Design Director (12 month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director (12 month FTC)

Company: Taxi Studio

Location: Bristol, United Kingdom

Job Type: 12 month Fixed Term Contract

Category: Creative & Design Operations / Brand Design Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-10-01

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and champion design excellence across brand design, ensuring strategic alignment and commercial impact.

• Drive team development and mentorship within the design department, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.

• Oversee project delivery from brief to launch, ensuring high standards of craft precision and future-facing creativity.

• Partner closely with Strategy, Project, and Client Teams to translate ideas into unforgettable, commercially sharp work.

• Act as an operational anchor for design work, managing scope, quality control, and efficient project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month fixed-term contract (FTC) requiring a senior design leader with significant experience in brand design and team management. The emphasis on "unforgettable work that drives seismic commercial results" indicates a strong focus on GTM strategy and measurable business impact. The integration of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Set the standard for design excellence by interrogating work through the lens of brand distinctiveness and craft precision, actively contributing to design projects as needed.

• Guide, challenge, and elevate the Design Team, ensuring all work is future-facing, commercially focused, human, and unforgettable, incorporating emerging tools like AI.

• Lead project delivery from brief to launch, partnering with Strategy and Client Teams to align execution with client ambitions and exceed expectations.

• Serve as an operational anchor for design work, assisting in scoping, phasing, resource allocation, and quality control throughout the project lifecycle.

• Proactively plan, identify risks, maintain project momentum, and ensure efficient project execution, taking ownership of timely delivery of outstanding project case studies.

• Present ideas with confidence, clarity, and commercial acumen in internal reviews and client presentations, effectively communicating the value of the work.

• Coach and champion the design team by providing constructive feedback, stretching talent intentionally, delegating effectively, and fostering an environment of curiosity and confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative leadership and operational rigor. The "Project Partner" and "Persuasive Presenter" aspects are critical for GTM alignment, ensuring design initiatives effectively support commercial objectives and are well-received by clients. The emphasis on "standout project case studies" implies a need for strong documentation of design impact and ROI.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field is typically expected for a Design Director role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design, with a significant portion in brand design and creative leadership roles. Proven experience leading design teams and managing complex projects from concept to completion.

Required Skills:

• Creative Direction: Proven ability to set and maintain a high standard of creative output and design excellence.

• Brand Design Expertise: Deep understanding of brand strategy, identity development, and execution across various touchpoints.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Experience in leading, motivating, and developing design teams, providing constructive feedback and fostering growth.

• Project Management: Strong ability to manage project scope, timelines, resources, and quality control for design deliverables.

• Client Presentation & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas persuasively and confidently to internal teams and clients.

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of how design contributes to business objectives and commercial results.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect design concepts with client ambitions and market positioning.

• Proficiency in Design Tools: Familiarity with industry-standard design software and emerging tools, including AI in design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within an agency environment, particularly in brand strategy and design.

• Familiarity with B Corp principles and sustainable business practices.

• Experience in operational planning and process optimization for creative teams.

• A strong portfolio showcasing impactful brand design projects and leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience and emphasis on leading teams and projects strongly suggest a senior-level role that requires not just creative talent but also robust operational and strategic capabilities. The mention of "AI tools" is a key indicator of expected technical adaptability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record in brand design, showcasing the ability to create "unforgettable" and "commercially sharp" work.

• Evidence of leading design teams and managing projects from initial brief through to final delivery.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the strategic thinking behind design solutions, the creative process, and the measurable commercial impact or results achieved.

• Examples of work that reflect a deep understanding of brand distinctiveness, craft precision, and future-facing creativity. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate and demonstrate personal approach to design process management, including project scoping, phasing, and quality control.

• Experience in creating and delivering impactful project case studies, ensuring timely and high-quality output.

• Demonstrated understanding of how to collaborate with Strategy and Client Teams to ensure design execution aligns with client ambitions and exceeds expectations.

