Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: OLIVER Agency - North America

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (Remote OK)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative Direction & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-01

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a multi-disciplinary creative team within an embedded, AI-native studio for a global B2B tech brand, driving creative excellence and operational rigor.

• Spearhead the integration and governance of generative AI tools into creative workflows, ensuring high-quality, on-brand output at scale.

• Direct creative execution, from concepting to final asset delivery, maintaining meticulous quality standards and brand consistency across diverse channels and regions.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, focusing on skill development, process improvement, and empowering team members to achieve peak performance.

• Partner closely with client stakeholders and OLIVER business directors to manage studio operations, timelines, and client experience, ensuring seamless integration and high satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical leadership function within an innovative, AI-driven creative studio model, emphasizing a blend of artistic direction, team management, and operational efficiency. The focus on an "AI-native" studio and "agentic leadership" suggests a forward-thinking approach to creative production and problem-solving.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert creative direction and leadership to a multi-disciplinary team, conducting internal critiques, sharpening executions, and fostering a culture of high standards and shared ownership.

• Contribute hands-on to concepting and design, elevating the team's output and ensuring flawless execution across all creative assets, from flagship campaigns to localized content.

• Serve as the final quality assurance checkpoint for all creative work, meticulously reviewing and auditing assets to ensure adherence to client brand guidelines, voice, and creative vision.

• Drive the strategic integration of generative AI tools into daily creative workflows, establishing quality standards, governance, and best practices for AI-assisted output across the studio.

• Develop team members' creative skills and output through regular coaching, feedback, and structured knowledge-sharing sessions, identifying opportunities for process improvement and smarter ways of working.

• Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative team culture where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to stronger creative output and positive working relationships.

• Partner with the OLIVER Business Director to effectively manage studio operations, timelines, resource allocation, and the overall client experience, ensuring seamless delivery.

• Maintain robust working relationships with client creative directors, account leads, producers, and project managers, acting as a key point of contact and trusted advisor.

• Manage and prioritize team workloads across high-volume delivery cycles, demonstrating agility in adapting to shifting priorities and timelines without compromising quality.

• Apply an agentic approach to complex creative and operational challenges, systematically breaking down problems and identifying efficient, high-quality paths forward for the team and client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative leadership and operational management, with a significant emphasis on AI integration and its practical application in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. The "agentic leadership" aspect implies a proactive, problem-solving mindset that is crucial for navigating complex project demands.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Design, Graphic Arts, Marketing, or a related field is implied by the role's creative and strategic demands.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in creative leadership roles, with a significant portion spent managing multi-disciplinary teams in fast-paced, high-volume environments (agency, in-house, or embedded studio).

Required Skills:

• Proven experience leading and developing multi-disciplinary creative teams in high-volume, fast-paced environments.

• Deep expertise in brand identity, creative systems, and maintaining consistency across diverse markets, channels, and formats.

• Strong portfolio showcasing brand system expertise, campaign craft, and multi-format creative execution at scale.

• Demonstrated ability in leading creative quality processes, including running critiques, setting standards, and developing team members' output.

• Collaborative and stakeholder-savvy approach, with a proven ability to build strong working relationships with senior clients, account teams, and cross-functional partners.

• Strategic awareness of generative AI's potential to enhance creative quality and delivery efficiency, coupled with critical judgment for evaluating AI outputs.

• Advanced proficiency with generative AI tools, specifically Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, or equivalent, and experience building AI-assisted workflows.

• Expert proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.

• Agentic leadership: a systematic, goal-oriented approach to complex creative and operational challenges. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in setting AI quality standards and governance at a studio or team level.

• Experience with other AI tools and platforms relevant to creative production and workflow optimization.

• Understanding of B2B tech marketing and global platform companies.

• Experience managing embedded creative studios or in-house agencies.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools for high-volume delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both hands-on creative skills and AI proficiency is a key differentiator. The requirement for "agentic leadership" points to a need for candidates who can independently identify and solve problems, a critical skill in an AI-augmented and fast-evolving operational landscape.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record in brand system development, campaign execution across multiple formats, and creative output at scale.

