Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: Koto

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Leadership / Brand Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-04-28T23:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead creative vision and execution for brand identity projects, balancing innovation with practical application.

• Manage and mentor a team of designers, fostering their growth and ensuring high-quality output.

• Collaborate closely with executive leadership and strategy teams to develop compelling brand narratives and client solutions.

• Drive client engagement through effective presentation construction and workshop facilitation.

• Uphold Koto's 'rationally optimistic' culture by delivering impactful work for leading companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within Koto's design function. The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of hands-on design work and strategic management, requiring a candidate who can both inspire creative excellence and ensure operational efficiency in project delivery. The emphasis on "managing up and down" and acting as a "conduit" highlights the critical intermediary role the Design Director will play between executive leadership and the design team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Identify, curate, and refine creative ideas in collaboration with the Executive Creative Director, ensuring their expert realization and framing.

• Champion exceptional brand identities and direct photographers, animators, and illustrators to produce outstanding creative assets.

• Mentor and manage design team members, providing constructive feedback and supporting their professional development.

• Build strong narratives, construct compelling presentations, and lead client workshops to foster dialogue and secure buy-in.

• Collaborate intimately with the Strategy Team to contribute to the immersion and strategic phases of client projects.

• Demonstrate an exceptional understanding of branding and the creative landscape, delivering work for impactful companies.

• Take ownership of the role, actively seeking and actioning feedback for personal progression and providing valuable support to team members.

• Manage personal and team time effectively, coordinating calendars and meetings to ensure work is delivered within scope and deadlines.

• Work in person at the Sydney studio, with openness to global travel for project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual role: a creative leader who can inspire and direct design, and a project manager who ensures efficient delivery. The ability to "manage both up and down" and "collaborate intimately" with strategy and clients points to a need for strong interpersonal and communication skills alongside design acumen. The expectation to "demonstrate ownership" and "take and action feedback" highlights a culture that values accountability and continuous improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field is typically expected for a Design Director role.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in brand identity design, with a significant portion in a leadership or senior design capacity. Proven experience in managing creative projects from concept to completion.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional understanding of branding principles and creative practice.

• Proven ability to lead and inspire creative teams.

• Strong conceptual thinking and idea generation skills.

• Proficiency in design software: Figma, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop.

• Experience with presentation design and storytelling (Pitch software proficiency is a plus).

• Excellent client management and presentation construction skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with strategy teams and other creative disciplines.

• Strong project management and time management skills, with the ability to manage scope and resources.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in directing photographers, animators, and illustrators.

• Workshop facilitation experience with clients.

• Global project experience or adaptability to international collaboration.

• Familiarity with a "rationally optimistic" approach to creative problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are a direct reflection of the responsibilities, emphasizing both high-level creative leadership and hands-on design execution. Proficiency in specific software like Figma, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Pitch is explicitly mentioned, making them critical for candidates to highlight. The experience level (5-10 years) suggests a need for proven leadership and a track record of delivering impactful branding work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of 3-5 comprehensive brand identity projects that showcase strategic thinking, creative execution, and measurable impact.

• Projects should demonstrate expertise in developing cohesive brand systems across various touchpoints.

• Evidence of leading the creative process, from initial concept development through to final asset delivery.

• Examples of how you have collaborated with strategy teams or incorporated strategic insights into your design work.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to managing creative projects, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.

• Illustrate your methodology for mentoring and developing junior designers, including feedback mechanisms.

• Examples of how you translate client briefs and strategic objectives into tangible creative outcomes.

• Demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond showcasing aesthetics; it must demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership capability, and the ability to manage complex projects and client relationships. The emphasis on "refining great ideas," "realising and framing them expertly," and "managing both up and down" means the portfolio should tell a story of leadership and process, not just design output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $120,000 - $150,000 per year (based on stated range).

Benefits:

• Discretionary annual bonus of up to 10% of salary.

• Paid maternity and paternity leave.

• 25 days of annual holiday, plus NSW public holidays.

• One additional holiday day per year (capped at 5 additional days).

• Studio closure between Christmas and New Year.

• Contribution to a pension scheme (location-appropriate).

• Monthly employee wellness benefits package via Juno ($140 per month).

• Access to YCN and funding for relevant training opportunities.

• Service rewards: $5,000 and 5 days holiday for 5 years of service; $10,000 and 4 weeks holiday for 10 years of service (Note: Final Reward program to be confirmed for Sydney).

• Opportunity to work from other Koto studios globally (with planning and application).

Working Hours: The role implies a standard full-time commitment (approximately 40 hours per week), with an emphasis on autonomy in managing personal time and hours to complete work. An optional Work From Home (WFH) day is available on Fridays, with an additional two weeks of remote work per year.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided (AUD $120,000 - $150,000) is competitive for a Design Director role in Sydney, aligning with industry benchmarks for experienced creative leaders in a major metropolitan area. The benefits package is robust, offering a mix of financial incentives, work-life balance support, and professional development opportunities, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and long-term engagement. The specific mention of a $140 monthly wellness package via Juno is a unique perk worth noting.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Branding & Design Consultancy. Koto specializes in creating impactful brand identities for forward-thinking companies and founders.

