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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a creative team to deliver exceptional design for top retail clients.
- Company: Whippet, an award-winning creative agency with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, private medical insurance, enhanced leave, and fun team outings.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make your mark on exciting retail campaigns.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and a strong portfolio of creative work.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are on the lookout for a Design Director to join our growing team! As a Design Director at Whippet, you will have bags of creative freedom and the opportunity to lead, inspire and mentor teams throughout the creative process on projects with top retail clients in the UK – from big campaigns, POS, branding and identity, print, to digital and more!
You will play a central, strategic role directing creative across various stages of the projects, whilst also being hands-on in the design process. Ideally, we are looking for someone who has experience managing a small team of designers, has exceptional ideation and creative skills, experience running multiple projects for retail clients, not to mention impressive juggling skills, too.
As a Design Director, you will be an ambassador for Whippet – representing the team and our values from client boardrooms to award shows. This includes knowledge sharing with the internal team and being a custodian for our own internal branding. It is a great opportunity for an experienced Senior Designer to move up or an existing Design Director who wants a new, rewarding challenge.
Whippet is an award-winning creative agency transforming brands. We have been around for over 20 years, which means we know how to deliver results that count. We get brands, we get design, we get communications, and between our amazing team of 30 people comprising Creative, Strategy and Client Services, we deliver powerful marketing designs.
We work predominantly in retail, so it is fast, but we love the variety and the pace! You will be working with some pretty amazing brands, alongside some pretty amazing people, so if you are creative, passionate, motivated, and collaborative, you will fit right in.
What to expect? Day-to-day as a Design Director at Whippet you will have the opportunity to:
- Lead a team in translating client briefs into exceptionally creative design concepts
- Produce creative solutions that reflect and instil distinctive brand personality
- Be hands-on in curating design work and the design process
- Present and pitch work to new and existing clients
- Generate concepts and ideas for retail campaigns
- Work closely with the design team to produce creative concepts for new brand identities, seasonal campaigns, print, digital, in-store POS and much more
- Present to some of the biggest retail clients in the UK, including M&S Food, M&S Bank, Holland & Barrett, Bensons for Beds, Frankie & Benny's, Iceland, Tesco Mobile and many more
- Work closely and collaboratively with our Client Services, Copywriting, and Creative teams throughout projects
- Champion conceptual thinking and creativity for our mid-weight and junior designers
- Mentor and lead creatives
- Be an ambassador for all things Whippet and our values
What is on offer? Our team are our biggest asset, without a doubt. From managing the flow of projects through the studio, motivating and celebrating achievements, to producing outstanding creative work - we have developed a truly special culture, which is dedicated, collaborative, friendly and fun!
We offer a hybrid working model with 2 days remote and 3 in the Whippet studio. Our studio in London Bridge is a place where we come together as a team and make creative magic.
There is more too... Private medical insurance with Vitality, Company pension plan with Royal London, Enhanced annual leave for length of service, Early Friday finishes for all and flexible start times, A paid day off and contribution toward doing something that satisfies your curiosity, Regular team outings, plus a big summer and Christmas party! All the up-to-date tech you will need.
If you have a portfolio full of strong ideas executed to the highest standard, a passion for branding and all things beautiful, and obsessive attention to detail, then get in touch. Apply using LinkedIn, or send us your CV, portfolio and a cover letter including your salary expectations to jobs@whippet.co.uk.
Design Director in London employer: Whippet London
Contact Detail:
Whippet London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend design events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might be looking for a Design Director or who 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 potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your creative process and the impact of your designs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's for a formal interview or a casual coffee chat, being able to articulate your vision and how you can lead a team is key. Be confident and let your passion for design shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our amazing team at Whippet. Let’s make some creative magic together!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially projects that align with the retail sector. We want to see your creative flair and how you’ve tackled design challenges.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic cover letter. Take the time to tailor it to us at Whippet. Highlight your experience in leading teams and working on retail projects, and let us know why you’re excited about this role!
Be Authentic: We love creativity and passion, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your design philosophy and what inspires you. We want to get to know the real you!
Follow Up: After you’ve submitted your application, don’t be shy! A friendly follow-up email can show your enthusiasm for the role. Just a quick note to check in can make a great impression!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whippet London
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
As a Design Director, your portfolio is your calling card. Make sure you can discuss each piece in detail, explaining your thought process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of experience and creative thinking.
✨Research Whippet's Work
Familiarise yourself with Whippet's recent projects and clients. Understanding their style and approach will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company. Plus, it gives you a chance to suggest how you could contribute to their future projects.
✨Prepare for Team Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you mentor junior designers. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or resolved conflicts. This will highlight your ability to inspire and manage a creative team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Creative Process
Be ready to discuss your creative process in detail. Whippet values innovative ideas, so explain how you generate concepts and bring them to life. Sharing your approach to collaboration with other teams will also demonstrate your ability to work within a multidisciplinary environment.
