Design Director

Roles and responsibilities

• Contributes and inputs into strategy development, develops plans and oversees the delivery and manages the achievement of annual business plan to time and budget.
• Assesses and defines project strategic design management delivery.
• Implements and approve consultant appointments across all work streams when contractually required.
• Builds and leads project design team (internal/external) to ensure correct resource is allocated and project deliverables are clear.
• Partners with multiple internal and external stakeholders, working in collaboration to (implement strategy/programmes/initiatives).
• Manages, influences & negotiates with key senior stakeholders.
• Act as the day-to-day operational manager for any design managers or other design management resource deployed to the project.
• Leads and presents management review data/ key performance indicators (KPIs) to senior leadership.
• Supports business development and work winning activities.
• Delivers continuous improvements in processes through application of best practices and lessons learned. Drives transformational change.
• Responsible for ensuring the identification, development, and delivery of relevant training.
• Ensures management systems are followed during project lifecycle roles and responsibilities are adhered by.
• Is the focal point for design issues, ensuring client relationships are managed and maintained.
• Provides leadership and strategic direction for all design engineering activities to team/s, including external Stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

Desired candidate profile

• Creative Vision:

  • Strong ability to create and communicate a compelling creative vision that aligns with business and brand goals.
  • Expertise in conceptualizing innovative design solutions across various mediums and industries.

• Leadership and Team Management:

  • Proven leadership and team management skills to inspire and guide a team of designers and creative professionals.
  • Ability to motivate, mentor, and develop talent while fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.

• Design Expertise:

  • Deep knowledge of design principles, including composition, color theory, typography, layout, and branding.
  • Expertise in design tools and software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, InVision, etc.).

• Project Management:

  • Strong project management skills to oversee multiple design projects, manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing demands, and ensure design projects are completed on time and within scope.

• Communication and Presentation:

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to present ideas, provide feedback, and communicate design concepts to stakeholders.
  • Strong presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design decisions and their strategic value.

• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Engagement:

  • Ability to work closely with other departments (e.g., marketing, product, engineering) to ensure alignment on project goals and deliverables.
  • Collaborative mindset with an emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships.

• Problem Solving and Innovation:

  • Strong problem-solving skills to address design challenges and find creative solutions to complex design issues.
  • Ability to push boundaries and drive innovation within design processes and outputs.

• Attention to Detail:

  • Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring that all design work is of the highest quality and meets client or brand specifications.