• Familiarity with operational planning for design delivery, including risk flagging and maintaining project momentum.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "standout project case studies" and the emphasis on commercial results are critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to showcase how their design leadership directly contributed to business outcomes, demonstrating a strong understanding of GTM impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a 12-month FTC, the salary will be commensurate with experience and market rates for a Design Director in Bristol. Based on industry benchmarks for similar senior creative leadership roles in the UK, a range of £60,000 - £85,000 per annum is a reasonable estimate, potentially higher for exceptional candidates.

Benefits:

• Health Cashback Plan/Private Healthcare

• Enhanced Pension Contributions

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave

• Life Assurance Plan

• Hybrid Working arrangements

• Flexible Working Hours

• Paid Volunteering Day

• Annual personal budget for wellbeing

• Access to an in-house coach and mentorship opportunities

• Regular career check-ins and goal setting

Working Hours: The role is described as having "Flexible Working Hours," and a standard full-time working week is typically 40 hours. The hybrid nature allows for a blend of office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical UK market rates for a Design Director with 10+ years of experience in a creative agency setting, considering the location in Bristol. The FTC nature might influence the overall package, but the benefits listed are substantial and indicative of a competitive offering.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Branding & Design Agency. Taxi Studio operates within the creative services sector, specializing in brand design and strategy. Their B Corp certification indicates a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, setting them apart from traditional network agencies.

Company Size: Given the context of an "independent B Corp business" and a specific role opening, Taxi Studio likely operates as a medium-sized agency, allowing for agility and a close-knit team environment while still having the capacity to handle significant client work. The emphasis on "people, the planet, and the brief" suggests a values-driven culture.

Founded: The company was founded by three individuals, establishing a strong foundational ethos. While the exact founding date isn't provided, the emphasis on their values suggests a mature and established agency culture.

Team Structure:

• The Design Team is a core part of Taxi Studio's offering, focused on creating "unforgettable work" that drives "seismic commercial results."

• The Design Director will lead the brand design specialization within this team.

• Collaboration is expected across Strategy, Project, and Client Teams, indicating a cross-functional working model.

• The mention of "senior Design Team leaders" suggests a clear hierarchy and opportunities for leadership involvement. Methodology:

• Creative Excellence: A strong focus on "design excellence," "brand distinctiveness," and "craft precision."

• Commercial Impact: Design work is measured by its ability to drive "seismic commercial results."

• Human-Centric Approach: Emphasis on work that is "unmistakably human."

• Future-Facing: Integration of emerging tools, including AI, to ensure work is contemporary and relevant.

• Values-Driven: Adherence to a "Code of Conduct" based on "Live Fearless," "Form Real Relationships," and "Play Fair."

Company Website: https://taxistudio.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The B Corp status and the explicit "Code of Conduct" are strong indicators of a company culture that values integrity, collaboration, and impact beyond profit. This is crucial for operations professionals looking for alignment with their personal values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the creative operations and design function. As a Design Director, the individual is expected to influence creative strategy, manage significant projects, and develop talent, making a direct impact on the agency's output and client success.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director, Head of Design, or a senior leadership member within the agency. They will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is measured by the quality and commercial success of the design work produced. This includes driving client satisfaction, achieving revenue targets through project delivery, and enhancing the agency's reputation for exceptional brand design. They are instrumental in translating strategic briefs into tangible, market-leading creative assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Creative Director role or assume broader leadership responsibilities within the agency, overseeing multiple design disciplines or departments.

• Skill Specialization & Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of brand design, emerging technologies (like AI in design), or creative operations strategy.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Developing leadership skills through mentoring junior designers and potentially coaching other leaders within the agency, supported by in-house coaching and training.

• Strategic Influence: Playing a key role in shaping the agency's overall creative vision, client acquisition strategy, and operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a fixed-term contract, the role offers significant scope for professional development and impact. The agency's culture of "Career Caretaking" suggests a commitment to employee growth, even within a temporary engagement, potentially leading to future opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working is specified, indicating a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. Taxi Studio likely offers a modern, creative studio environment designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Bristol, UK (BS1 6NB), a vibrant city known for its creative industries. Specific details about the office space are not provided, but it's expected to be conducive to creative work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on "Form Real Relationships" and "Play Fair" suggest a collaborative workspace where team members can work together effectively.

