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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a creative team to elevate branding initiatives in the Consumer Packaging sector.
- Company: Join an independent branding agency with a global presence and a passion for creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension plan, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding innovative design solutions and fostering team growth.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in branding or design, with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values creativity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Jones Knowles Ritchie is a branding business, founded in 1990 and proudly independent ever since. We started out in the world of packaging, but now we’re worldwide—from three founders to more than 300 of us across the UK and USA. Together, we build and deliver brands across the entire consumer experience. But even more important than what we do, is why we do it. We’re here to inspire brands and people to be their true selves. To be brave. Be tenacious. And above all, be yourself. Because we believe that’s the only way to truly be distinctive, everywhere.
We are seeking a Design Director on a fixed term contract (FTC) from January 2026 to guide and elevate our creative vision. Reporting directly to the Creative Director, you will oversee the creative direction of branding initiatives, particularly in the Consumer Packaging (CPG) sector. The Design Director plays a pivotal leadership role within our Design team, driving quality and strategically led creative solutions. You will inspire your team and offer growth opportunities, enabling them to excel in their roles while consistently innovating for our clients.
Responsibilities
- Champion the sharing of creative work and inspiration both internally and externally
- Identify and develop skills within the team through training and mentorship
- Lead client-facing presentations with excellence in communication
- Deliver impactful pitches and strategies that influence client outcomes
- Provide constructive feedback on design work and guide projects toward creative excellence
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve optimal results for clients
Experience
- Substantial experience in a leading branding, design, or creative agency
- Significant exposure to Global CPG projects with proven leadership
- Ability to construct brand ideas across various consumer touchpoints
- Experience managing design teams and fostering a collaborative environment
- Fluent in senior-level presentations and client engagement
- A passionate advocate for outstanding design and attention to detail
- Proven ability to extract world-class conceptual design from team members
- 7+ years of relevant experience
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
- Exceptional communication skills
- Experience leading a team of designers
At JKR, our goal is to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace that reflects and creates for the societies we live in. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a long-term business imperative and a commitment at JKR, not an initiative that sits under one department. As a leader in our business, you will demonstrate being a DE+I advocate and champion with your actions in how you build, run, and grow your team(s).
This role will be offered as a Fixed term contract from January 2026, for 12 months, you will be eligible for JKR benefits including: Pension Plan Training.
Design Director (12mth FTC) employer: Jones Knowles Ritchie
Contact Detail:
Jones Knowles Ritchie Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director (12mth FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design and branding world. Attend industry events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work, especially projects related to consumer packaging. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your creative process and how you’ve led teams to success.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching JKR’s recent projects and their approach to branding. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their values of creativity and collaboration. Be yourself and let your passion for design shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director (12mth FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Spark: When you're putting together your application, let your creativity shine through! Use your design skills to create a visually appealing portfolio that showcases your best work. Remember, we want to see how you can inspire and elevate brands, so make sure your personality comes across.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send the same old CV and cover letter everywhere. Take the time to tailor your application specifically for us at JKR. Highlight your experience in branding and CPG projects, and explain how your leadership style aligns with our values. We love seeing candidates who really get what we're about!
Be Authentic: We’re all about being yourself, so don’t be afraid to let your true self come through in your application. Share your passion for design and how you’ve championed creativity in your previous roles. Authenticity is key, and we want to know what makes you tick!
Apply Through Our Website: Make it easy for us to find your application by applying directly through our website. It helps us keep track of everything and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jones Knowles Ritchie
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Jones Knowles Ritchie's work, especially in the Consumer Packaging sector. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and understand their creative vision. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your ideas with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Director, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed design teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you mentored team members or led client presentations that resulted in positive outcomes.
✨Be Ready to Discuss DE+I
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are key values for JKR. Be prepared to discuss how you've championed these principles in your previous roles. Share your experiences in creating an inclusive environment and how you plan to foster this within your team.
✨Prepare for Creative Challenges
Expect to face some creative challenges during the interview. Think about how you would approach a branding project from scratch. Be ready to share your thought process and how you would guide your team to deliver innovative solutions that resonate with clients.
