Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: The Turn Lab (TTL)

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time - Contract

Category: Creative / Design Leadership

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead senior creative direction for large-scale brand projects, acting as the primary client-facing creative lead.

• Oversee and mentor a team of four designers, guiding them from concept through to final delivery.

• Drive strategic vision and hands-on craft across diverse deliverables including brand redesigns, collateral systems, print brochures, and digital media assets.

• Establish and maintain high visual standards, brand guidelines, and design systems for multiple clients.

• Collaborate closely with internal teams (copywriters, strategists, art directors) and external clients to ensure cohesive and impactful creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract position for 4-6 months, requiring a senior-level designer with significant agency and client-facing experience. The hybrid model in Toronto necessitates a strong ability to manage remote and in-office collaboration effectively for a design team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary creative point of contact for multiple large-scale brand clients, managing relationships and expectations throughout the contract duration.

• Lead client presentations, creative reviews, and collaborative working sessions with confidence and strategic clarity.

• Translate client briefs and business objectives into sharp, actionable creative direction that aligns with strategic goals.

• Spearhead brand identity and redesign projects from initial discovery and concepting phases through to final brand system delivery.

• Establish, uphold, and document visual standards, comprehensive brand guidelines, and scalable design systems across all client engagements.

• Drive consistent, high-quality creative output across a diverse range of formats, ensuring precision and intention in every touchpoint.

• Oversee the daily work of a team of four designers, providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and proactive support.

• Assign and prioritize design tasks efficiently to ensure timely project delivery and adherence to briefs.

• Foster a culture of exceptional craft, accountability, and continuous improvement within the design team.

• Review and approve all design work before client or internal stakeholder submission, ensuring it meets the highest standards.

• Contribute to and oversee the production of brand collateral, logo design, printed materials, and digital media assets.

• Develop and implement scalable templates and design systems to facilitate efficient and consistent creative execution.

• Actively participate in hands-on design execution when necessary, demonstrating both leadership and technical proficiency.

• Collaborate closely with copywriters, strategists, art directors, and production teams to ensure holistic project success.

• Partner with the Creative Director to ensure overall visual direction is cohesive, impactful, and aligned with TTL's standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for a leader who can balance client management, team leadership, and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on brand redesigns and design systems suggests a focus on foundational brand work and its scalable application.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio and extensive experience in design leadership are prioritized, often implying a background in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field.

Experience: 10+ years of professional design experience, with a significant portion dedicated to agency environments or client-facing roles. Proven success in leading end-to-end brand identity and redesign projects is essential. Experience managing small creative teams and serving as a primary client lead is required.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for sophisticated design execution.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma for design, layout, prototyping, and collaborative workflows.

• Demonstrated expertise in building and documenting comprehensive brand guidelines and robust design systems.

• Proven ability to develop and deliver compelling client-ready presentation decks that articulate creative vision.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience overseeing and mentoring design teams.

• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills, with a proven ability to lead presentations and client reviews.

• Deep understanding of brand strategy and identity development, with a track record of successful brand redesigns.

• Proficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work efficiently and effectively across both print and digital design formats.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with UX/UI design principles and application.

• Experience in experiential design conceptualization and execution.

• Familiarity with motion graphics or video direction.

• Background working with a diverse portfolio of clients across multiple sectors concurrently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both Adobe Creative Suite and Figma indicates a need for a designer who can leverage established tools for high-fidelity output while embracing modern collaborative platforms for design systems and team workflows. The "Nice to Have" skills suggest a company that values a broad creative perspective and adaptability across various design disciplines.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of professional design work.

• Demonstrated leadership in end-to-end brand identity and redesign projects, highlighting strategic thinking and execution.

• Evidence of managing small creative teams and acting as a primary client lead, with case examples of successful client interactions.

• Strong examples of brand systems development, including visual standards, logo variations, and application across various touchpoints.

• Diverse examples of print design (e.g., brochures, collateral) and digital design (e.g., web assets, social media graphics) demonstrating versatility.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies detailing the process of establishing and documenting comprehensive brand guidelines and design systems.

• Examples of how design systems were implemented to ensure consistent execution across multiple deliverables and client projects.

• Demonstrations of how client briefs and business objectives were translated into strategic creative direction and executed through defined design processes.

• Documentation of team oversight processes, including work assignment, prioritization, feedback loops, and quality assurance for design output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are critical for this role. Candidates must demonstrate not only strong design craft but also the strategic thinking, leadership, and process management capabilities necessary for a Design Director. The emphasis on brand systems and guidelines points to a need for repeatable, scalable design solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

As this is a contract role, a competitive day rate is offered, commensurate with experience. Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director with 10+ years of experience in Toronto, Canada, and considering the hybrid work model and contract duration (4-6 months), the estimated day rate would range from CAD $700 to CAD $1,000. This range accounts for the senior leadership responsibilities, client-facing duties, team management, and specialized technical skills required.

