Design Director

We’d all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That’s waiting for you at Sainsbury’s. We’re one of the biggest supermarkets in the UK, with one of the largest retail websites. So marketing here happens at scale. We move faster than you might expect too, across Brand Planning, Brand Comms and Creative, Digital Marketing, CRM and Loyalty, Nectar 360 and Insights. With more people shopping with us every week, there are more interactions, more moments to connect. And thanks to data and insight, we understand our customers in a way few others can. We work alongside incredible brand partners and some of the best agencies in the industry. So if you’re passionate about learning, growing and experiencing new teams, come and explore it all with us.

Joining Sainsbury's Zest as the Design Director for Argos & Habitat means stepping into a role where creativity, innovation, and collaboration converge to shape the visual identity of two iconic brands. As a pivotal member of our in‑house creative agency, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team of designers in crafting visually compelling design concepts that resonate across various channels, from print to digital. With a focus on creative excellence, continuous learning, and personal growth, this role offers a dynamic environment where your design expertise and leadership skills can make a meaningful impact within the team, as well as on brand perception, customer experience, and industry recognition.

What you'll do

• Develop innovative and visually compelling design concepts that align with brand identities across the Sainsbury's portfolio.
• Guide and implement a cohesive visual design language across various channels, including brand, print, in‑store, social, and digital projects.
• Lead a team of designers, providing direction, mentoring, and feedback to ensure that all design outputs consistently reflect the brands' identities and messaging.
• Spearhead the concepting and execution of design projects, collaborating with internal and external partners to bring creative ideas to life.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, mentor team members, and foster a positive and collaborative creative culture within Zest.

Who you are

• A visionary leader with extensive experience in senior design roles, demonstrating a deep passion for design excellence and innovation across multi‑channel campaigns.
• Ability to inspire and guide a team of designers, drive creative excellence, and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.
• Experience in a senior design role within a fast‑paced creative environment.
• Proven ability to lead, manage and develop a team of designers to deliver consistent, high‑quality output.
• Experience defining and implementing visual design language across integrated channels (brand, print, social, digital, in‑store).

Benefits

• Colleague discount: 10% off at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat after 4 weeks, increasing to 15% off at Sainsbury’s every Friday and Saturday and 15% off at Argos every pay day.
• Pensions scheme and life cover.
• Performance‑related bonus of up to 20% of salary, depending on performance.
• Annual holiday allowance, with the option to buy additional holiday.
• Season ticket loans, interest free car loan of up to £10k, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, pay advance, and access to discounts from hundreds of other retailers.
• Employee Assistance Programme and eligibility for private healthcare.
• Up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave.

Please see www.sainsburys.jobs for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibility criteria may apply).