About the Company

We’re looking for a talented Design Director to join our team and help lead a growing, multi-disciplinary studio. With an ambition to set new standards in creative excellence, we combine craft, collaboration, and a supportive culture to deliver high-impact work across digital, brand, and product.

About the Role

Act as a design leader within the studio, setting the standard for creativity, innovation, and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction and oversight across multiple design teams, spanning UX, UI, branding, strategy, motion, and web.
• Oversee the entire creative process, from discovery and concept development through to launch, ensuring projects are delivered to a high standard, on time, and on budget.
• Support and mentor team members, from developing technical skills to building client management confidence.
• Lead design research, validation, and experimentation to inform and strengthen creative outputs.
• Run internal kick-offs, reviews, and retrospectives to maintain clarity and quality across projects.
• Contribute to team resource planning, daily standups, and company-wide updates.
• Line-manage senior designers, holding regular performance reviews and shaping development paths.
• Collaborate with leadership on pitches, proposals, and project estimates.
• Play an active role in evolving studio processes, operations, and culture.
• Keep the team up to date with emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices, and integrate them into our workflow.
• Build strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and balancing commercial goals with creative vision.
• Represent the studio at industry events and speaking engagements, showcasing our expertise and strengthening our reputation.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of digital design experience in a senior creative role, ideally with exposure to both agency and product environments.
• Broad understanding of brand strategy, digital product design, and business-focused design thinking.
• Proven leadership and management experience, with the ability to mentor and inspire design teams.
• A portfolio that demonstrates creative vision, strategic thinking, and innovative execution across platforms.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and align teams in high-pressure situations.
• Collaborative mindset, with experience building strong relationships across disciplines and with clients.

Required Skills

• 8+ years of digital design experience in a senior creative role, ideally with exposure to both agency and product environments.
• Broad understanding of brand strategy, digital product design, and business-focused design thinking.
• Proven leadership and management experience, with the ability to mentor and inspire design teams.
• A portfolio that demonstrates creative vision, strategic thinking, and innovative execution across platforms.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and align teams in high-pressure situations.
• Collaborative mindset, with experience building strong relationships across disciplines and with clients.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in both agency and product environments.
• Strong understanding of emerging design trends and technologies.

Pay range and compensation package

• Competitive salary package reflective of senior-level experience (£80–100k depending on skills and fit).
• Contract role (9–12 months) with potential for renewal or transition.
• Performance-related bonus opportunities.
• Retirement contribution scheme.
• Personal development budget for training, courses, or industry events.
• Additional lifestyle and commuting support schemes.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices and strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Time Off & Flexibility

• Generous holiday allowance, including company-wide closures during the year.
• Hybrid working model blending office collaboration with remote flexibility.
• Opportunities to work from anywhere for designated weeks each year.

Culture & Community

• Monthly social activities and regular team events.
• Seasonal retreats that celebrate collective success and build team connections.