• Case studies showcasing experience in leading creative quality assurance processes and implementing rigorous critique cycles.

• Examples of how you have mentored and developed creative talent, highlighting skill enhancement and career progression.

• Visual evidence of maintaining brand consistency and quality across diverse media channels, regional adaptations, and project types.

• Demonstrations of integrating new technologies, specifically generative AI, into creative workflows and achieving tangible improvements in output or efficiency. Process Documentation:

• Documented examples of creative workflow designs, particularly those optimized for high-volume delivery and incorporating AI tools.

• Evidence of established creative critique processes, including frameworks for feedback, decision-making, and quality control.

• Protocols for implementing and governing generative AI tools within a creative team, including ethical considerations and quality benchmarks.

• Case studies detailing how operational challenges within a creative studio were systematically addressed and resolved, showcasing improved efficiency or effectiveness.

• Documentation of client partnership frameworks, illustrating how collaborative relationships were built and managed to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are heavily geared towards demonstrating practical application of leadership, creative craft, and operational efficiency, with a strong emphasis on AI integration and process optimization. Candidates should be prepared to showcase specific examples of their strategic approach to managing creative output and teams in a dynamic, technology-forward environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $185,250 - $213,750 USD per year. This range is based on the provided information for the San Francisco Bay Area, a high cost-of-living region known for competitive compensation in creative and tech industries. The salary reflects the senior leadership level, extensive experience requirements, and the specialized nature of AI integration and operational management within a global tech client context.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance focused on creative leadership and AI technologies.

• Opportunities for advancement within OLIVER and The Brandtech Group network.

• Remote work flexibility with potential stipends for home office setup.

• Access to cutting-edge AI tools and technologies for professional application and learning.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected due to the nature of client service and high-volume delivery cycles. Overtime may be required during peak periods, with appropriate compensation or time-off in lieu where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior Design Director role in the specified high-cost-of-living area, particularly for a position involving specialized AI and operational leadership. The benefits package is standard for senior roles, with an emphasis on professional development and remote work support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising, Technology Services (specializing in bespoke in-house agencies and marketing ecosystems). The company operates at the intersection of creative services and technological innovation, particularly with AI.

Company Size: OLIVER is part of The Brandtech Group, which partners with over 300 clients in 40+ countries. While specific employee numbers for OLIVER North America aren't detailed, its global reach and client base suggest a substantial operational footprint. The specific studio this role leads is described as an "embedded, AI-native creative studio for one of the world's most influential B2B tech brands," implying a dedicated, focused team operating closely with a major client.

Founded: OLIVER was established in 2004. The Brandtech Group is a more recent entity, focused on leveraging AI. This history indicates a company with established expertise in agency models, now rapidly evolving with advanced technology.

Team Structure:

• The role leads a "multi-disciplinary creative team" within an "embedded, AI-native creative studio." This team likely comprises designers, copywriters, art directors, and potentially other creative specialists.

• The studio operates as a "seamless extension of the client's internal global brand team," suggesting close collaboration and integration with the client's structure.

• The Design Director reports to the OLIVER Business Director, who manages studio operations and the overall client experience. This indicates a clear reporting line and partnership structure for operational oversight.

• Collaboration extends to client creative directors, account leads, producers, and project managers, highlighting a cross-functional, client-centric approach. Methodology:

• AI Integration: A core methodology involves leveraging generative AI tools (Midjourney, Adobe Firefly) to enhance creativity, efficiency, and speed in asset production. This includes setting standards, governance, and best practices for AI-assisted output.

• Craft and Velocity: The studio emphasizes combining "craft with AI velocity," meaning a commitment to high creative quality delivered at an accelerated pace.

• Embedded Model: Operating as an in-house agency means deep immersion in the client's brand, culture, and strategic objectives, fostering a true partnership.

