Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: OLIVER Agency - North America

Location: Houston, Texas (with Remote option for PST timezones)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative Direction / Operations Management

Date Posted: September 01, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and direct a multi-disciplinary creative studio team to deliver high-volume, high-quality creative assets for a global B2B tech brand.

• Integrate and govern generative AI tools within creative workflows, ensuring quality, efficiency, and adherence to brand standards.

• Act as the final quality assurance gatekeeper for all creative output, ensuring brand consistency across various channels and regions.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture while managing studio operations and client relationships in partnership with the Business Director.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary location is Houston, Texas, the description explicitly mentions "San Francisco Bay Area or Remote (PST)" for this specific role. This suggests a potential for remote work for candidates within the Pacific Standard Timezone, despite Houston being listed as the main location. This role blends creative leadership with operational rigor, emphasizing AI integration and high-volume delivery, which is a key differentiator for operations-minded candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Creative Direction and Quality Assurance: Direct and mentor a creative team, conduct internal critiques, and uphold high standards for all creative executions.

• Hands-on Contribution: Actively participate in concepting and design, contributing directly to the team's output and elevating work at all production stages.

• Brand Consistency: Ensure all studio-produced assets are meticulously aligned with the client's brand guidelines, voice, and overarching creative vision, from flagship campaigns to localized content.

• Team Leadership & Development: Coach and develop team members' creative skills and output through regular feedback, structured knowledge-sharing, and fostering an inclusive environment.

• Process Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities to enhance creative processes, introduce smarter workflows, and drive operational efficiency.

• Client Partnership: Collaborate with the OLIVER Business Director on studio operations, timelines, and client experience management, maintaining strong relationships with client stakeholders.

• AI Integration & Innovation: Lead the adoption and governance of generative AI tools within creative workflows, establishing quality standards and promoting best practices across the team and the wider OLIVER network.

• Agentic Problem Solving: Apply a systematic, goal-oriented approach to complex creative and operational challenges, identifying efficient, high-quality solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a hybrid role that requires both strong creative leadership and robust operational management. Key areas of focus for operations professionals would be "Studio Operations," "AI Integration & Innovation," and "Agentic Problem Solving," indicating a need for strategic thinking, process optimization, and efficient execution in a high-volume environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for a Design Director role.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in creative roles, with a significant portion dedicated to leading creative teams and managing high-volume delivery in fast-paced environments (agency, in-house, or embedded studio).

Required Skills:

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

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

• Deep expertise in brand identity and creative systems, with a track record of maintaining quality and consistency across diverse markets, channels, and formats.

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

• Collaborative and stakeholder-savvy approach, with the 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 such as Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, or equivalents, and experience building AI-assisted workflows.

• Expert proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.

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

• Experience in the B2B tech industry or working with global platform companies.

• Familiarity with other project management or workflow tools that support high-volume creative delivery.

• Demonstrated ability to drive AI adoption and share best practices effectively.

• Strong understanding of AI capabilities and limitations, with a focus on rigorous human oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements heavily emphasize practical, hands-on skills and proven experience in demanding environments. For operations professionals, the "Agentic leadership" and "AI Integration" skills are critical, indicating a need for structured problem-solving and forward-thinking adoption of new technologies. The explicit mention of specific AI tools and design software underscores the technical proficiency expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate expertise in brand system development and consistent application across various media.

• Showcase successful campaign execution, highlighting creative strategy and multi-format asset creation at scale.

• Include examples of leading and developing creative teams, illustrating leadership style and team growth.

• Present case studies detailing how creative processes were optimized for efficiency and quality, particularly in high-volume scenarios.

• Highlight experience with AI integration in creative workflows, demonstrating practical application and quality control. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how creative quality standards and processes were established and maintained.

• Illustrate workflow design and optimization strategies for high-volume creative delivery.

• Showcase experience in implementing and managing AI-assisted creative workflows.