Company Size: The description of "other four Koto studios globally" and the mention of managing a team suggests a medium-sized agency with a significant international presence.

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the company's established global presence and structured benefits imply a company with a solid history and operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will report to the Executive Creative Director and manage a team of designers.

• Close collaboration is expected with the Strategy Team.

• The role requires managing "up and down," indicating interaction with both senior leadership and junior team members.

Methodology:

• Koto operates with a "rationally optimistic" mindset, balancing creative ambition with practical execution.

• Emphasis on delivering "exceptional brand identities" and "meaningful work."

• A strong belief in the power of brand and its ability to inspire.

• Focus on collaborative processes, including client workshops and strategic immersion phases.

• Encourages autonomy in how individuals manage their time and commitments.

Company Website: https://careers.koto.studio

📝 Enhancement Note: Koto positions itself as a high-caliber branding agency focused on impactful work for significant clients. The "rationally optimistic" culture suggests a positive, forward-looking environment that values both creativity and pragmatism. The emphasis on in-person collaboration, with hybrid flexibility, points to a culture that values team synergy and collective learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, equivalent to a Director or Head of Design within a creative agency. It demands strategic vision, team management, and significant client-facing experience.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports to the Executive Creative Director and directly manages a team of designers. This position serves as a key conduit between executive leadership and the creative execution team.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is directly tied to the quality and effectiveness of Koto's client work. Successful strategy, design execution, and client satisfaction directly contribute to the agency's reputation, client retention, and revenue growth. They are instrumental in shaping the brand's visual output and client perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Executive Creative Director roles or broader leadership positions within Koto's global network.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to refine creative direction, strategic thinking, and team management skills through hands-on experience and funded training programs (e.g., YCN).

• Global Mobility: The chance to work from other Koto studios worldwide offers exposure to different markets and creative approaches, broadening professional experience.

• Specialization: Potential to develop deep expertise in specific industries or types of branding challenges based on client projects.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor emerging talent and shape the next generation of designers within the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step in a design career, moving beyond individual contribution to leadership and strategic influence. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those aspiring to senior creative leadership or wishing to gain international experience within a respected branding agency. The structured service rewards and ongoing training support further underscore Koto's commitment to employee development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role specifies working "in person in our Sydney studio" with an "optional WFH day on Friday." This indicates a hybrid work model with a strong emphasis on in-office presence for collaboration.

Office Location(s): Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Koto also has studios in London, New York, Shanghai, and Los Angeles, suggesting potential for international collaboration and travel.

Workspace Context:

• The Sydney studio is the primary work location, fostering a collaborative environment.

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility, balancing in-office synergy with personal work preferences.

• Koto values collective learning and team synergy, suggesting an environment where knowledge sharing and spontaneous collaboration are encouraged.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology (Figma, InDesign, etc.) is expected.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is implied, with the autonomy to manage personal hours appropriately. The hybrid model with optional Fridays WFH and two weeks remote work per year offers flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Koto's commitment to in-person work (4 days a week) for "the best work, mentoring opportunities, collective learning and culture" is a key aspect of their work environment. This suggests a preference for a highly collaborative and communicative team dynamic, which is crucial for a leadership role that involves guiding and inspiring others.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, design aesthetic, and leadership potential.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present a curated selection of their work, discussing their creative process, strategic thinking, and leadership approach. This will include specific case studies demonstrating their impact.

• Team & Leadership Interviews: Interviews with the Executive Creative Director and potentially other senior team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and leadership capabilities.

• Client Scenario/Workshop Simulation: Possibility of a practical exercise or workshop simulation to evaluate client-facing skills, problem-solving, and strategic application.

• Final Rounds: May involve discussions with additional stakeholders or a final assessment of overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight projects where you led the creative vision, managed a team, and drove the project to successful completion.

• Strategic Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the creative solution, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Process Transparency: Detail your design process, including how you collaborate with strategists, clients, and other creatives.

• Software Proficiency: Briefly mention your proficiency with key tools like Figma, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop within project descriptions or a dedicated skills section.

• Client Engagement: Include examples of client presentations or workshop facilitation, demonstrating your ability to build rapport and communicate effectively.

• Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate, focusing on quality over quantity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to mentoring junior designers and providing constructive feedback.

• Anticipate questions about how you manage creative disagreements or navigate challenging client feedback.

• Think about how you would implement Koto's "rationally optimistic" philosophy in your day-to-day work and team leadership.

• Prepare examples of how you have managed project timelines and resources effectively, especially under pressure.