• Agentic Approach: Problem-solving is approached systematically and goal-orientedly, breaking down complex challenges to identify efficient, high-quality solutions.

• Quality Assurance: Rigorous internal critiques and final quality checks are integral to ensuring brand consistency and flawless execution.

Company Website: https://oliver.agency/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by innovation, particularly in AI, and a focus on delivering high-impact creative solutions through unique operational models like embedded studios. The emphasis on "agentic leadership" and "AI velocity" suggests an environment that values proactive problem-solving and rapid adaptation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, a Design Director, responsible for a significant creative output and team of specialists. It sits at a strategic level, influencing not only the creative product but also the operational methodologies and technological adoption within the studio. The role requires a blend of artistic vision, team management acumen, and operational oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports to the OLIVER Business Director. This structure places them as the creative lead responsible for execution and quality, while the Business Director handles the overarching client relationship and business operations. This partnership is crucial for the success of the embedded studio model.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is directly tied to the client's brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and operational efficiency. By ensuring high-quality, on-brand creative assets are delivered at scale and speed, they directly contribute to the client's B2B tech brand's market presence and global campaigns. The successful integration of AI also impacts the operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of creative production.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a more senior creative leadership role within OLIVER or The Brandtech Group, overseeing larger teams or multiple studios.

• AI Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven creative processes, potentially becoming a subject matter expert or leading AI innovation initiatives across the organization.

• Strategic Consulting: Leverage experience in embedded studio models and AI integration to consult on client strategies for creative operations and technology adoption.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain broader business acumen by working closely with Business Directors and client-side leadership, potentially leading to roles with P&L responsibility or broader operational oversight.

• Mentorship and Training: Develop and expand training programs for creative teams, particularly around AI adoption and quality standards, contributing to the organizational knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a significant step in a creative leadership career, offering opportunities to shape innovative operational models and lead in the burgeoning field of AI-augmented creativity. Growth paths are likely to involve expanding leadership scope, deepening AI expertise, or moving into broader business and strategic roles within the Brandtech Group.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Remote OK" with a preference for the "San Francisco Bay Area or Remote (PST)". This indicates a hybrid or fully remote work arrangement is supported. Given the "embedded" nature of the studio, the "office" might be a virtual one, or a physical space co-located with the client's team, or a dedicated OLIVER space. The emphasis on remote capability suggests strong digital collaboration tools and processes are in place.

Office Location(s): While the primary location is the San Francisco Bay Area, the "Remote (PST)" designation means candidates in other Pacific Time Zone locations are also considered. This broadens the talent pool considerably.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The work requires seamless virtual collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team, client stakeholders, and OLIVER management. This necessitates proficiency in digital collaboration platforms and strong communication skills.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with advanced creative software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and cutting-edge generative AI tools (Midjourney, Adobe Firefly) is fundamental. Robust project management and communication tools are also essential for managing high-volume, remote workflows.

• Team Interaction: Despite being remote-friendly, the role involves leading and developing a team. This implies regular virtual team meetings, critiques, one-on-one coaching sessions, and fostering a sense of team cohesion and shared purpose through digital means.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 per week, but the fast-paced, client-facing nature of an embedded studio, especially for a global B2B tech brand, means flexibility and potential for extended hours during peak campaign cycles or critical project phases are expected. The PST time zone preference suggests alignment with West Coast client operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-friendly nature of the role, combined with the PST time zone preference, points to an organization that is adept at managing distributed teams for high-stakes client work. Candidates should be comfortable with a highly digital and asynchronous collaboration style, while also being prepared for periods of intense, deadline-driven activity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruiting team to assess foundational qualifications and creative output.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely the OLIVER Business Director or a senior creative lead) focusing on your leadership experience, creative philosophy, and approach to team management.

