Design Director (2.5 days p/w)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director (Part-Time, 2.5 days/week)

Company: OLIVER Agency

Location: London/Hybrid with occasional travel to Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Creative Direction / Brand Management / Operations (Creative Operations)

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: Senior / Director Level (10+ years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and brand guardianship for a key client, ensuring visual consistency and strategic alignment across all marketing and communication channels.

• Drive the strategic integration of AI tools within the creative studio's workflow to enhance efficiency and creative output, while maintaining rigorous quality standards.

• Mentor and develop a high-performing in-house creative team, fostering talent and elevating collective output through clear direction and constructive feedback.

• Serve as a primary creative partner to senior client stakeholders, effectively presenting creative strategies and executions at an executive level.

• Oversee the production of sophisticated communications tailored for professional services audiences, managing multiple concurrent projects and studio-level production budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a part-time (2.5 days/week) Design Director position, implying a need for highly efficient and impactful contributions. The emphasis on "bespoke in-house agencies and marketing ecosystems" and "AI solutions" within OLIVER's description suggests a focus on operational efficiency, process optimization, and the strategic application of technology within creative production, aligning it with aspects of Creative Operations. The B2B/professional services environment requires a nuanced understanding of brand systems and regulated sector communication.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the primary brand guardian, ensuring visual consistency, quality, and strategic alignment across all client touchpoints, including print, digital, social media, and events.

• Define and champion the creative vision for the in-house studio, translating complex client briefs into sophisticated and compelling design solutions.

• Build, mentor, and develop the creative team by providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and ongoing coaching to enhance individual craft and collective output.

• Serve as the key creative partner to senior client stakeholders, including marketing leadership and firm partners, confidently presenting creative strategy and executions at an executive level.

• Oversee the end-to-end production of high-quality communications, specifically tailored for professional services audiences, encompassing thought leadership campaigns, pitches, events, and digital content.

• Champion and evolve the client's brand system, ensuring it remains contemporary, distinctive, and appropriate for a regulated sector environment.

• Manage multiple concurrent projects across the portfolio, balancing hands-on creative contribution with leadership responsibilities and proactive problem-solving to ensure timely delivery and quality.

• Collaborate with OLIVER's wider creative and account leadership to identify opportunities for studio growth and deepen the client relationship through enhanced service offerings.

• Manage studio-level production budgets, including cost estimation, supplier relationship management, and spend reporting, ensuring financial performance meets client and OLIVER expectations.

• Drive the responsible integration of AI tools across studio workflows, establishing quality standards and governance to preserve craft excellence while improving operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative leadership and operational oversight. The mention of "studio-level production budgets," "supplier relationships," and "AI tools across studio workflows" points to a significant operational component within this creative role, requiring an understanding of resource management and process efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Design, Graphic Arts, Marketing, or a related field is implied by the portfolio requirements. Continuous learning is a core company value.

Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in design, with a significant portion in leadership roles, is strongly implied, particularly within B2B, corporate, or professional services environments.

Required Skills:

• Extensive portfolio showcasing sophisticated brand and campaign work, with a clear emphasis on B2B, corporate, or professional services sectors.

• Expert-level understanding and practical experience in building, maintaining, and evolving brand systems, especially within complex and regulated industries.

• Proven track record of leading and developing creative teams, employing a coaching methodology to foster talent and drive high performance.

• Demonstrated ability to present creative work to executive and partner-level audiences, possessing strong presence and communication skills for confident advocacy of ideas.

• Deep craft knowledge across both print and digital design disciplines, including typography, layout, art direction, and visual storytelling.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with contemporary design tools like Figma.

• Experience managing studio-level or project-level production budgets, including effective supplier relationship management and cost oversight.

• Experience in strategically integrating AI tools across creative projects and operational workflows, including the ability to set quality standards and governance.

• A clear understanding of AI's role in enhancing creative output versus the essential need for human craft and judgment.

• Agentic approach to problem-solving: systematic, adaptive, and focused on achieving measurable outcomes. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other contemporary design and collaboration tools beyond Figma.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools relevant to creative operations.

• Understanding of marketing analytics and how design impacts key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Experience in a hybrid work environment and managing distributed teams effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize both creative excellence and operational acumen. The explicit mention of AI integration and managing production budgets suggests that candidates with a strong understanding of creative operations principles will be highly valued. The "agentic approach" points to a proactive, self-directed problem-solver.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of high-impact case studies demonstrating leadership in brand development, campaign conceptualization, and visual identity evolution within B2B or professional services contexts.

• Examples showcasing the strategic application of design thinking to solve complex client challenges and drive tangible business results.

• Demonstrations of how brand systems were maintained and evolved to meet regulatory requirements and market demands.

• Evidence of team leadership, including examples of mentoring junior designers and fostering a collaborative creative environment.

• Visual examples of print and digital collateral produced under your direction, highlighting craft and strategic alignment. Process Documentation:

• Case studies that implicitly or explicitly detail the process followed for major projects, including brief interpretation, concept development, stakeholder feedback integration, and final execution.

• Examples of how AI tools were strategically integrated into the design process, documenting the benefits realized (e.g., efficiency gains, enhanced creativity) and the governance established.

• Documentation of budget management processes for creative projects, including cost estimation, supplier negotiation, and financial reporting.

• Examples of workflow optimization strategies implemented to improve team efficiency and output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level creative role with an operations component, the portfolio should not just showcase finished work but also the strategic thinking, process, and leadership that produced it. Demonstrating how projects were managed, budgets were handled, and AI was integrated will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Director-level seniority, part-time nature (2.5 days/week), and London location, the estimated annual salary range for a full-time equivalent role would typically be £80,000 - £120,000 GBP. Therefore, for 2.5 days a week, the pro-rata salary would be approximately £40,000 - £60,000 GBP per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design leadership roles in London, considering the specialist nature of the B2B/professional services sector and the added responsibility of AI integration and budget management.

Benefits:

• Pro-rata benefits package commensurate with a part-time, senior role.

• Inclusive working environment that actively promotes inclusivity and anti-racism.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, aligned with company values.

• Contribution to a forward-thinking agency that is a pioneer in building bespoke in-house marketing ecosystems.

• Potential exposure to cutting-edge AI technology and its application in creative industries.

• Flexible working arrangement (Hybrid).

Working Hours: This is a part-time role requiring 2.5 days (approximately 20 hours) per week. The specific days may be flexible, but the role requires a hybrid presence in London with occasional travel to Birmingham.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on general market data for senior creative leadership in London and adjusted for the part-time nature. Specific benefits beyond those mentioned in the job description would typically be clarified during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising / Brandtech / Creative Services. OLIVER Agency operates within the broader Brandtech Group, positioning itself at the intersection of traditional agency services and technological innovation, particularly AI.

Company Size: OLIVER partners with over 300 clients globally, indicating a substantial operational footprint and a large network of internal and client-side teams. The Brandtech Group is a significant entity in the marketing technology landscape.

Founded: Established in 2004, OLIVER has a long-standing history as a specialist in building bespoke in-house agencies. This longevity suggests a stable and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will lead an in-house creative team dedicated to a specific client. This team likely includes designers, potentially copywriters, and production specialists.

• The role involves close collaboration with OLIVER's wider creative leadership, account management teams, and potentially operations specialists within the agency.

• Reporting likely involves direct interaction with senior client stakeholders (marketing leadership, partners) and a reporting line within OLIVER's creative leadership structure. Methodology:

• OLIVER's model focuses on designing, building, and running bespoke in-house agencies, implying a process-driven, client-centric approach.

• The integration of AI is a key methodological differentiator, aiming to enhance creativity, efficiency, and decision-making.

• Emphasis on developing tailored solutions that deeply resonate with target audiences.

• A commitment to data-driven insights and measurable results is implied by the "Results-focused" company value.

Company Website: OLIVER Agency (Implied from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as ambitious, imaginative, inspirational, always learning, results-focused, and actively pro-inclusive and anti-racist. The emphasis on AI positions OLIVER as an innovative player in the industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Director-level position within the creative function, with significant operational responsibilities. It bridges the gap between pure creative leadership and the operational execution of creative services. The role demands strategic thinking, team management, client relationship building, and a keen understanding of process and resource management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a senior creative leader within OLIVER (e.g., Creative Director, Executive Creative Director) and will have direct reports within the client's dedicated in-house studio. They will also be the primary creative interface for senior client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact will be measured by the quality and effectiveness of the client's visual communications, the efficiency and output of the creative studio, the strategic evolution of the client's brand system, and the successful integration of AI to drive both creative excellence and operational gains. Their role is critical in ensuring the client's brand resonates and achieves its marketing objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI integration for creative operations, becoming a subject matter expert within OLIVER and The Brandtech Group.

• Leadership Expansion: Potentially move into broader creative leadership roles within OLIVER, overseeing multiple client accounts or expanding the scope of the in-house studio.

• Strategic Influence: Influence the strategic direction of OLIVER's creative offerings and operational methodologies, particularly concerning AI and in-house agency models.

• Mentorship: Continue to develop and mentor talent, contributing to the agency's reputation for nurturing creative professionals.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to award-winning campaigns and thought leadership within the professional services marketing space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The part-time nature of this role might influence long-term career progression within a traditional full-time structure, but the seniority and scope suggest significant opportunities for impact and growth within OLIVER's unique model.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role is based in London with occasional travel to Birmingham. This suggests a mix of remote work and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): London and Birmingham, United Kingdom. Specific office details would be provided by the company.

Workspace Context:

• The London office will likely provide a collaborative environment for team meetings, client presentations, and hands-on creative work.

• Occasional travel to Birmingham indicates a need for flexibility and the ability to work effectively in different settings.

• Access to relevant design software, hardware, and potentially shared studio resources.

• The environment will foster collaboration with both the client's internal teams and OLIVER's broader network of specialists.

Work Schedule: Part-time, 2.5 days per week (approx. 20 hours). The specific days are likely negotiable but will require consistent availability and responsiveness. The hybrid nature allows for a balance between focused remote work and in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and part-time commitment suggest a need for strong self-management, communication, and the ability to transition effectively between remote and in-office work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess alignment with B2B/professional services experience, leadership capabilities, and creative craft.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A detailed walkthrough of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, team leadership, and specific examples of brand system management and AI integration. Expect to discuss your approach to mentoring and executive presentations.

• Creative Challenge (Potential): A hypothetical scenario or brief may be presented to assess strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and approach to AI integration in a time-constrained setting.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with senior creative leadership at OLIVER and potentially key client stakeholders to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Discussion of role expectations, compensation, and final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects that directly address B2B/professional services, brand systems, and leadership. For each, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, your role and team's contribution, the execution details, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight AI Integration: If possible, include a project where you strategically incorporated AI tools. Detail the specific tools used, the problem they solved, the quality standards maintained, and the benefits achieved (efficiency, creativity).

• Showcase Leadership: Use examples to illustrate your mentoring style, how you elevate team talent, and your experience in managing creative production and budgets.

• Executive Presentation Examples: Be prepared to discuss how you would present creative concepts and strategies to senior executives, demonstrating confidence, clarity, and persuasive communication.

• Tailor to OLIVER: Research OLIVER's model and The Brandtech Group's focus on AI. Frame your experience and approach in a way that aligns with their innovative ethos.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate B2B/Professional Services Scenarios: Prepare for briefs related to thought leadership, corporate branding, pitch materials, or digital campaigns for regulated industries.

• AI Integration Scenarios: Think about how you would approach integrating AI for tasks like content ideation, asset generation, or workflow automation within a creative studio, considering quality control and ethical implications.

• Brand System Evolution: Be ready to discuss how you would assess and evolve an existing brand system, particularly in a regulated context.

• Team Development: Prepare to discuss your philosophy on team management, talent development, and fostering a positive, high-performing creative culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the director-level and operational aspects, expect interviewers to probe deeply into your strategic thinking, process management, and ability to lead and develop teams, with a specific focus on how you leverage AI.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Expert proficiency required in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Prototyping/Collaboration: Familiarity with Figma is explicitly stated, implying its use for collaborative design and potentially UI/UX workflows.

• AI Tools: Experience and strategic understanding of integrating AI tools for creative workflows. This could include AI-powered image generators, content assistants, workflow automation tools, or data analysis platforms relevant to creative output. Specific tools are not listed but a strategic approach is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, understanding how design impacts marketing KPIs and being able to present data-driven insights (e.g., campaign performance, brand perception metrics) would be beneficial. Familiarity with common analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) may be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly mentioned for this creative role, but an understanding of how CRM and marketing automation platforms influence creative briefs and campaign delivery could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe suite and Figma is non-negotiable. The emphasis on AI tools suggests a need for candidates who are not only users but strategic thinkers about their application in a creative operations context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ambitious: Strive for success and push boundaries in creative output and operational efficiency.

• Imaginative: Encourage innovative thinking and novel approaches to design challenges and AI integration.

• Inspirational: Lead by example, inspiring the team and clients with groundbreaking work and a positive attitude.

• Always Learning & Listening: Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development, staying abreast of design trends, AI advancements, and client needs. Actively seek and incorporate feedback.

• Results-Focused: Drive projects to successful completion, focusing on measurable outcomes and exceeding client expectations through effective design and operations.

• Actively Pro-Inclusive and Anti-Racist: Foster a diverse, equitable, and respectful working environment for all team members and in all creations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with client marketing teams, OLIVER's account management, and other creative specialists to ensure cohesive campaign execution.

• Team Coaching & Development: Foster a collaborative studio environment where feedback is encouraged, and team members are supported in their growth.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong, trusting relationships with senior client stakeholders, acting as a strategic advisor and responsive partner.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to the continuous refinement of creative workflows, particularly concerning the integration of new technologies like AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply embedded in their operational ethos, emphasizing a forward-thinking, results-driven, and inclusive culture. The "always learning" value is particularly relevant given the rapid evolution of AI in creative fields.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Part-Time Impact: Delivering director-level strategic output and leadership effectively within a 2.5-day work week requires exceptional time management, prioritization, and efficiency.

• AI Integration Governance: Establishing and maintaining robust quality standards and governance for AI-generated creative work while fostering innovation.

• Regulated Sector Nuances: Navigating the specific communication requirements and constraints of a regulated professional services environment.

• Team Development in a Hybrid Model: Effectively mentoring and fostering team cohesion and development within a hybrid work setup.

• Client Stakeholder Management: Managing expectations and building strong relationships with senior client stakeholders who may have diverse perspectives on design and AI.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Specialization: Become a recognized expert in the application of AI within creative operations and brand strategy.

• Strategic Brand Leadership: Develop deeper expertise in leading brand strategy for complex B2B clients.

• Cross-Agency Collaboration: Gain exposure to OLIVER's broader network and The Brandtech Group's innovative approaches across different disciplines.

• Executive Communication: Hone skills in presenting to C-suite and partner-level audiences.

• Operational Excellence: Enhance skills in production budget management, workflow optimization, and team leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly linked to the role's unique constraints and opportunities, such as the part-time nature and the AI focus. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise and expanding influence within OLIVER's unique structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a creative team in a part-time capacity, ensuring high impact and consistent output." (Focus on prioritization, delegation, efficient communication).

• "How would you approach integrating AI tools into a design studio workflow for a professional services client? What are the key considerations for quality control and brand consistency?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking, understanding of AI capabilities, and risk mitigation).

• "Walk us through a complex brand system you've managed or evolved. What were the challenges, your strategic approach, and the outcomes?" (Showcase expertise in brand guardianship and problem-solving).

• "How do you mentor and develop creative talent? Provide an example of how you helped a team member grow their skills." (Highlight leadership and coaching philosophy).

• "Describe a time you had to present a challenging creative concept to senior stakeholders or executives. How did you prepare, present, and handle feedback?" (Assess executive presence and communication skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about OLIVER's model of building bespoke in-house agencies?" (Show enthusiasm for their unique business model).

• "How do you align with OLIVER's values, particularly 'Ambitious,' 'Imaginative,' and 'Always Learning'?" (Connect your personal values and work ethic to the company's ethos).

• "How do you see AI impacting the future of creative direction and brand management?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking and industry awareness).

• "What are your expectations regarding collaboration within a hybrid work environment?" (Assess adaptability and understanding of modern work structures). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling is Key: For each project, craft a narrative that clearly outlines the problem, your strategic solution, your role, the team's contribution, and the tangible results.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand perception, efficiency gains from AI).

• Showcase Leadership: When discussing projects, highlight your leadership role, how you guided the team, managed budgets, and interfaced with stakeholders.

• AI Integration Focus: If a project involved AI, dedicate specific time to explaining your strategic approach, the tools used, and the outcomes achieved.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about your process, decision-making rationale, and how you handle difficult creative or operational challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problem Solving: Be ready to tackle a hypothetical brief for a professional services client, focusing on creative concepting, brand application, and potential AI integration.

• AI Tool Application: You might be asked to brainstorm how specific AI tools could be used to address a particular creative challenge or improve a workflow.

• Brand System Audit: You could be asked to outline how you would audit and propose updates to a given brand system, considering the regulated environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, operational efficiency, and a forward-looking perspective on AI, all tailored to the B2B/professional services context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest B2B/professional services brand and campaign work. Specifically highlight any projects where you managed production budgets, led creative teams, or strategically integrated AI tools, detailing the process and outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership experience, strategic brand management, team development, AI integration, and budget oversight. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Design Director," "Brand Guardian," "Creative Strategy," "B2B," "AI Tools," and "Budget Management."

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your experience and approach to creative leadership, team mentoring, client stakeholder management, and operational processes, particularly how you ensure efficiency and quality in a part-time, hybrid capacity. Practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your strategic thinking.

• Research OLIVER & The Brandtech Group: Understand their unique business model, focus on AI, and company values. Prepare to discuss how your experience and approach align with their innovative vision and client-centric methodology.

⚠️ 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.

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