• Understand Koto's recent work and client roster to demonstrate genuine interest and strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Director will heavily weigh a candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their strategic and leadership approach. Candidates should be prepared to discuss not just their design skills but also their management style, client handling abilities, and how they embody Koto's cultural values.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Figma, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (explicitly required).

• Presentation Software: Pitch (explicitly mentioned), Keynote, PowerPoint.

• Project Management Tools: While not specified, expect familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or internal agency management systems for tracking projects, timelines, and team tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how branding and design integrate with marketing and sales efforts, potentially involving CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot, is advantageous for strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Pitch underscores the technical requirements for this role. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in these tools. While not explicitly stated, familiarity with project management software is essential for managing team workflows and deadlines.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Rational Optimism: A core value that balances ambitious creative goals with practical, achievable execution. This means believing in the potential of brands and clients while remaining grounded in reality.

• Exceptional Work: A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful brand identities that stand out and deliver value.

• Collaboration & Mentorship: Encouraging a supportive team environment where knowledge is shared, and individuals are empowered to grow.

• Autonomy & Ownership: Trusting individuals to manage their time and tasks effectively, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability.

• Impactful Design: A focus on creating work that matters for significant companies and founders shaping the future.

Collaboration Style:

• In-Person Synergy: Koto emphasizes in-person collaboration for "best work, mentoring opportunities, collective learning and culture," with a hybrid option.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with the Strategy Team is essential for the immersion and strategic phases of work.

• Upward and Downward Management: The Design Director acts as a conduit, facilitating communication and alignment between executive leadership and the design team.

• Client Dialogue: Encouraging an ongoing dialogue with clients through presentations and workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "rationally optimistic" culture is a key differentiator for Koto. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody this value – balancing creative ambition with pragmatic execution and maintaining a positive outlook even when facing challenges. The emphasis on in-person collaboration also signals a preference for a team that thrives on direct interaction and shared experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Expectations: Effectively translating client needs and strategic objectives into compelling design solutions that also push creative boundaries.

• Managing Diverse Creative Talents: Leading and motivating a team with varying skill sets, experience levels, and creative styles.

• Delivering Under Pressure: Meeting tight deadlines and managing project scope while maintaining exceptional quality.

• Navigating Global Studio Dynamics: Potentially collaborating with or managing projects involving global teams, requiring cross-cultural communication and coordination.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Continuously evolving creative approaches and mastering new tools and technologies in a rapidly changing design landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to YCN and funding for relevant training opportunities to enhance skills in design, leadership, or project management.

• Mentorship: Direct mentorship from the Executive Creative Director and the opportunity to mentor junior designers.

• Global Exposure: Working with clients and teams across Koto's international studios provides invaluable global perspective and experience.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone strategic thinking, client relationship management, and team leadership skills in a senior role.

• Service Rewards: Long-term employees are recognized and rewarded, incentivizing dedication and growth within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges of this role are typical of senior creative leadership positions, requiring a blend of artistic talent, strategic acumen, and interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for individuals looking to advance into executive creative roles or gain international agency experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you balance creative innovation with the practical constraints of a client brief and timeline?" (Prepare with examples of projects where you successfully navigated these tensions.)

• "Describe your approach to mentoring junior designers. How do you provide constructive feedback to foster growth?" (Share specific examples of mentorship and development plans you've implemented.)

• "Walk us through a complex brand identity project you led from concept to execution. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on strategic thinking, creative process, and measurable outcomes.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'rationally optimistic' mean to you, and how would you apply this philosophy in your role as Design Director at Koto?" (Reflect on how to maintain positivity and drive while managing realistic expectations.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, especially within a hybrid work model?" (Discuss your strategies for team building, communication, and engagement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, starting with an overview of Koto and the role, followed by 2-3 in-depth case studies.

• Storytelling: For each case study, tell a clear narrative: the client's challenge, your strategic insights, your creative process, the final solution, and the impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals that clearly demonstrate the design work. Show variety in application where possible.

• Leadership Focus: Emphasize your role in leading the project, managing the team, and interacting with clients. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%," "secured client approval within Y weeks").

• Tool Integration: Briefly mention how specific tools like Figma or Pitch were instrumental in the design and presentation process.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, strategic rationale, and leadership approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, strategic thinking, leadership capability, and cultural fit. Candidates need to articulate not just what they designed but how and why, showcasing their ability to lead, mentor, and deliver impactful results within Koto's specific operational and cultural context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the Koto careers portal at https://careers.koto.studio.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest brand identity projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, and creative execution. Tailor the selection to highlight experience relevant to Koto's client base and aesthetic.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience in design leadership, team management, client relations, and proficiency in required software (Figma, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Pitch). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, strategic rationale, and your leadership contributions. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentorship and client engagement.

• Research Koto: Thoroughly understand Koto's work, clients, values ("rationally optimistic"), and culture. Be prepared to articulate why you are a strong fit for their specific environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. Specific details about the role, team, and company culture should be verified directly with Koto during the application process.