Design Director (Maternity cover contract)

Shoreditch Design is looking for a talented Design Director to join their team at their London HQ.

We’re a mixed-specialism design agency based in the heart of Shoreditch. We pride ourselves on our no-nonsense approach and silver-service quality. We’ve got big ambitions over the next few years and believe a vibrant, supportive studio culture is essential to our success.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Act as a role model & design champion to the studio - advocating for innovation, design quality, whilst delivering projects on time & on budget. You are responsible for the integrity of our projects.
• Providing guidance to the 3 x multi-disciplinary digital design teams; supporting UX, UI, Brand, Strategy, Motion & Web projects. Overseeing all aspects of the creative process from discovery, concept development to product launch. Ensuring all projects are delivered on time & on budget, each step of the way.
• Manage the performance of the design teams, providing feedback and guidance to help them grow and develop their skills. Responsible for the training & development of the design team from technical skills to client management.
• Lead & encourage design research and proposition validation into all of our design projects.
• Lead internal project kick-offs, design reviews & retrospectives
• Contribute to daily management standups and twice-weekly company-wide standups.
• Contribute to internal resource planning.
• Line management of Senior Designers, including monthly/bi-annually performance reviews, career development paths, HR & general office management matters.
• Work closely with the senior management team on conceptual proposals for pitches and estimating jobs.
• Contribute to improving our operational processes & company culture.
• Be an expert in your field - ensuring teams stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies and incorporate them into our work.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with our clients, and act as a trusted advisor on all creative & technical matters. Balancing goals & objectives with best-in-class creative solutions.
• Actively present in the office to help to build & strengthen our studio culture.
• Represent the studio at industry events, and participate in speaking engagements to promote our work & build our reputation.

Essential skills and experience

• A minimum of 8 years of digital design experience in a creative role, preferably from an agency or tech start-up setting.
• A solid understanding of brand strategy, business design & digital product design, with a passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
• Management experience; can demonstrate the ability to provide feedback and mentorship.
• A strong portfolio that demonstrates your creative vision and ability to deliver innovative design in the real world across multiple platforms.
• Excellent communication & presentation skills. Can navigate complex, high-tension environments to create alignment and a positive way forward. Can articulate complex design concepts to clients and team members.
• A natural collaborator who can work effectively with cross-functional teams and build strong relationships with clients and partners.

Workplace incentives

Financial

• £80-£100k salary range - dependent on experience
• 9-12 month contract
• Bonuses for hitting annual goals
• Comprehensive pension plan
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Professional development budget

Time away

• 28 days holiday (including Christmas shutdown)
• Hybrid working
• 4 weeks "work from anywhere" each year

Hybrid model:

• 3 days a week in-office (Thursdays mandatory)
• 5 days a week in-office required during 3-month probation

Social

• Monthly socials
• Winter and summer retreats (dependent on company performance)