Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: Procter & Gamble - China

Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative Direction / Design Operations

Date Posted: September 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and elevate the creative vision and direction for a prominent brand within Procter & Gamble's China operations, focusing on retail, e-commerce, and gifting initiatives.

• Oversee the conceptualization and production of all creative assets, ensuring brand consistency and high-quality execution across various consumer touchpoints.

• Foster strong cross-functional relationships with internal teams and manage external creative partnerships to ensure seamless project delivery from concept to completion.

• Drive brand look and feel through the development of thoughtful creative briefs that clearly articulate project requirements and uphold rigorous brand quality standards.

• Act as a curious thought leader, exploring innovative design concepts and solutions to meet evolving market demands and consumer expectations in the dynamic Chinese market.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Director, indicating a senior leadership position within the creative function. Given the context of Procter & Gamble, a global consumer goods giant, this role likely involves significant responsibility for brand strategy execution through design, with a strong emphasis on operations and project management to ensure timely and impactful delivery across multiple channels. The "Operations" aspect is inferred from the need to manage production, cross-functional teams, and external partners, which are core operational functions within a large organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with Principal Design Managers and team members to develop and execute the overarching creative vision for the brand, ensuring alignment with Procter & Gamble's global brand strategies and China market specific objectives.

• Direct the concepting and production of creative outputs for retail environments, including store design and visual merchandising, as well as for e-commerce platforms and gifting initiatives.

• Collaborate daily with the internal Creative team on all creative collateral, ensuring brand integrity and aesthetic coherence.

• Manage and cultivate relationships with any future external creative agencies or partners, ensuring they meet brand standards and project deadlines.

• Develop clear and concise creative briefs that effectively communicate project requirements, objectives, and desired outcomes to internal teams and external partners, driving toward high brand quality standards.

• Cultivate and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with marketing, product development, sales, and other relevant departments to enable the smooth and timely execution of all creative projects.

• Ensure the consistent application of brand look and feel across all creative touchpoints, from initial concept to final production.

• Actively participate in problem-solving sessions to address creative challenges and ensure optimal project outcomes.

• Oversee and manage multiple concurrent creative projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

• Maintain a high bar for quality, rigor, and integrity in personal work and in the work produced by the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative leadership and tactical project execution. For operations professionals, understanding how to translate creative vision into actionable production plans, manage vendor relationships, and ensure cross-functional alignment is crucial. The emphasis on "timely execution" and "managing multiple concurrent projects" points to a need for robust project management and operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field. A Master's degree or equivalent advanced study is a plus.

Experience:

• 8-10 years of progressive experience in design, with a deep understanding of branding principles and their application in consumer goods.

• A minimum of 2 years of experience specifically leading and managing a design team or function, demonstrating strong leadership and people management capabilities.

• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple live concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment, ensuring on-time delivery and high-quality results. Required Skills:

• Creative Direction & Branding: Ability to develop and articulate a compelling creative vision, with a strong understanding of brand strategy, identity, and market positioning.

• Visual Merchandising & Store Design: Expertise in conceptualizing and executing engaging retail environments and visual merchandising strategies.

• E-commerce & Digital Design: Proficiency in designing for digital platforms, including e-commerce websites and related collateral.

• Adobe Creative Cloud Proficiency: High proficiency in essential tools such as InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is mandatory for daily tasks and creative output.

• Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a design team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Project Management: Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage complex projects from initiation to completion, ensuring efficiency and adherence to timelines.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Impeccable verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly, present concepts effectively to stakeholders, and influence decision-making.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to thrive and collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team environment, building strong working relationships with diverse departments.

• Problem-Solving & Solution Orientation: A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to identify challenges and develop innovative and practical design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Design Software: Proficiency in 3D Studio MAX or SketchUp is a significant advantage, particularly for retail design and visualization.

• Marketing Acumen: A strong understanding of marketing principles and how design contributes to broader marketing objectives.

• Agility & Adaptability: Comfort and proven ability to navigate evolving responsibilities, priorities, and project scopes in a dynamic corporate setting.

• Passion for Skincare: A genuine interest and passion for the skincare industry, which can inform creative direction and consumer empathy.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, the emphasis on "project management," "cross-functional collaboration," and "managing multiple concurrent projects" strongly suggests the need for candidates who can bring structured processes and operational discipline to the creative function. The requirement for Adobe CC tools is standard, but the mention of 3D software points to potential operational needs in physical retail space planning and visualization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on branding, creative direction, and execution across different mediums (retail, digital, print).