• Demonstrate methods for measuring and reporting on creative output quality and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount. For this role, it must go beyond showcasing aesthetic quality to demonstrating operational prowess. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process for managing creative output at scale, their approach to team development, and their strategic integration of AI, including any governance or quality control measures they've implemented.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement within OLIVER and The Brandtech Group.

• Remote Work Flexibility: Option to work remotely for candidates within the PST timezone.

• AI Integration Focus: Exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies and their application in creative and operational processes.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support services for well-being.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet client demands and project deadlines, especially in a high-volume delivery environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Design Director role with significant leadership and operational responsibilities, especially in a tech-focused environment. The remote option for PST timezones is a significant benefit. The emphasis on AI integration and continuous learning aligns with benefits that appeal to professionals seeking growth and cutting-edge experience. The salary estimation is based on the provided explicit range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising Services, specifically focusing on building bespoke in-house agencies and marketing ecosystems for brands, with a strong emphasis on AI integration.

Company Size: OLIVER is part of The Brandtech Group, which partners with over 300 clients in 40+ countries. This suggests a global network with significant reach and resources. The specific studio for this role is described as an "embedded, AI-native creative studio."

Founded: OLIVER was established in 2004.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within an "embedded, AI-native creative studio" that functions as a seamless extension of a global B2B tech brand's internal team.

• The Design Director leads a "multi-disciplinary creative team" and collaborates closely with an OLIVER Business Director.

• This structure implies a matrixed environment, with direct reporting lines within the embedded studio and strong cross-functional collaboration with both the client's global brand team and OLIVER's broader network. Methodology:

• AI-Native Operations: The studio leverages cutting-edge AI technology to enhance efficiency, creativity, and decision-making.

• Craft and Velocity: A core methodology combining high creative standards ("craft") with rapid delivery and efficiency ("AI velocity").

• Embedded Model: Operating as an integrated part of the client's organization to ensure seamless execution and brand alignment.

• Systematic Problem Solving: An "agentic approach" to tackling complex creative and operational challenges.

Company Website: [OLIVER Agency Website URL would typically be here, but is not provided in the input. Assuming it's oliver.agency based on domain_derived].

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by innovation, a hybrid approach combining creative excellence with operational rigor, and a strong focus on leveraging AI. For operations professionals, understanding the "embedded studio" model and the "craft + AI velocity" methodology is key to grasping the operational dynamics and client-centric approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position, often considered a Director-level or equivalent, overseeing a critical creative function with significant operational impact. It sits at the intersection of creative excellence and strategic operational management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director leads a multi-disciplinary creative team and partners with the OLIVER Business Director. They will likely report to a higher-level executive within OLIVER or The Brandtech Group, possibly a Chief Creative Officer or Head of Operations, while maintaining a close working relationship with client-side creative leadership.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's role directly impacts the client's brand perception and market reach through the quality and efficiency of creative output. By optimizing studio operations and integrating AI, they contribute to significant cost savings, faster time-to-market, and enhanced campaign effectiveness, driving tangible business results for the client.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead larger or multiple embedded studios, or to move into broader regional or global creative leadership roles within OLIVER/The Brandtech Group.

• AI Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven creative operations, potentially becoming a thought leader or driving AI strategy across the organization.

• Strategic Operations Development: Contribute to the strategic development of OLIVER's in-house agency model, focusing on operational efficiency, technology integration, and client service innovation.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Opportunity to gain deeper insights into client business strategy, account management, or other operational facets of the Brandtech Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of creative leadership and operational responsibility, providing a clear pathway for growth into broader strategic leadership roles within the agency network. The emphasis on AI and operational efficiency positions candidates for future-oriented career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "San Francisco Bay Area or Remote (PST)". This suggests a hybrid model where local candidates might work from an office in the Bay Area, while others can work remotely from PST-compatible locations. The studio itself is "embedded" within the client's operations.

Office Location(s): Primary listed location is Houston, Texas, but the role is specifically open to the San Francisco Bay Area or Remote (PST). This implies flexibility and a focus on time zone alignment rather than a fixed office location for all.

