At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design initiatives and create impactful product identities for the Ninja brand.
- Company: Join SharkNinja, a global leader in innovative home products.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive health insurance, retirement plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community that values innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design while working with cutting-edge AI tools.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in design with a strong portfolio showcasing your creativity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Us
SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company, with a diversified portfolio of 5‑star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact people’s lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market and developing one consumer product after another, allowing SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 4,100 associates, the company’s products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world.
AI at SharkNinja
At SharkNinja, we’re building an AI‑native culture. We’re not waiting for the future; we’re creating it. Our people are expected to experiment boldly, adopt new tools, and continuously raise what’s possible to create meaningful impact for our consumers. If you believe the best way to do your job hasn’t been invented yet, you’ll fit right in.
About SharkNinja
At SharkNinja, our purpose is to positively impact people’s lives in homes around the world. We create 5‑star products that solve real problems and bring them to market with the same level of ambition. Our creative team operates at the intersection of product, brand, and performance. We are consumer‑centric, digging for insights and iterating until we find what truly resonates. We are product‑led, where our innovation is the story. We are idea‑driven, building platforms and systems, not just campaigns. We are increasingly AI‑enabled, using new tools to move faster, explore more, and raise the bar. This is a team that values speed, ownership, and craft, and expects creatives to operate as both thinkers and makers.
Overview
We are looking for an Associate Creative Director, Design to help define what Ninja looks like next. This is a role for a design leader who does not just execute campaigns. You build product identities, shape visual systems from day one, and create ideas that drive demand across the entire funnel. You will partner closely with product, insights, and marketing from the earliest stages, influencing how products are positioned, named, and brought to life visually. You think in systems, not assets. Platforms, not one‑offs. Work that scales across every touchpoint and performs. You are fluent in modern creative tools including AI and Figma, using them to accelerate exploration and iteration while maintaining a high bar for taste and originality. This is a hands‑on, player coach role. You lead teams while actively designing and pushing the work forward.
What You’ll Do
- Define product identities from the ground up with product and insights teams
- Work upstream to help shape product positioning and opportunity areas
- Lead scalable campaign platforms and visual systems
- Own the visual ecosystem across packaging, Amazon, DTC, retail, video, and social
- Design for modern attention with platform‑native systems
- Create work that balances brand building and performance
- Use AI tools and Figma to accelerate concepting and production
- Act as a hands‑on player coach leading by example
- Mentor and elevate designers
- Present and sell creative work to stakeholders
What We’re Looking For
- 8 to 10 years in design or art direction at a senior or lead level
- Portfolio showing strong conceptual thinking and visual systems
- Demonstrated ability to define and launch product identities and systems from 0 to 1
- Experience working upstream with product and insights teams to shape positioning
- Ability to design across brand and performance channels
- Strong instincts for social and motion design
- Experience across packaging, DTC, Amazon, and retail
- High standards for craft and visual taste
- Fluency in Figma and modern workflows
- Experience using AI in the creative process
You’ll Thrive Here If You
- Think like a builder, not just a designer
- Care about creating demand, not just aesthetics
- Can define and execute design systems
- Push for stronger, more ownable ideas
- Move fast and iterate often
- Lead by example and elevate others
Our Culture
At SharkNinja, we don’t just raise the bar—we push past it every single day. Our Outrageously Extraordinary mindset drives us to tackle the impossible, push boundaries, and deliver results that others only dream of. If you thrive on breaking out of your swim lane, you’ll be right at home.
What We Offer
We offer competitive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee stock purchase options, wellness programs, SharkNinja product discounts, and more. We empower your personal and professional growth with high impact Learning Programs featuring bold voices redefining what’s possible. When you join, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of an outrageously extraordinary community. Together, we won’t just launch products—we’ll disrupt entire markets.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by legislation, and local law. SharkNinja will consider reasonable accommodations consistent with legislation, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact SharkNinja People & Culture.
Associate Creative Director, Design – Ninja in London employer: Ninjakitchen
SharkNinja is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Digital Content and Merchandising Executive to thrive. With a commitment to employee growth through impactful learning programs and a supportive community, team members are empowered to push boundaries and drive meaningful change. Located in Needham, Massachusetts, the company offers competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and product discounts, ensuring a rewarding work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Creative Director, Design – Ninja in London
✨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 Ninjakitchen.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Ninjakitchen, 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 Associate Creative Director, Design – Ninja in London
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 Ninjakitchen 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 Ninjakitchen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Ninjakitchen. 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 Ninjakitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ninjakitchen
✨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 Ninjakitchen. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
