At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative design projects and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Join a dynamic agency with a rich legacy in creative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work with a talented team in a fast-paced, creative environment.
- Why this job: Shape innovative designs and make a real impact on global brands.
- Qualifications: 8-12 years in design roles with strong brand knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
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.
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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.
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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.
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This is a hybrid working role based at our London studio.
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Why this role?
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Few opportunities offer the chance to become such an integral part of a globally recognised brand.
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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.
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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.
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The Impact You'll Have
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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.
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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.
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Beyond the work itself, you'll be instrumental in shaping the culture of the team.
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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.
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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.
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What We're Looking For
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- 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.
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Why Join Us?
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Because opportunities to lead a brand of this scale and significance rarely come along.
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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.
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For the right Design Director, this isn't just another account. It's a career-defining opportunity.
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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:
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Propelis: www.propelis.com
Design Director in City of London 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 City of 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 Design Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your best work. Tailor your portfolio to showcase projects that align with their brand values and creative vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and recent projects. This will help you demonstrate how your experience and skills can add value to their team. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in what they do!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented folks like you. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out by following these tips.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Spark:When you're writing your application, let your creativity shine through! Use engaging language and showcase your design philosophy. We want to see how you think and what makes you tick as a designer.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Design Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in brand and packaging design, and connect it to the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you align with our vision!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We appreciate authenticity, so share your unique perspective on design and how you approach client relationships. This helps us get to know the real you beyond just your qualifications.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks
✨Know Your Design Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your design principles and trends before the interview. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, showcasing how your design decisions have positively impacted client relationships and brand identities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Director, you'll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, focusing on how you guided them to produce exceptional work that exceeded client expectations. Highlight your ability to adapt and manage workflows effectively.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the company and its clients thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach their specific challenges and how your strategic insights can add value to their brands. This shows you're not just a designer but a brand custodian.
✨Be Ready to Sketch
Don’t underestimate the power of sketching! Bring a sketchbook or be ready to doodle during the interview. This will demonstrate your creative process and ability to think visually, which is crucial for a Design Director role.