Workspace Context:

• Embedded Integration: The workspace is essentially an extension of the client's global brand team, requiring close collaboration and alignment.

• AI-Enhanced Tools: Access to and utilization of advanced generative AI tools and the full Adobe Creative Suite/Figma.

• Collaborative Hub: The role fosters a collaborative environment, requiring strong communication and partnership with both internal OLIVER teams and client stakeholders.

• High-Volume Delivery: The environment is geared towards rapid, high-volume creative output, demanding agility and efficient workflow management.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the nature of client-facing, high-volume creative delivery, especially in an embedded studio model, often requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "embedded studio" concept is crucial. Operations professionals should anticipate working very closely with the client's team, potentially on-site if not fully remote. The flexibility for PST remote work is a significant factor. The environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and technologically driven.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, creative output, and leadership capabilities.

• Creative & Operational Assessment: Interviews focusing on leadership style, team management, strategic thinking regarding AI integration, and problem-solving abilities. This may include scenario-based questions related to managing creative quality and studio operations.

• Portfolio Presentation: A formal presentation of the candidate's portfolio, emphasizing case studies that demonstrate their ability to lead creative teams, implement efficient processes, and integrate AI effectively at scale.

• Client/Stakeholder Simulation: Potentially a discussion or simulated interaction with client stakeholders to assess partnership and communication skills.

• Final Round: Interviews with senior leadership to evaluate cultural fit, strategic vision, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Scale and Quality: Include projects that demonstrate your ability to manage high-volume creative output while maintaining exceptional quality and brand consistency.

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly present examples of how you've used generative AI in creative workflows, detailing the process, tools used, and the impact on efficiency and output. Include any governance or quality control measures you implemented.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Use case studies to illustrate your approach to team leadership, coaching, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the results of your work, such as improvements in delivery speed, cost savings, or campaign effectiveness driven by your leadership and process optimizations.

• Articulate Process: Be prepared to walk through your creative process, your methods for quality assurance, and your strategies for managing complex projects and stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach integrating new AI tools into an existing creative workflow with minimal disruption.

• Prepare to outline your strategy for maintaining brand integrity and creative excellence while working at high velocity.

• Consider how you would manage conflicting priorities and stakeholder demands in a fast-paced, client-embedded environment.

• Think about how you would foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, particularly around rapidly evolving AI technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should prepare to showcase not just creative vision but also strategic thinking about process, efficiency, and technology adoption. The portfolio review will be critical for demonstrating practical application of AI and operational rigor in a creative context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Generative AI Platforms: Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, or equivalent tools for AI-assisted content creation.

• Design Software: Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, etc.) and Figma for design, layout, and collaboration.

• Project Management & Workflow: While not explicitly listed, tools like Asana, Monday.com, Jira, or similar will likely be used to manage high-volume delivery cycles and team workloads.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for team communication and collaboration (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Tracking: Metrics related to creative output volume, turnaround times, client satisfaction, and potentially campaign performance (though the Design Director's direct involvement here might be limited).

• AI Adoption Metrics: Potentially tracking the usage and impact of AI tools on team productivity and output quality.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Relationship Management: Understanding of how creative delivery integrates with client management processes.

• Workflow Automation: Experience in identifying and implementing automation opportunities within creative processes to enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with generative AI tools and design software is a hard requirement. Operations professionals should also be prepared to discuss their experience with project management and workflow automation tools that are critical for managing high-volume creative delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ambitious to succeed: Drive to achieve ambitious goals and exceed expectations in a competitive environment.

• Imaginative: Pushing creative and operational boundaries to find innovative solutions.

• Inspirational: Leading by example and motivating teams to produce groundbreaking work.

• Always learning and listening: Commitment to continuous improvement, adapting to new technologies (especially AI), and understanding client needs.

• Results-focused: Emphasis on delivering measurable outcomes and exceeding client expectations through efficient operations and high-quality creative.

