Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: OLIVER Agency - North America

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative Direction & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a specialized, AI-native creative studio embedded within a global B2B tech brand, focusing on high-volume asset production and brand consistency.

• Drive the strategic integration and adoption of generative AI tools across creative workflows, establishing quality standards and governance for AI-assisted output.

• Provide hands-on creative direction and final quality assurance, ensuring all deliverables meet rigorous brand guidelines, voice, and creative vision.

• Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative team culture through effective leadership, coaching, and knowledge-sharing.

• Partner with business directors and client stakeholders to manage studio operations, timelines, and enhance the overall client experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a senior level, requiring a blend of strong creative leadership, operational acumen, and cutting-edge AI integration skills. The emphasis on an "embedded, AI-native creative studio" suggests a unique operational model focused on speed, scale, and seamless integration with client teams, distinct from traditional agency structures.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and develop a multi-disciplinary creative team, conducting internal critiques, refining executions, and cultivating a culture of high standards.

• Contribute directly to concepting and design, applying hands-on skills to elevate the team's output across all production stages.

• Serve as the final quality control gatekeeper for all creative assets, ensuring adherence to client brand guidelines, voice, and overall creative strategy.

• Ensure seamless execution of flagship campaigns, brand systems, and creative playbooks into flawless assets across various regions, channels, and formats.

• Develop team members' creative and technical skills through consistent coaching, constructive feedback, and structured knowledge-sharing sessions.

• Identify and implement improvements to creative processes, introducing innovative and efficient ways of working, particularly with AI integration.

• Build and maintain an inclusive, collaborative team environment that leverages diverse perspectives to enhance creative output and working relationships.

• Partner closely with the OLIVER Business Director to oversee studio operations, manage timelines, and optimize the client experience.

• Cultivate strong, productive working relationships with client creative directors, account leads, producers, and project managers.

• Manage and prioritize team workloads effectively within high-volume delivery cycles, demonstrating agility in adapting to shifting priorities and timelines.

• Lead the strategic integration of generative AI tools into creative workflows, establishing quality standards and governance for AI-generated content.

• Drive AI adoption and disseminate best practices across the internal team and the broader OLIVER network.

• Apply an agentic leadership approach to solve complex creative and operational challenges, systematically breaking down problems and identifying efficient, high-quality solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative excellence and operational efficiency, with a strong emphasis on AI integration. The "agentic leadership" requirement suggests a need for proactive problem-solving and systematic approach to complex tasks, which is a key differentiator for operations-focused roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong foundation in Design, Creative Arts, Marketing, or a related field is implied by the role's nature.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in creative leadership, with a significant portion focused on managing creative teams in fast-paced, high-volume environments.

Required Skills:

• A compelling portfolio showcasing expertise in brand systems, campaign craft, and multi-format creative execution at scale.

• Proven track record of leading and developing multi-disciplinary creative teams within agency, in-house, or embedded studio settings.

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

• Demonstrated experience in leading creative quality processes, including running critiques, setting standards, and fostering team development.

• Collaborative and stakeholder-savvy approach with the ability to build strong relationships with senior clients and cross-functional partners.

• Strategic understanding of how generative AI can enhance creative quality and delivery efficiency, coupled with critical judgment for AI output evaluation.

• Advanced proficiency with generative AI tools such as Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, or equivalent, and experience integrating them into creative workflows.

• Expert proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) and Figma for design and prototyping.

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

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

• Experience in B2B tech marketing or working with global platform companies serving a significant portion of the Fortune 500.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools relevant to high-volume creative delivery.

• Ability to contribute directly to concepting and design, offering hands-on creative input.

• Experience in process optimization and introducing smarter, more efficient ways of working.

• Understanding of AI capabilities and limitations, with a focus on rigorous human oversight and critical evaluation of AI-generated outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on skills and proven leadership in demanding environments. The explicit mention of specific AI tools and Adobe Creative Suite/Figma indicates a need for technical proficiency beyond conceptual creative direction. The "agentic leadership" and "AI governance" requirements point towards a structured, process-oriented approach to creative operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase comprehensive brand system development and application across multiple touchpoints, demonstrating consistency and strategic thinking.