• Specific case studies demonstrating leadership in developing and executing creative strategies for consumer brands, ideally within the FMCG or beauty/skincare sectors.

• Examples of visual merchandising concepts and retail environment designs, illustrating spatial awareness and consumer engagement strategies.

• Demonstrations of e-commerce creative collateral and digital campaign assets, highlighting an understanding of online consumer behavior and conversion drivers.

• Evidence of managing creative projects from concept through to final production, including problem-solving and stakeholder management. Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate the candidate's process for developing creative briefs, managing design workflows, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

• Include examples of how you have translated strategic objectives into tangible creative outputs and how you have measured the success of your design initiatives.

• Showcase your approach to fostering a high-quality creative output and maintaining brand integrity throughout the project lifecycle.

• Highlight your experience in managing external creative partnerships, including briefing, feedback, and quality assurance processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio is critical. Operations professionals will look for evidence of structured creative processes, efficient project management within design, and the ability to articulate ROI through design. The emphasis on "concept to completion" and "managing multiple concurrent projects" implies that the portfolio should showcase not just aesthetic output but also the operational rigor behind it.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Design Director role with 8-10 years of experience in Guangzhou, China, with a major multinational corporation like Procter & Gamble, the estimated annual salary range is ¥450,000 - ¥700,000 CNY. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior creative leadership positions in Tier 1 Chinese cities, considering the company's prestige, the role's scope, and the required experience level.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a company-sponsored pension or provident fund.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, public holidays, and sick leave allowances.

• Performance Bonuses: Annual performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company achievements.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): Opportunity to purchase company stock at a discounted rate.

• Professional Development: Access to training programs, workshops, conferences, and opportunities for further education to enhance design and leadership skills.

• Relocation Assistance: If applicable, support for relocation to Guangzhou.

• Employee Discounts: Discounts on Procter & Gamble products.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexibility often provided to accommodate project deadlines and team needs. The role is on-site in Guangzhou.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for senior design leadership roles in Guangzhou, China. Procter & Gamble is a top-tier employer, so compensation would likely be competitive. The benefits package is typical for large multinational corporations, offering a robust safety net and opportunities for financial growth and personal development, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking long-term career stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Goods (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods - FMCG), specifically focusing on beauty, skincare, and personal care products. Procter & Gamble is a global leader with a significant presence in the Chinese market, known for its strong brand portfolio and commitment to innovation and consumer understanding.

Company Size: Procter & Gamble is a very large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally, and a substantial workforce in China. This scale implies well-established processes, extensive resources, and a structured corporate environment.

Founded: Procter & Gamble was founded in 1837. The company has a long history of innovation and market leadership, bringing a wealth of experience and established best practices to its operations.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will likely lead a team of designers, potentially including graphic designers, visual merchandisers, and retail designers, based in Guangzhou.

• This team will operate within a larger marketing or brand management structure, reporting up to senior leadership within Procter & Gamble China.

• Close collaboration is expected with Brand Managers, Marketing Directors, Product Development teams, E-commerce specialists, and potentially external agencies. The structure emphasizes a matrixed approach common in large organizations, requiring strong stakeholder management. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Procter & Gamble emphasizes consumer insights and data analysis to inform all aspects of its business, including design and marketing strategies.

• Process Optimization: The company operates with a focus on efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement in its operational processes, including creative production and project management.

• Brand Stewardship: A core methodology revolves around rigorous brand management, ensuring consistency, quality, and impactful communication across all touchpoints.

Company Website: https://careers.pg.com.cn/cn/en

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, working within a large, established company like P&G means navigating established hierarchies and processes. Understanding how design operations integrate with broader business functions, such as supply chain, marketing, and product development, is key. The emphasis on data and process optimization suggests a culture that values efficiency and measurable results, which aligns well with operations roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior leadership level, akin to an "Associate Director" or "Director" in many organizations, specifically within the creative and design function. It requires a blend of strategic vision, creative expertise, and strong operational management skills to oversee significant brand initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a senior leader within the China marketing or brand organization, such as a Marketing Director, Brand Director, or a VP of Creative/Design. They will manage a team of designers and collaborate extensively with peers and stakeholders across various departments.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's role has a direct impact on brand perception, consumer engagement, and ultimately, sales performance. Effective creative direction and execution in retail, e-commerce, and gifting directly influence customer acquisition, conversion rates, and brand loyalty. Strong operational management of creative projects ensures that marketing campaigns and product launches are executed efficiently and effectively, contributing to overall business objectives and revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into broader leadership roles within Procter & Gamble's global or regional creative and marketing functions, overseeing larger teams or multiple brands.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of brand design and consumer engagement for major brands within the P&G portfolio in China.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Possibility to transition into related areas such as brand management, marketing strategy, or consumer insights, leveraging a deep understanding of brand execution.

