At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative design projects and inspire your team to exceed client expectations.
- Company: Join a dynamic agency with a rich legacy and innovative approach to branding.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant team with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the design world while collaborating with top talent.
- Qualifications: 8-12 years in design roles with strong brand and packaging experience.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Marks, part of the Propelis Group, Marks is a consumer experience agency creating engaging moments across the entire brand spectrum—from brand design and packaging, to content and consumer connections. We are a collaborative global network of 1,900+ team members across 25+ studios and 20+ countries, partnering with some of the world’s most recognized brands to solve complex business challenges through design, strategy, and craft.
We're looking for an established Design Director who can balance exceptional creative thinking with confident client leadership, helping shape the future of a flagship account while inspiring the people around them to produce their best work.
If you thrive on ownership, enjoy being trusted by clients, and want to lead work that millions of consumers interact with every day, this could be the role you've been waiting for.
This is a hybrid working role based at our London studio.
Why this role?
Few opportunities offer the chance to become such an integral part of a globally recognised brand.
This is not a role where you'll be one step removed from decision-making. You'll be a trusted partner to the client, helping influence the direction of a category-leading brand and playing a critical role in shaping its future.
You'll inherit a highly respected account with strong relationships already in place, surrounded by an experienced team who know the brand inside out and genuinely care about producing outstanding work, as the brand itself continues to evolve across new products, occasions, channels and consumer experiences, creating a steady flow of diverse and creatively rewarding challenges.
The Impact You'll Have
You'll lead the creative vision across packaging and broader brand world initiatives, ensuring every piece of work strengthens the brand and drives it forward.
You'll become a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, building confidence through your expertise, strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex conversations with calm authority.
Beyond the work itself, you'll be instrumental in shaping the culture of the team.
You'll create an environment where designers are empowered to take ownership, stretch their abilities and grow their careers, while maintaining the high standards expected on a world-class account.
The team values openness, honesty and mutual support. Success here isn't about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about building trust, bringing people with you and creating the conditions for others to succeed.
What We're Looking For
- Significant experience leading FMCG, packaging and brand design programmes.
- A deep understanding of how brands come to life on pack and beyond.
- Exceptional client-facing skills and the confidence to build relationships with senior stakeholders.
- The ability to guide clients through challenging conversations while maintaining trust and credibility.
- Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities, with a genuine passion for developing talent.
- Outstanding attention to detail and creative craft.
- A calm, resilient and optimistic mindset.
Why Join Us?
Because opportunities to lead a brand of this scale and significance rarely come along.
You'll have the freedom to influence creative direction, the support of an experienced team, the trust of long-standing clients, and the opportunity to leave a genuine mark on one of the most recognised brands in the marketplace.
For the right Design Director, this isn't just another account. It's a career-defining opportunity.
About Propelis: Marks and Equator are part of Propelis Group. Propelis is a portfolio of global marketing services and technology companies with a combined legacy of 150+ years, 2,000+ clients, 9,000 employees, and operations across 30 countries. Propelis provides the scale and support of a global organization while preserving the unique culture and identity of each company in its portfolio. For more information visit:
Propelis:
Design Director in Slough employer: Marks
Marks is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With a focus on employee growth, they provide ample opportunities for professional development alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of annual leave. Joining Marks means being part of a vibrant team that thrives on creativity and innovation while working with a diverse global client roster.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director in Slough
✨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 Design Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio with flair! Make sure your online portfolio is up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you apply through our website, include a link to your portfolio so we can see your creative genius in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and recent projects. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in what we do, so come armed with questions that show you’ve done your homework!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and reinforces your commitment to joining our creative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director in Slough
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 CV and portfolio that reflects your unique style and approach. Remember, we want to see how you think outside the box!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Design Director role. Highlight your experience in brand and packaging design, and showcase specific projects that demonstrate your ability to build strong client relationships and deliver exceptional work. We love seeing how you align with our values!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your written application. Share your passion for design and what drives you in this field. We’re looking for someone who can inspire their team and clients alike, so show us what makes you tick!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for before you hit send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks
✨Know Your Brands Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the brands you'll be working with. Understand their history, values, and current market positioning. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your ability to act as a brand custodian and show how you can add richness to their creative strategies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire your team. Share specific examples of how you've guided teams to produce exceptional work. Highlight your ability to adapt and manage workflows effectively, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Bring Your Sketching Skills
Since sketching is mentioned as a powerful tool, bring along some of your sketches or design concepts to showcase your thought process. This not only demonstrates your creativity but also your hands-on approach to design, which can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about your experience in managing stakeholders and cross-team collaboration. Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to read the room, adapt to changing circumstances, and leverage skills across different teams to achieve outstanding results.
