At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative team to design innovative concepts for iconic brands.
- Company: Join Sainsbury's, a leading UK supermarket with a vibrant marketing culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, and a range of health and financial perks.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and industry recognition.
- Why this job: Shape the visual identity of Argos & Habitat while fostering creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Senior design experience and a strong portfolio in multi-channel campaigns.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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. Marketing here happens at scale. We move faster than you might expect 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. 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 lead a talented team of designers in crafting visually compelling design concepts that resonate across print, digital, and other channels. You’ll focus on creative excellence, continuous learning, and personal growth, shaping brand perception, customer experience, and industry recognition.
What You’ll Do
- Develop innovative, visually compelling concepts that align with our brand identities across the portfolio.
- Guide and implement a cohesive visual design language across brand, print, in‑store, social and digital projects.
- Lead and mentor a team of designers to ensure consistent, high‑quality outputs.
- Spearhead concept creation and execution in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- Stay abreast of industry trends.
- Foster a positive, collaborative creative culture within Zest.
Who You Are
You are a visionary leader with extensive senior design experience and a passion for design excellence and innovation across multi‑channel campaigns. You inspire and guide teams, drive creative quality, collaborate effectively with partners, and commit to high standards and impactful solutions.
Essential Criteria
- Experience in a senior design role within a fast‑paced creative environment.
- Portfolio demonstrating high‑quality design across multi‑channel campaigns (print, digital, social, in‑store, brand).
- Proven ability to lead, manage and develop a design team to deliver consistent, high‑quality output.
- Experience defining and implementing visual design language across integrated channels.
Benefits
We are committed to inclusion and offer flexible working where possible. Benefits include:
- Colleague discount – 10% off at Sainsbury’s, Argos and Habitat after 4 weeks, increasing to 15% on Fridays and Saturdays; 15% off at Argos on paydays.
- Pensions scheme, life cover and the possibility of a performance‑related bonus of up to 20% of salary.
- Annual holiday allowance with an option to purchase extra days.
- Season ticket loans, interest‑free car loan up to £10,000, cycle‑to‑work scheme, health cash plans, pay advance, and access to a wide range of discounts.
- Employee Assistance Programme and private healthcare.
- Maternity or adoption leave up to 26 weeks’ pay, and paternity leave up to 4 weeks’ pay.
Feel free to explore more benefits and eligibility at www.sainsburys.jobs.
Design Director employer: Sainsbury's
At Sainsbury's, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity and innovation while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. As the Design Director for Argos & Habitat, you'll lead a dynamic team in a collaborative environment, with ample opportunities for personal growth and professional development, all while enjoying a range of attractive benefits including generous discounts, flexible working options, and comprehensive health plans.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Sainsbury’s. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers, let your designs do the talking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Sainsbury’s design ethos. Understand their brands, Argos and Habitat, and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. This will show you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the team at Sainsbury’s Zest.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creativity:When applying for the Design Director role, make sure your portfolio shines! We want to see your best work that reflects your unique style and innovative thinking. Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to create visually compelling concepts across various channels.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates tailor their CV and cover letter to reflect our values and the specific role. Mention how your experience aligns with leading a team and driving creative excellence at Sainsbury’s Zest.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who is not only skilled but also passionate about design and collaboration. Share your journey, your inspirations, and what makes you tick as a designer!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our amazing benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's
✨Know Your Brands Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Sainsbury's, Argos, and Habitat. Understand their brand identities, recent campaigns, and how they connect with customers. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the brands and show how your design vision aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase a Diverse Portfolio
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work across various channels—print, digital, social, and in-store. Make sure to include projects that showcase your ability to lead a team and create cohesive visual languages. Be ready to discuss the thought process behind each piece and how it contributed to the brand's success.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Collaboration
As a Design Director, your ability to lead and inspire a team is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored designers and fostered a collaborative environment. Highlight any successful partnerships with internal and external stakeholders that resulted in impactful design solutions.
✨Stay Ahead of Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest design trends and innovations in the retail sector. During the interview, discuss how you can apply these insights to enhance Sainsbury's creative output. Showing that you're proactive about learning and adapting will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.