• Global Exposure: Potential for international assignments or collaborations within P&G's global network, offering exposure to diverse markets and strategies.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities through P&G's extensive training programs, focusing on leadership, strategic thinking, and emerging design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding the career trajectory of a senior creative leader highlights the importance of operational excellence in driving business results. The growth opportunities suggest that proficiency in project management, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic execution are highly valued and can lead to broader responsibilities within a large organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Procter & Gamble typically provides modern, well-equipped office spaces designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is in Guangzhou, a major commercial hub in Southern China. This location offers access to a vibrant business environment and a large talent pool. Specific office details would be provided upon offer.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction and teamwork, with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces.

• Tools and Technology: Employees have access to the latest design software, hardware, and communication tools necessary for creative work and project management. This includes high-performance workstations and access to P&G's internal digital infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with design teams, marketing counterparts, and other cross-functional partners are integral to the daily work.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, aligning with standard business hours. However, given the nature of creative projects and global operations, there may be occasional requirements for flexibility to meet critical deadlines or accommodate different time zones for international collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Guangzhou is significant for operations candidates. It implies a need for local understanding, ability to navigate Chinese business culture, and comfort with a structured, office-based work environment. The emphasis on collaboration and access to tools points to an environment that supports efficient project execution and creative output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, CV, and portfolio to assess qualifications and fit for the Design Director role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior marketing or brand leader) to delve into your creative vision, leadership experience, and understanding of the P&G brand landscape.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with key team members and cross-functional partners (e.g., marketing, product development) to evaluate collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Creative/Case Study Presentation: A potential assignment or request to present a case study from your portfolio, or to work on a small hypothetical challenge, demonstrating your strategic thinking, design process, and presentation skills.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership in creative direction, brand building, and execution across retail, e-commerce, and gifting. Prioritize impact and measurable results.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the creative process, the solutions developed, and the outcomes achieved. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, successful brand launches).

• Demonstrate Process: Show your ability to develop creative briefs, manage workflows, and collaborate effectively. Highlight how you ensure quality and consistency.

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you have led teams, mentored designers, and managed external partners.

• Tailor to P&G: Research P&G's brands and their presence in China. If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to show an understanding of their market and consumer.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Brand Strategy: Be prepared to discuss how design supports broader marketing and business objectives.

• Think Operationally: For any case study or challenge, consider the operational aspects: how would you resource it, manage timelines, collaborate with teams, and measure success?

• Articulate Vision: Be ready to discuss your philosophy on design leadership, brand building, and driving creative excellence in a large corporate setting.

• Focus on China Market: If possible, demonstrate an understanding of the Chinese consumer and market nuances relevant to P&G's categories.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a blend of creative evaluation and operational assessment. For operations candidates, demonstrating structured thinking, project management capabilities, and the ability to translate creative vision into executable plans will be key, alongside showcasing strong leadership and communication skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for daily design tasks, collateral creation, and brand asset development.

• 3D Design Software (Bonus): Familiarity with 3D Studio MAX or SketchUp is highly desirable for retail design conceptualization, store layout visualization, and visual merchandising mock-ups.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating compelling visual presentations for briefs, concepts, and project reviews.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for this role, an understanding of how design impacts metrics tracked by marketing analytics tools (e.g., website traffic, conversion rates, engagement metrics) is beneficial. Familiarity with reporting dashboards that visualize campaign performance would be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an understanding of how design assets are managed and distributed within a CRM or digital asset management (DAM) system could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack clearly points to the need for strong graphic design capabilities. For operations professionals looking at this role, understanding how these creative tools integrate with broader project management and asset management systems within P&G is key. The "bonus" mention of 3D software indicates an operational need for visualization and planning in physical retail spaces.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Consumer-Centricity: A fundamental value at P&G, driving all decisions from product development to brand communication. Design must resonate deeply with consumer needs and aspirations.

• Innovation & Agility: A drive to explore new approaches and innovative solutions in design concepts and execution, coupled with the ability to adapt quickly to changing market dynamics and evolving responsibilities.