• Include case studies of high-volume creative production, highlighting efficiency, scalability, and successful delivery of diverse assets (e.g., digital campaigns, localized content, brand guidelines).

• Present examples of creative problem-solving, illustrating how complex challenges were addressed with innovative design solutions.

• Demonstrate experience in leading and mentoring creative teams, with examples of how you've fostered growth and improved team output.

• Highlight projects where generative AI was integrated into the creative process, detailing the workflow, challenges, and outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and implementing creative process improvements, particularly those that enhance speed, quality, or efficiency.

• Examples of establishing quality assurance protocols and creative review frameworks for design output.

• Documentation or case studies illustrating the setup and management of embedded creative studios or high-output production environments.

• Demonstrations of how AI governance and ethical considerations were integrated into creative workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role with a strong AI and operational component, the portfolio should not only showcase creative excellence but also robust process management, team leadership, and AI integration capabilities. Demonstrating a structured approach to quality control and workflow optimization is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $185,250 - $213,750 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

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

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and access to learning resources.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate project demands and client needs, especially given the remote nature and global client base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior Design Director role in a high-cost-of-living area like San Francisco, especially within a specialized agency environment focusing on advanced technology like AI. The benefits listed are standard but should be confirmed for specifics, as tailored professional development is highly relevant for this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising / Brandtech / Digital Services. OLIVER specializes in building bespoke in-house agencies for brands, a unique model within the broader marketing ecosystem. They are part of The Brandtech Group, indicating a strong focus on technology and innovation.

Company Size: OLIVER operates globally with a significant client base, suggesting a medium to large organizational structure within The Brandtech Group. The embedded studio model means the immediate team size might vary but operates as a cohesive unit.

Founded: OLIVER was established in 2004. This longevity indicates a mature business model with established processes and client relationships, now integrating cutting-edge AI.

Team Structure:

• The role leads a multi-disciplinary creative studio, likely including designers, copywriters, art directors, and potentially project managers or production specialists.

• This studio operates as an extension of a global B2B tech brand's internal team, implying close collaboration with client counterparts.

• The Design Director reports to an OLIVER Business Director, who manages the overall studio operations and client relationship.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential with client creative directors, account leads, producers, and project managers, as well as within the broader OLIVER network. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly detailed for this creative role, the company's Brandtech affiliation suggests a data-informed approach to creative strategy and performance measurement.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A core aspect of this role involves optimizing creative workflows, especially with the integration of AI for speed and efficiency.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: The emphasis on AI and high-volume delivery necessitates a strong focus on automation and implementing efficient operational practices.

Company Website: https://oliver.agency/ (Note: The provided URL was null, this is a general lookup)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and client-centric, with a strong emphasis on leveraging technology, particularly AI, to deliver creative solutions at scale. The "embedded studio" model fosters a unique collaborative dynamic between OLIVER employees and client teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or VP level within a creative function. It requires strategic thinking, team management, operational oversight, and significant influence over creative output and process.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to an OLIVER Business Director, who manages the overall client relationship and studio business operations. They will, in turn, lead a team of creatives. This structure involves reporting upwards to OLIVER management and laterally/downwards to the client's brand team.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is critical to the success of the embedded studio. By ensuring creative quality, driving efficiency through AI, and fostering strong client relationships, they directly influence the client's brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and the operational success of the studio. Their work supports the client's ability to reach a significant portion of the Fortune 500.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in operationalizing creative processes, AI integration strategy, and high-volume production management within a unique embedded agency model.

• Leadership Development: Expand leadership capabilities by managing a diverse creative team, influencing client strategy, and contributing to OLIVER's broader innovation initiatives.

• Specialization: Become a recognized expert in AI-driven creative production and embedded studio operations within The Brandtech Group, potentially leading to opportunities with other high-profile clients or within OLIVER's central operations.

• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping the future of creative production for major brands by pioneering new AI-enhanced workflows and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for individuals looking to blend creative leadership with operational strategy, particularly in the burgeoning field of AI in creative production. The unique embedded model provides a distinct career path within the agency and brandtech space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Remote (PST) / San Francisco Bay Area," indicating a primary remote work arrangement, with potential for in-person collaboration within the San Francisco Bay Area if needed or preferred by the candidate/client. This suggests a hybrid flexibility.