• Actively pro-inclusive and anti-racist: Fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all team members and in all creative output.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with the client's internal global brand team and OLIVER's Business Director.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive critique and feedback loops to continuously improve creative output and operational efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active sharing of best practices, particularly concerning AI integration and efficient workflow methodologies.

• Partnership Focus: Building strong, trust-based relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a forward-thinking, results-driven, and inclusive culture. For operations professionals, the "Ambitious," "Imaginative," "Always learning," and "Results-focused" values directly align with the demands of a dynamic, AI-integrated creative studio environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Craft with AI Velocity: Effectively integrating AI tools to increase speed and volume without compromising creative quality or brand integrity.

• Managing High-Volume Delivery: Sustaining high output levels consistently for a demanding global client, requiring robust operational planning and execution.

• AI Governance and Quality Control: Establishing and enforcing standards for AI-generated content, ensuring it meets brand guidelines and ethical considerations.

• Team Development in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape: Continuously upskilling the creative team to adapt to new AI technologies and evolving creative demands.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating the complexities of a highly integrated client-agency relationship, managing expectations and ensuring alignment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Specialization: Become an expert in leveraging generative AI for creative and operational efficiency, potentially leading to specialized roles or certifications.

• Strategic Operations Leadership: Develop skills in managing complex operational frameworks within an embedded agency model.

• Client Partnership Development: Enhance abilities in strategic client collaboration and account growth within a global context.

• Industry Trends: Stay at the forefront of advancements in creative technology, AI, and marketing innovation through access to industry insights and potentially conferences.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior team members and potentially be mentored by senior leaders within The Brandtech Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the innovative integration of AI into a demanding creative production environment. Growth opportunities are strong for those who can master this balance and contribute to the strategic evolution of the agency's operational model.

💡 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?" (Focus on operational processes, team motivation, and quality control.)

• "How would you integrate generative AI tools like Midjourney or Adobe Firefly into a creative workflow to enhance efficiency while maintaining brand integrity? What governance would you put in place?" (Prepare to discuss AI strategy, workflow design, and quality assurance for AI outputs.)

• "Walk us through a complex creative or operational challenge you faced. How did you apply an 'agentic' or systematic approach to solve it, and what were the results?" (Highlight problem-solving methodology, decision-making, and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about OLIVER's model of building in-house agencies, especially with the integration of AI?" (Show understanding of the company's unique value proposition.)

• "How do you foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture, particularly within an embedded studio model?" (Relate to company values and team dynamics.)

• "How do you measure the success and impact of a creative studio's operations, beyond just creative output?" (Focus on operational metrics, efficiency, and client satisfaction.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear story for each project, focusing on the challenge, your strategic approach (especially operational and AI aspects), your execution, and quantifiable results.

• Highlight AI Case Studies: Dedicate specific time to showcase projects where you've successfully integrated AI. Detail the tools, process, challenges encountered, and the outcomes achieved.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Use examples to illustrate how you've developed talent, managed teams, and driven process improvements.

• Focus on Operational Rigor: Be prepared to discuss the operational aspects of your work – project management, workflow optimization, stakeholder communication, and quality assurance systems.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Keep your presentation focused and within the allotted time, ensuring key takeaways are clear and impactful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily lean into showcasing operational strategy, AI integration expertise, and leadership in managing complex creative production. Be ready to articulate processes and demonstrate quantitative results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Curate Your Portfolio for Operations: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of high-volume creative delivery, successful AI integration with demonstrable results, and any process optimization initiatives you've led. Quantify impact wherever possible.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and responsibilities related to creative direction, team leadership, studio operations, AI governance, workflow optimization, and stakeholder management. Quantify achievements with metrics.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on articulating your strategic approach to creative operations, AI integration, and team leadership. Practice delivering concise, impactful stories.

• Research OLIVER & The Brandtech Group: Understand their unique embedded agency model, their commitment to AI, and their company values. Prepare to articulate how your operational and creative leadership style aligns with their mission.

⚠️ 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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