At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative direction and inspire a team to deliver innovative design solutions.
- Company: Join OLIVER, a pioneering agency transforming marketing with bespoke in-house solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment focused on sustainability and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design while working with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: Proven creative leadership experience and strong collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Established in 2004, OLIVER is the world’s first and only specialist in designing, building, and running bespoke in-house agencies and marketing ecosystems for brands. We partner with over 300 clients in 40+ countries and counting. Our unique model drives creativity and efficiency, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions that resonate deeply with audiences.
As a part of The Brandtech Group, we're at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to revolutionise how we create and deliver work. Our AI solutions enhance efficiency, spark creativity, and drive insightful decision-making, empowering our teams to produce innovative and impactful results.
About the role: The Design Lead is the senior creative in the studio and the day-to-day creative contact for Client stakeholders. You set creative standards, shape strategic thinking and guide a team of designers, artworkers and copywriters, both on site and offshore. You work closely with the Copy Lead to keep design and copy aligned. This is a hands-on leadership role. You lead concepts for complex or high-profile projects, review work before it goes to the client, and step in on priority projects when needed. You also line manage direct reports and partner with Account Leadership, Marketing Operations and Project Management to plan work well and support studio growth.
What you will be doing:
- Lead creative direction and strategic thinking across Brand, Innovation and BAU projects, including campaigns, packaging and integrated marketing.
- Set and uphold creative standards, ensuring consistency, quality and brand alignment across all outputs.
- Act as the final creative review point for design and artwork, working in close collaboration with the Copy Lead.
- Stay hands-on in concept creation and creative problem solving for strategic, complex or high-profile initiatives, and provide design support during peak periods or on priority projects.
- Create and refine visual solutions across digital and print channels where required.
- Act as the senior day-to-day creative contact for client stakeholders, building trusted relationships and identifying opportunities to add creative value.
- Present creative work clearly and persuasively to stakeholders at all levels, lead twice-yearly Creative Review sessions and contribute to wider account presentations.
- Guide teams through feedback cycles, balancing stakeholder requirements with creative integrity.
- Line manage direct reports, including objective setting, performance reviews, development planning and regular coaching.
- Provide functional leadership across the wider team of designers, artworkers and copywriters, onsite and offshore, through coaching, constructive feedback and hands-on support.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture by supporting onboarding, mentoring, training and knowledge sharing across the studio.
- Partner with Account Leadership, Operations and Project Management to support workflow and resource planning.
- Contribute creative insight to project scoping, pitch responses and growth opportunities.
- Keep up with design trends, emerging tools and AI-enabled capabilities, and use them to improve team performance, processes and output.
What you need to be great in this role:
- Experience and capability in creative leadership of work across multiple disciplines and channels in a creative, design or integrated agency environment.
- A track record of leading creative development from concept through to execution.
- Experience working directly with senior client stakeholders and presenting creative recommendations.
- Ability to influence stakeholders, challenge constructively and build trusted relationships.
- Strong coaching, mentoring and people leadership skills.
- Strong planning, prioritisation and organisational skills, with an understanding of creative workflow, briefing processes and resource planning.
- Ability to balance creative excellence with operational and delivery requirements.
- Experience collaborating with offshore global teams and external production studios.
- Commercial awareness, with experience contributing to scoping, pitch or growth discussions.
- Close attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Technical expertise:
- Experience overseeing and directing creative output across Print design (shopper POS, OOH, packaging and marketing collateral).
- Digital design (web, social and ecommerce).
- Artwork production and print processes.
- Motion graphics and video editing.
- Creative strategy and concept development.
- Brand development and innovation.
- Generative AI applications.
Applications:
- Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Acrobat.
- Figma.
- Microsoft Office.
- Pencil AI, or fluency with similar AI platforms.
Nice to have:
- After Effects.
- Monday.com.
- Gen AI and agentic thinking.
- Advanced use of Gen AI tools relevant to design to enhance creative output and efficiency.
- Experience designing AI-assisted workflows for yourself and your team.