• Creative/Technical Assessment: This could involve a portfolio review with a focus on specific case studies demonstrating your approach to brand systems, campaign execution, and AI integration. You may be asked to present your work and articulate your strategic decisions.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and/or client stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to build rapport.

• Final Interview: A final conversation, potentially with senior leadership, to discuss strategic vision, operational plans, and overall fit with OLIVER's mission and the client's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase AI Integration: Include specific examples of how you've used generative AI in your work, detailing the process, tools used, challenges overcome, and the impact on quality or efficiency.

• Highlight Brand System Expertise: Demonstrate your ability to develop and maintain robust brand identities and creative systems across various touchpoints and markets.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to illustrate the success of your campaigns or process improvements (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements, team development milestones).

• Articulate Leadership Philosophy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading, mentoring, and developing creative teams, emphasizing your ability to foster a high-performing and inclusive environment.

• Demonstrate Operational Rigor: Include examples of how you manage high-volume workflows, prioritize tasks, and ensure consistent quality under pressure.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with B2B tech, global brands, and innovative creative studio models.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Strategy & Governance: Be ready to discuss how you would approach setting AI quality standards and governance for a creative studio.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Prepare to walk through how you would tackle a complex creative or operational challenge, demonstrating your "agentic leadership" approach.

• Team Development: Anticipate questions about how you develop team members, conduct critiques, and build a collaborative culture.

• Client Partnership: Think about how you build and maintain strong relationships with senior clients and cross-functional partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, testing both creative acumen and operational leadership capabilities, with a strong emphasis on AI integration and strategic thinking. Preparing a portfolio that specifically addresses AI use cases and demonstrates quantifiable impact will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Generative AI Platforms: Midjourney, Adobe Firefly (required); other relevant AI tools for creative ideation, image generation, and content creation.

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro); Figma (expert proficiency required).

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for virtual meetings, team communication, and file sharing (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace).

• Project Management Tools: Systems for managing high-volume workflows, timelines, and task allocation (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, Jira – specific tool not mentioned but implied).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, proficiency in understanding and leveraging creative performance metrics and client reporting dashboards would be beneficial. This might involve familiarity with tools used by the client's internal team. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with client-side CRM systems or marketing automation platforms could be advantageous for understanding campaign context, but not explicitly required for the Design Director role itself. The focus is on creative production and studio operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes cutting-edge AI tools and industry-standard design software. Proficiency in these areas, particularly generative AI and Figma, is non-negotiable and central to the role's operational and creative mandate.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ambitious: A drive to succeed and achieve ambitious goals in creative output and operational efficiency.

• Imaginative: Pushing the boundaries of what's possible, particularly through innovative use of AI and creative problem-solving.

• Inspirational: Doing groundbreaking work that inspires both the team and the client.

• Always Learning & Listening: A commitment to continuous learning, especially in rapidly evolving fields like AI, and actively seeking feedback.

• Results-Focused: Exceeding expectations through high-quality delivery and demonstrable impact on client objectives.

• Actively Pro-Inclusive and Anti-Racist: A commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, valuing diversity, and actively working against racism and discrimination within the team, community, and creations.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Partnership: A highly collaborative style that mirrors an embedded extension of the client's internal team, requiring strong communication and relationship-building across multiple stakeholder groups.

• Critique-Driven: A culture where constructive feedback and internal critiques are standard practice for elevating creative work and ensuring quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, particularly around AI adoption, workflow optimization, and creative techniques, across the team and wider OLIVER network.

• Agile Adaptation: A flexible and responsive approach to project demands, readily adapting to shifting priorities and timelines in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are clearly articulated and emphasize a forward-thinking, inclusive, and results-oriented culture. The emphasis on "Ambitious," "Imaginative," and "Inspirational" aligns with a creative agency environment, while "Always Learning" and "Results-Focused" highlight the operational and growth aspects. The strong stance on inclusivity is a key cultural indicator.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing AI Integration with Craft: Effectively integrating generative AI while maintaining the highest standards of creative craft and brand integrity requires careful oversight and critical evaluation.

