At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative direction on major branding and packaging projects, inspiring a talented team.
- Company: Renowned branding agency in Central London, part of a global communications group.
- Benefits: Health & dental, life assurance, pension, travel insurance, mental health services, and flexible holidays.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth within one of the world's best-known networks.
- Why this job: Shape iconic brands and produce your best work in a collaborative, creative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience leading creative teams and delivering strategic design solutions.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
“A hands‑on Design Director role for someone who loves building brand worlds and packaging systems for and around real products you see, touch and buy every day.”
Design Director: Consumer Branding
Central London: three days in the studio, two WFH
Our client is a globally admired brand and design agency, known for exceptional consumer work across FMCG, retail and consumer tech brands. They are widely respected for their standards, their craft and the quality of their culture.
The Role
This is a permanent Design Director role on the consumer side of the business. It is senior, influential and very much on the tools – described as both the heartbeat and engine room – depending on which CD you ask! You will be designing, directing and shaping brand worlds and packaging for recognisable consumer names, where strategy sits at the heart of the system and every detail matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and create consumer brand worlds across a variety of products, through to packaging
- Stay hands‑on across concept, design systems and execution, balancing strategic thinking with rigorous craft
- Design and evolve large‑scale brand systems and architectures across long, complex roll‑outs
- Maintain creative quality and consistency across packaging, identity and wider brand touchpoints
- Keep teams motivated, focused and happy over extended timelines, leading through the work
- Spot opportunities within live programmes to improve systems, relationships and outputs
About You
- An established Design Director or senior designer looking to step up
- Strong consumer branding background, ideally across FMCG/drinks.
- Deep experience with packaging and brand systems
- Comfortable working at scale, including large SKU ranges and global roll‑outs
- Equally strong in strategic thinking and hands‑on craft
- A confident, supportive people leader who raises standards by example
Nice to Haves
- Consumer tech brand experience (phones or wearables)
- Nutrition or wellness sector experience
Why Here?
- Competitive salary and strong, people and future‑focused benefits
- Hybrid working and a high‑quality central London studio
- A creative culture that values craft, ambition and collaboration, with career paths laid out and developed
- Big brands every day!
This is a rare opportunity to do genuinely senior consumer design work without stepping away from the craft. You will shape brand worlds for household names, work alongside exceptional talent and be trusted to think strategically while still doing the work that defines great brands. It’s an exciting time to join so why not hit apply?
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Design Director employer: Salt
Contact Detail:
Salt Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on that Design Director role you’re eyeing.
✨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 chat with potential employers, let your designs do the talking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Bring fresh ideas to the table that align with their vision, and don’t be afraid to share how you can push their branding boundaries.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for creative minds like yours to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Spark: When you're crafting your application, let your creativity shine through! Use engaging language and showcase your design philosophy. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can challenge convention and inspire innovation.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your experience in leading creative teams and delivering strategic branding solutions. We want to see how your past roles have prepared you for this exciting opportunity, so be specific about your achievements!
Communicate Clearly: Your communication skills are key, so present your ideas with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s your cover letter or portfolio, ensure everything is well-structured and easy to follow. We love a good story, so tell us yours!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salt
✨Know Your Brands
Before the interview, dive deep into the brands you'll be working with. Understand their history, values, and recent campaigns. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your creative vision aligns with their branding goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach. Share specific examples of how you've mentored teams or inspired creativity in past roles. Highlighting your collaborative and empathetic style will resonate well with the agency's culture.
✨Present with Passion
When discussing your portfolio, present your ideas with enthusiasm and clarity. Use storytelling techniques to convey the journey of your projects, from concept to execution. This will demonstrate your ability to sell ideas effectively, just as you would in the role.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
Keep yourself updated on the latest design and cultural trends. Be ready to share insights during the interview about how these trends can influence branding strategies. This shows that you're not just a designer but a forward-thinking leader who can drive innovation.