At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and elevate our design team while staying hands-on with exciting projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic company at the forefront of design innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, equity options, enhanced parental leave, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity to work remotely or from a vibrant office space.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design while making a real impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-stakes design environments and strong UX instincts.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 € per year.
We're looking for an experienced Director of Design to help take our small design team to the next level of maturity at an exciting stage of business growth. Partnering closely with the Director of Product, this is a high-impact leadership role with a genuine hands-on element. You'll be the voice of the user across the organisation, while still rolling up your sleeves and contributing to day-to-day design work. If you're an experienced designer ready to step into a senior leadership role without wanting to leave behind the craft, this could be a great move.
A key part of this role is creating the conditions for great design to happen – carving out time for best practices, advocating for the right level of design rigour, and ensuring design is always an enabler and never a bottleneck.
Key Responsibilities- Define and lead our design practice – build the processes, rituals, and standards that set the team up for success as we scale.
- Be the voice of the user – ensure user needs are represented in every significant product and business decision, from early discovery through to delivery.
- Make research stick – establish how we learn from users, and make sure those insights are visible, accessible, and shaping what we build. Help us build a more active, methodologically rigorous research practice.
- Own the design system – keep it healthy, consistent, and evolving alongside the product, with an eye on AI-readiness and long-term scalability. Establish the governance that keeps it consistent as we grow.
- Shape our approach to AI – lead the way in integrating AI tools into the design workflow, and help the team build confidence and good habits around them.
- Bring data into the design process – champion the use of quantitative and qualitative data together, helping the team make evidence-led decisions.
- Stay in the craft – contribute directly to designing complex clinical and patient-facing features, staying close to the work and leading by example.
- Own the vision – lay out to the business and our users how the platform will evolve as we execute on our product roadmap.
- A track record of designing in high-stakes, regulated, or clinical environments where consistency, clarity, and safety are non-negotiable.
- Technically fluent – able to hold a credible conversation with engineers, understand constraints, and design pragmatically in an environment where the cost of rework is high.
- Sharp UX instincts backed by evidence – you use data, research, and clinical context to identify opportunities and make a compelling case for the right decisions.
- Staying close to where AI is heading – experimenting with new tools, understanding what they make possible, and bringing that knowledge into how we design and build.
- A confident communicator who can articulate design rationale to clinical, product, and engineering stakeholders alike – and influence decisions without always having the loudest voice in the room.
- Strong instincts for process, quality, and what makes design teams function well at pace.
- Work from home or at our office in 131 Finsbury Pavement – Industrious.
- Equity options available and pension contributions.
- Flexible working times.
- Work abroad for up to 90 days per year.
- Enhanced parental leave.
- 25 days annual leave.
Director of Design in London employer: Isla Health | B Corp™
As a Director of Design at our innovative company, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that values creativity and collaboration, all while being part of a rapidly growing team. We offer flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring you can balance your career with personal growth. Located in the vibrant area of 131 Finsbury Pavement, you'll enjoy a stimulating environment that fosters both individual contribution and team success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Design in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Design role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your work! Create a portfolio that not only highlights your best designs but also tells the story behind each project. Make sure it reflects your hands-on approach and leadership style, as this will resonate with hiring managers looking for someone who can lead and contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. Be ready to discuss how you've shaped design practices in previous roles and how you’ve been the voice of the user. Use real examples to illustrate your impact and how you can bring that to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining us at this exciting stage of growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Design in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Design role. Highlight your experience in high-stakes environments and how you've successfully led design teams before. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Showcase Your Craft:Don’t shy away from sharing your design work! Include a portfolio that demonstrates your hands-on design skills and showcases projects where you've made a significant impact. We love seeing the craft behind the leadership.
Be the Voice of the User:In your application, emphasise how you've represented user needs in past projects. Share examples of how you've used research to inform design decisions. We’re all about putting users first, so show us how you’ve done that!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Isla Health | B Corp™
✨Know Your Design Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your design philosophy and how it aligns with the company's vision. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented this in past roles, especially in high-stakes environments.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role involves a hands-on element, prepare to share stories that highlight your direct contributions to design projects. Discuss how you balance leadership with active participation in design work, demonstrating your commitment to staying close to the craft.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Brush up on how you've used both qualitative and quantitative data to inform your design decisions. Be ready to explain how you’ve integrated user research into your processes and how it has shaped your design outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your design rationale clearly, especially when discussing complex concepts with non-design stakeholders. Being able to influence decisions without being the loudest voice is key, so think about how you can convey your ideas effectively.