• High-Volume Delivery at Scale: Managing a constant stream of creative requests for a global B2B tech brand demands robust processes, efficient workflows, and exceptional team management to avoid burnout and maintain quality.

• Client Relationship Management: Navigating the complexities of an embedded studio model and ensuring satisfaction with a high-profile global client requires strong communication, strategic alignment, and proactive problem-solving.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying ahead of the curve in generative AI and its applications in creative production requires continuous learning and adaptation of strategies and tools.

• Remote Team Cohesion: Building and maintaining a strong, collaborative team culture and effective communication channels for a distributed team presents ongoing challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Specialization: Become a leading expert in AI-driven creative workflows, potentially influencing industry best practices.

• Strategic Operations Development: Gain deep insights into optimizing creative operations for large-scale, embedded studio models.

• Client Leadership: Enhance skills in managing high-stakes client relationships and contributing to their broader brand strategy.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a broader understanding of business operations, technology integration, and marketing strategy through close work with The Brandtech Group and its clients.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to mentor junior creatives and contribute to the development of future leaders within OLIVER.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a cutting-edge, high-demand role in an evolving industry. Successfully navigating these challenges will provide significant opportunities for professional growth in areas of AI, creative operations, and strategic client leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading and developing a multi-disciplinary creative team in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. How do you foster both creativity and operational rigor?" (Focus: Team Leadership, Operational Rigor, Creative Strategy)

• "Walk us through a specific instance where you integrated generative AI into a creative workflow. What were the challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the impact on the final output and team efficiency?" (Focus: AI Integration, Problem-Solving, Workflow Optimization)

• "How do you ensure creative quality and brand consistency across a wide range of assets, channels, and regional adaptations, especially when working with an embedded studio model?" (Focus: Quality Assurance, Brand Strategy, Stakeholder Management) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding, how would you embody OLIVER's values of 'Ambitious,' 'Imaginative,' and 'Results-Focused' in this role?" (Focus: Company Culture, Values Alignment)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with senior clients and internal stakeholders in an embedded agency setting?" (Focus: Collaboration Style, Stakeholder Management)

• "What are your thoughts on the future of AI in creative production, and how would you ensure our team stays at the forefront of these advancements while maintaining ethical standards?" (Focus: Industry Trends, AI Strategy, Governance) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to tell a clear story for each project, emphasizing the problem, your strategic approach (including AI use), the execution, and the measurable results.

• Highlight AI Use Cases: Dedicate specific sections or clear callouts to projects where AI was used. Detail the specific tools, prompts (if applicable), and how AI enhanced the outcome. Quantify benefits where possible (e.g., time saved, increased output, novel creative solutions).

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to discuss your creative process, critique methodologies, and workflow management strategies. For AI, explain your approach to prompt engineering, output evaluation, and governance.

• Focus on Leadership: When presenting team-based work, clearly articulate your role in directing, guiding, and developing the team involved.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your strongest, most relevant work concisely. Be ready to dive deep into any project, but ensure the initial overview is compelling and easy to grasp.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the integration of AI, leadership in a fast-paced creative environment, and strategic operational thinking. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their ability to manage both the artistic vision and the practical execution of creative projects at scale.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Tailor your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in creative leadership, managing multi-disciplinary teams, brand systems, high-volume production, and specifically, your experience with generative AI tools (Midjourney, Adobe Firefly) and workflows. Use keywords from the job description such as "Creative Direction," "AI Integration," "Workflow Optimization," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that prominently features case studies demonstrating your expertise in brand systems, campaign execution, and crucially, your strategic use of AI in creative projects. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible, and clearly articulate your leadership role and operational approach.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, your approach to AI integration and quality control, and how you manage high-volume creative delivery. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio during interviews.

• Research OLIVER and The Brandtech Group: Understand their unique embedded agency model, their focus on AI innovation, and their company values. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.