Office Location(s): While remote, the PST time zone and San Francisco Bay Area mention suggest alignment with West Coast business hours and potentially local client presence. The company itself has a global presence, but this specific role is tied to a US-based client.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a highly collaborative setting, working closely with both the embedded OLIVER creative team and the client's internal brand and marketing teams. Virtual collaboration tools will be essential.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to and utilization of advanced creative software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and cutting-edge generative AI tools will be standard. Project management and communication platforms will also be key.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, critiques, workshops, and brainstorming sessions with the design team and client stakeholders will be integral to the workflow.

Work Schedule: While standard full-time hours are expected (approx. 40/week), the nature of high-volume creative delivery for a global brand may require flexibility to meet deadlines and client needs across different time zones. This role demands strong time management and prioritization skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature, combined with the PST focus, offers flexibility but requires strong self-discipline and proactive communication. The embedded nature means the "workspace" is a blend of OLIVER's operational framework and the client's internal environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by an OLIVER recruiter to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly creative leadership and AI experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the OLIVER Business Director to delve into your leadership style, operational approach, team management philosophy, and understanding of AI integration.

• Creative & Team Interview: Potential interaction with senior members of the creative team or client stakeholders to assess your creative direction capabilities, collaborative approach, and ability to set quality standards.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, likely focusing on case studies that demonstrate your experience in brand systems, scaled creative execution, team leadership, and AI integration. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership from OLIVER or the client to discuss strategic fit, long-term vision, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best exemplify your expertise in brand systems, campaign execution at scale, and team leadership. Prioritize recent work and diverse formats.

• Highlight AI Integration: Dedicate specific examples to showcase your experience with generative AI tools. Detail how you used them, the impact on quality and efficiency, and any governance frameworks you implemented.

• Showcase Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your strategic approach, the process you followed (including team involvement), and the measurable results. Emphasize your "agentic" approach to problem-solving.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your work, such as improvements in delivery time, cost savings, creative quality scores, or client satisfaction.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation to tell a compelling narrative about your journey, your leadership philosophy, and your vision for creative operations and AI integration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to managing a high-volume creative team, handling client feedback, integrating new AI tools, and maintaining brand consistency under pressure.

• Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how you foster a positive, productive, and inclusive team environment.

• Think about how you would approach setting AI quality standards and governance for an embedded studio.

• Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly, anticipating questions about your decision-making process and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both creative vision and operational capability. A strong portfolio that demonstrably blends craft with process, particularly highlighting AI integration and scalable execution, will be key. The "agentic leadership" aspect implies a need to showcase proactive problem-solving skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Generative AI Tools: Advanced proficiency with Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, and potentially other leading AI image and text generation platforms. Understanding their capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations is crucial.

• Design Software: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) and Figma for design, layout, animation, and prototyping.

• Brand Systems Management: Familiarity with tools or methodologies for managing and distributing brand guidelines and assets at scale.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how creative output is measured (e.g., campaign performance metrics, engagement rates) and how to use data to inform creative strategy would be beneficial.

• Experience with project management and workflow tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Monday.com) to manage high-volume delivery cycles. CRM & Automation:

• Primarily focused on creative production, but understanding how creative assets integrate with marketing automation platforms or CRM systems for campaign deployment would be an advantage.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards cutting-edge creative tools, particularly generative AI, and essential design software. Proficiency here is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ambitious to succeed: Drive to achieve ambitious goals, push creative boundaries, and deliver exceptional results for clients.

• Imaginative: Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging novel approaches to creative challenges and the integration of new technologies like AI.

• Inspirational: Lead by example, motivating the team to produce groundbreaking work and setting a high bar for creative excellence.

• Always learning and listening: Embrace continuous learning, staying abreast of industry trends (especially in AI), and actively seeking feedback from the team and clients.

• Results-focused: Maintain a strong focus on delivering measurable outcomes and exceeding client expectations through effective creative and operational execution.