• Creative Tools & Technology: The role requires fluency in emerging tools, including AI, implying that the agency provides access to up-to-date design software and technology.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design teams, strategy, project management, and client teams, fostering a dynamic and interactive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, alongside the hybrid arrangement, allowing for a good work-life balance. A standard full-time week of 40 hours is typical, with the flexibility to manage personal and professional commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and flexible working arrangements are key benefits for operations professionals seeking work-life balance. The description of the company as an "independent B Corp business" suggests an office environment that prioritizes people and purpose over purely profit-driven metrics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the Design Director role and FTC.

• First Interview: Likely a conversation with a senior member of the creative leadership team to discuss your experience, creative philosophy, and leadership style. Focus on your ability to drive "design excellence" and "commercial results."

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A session where you will present your portfolio, focusing on key brand design projects and leadership examples. Be prepared to discuss your strategic approach, creative process, and the impact of your work.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Potential interviews with other team members (e.g., Strategy, Project Management) to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Likely with founders or senior partners to discuss overall fit with the company's values and strategic direction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 3-5 of your strongest brand design projects that best demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver "unforgettable" and "commercially sharp" work.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your strategic approach, the challenges faced, your creative process, your specific role and leadership contribution, and the quantifiable results or impact achieved. Use the "Live Fearless," "Form Real Relationships," and "Play Fair" tenets to frame your contributions where relevant.

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you mentored designers, managed teams, or influenced project direction.

• Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: Emphasize how your design decisions contributed to client business objectives, ROI, or market success.

• Address AI Integration: If applicable, showcase how you've leveraged emerging tools, including AI, to enhance creativity or efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to managing difficult client feedback, resolving team conflicts, or driving innovation within a design team.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of Taxi Studio's "Code of Conduct" and how you would embody its principles ("Live Fearless," "Form Real Relationships," "Play Fair") in your daily work.

• Research Taxi Studio's recent work and client base to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their design philosophy and market position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not just creative talent but also leadership, operational competence, and cultural alignment. A strong portfolio presentation that links design to commercial outcomes and demonstrates adherence to company values will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is standard. Figma or Sketch for UI/UX if relevant to brand applications.

• AI Tools: Familiarity with AI-powered design tools (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly for ideation, or AI-assisted design workflows) is explicitly mentioned and expected.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira for managing workflows, tasks, and project timelines.

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams for day-to-day communication and team interaction.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly for the Design Director, understanding how to interpret design performance metrics and client business results is crucial. This may involve familiarizing with client analytics dashboards or reporting tools used by the Strategy and Client Teams. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is beneficial for understanding client relationships and project history, though direct use might be limited. Automation tools for design workflows or project management might also be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI tools" is a significant differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and vision for integrating AI into the design process to enhance creativity, efficiency, and innovation, aligning with the company's forward-looking approach.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Live Fearless: Encourages taking risks, seeking improvement, stepping into the unknown, self-belief, and authenticity. For operations, this means embracing new methodologies, challenging existing processes, and advocating for innovative solutions.

• Form Real Relationships: Emphasizes doing the right thing, respect, championing colleagues, collaboration, constructive feedback, and kindness. This translates to building strong internal and external relationships, fostering a supportive team environment, and promoting open communication.

• Play Fair: Focuses on understanding, ego-free collaboration, bringing joy, setting boundaries, taking responsibility, and self-awareness. This means working collaboratively, managing expectations effectively, owning outcomes, and being mindful of one's impact on others.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Design Director will work closely with Strategy, Project Management, and Client Teams, requiring seamless collaboration and communication to ensure design initiatives are strategically sound, operationally feasible, and client-aligned.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and open dialogue to continuously improve design processes and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where team members share insights, best practices, and learnings, particularly regarding new tools and creative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Code of Conduct" is central to Taxi Studio's culture. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their personal values and professional behaviors align with these three core tenets, especially in how they manage teams, projects, and client relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Ambition with Commercial Demands: The core challenge is ensuring the pursuit of "unforgettable" and "bold" design consistently meets strict commercial objectives and client expectations.

