Design Director (6 Month FTC)

About Us: Designwerk is a proudly independent creative agency based in London. We specialise in brand development and storytelling for some of the world's most iconic brands. With a strong focus on the sports and entertainment industries, we are passionate about challenging the status quo and delivering creative excellence.

About The Role: We are looking for an experienced Design Director to join us on a 6-month fixed-term contract to help lead the creative output across brand identity, campaign, and experiential work. Reporting to our Creative Directors, you’ll play a pivotal day-to-day leadership role for the design team — setting the standard for creative excellence, delivering best-in-class work, and contributing to a high-performing, collaborative studio environment.

This role suits a hands-on, highly organised, systems-minded Design Director with a sharp eye for craft, a passion for branding. You’ll be an experienced visual storyteller who brings structure to creativity — confidently guiding projects from concept to execution, while supporting and developing the wider team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creative Leadership & Direction
• Collaborate with Creative Directors to develop and implement creative direction across active projects.
• Lead the design team in crafting brand systems, campaign visuals, and experiential concepts that resonate with target audiences.
• Ensure all creative outputs align with client briefs, brand strategies, and Designwerk’s quality standards.
• Provide clear, actionable feedback to designers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
• Engage directly in design tasks as needed, particularly in refining key assets and preparing high-stakes presentations.

Team Collaboration & Support:

• Serve as a day-to-day creative guide for the design team, offering mentorship and fostering collaborative problem-solving.
• Facilitate design reviews and working sessions that encourage open dialogue and collective ownership of creative solutions.
• Promote an inclusive studio environment where ideas are shared freely, and team members feel supported.

Process & Project Management:

• Work in tandem with Project Managers to accurately scope design tasks, allocate resources, and establish realistic timelines.
• Maintain a high level of organisation, managing multiple workstreams and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality design outputs.
• Contribute to the refinement of design workflows and processes, enhancing efficiency and consistency across projects.

Client Engagement:

• Lead/participate client meetings and presentations, articulating design concepts and rationales with clarity and confidence.
• Collaborate with account teams to ensure client feedback is effectively integrated into the design process.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through professional and responsive communication.

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a Design Director role or equivalent within a brand or creative agency.
• A robust portfolio showcasing expertise in brand identity, campaign development, and experiential design, particularly within the sports and entertainment sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire creative teams, balancing strategic thinking with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design tools.
• Figma knowledge is a strong plus, particularly for collaborative workflows.
• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, both internally and client-facing.
• A collaborative mindset, with experience working closely with Creative Directors, Project Managers, and cross-functional teams.

What We Offer:

• Hybrid working - 2 x office days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
• Supportive environment
• Regular team socials and learning opportunities
• Free in-office breakfast on Tuesdays

How to Apply: Please submit your CV, a cover letter, and a portfolio that includes examples of brand identity and campaign work within the sports and entertainment sectors to [email protected].

In your cover letter, tell us why you're the right fit for this role and how your experience aligns with the creative and structured leadership we’re seeking.

Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in the UK and work from the London office. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role at this time.

Designwerk is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.