• Actively pro-inclusive and anti-racist: Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team and in all creative output, fostering a respectful and supportive environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with both the embedded OLIVER team and the client's internal brand and marketing departments is paramount. This requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Process Review Culture: Encourage open dialogue about creative processes, workflows, and the integration of AI, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively promote the sharing of best practices, insights, and learnings, especially concerning AI tools and techniques, across the team and the wider OLIVER network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a forward-thinking, results-driven, and inclusive approach. The collaborative style will be critical for success in an embedded studio model, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to shared goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Craft with AI Velocity: Effectively integrating AI for speed and scale without compromising creative quality or brand integrity. Requires strong judgment and critical oversight.

• Managing High-Volume Delivery: Maintaining consistent quality and team morale under the pressure of high-volume asset production for a major global brand.

• Client Relationship Management: Navigating the complexities of an embedded studio model, ensuring strong partnerships with client stakeholders who may have diverse expectations and priorities.

• Evolving AI Landscape: Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in generative AI tools and methodologies, continuously adapting workflows and team capabilities.

• Team Development: Coaching and developing a diverse team of creatives, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed for both traditional craft and AI-assisted production.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Specialization: Become a thought leader in AI-driven creative production, potentially contributing to OLIVER's AI strategy and best practices.

• Advanced Leadership: Gain experience leading large-scale creative operations for a significant global brand, enhancing strategic and operational leadership skills.

• Industry Exposure: Deepen understanding of B2B tech marketing and the specific needs of global platform companies.

• Process Innovation: Opportunity to pioneer and refine new creative workflows that leverage technology for unprecedented efficiency and creativity.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within OLIVER and The Brandtech Group, as well as opportunities to mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents exciting challenges at the forefront of creative technology and operations. The opportunities for growth are significant for those who can master AI integration and lead teams effectively in a dynamic, client-embedded environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a creative team in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. How do you ensure both quality and speed?"

• "How would you integrate generative AI tools into an established creative workflow? What are the key considerations for quality control and governance?"

• "Walk me through a complex creative challenge you faced and how you applied an 'agentic' approach to solve it. What was the outcome?"

• "How do you balance maintaining strict brand consistency with the need for rapid creative execution across multiple regions and formats?"

• "Describe your experience building and nurturing collaborative relationships with senior client stakeholders. What strategies do you employ?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about OLIVER's unique embedded studio model and The Brandtech Group's focus on AI?"

• "How do you embody the OLIVER values (Ambitious, Imaginative, Inspirational, Always Learning, Results-Focused, Pro-Inclusive/Anti-Racist) in your daily work and leadership?"

• "How would you foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture within an embedded studio environment?"

• "What are your expectations regarding work-life balance and flexibility in a remote role, especially when working with global clients?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a concise overview of your leadership philosophy and approach to creative operations. Then, select 3-4 key case studies that best represent your experience in brand systems, scaled execution, team leadership, and AI integration.

• AI Focus: For projects involving AI, clearly articulate the tools used, the process, the challenges overcome (e.g., prompt engineering, output curation), and the tangible benefits (e.g., speed, cost savings, novel creative outcomes).

• Metrics: Quantify your impact whenever possible. Use data to illustrate efficiency gains, quality improvements, or successful campaign results.

• Process & Collaboration: Detail your role in defining and refining creative processes. Highlight how you collaborate with teams and stakeholders, and how you manage feedback and critiques.

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually engaging and professional, reflecting your design sensibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, strong operational process, leadership acumen, and a forward-thinking approach to AI. Your portfolio presentation is your primary tool to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to prominently feature your experience in brand systems, scaled creative production, team leadership, and specifically, your hands-on experience with generative AI tools like Midjourney and Adobe Firefly. Prepare case studies that highlight process optimization and AI integration.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, leadership roles, expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any experience with embedded studio models or high-volume creative delivery. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your "agentic leadership" style, your approach to creative quality assurance, and your strategy for integrating AI into creative workflows. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to balance craft with operational rigor.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with OLIVER's unique business model, The Brandtech Group's mission, and the specific client's industry (B2B tech). Understand how your role contributes to their overall success and marketing ecosystem.

⚠️ 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.