• Leading a Diverse Team: Effectively mentoring and guiding a team with varying skill sets and experience levels, fostering individual growth while maintaining team cohesion and output quality.

• Adapting to Evolving Tools (AI): Staying ahead of the curve with emerging design technologies, particularly AI, and integrating them effectively into workflows without compromising craft or human creativity.

• Managing Project Constraints: Navigating potential challenges in scope, budget, or timelines while ensuring high-quality design delivery and client satisfaction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Creative Leadership: Opportunities to hone strategic creative direction and team leadership skills through hands-on experience and mentorship.

• Emerging Technology Integration: Gaining practical experience and expertise in applying AI and other new technologies within a professional design context.

• Operational Process Enhancement: Contributing to and learning about the optimization of creative workflows and project management within a leading agency.

• Industry Exposure: Working with a diverse client base and engaging with industry trends in brand design and marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior leadership role in a creative agency, requiring a blend of creative vision, people management, and operational acumen. The growth opportunities are geared towards advancing leadership capabilities and staying at the forefront of design innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach leading a design team to develop a brand identity that is both highly distinctive and demonstrably drives commercial results for a new client?" (Focus on strategic thinking, leadership, and GTM impact).

• "Describe a time you had to challenge a client's creative direction while maintaining a strong relationship. How did you use your understanding of their business ambitions and our design philosophy?" (Focus on client management, commercial acumen, and persuasive presentation).

• "How do you ensure operational efficiency and quality control in design projects, especially when working with emerging tools like AI?" (Focus on project management, operational planning, and technology integration). Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see yourself embodying Taxi Studio's 'Code of Conduct' – 'Live Fearless,' 'Form Real Relationships,' and 'Play Fair' – in your daily work as a Design Director?" (Focus on cultural alignment and values).

• "What are your thoughts on the role of AI in brand design, and how would you integrate it into a team's workflow at Taxi Studio?" (Focus on innovation and forward-thinking approach).

• "How do you approach mentoring and developing designers to foster their growth and ensure they contribute to the agency's success?" (Focus on team leadership and development). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your leadership philosophy and then dive into 2-3 key case studies. For each, clearly state the business challenge, your strategic solution, your role in leading the team, the creative process, and the tangible commercial outcomes.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design work. This could include client revenue growth, brand awareness improvements, engagement rates, or market share gains.

• Highlight Operational Acumen: Be prepared to discuss how you managed timelines, budgets, and resources, and how you ensured quality control throughout the project lifecycle.

• Showcase Team Leadership: Integrate examples of how you mentored, guided, or empowered designers within your case studies.

• Authenticity & Enthusiasm: Present with confidence and genuine passion for design and for Taxi Studio's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a holistic understanding of the Design Director's role, encompassing creative vision, operational leadership, team development, and a clear connection to commercial success, all within the framework of Taxi Studio's unique culture and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Taxi Studio careers page.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight your experience in brand design leadership, team management (10+ years), project delivery, and any experience with AI tools. Use keywords from the job description such as "Creative Direction," "Brand Design," "Team Leadership," "Commercial Acumen," and "Project Management."

• Curate your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful brand design projects that showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, and commercial results. Prepare to present these using a clear narrative structure that emphasizes business objectives and outcomes.

• Prepare for Culture Fit: Research Taxi Studio's B Corp status, their "Code of Conduct" (Live Fearless, Form Real Relationships, Play Fair), and their recent work. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you would contribute to their culture.

• Practice your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and articulating the commercial impact of your design work. Practice answering potential interview questions related to strategy, leadership, and operations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---