• Excellence & Integrity: Maintaining a high bar for quality, rigor, and integrity in all work, both individually and within the team. This translates to meticulous attention to detail and ethical conduct.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong cross-functional relationships and thriving in a team environment, valuing diverse perspectives and shared success.

• Brand Stewardship: Deep commitment to protecting and enhancing the equity and reputation of P&G's brands through consistent and impactful design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with marketing, product development, sales, and e-commerce teams to ensure design initiatives are strategically aligned and operationally feasible.

• Constructive Feedback: An open culture for sharing and receiving feedback on creative work, fostering continuous improvement and ensuring the highest quality output.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, industry trends, and learnings across the design team and with partner departments to elevate collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding these values is crucial for cultural fit. The emphasis on "consumer-centricity," "innovation & agility," and "collaboration" suggests an environment where creative thinking is encouraged, but must be grounded in practical execution and alignment with business objectives. The "high bar for quality" aligns with operational demands for precision and reliability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Objectives: Ensuring that innovative design concepts are commercially viable, aligned with brand strategy, and meet P&G's rigorous quality and integrity standards.

• Managing Global Brand Consistency in a Local Market: Adapting global brand guidelines to resonate with the Chinese consumer while maintaining brand integrity and a cohesive brand identity across all touchpoints.

• Navigating a Large Corporate Structure: Effectively managing stakeholder relationships, securing buy-in, and driving projects forward within a complex organizational matrix.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Consumer Trends: Continuously identifying and integrating new design trends, technologies, and consumer preferences, particularly in fast-moving categories like skincare and e-commerce.

• Leading and Inspiring a Creative Team: Motivating and developing a diverse team of designers, fostering creativity while ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Brand Strategy Training: Access to P&G's extensive internal and external training programs to stay at the forefront of design innovation and brand management.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional management skills through dedicated programs.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in relevant design conferences, workshops, and industry events to gain insights and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within P&G or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership growth.

• Cross-Functional Projects: Involvement in projects that offer exposure to different business functions, broadening understanding of the overall P&G operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities highlight the dynamic nature of the role. For operations professionals, understanding these challenges provides insight into where operational improvements can be made, and how continuous learning in design and leadership can contribute to career advancement within a large FMCG company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed and executed a creative vision that significantly impacted brand perception or sales performance. What was your process, and what were the key results?" (Focus on linking creative strategy to business outcomes and operational execution).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple channels (retail, e-commerce, gifting) while also adapting to local market nuances in China?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand stewardship and market localization).

• "Walk us through your process for developing a creative brief. How do you ensure it clearly articulates project needs and drives high-quality outcomes?" (Highlight your structured approach to project initiation and requirements gathering).

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage multiple high-priority creative projects simultaneously. How did you prioritize, manage resources, and ensure timely delivery?" (Showcase your project management and operational efficiency skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Procter & Gamble and its brands in the Chinese market?" (Research P&G's current brand portfolio, recent campaigns, and market position in China).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within a design team, and how do you manage cross-functional relationships effectively?" (Emphasize your leadership and interpersonal skills).

• "What is your philosophy on design leadership and how do you maintain a high bar for quality and integrity in your team's work?" (Discuss your approach to team management and quality control). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each key project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the creative solution, the operational execution (how it was brought to life), and the measurable impact.

• Highlight Leadership & Process: Don't just show the final designs; explain your role in leading the project, managing the team/partners, and the steps taken to ensure successful execution.

• Quantify Results: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the effectiveness of your design work (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, brand recall, sales lift).

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, strategic rationale, and how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to P&G's business.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role requires demonstrating not only creative talent but also strong operational acumen. Candidates should be ready to discuss how they manage processes, lead teams, and drive business results through design. The emphasis on "operational execution" and "project management" in the recommended questions is key for operations professionals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Procter & Gamble China careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your CV and portfolio are tailored to highlight experience in brand direction, retail/e-commerce design, team leadership, and project management. Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your strategic thinking, creative execution, and operational management of design initiatives.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 8-10 years of design experience, specifically mentioning your 2+ years in a leadership capacity. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "creative vision," "visual merchandising," "Adobe CC," "project management," "cross-functional collaboration") and quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on the strategic rationale, creative process, operational execution, and measurable impact. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Procter & Gamble's brand portfolio, their presence and strategy in the Chinese market, and their company values. Understand how design contributes to their overall business objectives and consumer engagement strategies.

⚠️ 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.