- Ability to train others on effective AI tool usage.
- Agentic thinking for complex, multi-step challenges.
- Strong understanding of AI capabilities and limitations, with rigorous human oversight.
Our values shape everything we do:
- Be Ambitious to succeed.
- Be Imaginative to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Be Inspirational to do groundbreaking work.
- Be always learning and listening to understand.
- Be Results-focused to exceed expectations.
- Be actively pro-inclusive and anti-racist across our community, clients and creations.
Our recruitment process does not employ artificial intelligence for selection. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate. OLIVER, a part of the Brandtech Group, is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All applicants shall be considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, neurodivergence, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local laws. OLIVER has set ambitious environmental goals around sustainability, with science-based emissions reduction targets. Collectively, we work towards our mission, embedding sustainability into every department and through every stage of the project lifecycle.
Design Lead in London employer: oliver
At OLIVER, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our London-based team enjoys a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility while benefiting from in-person interactions at our Canary Wharf office. With a strong commitment to employee growth, inclusivity, and sustainability, we empower our Campaign Marketing Managers to thrive in their roles and make a meaningful impact within the marketing landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead in London
✨Get Your Portfolio Sparkling
For a temporary graphic design role, your portfolio is EVERYTHING! Make sure it showcases your best work, but also tailor it to include pieces that reflect the type of projects oliver might need. Consider creating a section dedicated to quick turnaround projects to highlight your ability to deliver under tight deadlines.
✨Tap into Local Creative Networks
Join local design groups or attend creative meetups in your area. These events are a goldmine for finding out about temporary opportunities. You might even meet someone from oliver or learn about upcoming gigs that aren't advertised online!
✨Social Media: Your Design Playground
Use platforms like Instagram or Behance to share your designs and connect with the design community. Tagging companies like oliver in your posts can grab their attention and show off your flair! Keep an eye on their social channels too; temporary roles often pop up there first.
✨Apply Early, Apply Often
Temporary roles can fill up fast, so don’t wait around! Check oliver’s careers page frequently and set up alerts if you can. If you see a position for a temporary graphic designer, jump on it! Remember, we’re here to support your journey, so use our website to help streamline your applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work:For a graphic design role like Design Lead at oliver, your portfolio is everything! Make sure to include a variety of your designs that highlight your skills and creativity. Tailor it to reflect the style that resonates with oliver’s brand. Don’t forget to include any relevant temporary projects or collaborations – they show adaptability!
Emphasise Design Thinking:In your written application, focus on your design thinking process. Share how you approach a brief, from brainstorming to final execution. If you’ve taken any courses or received certifications related to graphic design, mention those too. This shows you're committed to the craft and eager to grow!
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV for a temporary role, highlight specific design software you're proficient in – think Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, etc. Be sure to include any freelance work or internships that demonstrate your relevant skills, as showcasing project diversity can make you stand out in a short-term role.
Express Your Availability:Since the role is temporary, it's crucial to mention your availability clearly in your cover letter. Let oliver know when you can start and how flexible you are with hours. Being upfront can help them see you as an ideal candidate who’s ready to jump right in!
How to prepare for a job interview at oliver
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Let’s be honest, in graphic design, your portfolio is your magic wand! Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with the style and needs of oliver. Bring physical copies if possible or have a tablet ready to show off your designs in action.
✨Familiarise with Design Tools
Be prepared to chat about the design tools you’re comfortable with, like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. As it’s a temporary role, demonstrating your flexibility with various tools can give you an edge—don’t forget to mention any previous projects where you've used these skills!
✨Understand the Brand's Aesthetic
Take a good look at oliver’s branding before the interview. Understanding their visual identity and being ready to discuss how you can contribute to or enhance it will not only show that you’re interested, but also give you plenty to talk about during the interview!
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary gig, make sure to emphasise your adaptability and ability to work under tight deadlines. Share examples from past experiences where you've jumped in on projects quickly and delivered quality work—a must-have in the fast-paced world of graphic design!
