At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative direction and inspire a talented design team to craft bold concepts.
- Company: Join StudioXAG, a diverse team creating impactful spaces and stories.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, generous holiday, and mental health support.
- Other info: Embrace inclusivity and creativity while growing your career with us.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in design leadership with strong storytelling and people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 78000 £ per year.
StudioXAG creates bold spaces that tell big stories. We have a diverse team of conceptual thinkers, creative dreamers and inquisitive makers that help make this happen. We are seeking an Associate Design Director who is confident in crafting stand‑out moments from concept to execution at an impeccable level.
The Role
As an Associate Design Director you set the creative vision, build narratives and direct creative concepts. Reporting into our Associate Creative Director, you will join a design team of 18. Directing design and leading our creative teams you bring an expert and experienced vision to motivate, guide and nurture designers to deliver the world‑class creative that Studio XAG is known for.
Responsibilities
- Own and lead the creative direction across projects, defining the vision and turning client briefs into bold, high‑impact concepts.
- Set the creative standard, guiding designers supporting the Creative Director to champion clarity, storytelling and innovation while ensuring concepts remain buildable, on budget and true to the original creative vision.
- Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing creative team of 3‑5 reports, owning their growth through 1:1s, development plans and career progression.
- Inspire and motivate your team to do their best work while setting a consistent creative standard across in‑house and freelance teams.
- Champion skills development, training and culture.
- Be a pivotal voice in recruiting outstanding talent to support the growth of the team.
- Lead clear, confident communication across projects, translating briefs into strong creative direction with defined scopes.
- Work in close collaboration with the Design Project Management team, supporting day‑to‑day running and administration of creative projects and ensuring resources, timelines and delivery are aligned.
- Act as the trusted advisor for both clients and internal teams, guiding creative delivery from briefing through to production, managing expectations and feedback and identifying opportunities to grow and evolve key accounts.
Qualifications
- A highly creative and skilled vision setter with a strong eye for detail, exceptional problem‑solving skills and the ability to craft compelling brand stories across retail and experiential touchpoints.
- Experienced design leader with 10+ years in luxury brand, retail or agency environments, with proven people management and team development skills.
- Excellent communicator and trusted advisor, confident presenting to senior stakeholders and managing client relationships.
- Organised, collaborative and driven, with a thorough understanding of spatial design, retail production processes, and the tools to deliver outstanding creative work.
- Deep industry knowledge across luxury, beauty and lifestyle sectors, using insight to shape strategy and deliver relevant, inspiring work to a broad spectrum of clients.
- Strong technical skills across SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite and rendering software (V‑Ray preferred).
- Knowledge of other industry‑relevant software is desirable – Rhino, C4D, Enscape, AI and wider digital tools.
Benefits
- Gross profit‑related annual bonus scheme.
- Workplace pension.
- 22 days holiday + 3 days off for Xmas closure + a day off for your birthday + bank holidays.
- 0.5 paid days off per month to get inspired.
- International research budgets and trips.
- All‑you‑can‑eat YCN creative professional learning membership.
- Spill mental health support.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Salary: £65,000+ DOE. Please state expectations on application.
Belonging and Inclusivity at StudioXAG
StudioXAG is a business that strives for equality for all its people. Known for our storytelling, our different perspectives make us more creative than ever. No matter who you are, you are welcome at StudioXAG.
Associate Design Director employer: StudioXAG | B Corp™
At StudioXAG, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. As an Associate Design Director, you will not only lead a talented team in crafting innovative design solutions but also benefit from our commitment to employee growth through mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives. With competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, mental health support, and international research trips, StudioXAG is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the creative industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Design Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend design events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨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 hiring managers, be ready to discuss your projects and the creative process behind them.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their vision and values. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our creative family at StudioXAG.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Design Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Vision:When you’re crafting your application, let your unique creative vision shine through. We want to see how you can turn concepts into bold narratives, so don’t hold back on showcasing your design flair and storytelling skills!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Associate Design Director role. Highlight your experience in leading creative teams and managing projects, and connect your past work to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Confident:In your written application, clarity is key! Communicate your ideas confidently and ensure that your application reflects your ability to translate briefs into strong creative direction. We love a well-structured application that’s easy to follow.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at StudioXAG. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at StudioXAG | B Corp™
✨Know Your Creative Vision
Before the interview, take some time to really think about your creative vision and how it aligns with StudioXAG's ethos. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've set a strong creative direction and how you turned client briefs into impactful concepts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Design Director, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've mentored and developed designers in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering a collaborative environment and how you inspire your team to achieve their best work.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you manage client relationships and expectations. Be prepared to demonstrate how you translate complex briefs into actionable creative directions.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description, like SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite. Be ready to discuss your technical skills and how they contribute to your design process. If you have experience with other relevant software, make sure to mention that too!
