Design Director in City of London

A Design Director at our client’s agency is a dynamic and influential leader with a proven ability to craft innovative, iconic design work that resonates with audiences and stands the test of time. They take ownership of the design direction on each project, leading it from the initial concept stage through to final delivery.

As a hands-on leader, a Design Director not only steers the design team but is a prolific do-er, balancing both strategic thinking and technical execution. Their leadership is defined by a deep understanding of design principles, a clear vision, and the ability to inspire their team to push boundaries. With a focus on collaboration, they work closely with creatives, strategists, and other stakeholders to establish a cohesive design “North Star” that serves as the guiding light throughout the project.

Managing multiple high-stakes projects at once is second nature to them. They demonstrate exceptional time management skills, seamlessly shifting between tasks and ensuring that deadlines are met without compromising the quality of the work. Their experience working with prestigious brands has honed their ability to build and craft visual identities that not only capture attention but also reinforce the essence of the client’s narrative. This involves designing not only for aesthetic impact but also for emotional resonance, ensuring that each visual element serves a purpose and enhances the overall storytelling.

At the heart of their approach is a relentless pursuit of excellence. A Design Director here continuously seeks opportunities to raise the bar and deliver work that makes a significant impact, while always staying ahead of design trends, technologies, and visual culture. Their extensive knowledge of typography, visual styles, and photography enables them to select the most appropriate and effective elements that elevate the message and tone of each deliverable, ensuring consistency and credibility.

Moreover, the Design Director plays a pivotal role in shaping our creative culture. They foster an environment of collaboration, mentoring, and support for their team, encouraging individual growth and creative expression. Through thoughtful guidance, they help elevate the collective output of the design department, championing each team member’s unique strengths and contributing to a strong, unified creative voice across all projects.

In summary, a Design Director here is both a visionary leader and a meticulous practitioner, capable of transforming concepts into powerful design solutions while inspiring and empowering their team. Their leadership extends beyond project management, having a lasting impact on the creative direction of the agency and the growth of the team. They are a key figure in shaping the future of design at the agency, ensuring the delivery of exceptional work that continuously sets new standards in the industry.

• BE LEADING THE CHARGE – High-calibre craftsperson – your design work sets the bar which designers want to follow.
• Explore and steward a broad range of radically different ideas and potential design solutions with clients and designers.
• Brilliant creative and strategic thinker who recognises how creativity can solve business problems.
• Works collaboratively with design teams and partners to build complex systemic solutions.
• Brings cross-disciplinary teams into your design process and has an open mind to others’ perspectives.
• Lead and responsible for the creative success of medium sized to large projects — often more than one at the same time.
• Review and oversee the day-to-day team’s work; focus it; organise it, sharpen and elevate it.
• Recognises growth opportunities for clients.
• Cultivate a team culture that is inclusive, breeds optimism, enthusiasm, trust, collaboration, innovation, and personal growth.
• Understand resourcing needs and when to prioritise and delegate.

VALUES

• OWNERSHIP – Leadership, direction and energy is a gift.
• AUDACITY – We are at our best when dancing on the edge of what’s possible.
• ADAPTABILITY – We find a way to find a way.
• CANDOUR – We call it as we see it.
• VELOCITY – We have a bias towards action. “Later means never”.
• COLLABORATIVE – None of us are as strong as all of us.

THINGS WE LOOK FOR

• SPONGE MENTALITY – An openness to learning & soaking up all our unique ways of working.
• DECISIVENESS – Making decisions with conviction and clear judgement to keep the whole team's momentum moving in the right direction.
• PRACTITIONER – Getting into the work and rolling up your sleeves when needed, not waiting for others to do it. Maker mentality.
• TASTE – References, tone, style, and shape of work that pushes the boundaries of advertising. Soulful. Art. Avante-garde.
• PERVASIVE PERSUASIVE – Ownership and mastery over the entire creative/design process: the narrative in the deck, the selling of ideas both internally and externally, the persuasiveness of every presentation.
• SENSE OF URGENCY – Productive paranoia, the grit and relentlessness to always be thinking proactively, doing whatever it takes to get to the best work possible, the never-ending pursuit of making the work better.