell
✨Get Your Portfolio Ready
Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.
✨Passion Counts
For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to Coley Porter Bell. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
