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

As the Design Director for Argos & Habitat within Sainsbury's Zest, you will be instrumental in developing innovative and visually compelling design concepts that align with brand identities across the Sainsbury's portfolio. Your role will involve guiding and implementing a cohesive visual design language across various channels, including brand, print, in‑store, social, and digital projects. You will lead a team of designers, providing direction, mentoring, and feedback to ensure that all design outputs consistently reflect the brands' identities and messaging. Additionally, you will spearhead the concepting and execution of design projects, collaborating with internal and external partners to bring creative ideas to life and drive creative excellence across all brands within the Sainsbury's portfolio. Your role will also involve staying abreast of industry trends, mentoring team members, and fostering a positive and collaborative creative culture within Zest.

Who you are

As the Design Director for Argos & Habitat at Sainsbury's Zest, 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. Your ability to inspire and guide a team of designers, drive creative excellence, and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners showcases your commitment to upholding high standards and delivering impactful design solutions. With a focus on continuous learning, curiosity, and client satisfaction, you play a pivotal role in shaping and executing visually compelling design concepts that enhance brand identities and drive business success within the dynamic creative environment of Zest.

Experience

• 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

Here are some of them. Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to get 10% off at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat after 4 weeks. This increases to 15% off at Sainsbury’s every Friday and Saturday and 15% off at Argos every pay day. We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance‑related bonus of up to 20% of salary, depending on how we perform. Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance, and you can buy additional holiday. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, interest free car loan of up to £10k, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, pay advance (where you can access some of your pay before pay day) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. And if you ever need it there is also an Employee Assistance Programme, you will also be eligible for private healthcare too. Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave.