Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: Jellyfish

Location: Mumbai, India

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Management & Leadership / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-06-11

Experience Level: 5-10 years of professional experience

Remote Status: Hybrid (with flexible hours overlapping afternoon to evening)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and inspire a global design community, fostering collaboration across multiple time zones to ensure creative excellence for high-profile global brands.

• Drive innovation in static and motion design, staying ahead of digital trends and evolving personal expertise in video editing and 3D animation.

• Manage and mentor a team of designers, providing support and guidance to deliver exceptional work that aligns with client needs and brand values.

• Oversee the adaptation and localization of content for various markets, ensuring the highest standards of quality and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Director within a global digital marketing agency, emphasizing leadership in production and adaptation. The focus on "production and adaptation space" suggests a strong operational component to creative delivery, bridging creative vision with scalable execution. The mention of AI tools like Pencil Pro indicates a forward-thinking approach to workflow optimization within the creative production process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Collaboration:

  • Lead and inspire a global design community, coordinating across multiple time zones and building a collaborative, thriving team.
  • Regularly check in with designers, providing support and encouragement to ensure the team delivers their best work.
  • Foster a sense of community and collaboration among a diverse team of designers from around the world to create exceptional work.
  • Lead weekly design huddles and monthly motion design meet-ups to foster ongoing creative growth and collaboration.

• Creative Excellence & Brand Alignment:

  • Attend project reviews with the VP, Creative + to ensure the work meets the highest creative standards.
  • Work with high-profile global brands, consistently meeting creative standards and ensuring that the work aligns with brand values and vision.
  • Produce high-quality design work, partnering, guiding and inspiring your team, ensuring all projects meet client needs.
  • Ensure that the team follows creative briefs while encouraging them to push creative boundaries and enhance the work.
  • Handle constructive feedback, revising and refining design solutions promptly.

• Innovation & Trend Management:

  • Guide innovation in both static and motion design, continuously evolving your skills and staying on top of new design trends.
  • Participate in monthly meetings with the Creative and Experience Network to agree on design direction and trends.
  • Stay current with emerging design trends, particularly in social media and paid media, to ensure creative output is impactful and relevant.

• Process & Workflow Optimization:

  • Utilize AI tools like Pencil Pro to refine workflows and improve the adaptation and localization process for creative assets.

  • Manage and prioritize multiple projects, maintaining high quality and efficiency even under tight deadlines.

  • Clearly communicate design ideas to team, leadership, and clients, ensuring clarity and understanding of the design vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on people leadership and creative execution, with a significant emphasis on managing a geographically dispersed team. The inclusion of AI tools like Pencil Pro points to an expectation of process optimization and efficiency gains within the creative production lifecycle, a key characteristic of operations-focused roles within creative agencies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While traditional degrees are de-emphasized, a strong portfolio and demonstrated skills are paramount.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in a design leadership role.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage international design teams across multiple time zones.

• Creative Suite Expertise: Expert-level proficiency in Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.

• Motion Design Proficiency: Advanced motion design skills, including video editing and a drive for continuous improvement in 3D animation.

• Graphic Design Fundamentals: Deep understanding of graphic design principles, typography, and layout.

• Content Creation: Proven track record of creating engaging static and motion content for social media and digital platforms.

• Visual Storytelling: Exceptional ability to transform complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals that resonate with target audiences.

• Brand Management: Experience working with global brands, ensuring alignment with brand values and vision.

• AI Tool Familiarity: Familiarity with AI-driven tools like Pencil Pro to enhance the design process and asset production.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent visual storytelling and communication skills, capable of presenting and receiving feedback constructively.

• Project Management: Strong ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced agency environment, delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in 3D animation.

• Deep understanding of social media and paid media best practices.

• A passion for design, art, and culture, with a keen eye for emerging trends.

• Team player with excellent collaboration skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Figma, Adobe Suite, Pencil Pro) and transferable skills over years of experience aligns with modern creative hiring practices. The mention of "social media and paid media best practices" suggests the designs must be not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically effective for digital marketing campaigns, a key consideration for GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing work for top global beauty brands, demonstrating leadership in static graphics, motion graphics, digital content, and social media assets.

• Evidence of leading and inspiring design teams, with examples of cross-functional collaboration and project management.

• Case studies illustrating the adaptation and localization of content for different markets.

• Demonstrations of innovative design solutions and the application of new design trends.

• Examples of utilizing AI tools to refine workflows and improve the design and adaptation process. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented and optimized creative workflows, particularly in adaptation and localization.

• Demonstrations of how you ensure creative briefs are followed while encouraging creative exploration.

• Evidence of managing feedback loops and iterating on design solutions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative leadership role with an operations component, a portfolio must not only showcase aesthetic quality but also strategic thinking, team management capabilities, and an understanding of efficient production processes. Highlighting the use of AI tools and adaptation workflows is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director role with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Mumbai, and considering the agency's global presence and the discretionary bonus, a competitive range would be ₹25,00,000 - ₹45,00,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the specialized skills in motion design, AI tool integration, and global team leadership.

Benefits:

• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme: Opportunity for annual performance-based bonus.

• Flexible Working Hours: Ability to work flexible hours, overlapping afternoon to evening, to accommodate global team coordination and personal needs.

• Retiral Benefits: Contribution to Provident Fund (PF).

• Comprehensive Insurance: Best-in-class group medical insurance and life insurance cover.

Working Hours: Flexible hours, with an expectation of overlap during afternoon to evening hours to facilitate collaboration across global time zones and ensure timely project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on Mumbai's cost of living, industry standards for design leadership roles, and the specific requirements of global team management and AI integration. The benefits package is detailed as provided in the input.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Marketing Agency. Jellyfish operates at the intersection of technology, creativity, and data to empower clients in their digital transformation.

Company Size: Global agency with a significant employee base, indicating opportunities for broad impact and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Jellyfish was founded with a vision to combine technological expertise with creative innovation, growing into a global entity that challenges industry norms.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will lead a global design community, reporting to the Hub Design Director.

• The role involves close collaboration with other creative leads, project managers, and potentially client service teams.

• Regular participation in global creative network meetings and design meet-ups fosters a connected, albeit distributed, team structure. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While not explicitly stated for design, Jellyfish's broader approach suggests an integration of data insights into creative strategies.

• Process Optimization: The explicit mention of AI tools like Pencil Pro highlights a commitment to efficient and innovative workflows in content production and adaptation.

• Collaborative Development: Emphasis on fostering a sense of community and collaboration among designers worldwide to produce exceptional work.

Company Website: https://www.jellyfish.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Jellyfish's positioning as a "global digital marketing agency; a unique fusion of tech enthusiasts, creative minds, and media and data experts" suggests a culture that values innovation, data-informed decision-making, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The emphasis on diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration is a key cultural pillar.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director level, focusing on managing a critical function (design production and adaptation) within a global agency. It requires a blend of creative vision, team management, and operational efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports to the Hub Design Director. This indicates a hierarchical structure within the creative department, with opportunities for upward mobility and influence.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly impacts client satisfaction through the delivery of high-quality, on-brand creative assets. By optimizing workflows with AI tools and leading global teams, the role contributes to the agency's efficiency, scalability, and ability to serve international clients effectively, thereby driving revenue and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Hub Design Director or other senior creative leadership roles within Jellyfish's global network.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in advanced motion design, 3D animation, and emerging AI design technologies.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to global design direction and creative strategy through participation in network meetings and collaboration with senior leadership.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse teams across marketing, technology, and data analysis functions within the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a global agency structure, combining creative leadership with operational efficiency. The emphasis on AI tools and global team management positions this role at the forefront of modern creative operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid with flexible hours, suggesting a blend of remote work and potential in-office collaboration, depending on local team presence and company policy.

Office Location(s): Mumbai, India, with the expectation of global team coordination.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Designed to foster community and collaboration among a diverse, globally distributed team of designers.

• Technology Enabled: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma, Adobe Suite) and AI-driven tools (Pencil Pro) to support efficient workflows.

• Global Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with designers, creative leadership, and potentially clients across different time zones.

Work Schedule: Flexible hours are offered, with a requirement to overlap during afternoon to evening hours. This is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with teams and clients in various global locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and flexible hours, combined with the need for global team overlap, point to a modern work environment that prioritizes both employee well-being and operational effectiveness in a global context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with creative and leadership requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where the candidate presents their portfolio, highlighting key projects, leadership experience, and their approach to design challenges, team management, and process optimization.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: Potential for a creative challenge or case study focusing on adapting content for global brands, leading a design team under pressure, or integrating AI tools into a workflow.

• Team & Leadership Interviews: Discussions with the Hub Design Director and potentially other senior creative or operations leaders to assess leadership style, collaborative approach, and cultural fit.

• Behavioral Questions: Questions designed to gauge problem-solving abilities, handling constructive feedback, communication style, and passion for design and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Global Brand Experience: Prioritize work done for high-profile global brands, especially within the beauty industry.

• Highlight Leadership & Teamwork: Include examples of how you have led, mentored, and collaborated with design teams, especially across different time zones.

• Demonstrate Process & AI Integration: Clearly articulate your approach to workflow optimization, content adaptation, and the use of AI tools like Pencil Pro.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success and impact of your design solutions.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation to tell a compelling narrative about your career journey, design philosophy, and leadership capabilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Adaptation Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would adapt creative assets for different cultural contexts or market needs.

• Team Management Scenarios: Practice articulating your approach to motivating a remote, diverse team, resolving conflicts, and ensuring consistent quality.

• AI Integration Strategy: Think about specific ways AI tools can enhance creative production, improve efficiency, and what challenges might arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this will heavily weigh the portfolio, focusing on both creative output and the ability to manage processes and teams effectively on a global scale. The integration of AI into creative workflows is a key differentiator.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX design.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and graphic design.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • After Effects: Crucial for motion graphics, animation, and visual effects.

• AI-Driven Design Tools:

  • Pencil Pro: Specifically mentioned for refining workflows and improving the adaptation process. This highlights an expectation for efficiency and leveraging AI in production.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for the Design Director role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media performance, click-through rates) is implicit. Familiarity with analytics platforms used by marketing teams would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are listed for this role, but the role's output feeds into marketing campaigns managed by CRM and automation systems. Understanding how design integrates with these broader MarTech stacks is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Pencil Pro indicates a need for hands-on technical proficiency. The inclusion of AI tools like Pencil Pro signals a focus on modernizing creative production workflows, a key aspect of operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork among designers worldwide, encouraging shared learning and mutual support.

• Innovation: Continuously evolving design skills and staying ahead of new trends, particularly in static and motion design, and embracing new technologies like AI.

• Excellence: Producing high-quality, compelling content that meets client needs and adheres to the highest creative standards for global brands.

• Adaptability: Guiding the adaptation and localization of content for diverse markets, ensuring brand consistency and cultural relevance.

• Inclusivity: Valuing diverse perspectives and welcoming individuals who excel in collaborative, varied teams.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with VP, Creative +, Creative and Experience Network, and potentially client service teams to ensure cohesive creative direction.

• Global Coordination: Actively engaging with designers across multiple time zones through regular huddles and meet-ups.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openly communicating design ideas and handling constructive feedback to refine and improve design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on diverse perspectives, inclusive collaboration, and challenging the status quo suggests a dynamic and forward-thinking culture. For this role, it means being adept at managing and motivating a global, diverse team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Team Management: Effectively leading and motivating a diverse design team spread across multiple time zones, ensuring consistent quality and communication.

• Balancing Creativity and Efficiency: Meeting high creative standards for global brands while optimizing workflows and production timelines, potentially with AI tools.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously evolving in static and motion design, adapting to new digital trends, and integrating emerging technologies like AI.

• Client and Stakeholder Management: Communicating complex design ideas clearly and managing feedback constructively from various stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to deepen expertise in motion design, video editing, 3D animation, and emerging AI design technologies.

• Leadership Development: Gaining experience in leading and developing a global creative team, with potential for advancement to senior leadership roles.

• Industry Exposure: Participating in creative network meetings and staying abreast of design direction and trends within the broader industry.

• Process Improvement: Learning and implementing new workflow methodologies, including leveraging AI tools for enhanced efficiency in creative production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges typical of senior leadership in a global agency, particularly in managing distributed teams and integrating new technologies. The growth opportunities are strong, focusing on leadership, specialized creative skills, and operational efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience leading a global design team. How do you ensure creative consistency and collaboration across different time zones and cultures?" (Focus on team management strategies, communication tools, and fostering a unified creative vision.)

• "How have you utilized AI tools, such as Pencil Pro, to enhance design workflows and improve content adaptation efficiency? Can you provide a specific example?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating your understanding and practical application of AI in creative production.)

• "Walk us through your process for adapting creative assets for different markets. What considerations are most critical, and how do you ensure brand integrity and local relevance?" (Detail your approach to localization, cultural nuances, and quality assurance.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Jellyfish's mission and culture, particularly our emphasis on diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration?" (Research Jellyfish's values and how your leadership style aligns.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within a design team?" (Discuss your methods for encouraging skill development, trend exploration, and experimentation.)

• "How do you measure the success of design work beyond aesthetics? What metrics do you consider important for digital marketing assets?" (Prepare to discuss how design contributes to business objectives, engagement, and ROI.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., static campaigns, motion graphics, brand adaptation) or by client, clearly indicating your role and the impact of your work.

• Narrative: For each key project, tell a story: the challenge, your approach (including team leadership and process), the solution, and the outcome.

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly point out instances where you led teams, managed workflows, or implemented process improvements.

• Showcase AI Use: If possible, include projects where AI tools were integral to the process or outcome, explaining the benefits derived.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful work efficiently, allowing time for discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate strong creative leadership, operational acumen in managing production workflows, and the ability to inspire and manage a global team effectively, with a keen eye on emerging technologies like AI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your experience with global brands (especially beauty), your leadership in static and motion design, and any examples of workflow optimization using AI tools like Pencil Pro.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 5+ years of design leadership experience, expertise in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and motion design. Emphasize your ability to manage international teams and adapt creative content.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, creative process, and approach to problem-solving for global creative production challenges. Prepare specific examples of successful team management and AI tool implementation.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Jellyfish's global digital marketing services, their client portfolio, and their stated values regarding diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration. Understand their approach to blending technology, creativity, and data.

⚠️ 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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