Benefits:

• Competitive contract day rate, commensurate with extensive experience and leadership responsibilities.

• Hybrid work model, offering flexibility with 3 designated in-office days per week in Toronto.

• A defined, high-impact contract engagement, providing clear project scope and objectives for a 4-6 month term.

• Potential for contract extension based on project needs and performance, offering continuity.

• Opportunity to lead meaningful and challenging brand projects for a diverse client base.

• Exposure to a collaborative, ambitious, and purpose-driven team environment that values craft, clarity, and innovation.

Working Hours:

The role is full-time, typically aligning with a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the contract nature and client-facing responsibilities, some flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs, particularly during critical project phases or client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical contract rates for senior creative leadership roles in major Canadian markets like Toronto. The benefits are primarily tied to the nature of contract work, focusing on project impact, flexibility, and the opportunity to contribute to a values-driven organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising Consultancy, with a strong emphasis on strategy, creative, media, and technology integration. TTL positions itself as a "marketing lab" and "consultancy-led problem solvers." They are a Certified B Corp and 100% carbon-neutral, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, the mention of "a team of four designers" and "multiple large-scale brand clients" suggests a medium-sized agency or consultancy with specialized departments. The "powerhouse marketing lab" description implies a dynamic and potentially growing team.

Founded: The company was founded "from the ground up," indicating an entrepreneurial spirit and a history of organic growth. This suggests a culture that values grit, innovation, and a hands-on approach.

Team Structure:

• The Design team consists of four designers, reporting to the Design Director.

• The Design Director reports to the Creative Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the Creative department.

Methodology:

• TTL employs a "consultancy-led problem-solving" approach, blending research, strategy, creative, media, and technology.

• They are "data-driven" and focus on "bold ideas and innovation."

• Their approach is tailored and strategic, aiming to tackle "unique challenges."

• They operate in a fast-paced environment, valuing "grit" and "solution-driven individuals."

Company Website: https://theturnlab.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is a significant differentiator, emphasizing innovation, problem-solving, and social responsibility (B Corp, carbon-neutral). This will likely appeal to candidates who seek purpose-driven work and a dynamic, collaborative environment. The "marketing lab" concept suggests a culture of experimentation and continuous learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level leadership position within a creative department. As a Design Director, the individual is expected to provide strategic creative vision, manage a team, and serve as a key client liaison. This is a significant step up from individual contributor roles, requiring a blend of artistic talent, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills. It is a "high-impact contract role" indicating a focus on immediate, substantial contribution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports directly to the Creative Director. This implies a clear reporting line for guidance, approval, and strategic alignment within the creative function. The Design Director, in turn, directly manages a team of four designers.

Operations Impact: While this role is in a creative capacity, its impact on "revenue operations" or "sales operations" is indirect but critical. By leading successful brand redesigns and ensuring high-quality creative output, the Design Director directly influences brand perception, client satisfaction, and the effectiveness of marketing and sales collateral. Strong brand systems and compelling visuals can significantly impact lead generation, customer acquisition, and brand loyalty, all of which are key operational outcomes. The success of client engagements directly contributes to TTL's revenue and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Direct experience managing a team of four designers and leading client engagements provides significant leadership development. This role is an excellent stepping stone for individuals looking to move into more permanent senior creative roles or departmental leadership.

• Strategic Brand Expertise: Leading a brand redesign for a key client offers deep experience in strategic brand development, a highly valuable skill set. This can lead to more opportunities in brand strategy consulting or senior brand management roles.

• Client Relationship Management: The role emphasizes client-facing responsibilities, honing skills in building trust, managing expectations, and presenting creative work, which are transferable to many senior client-service roles.

• Portfolio Expansion: Working on "large-scale brand projects" and a "diverse range of formats and deliverables" will significantly enhance the candidate's professional portfolio, opening doors to more prestigious and complex projects in the future.

• Potential for Extension/Full-Time: While a contract role, successful performance and project needs may lead to an extension or even a full-time opportunity within The Turn Lab, providing a pathway for longer-term career growth within the company's B Corp and carbon-neutral framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around developing leadership, strategic brand acumen, and client management skills, all of which are crucial for advancing in the creative and operations-adjacent fields. The contract nature presents both a challenge and an opportunity for rapid skill demonstration and potential career acceleration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Toronto and operates under a hybrid model, requiring 3 days in the office per week. This suggests a structured office environment that balances in-person collaboration with remote flexibility. The "marketing lab" concept implies a creative and potentially energetic workspace.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Specific address not provided, but M4E 1E9 is listed in the raw data). The hybrid model means candidates must be able to commute to Toronto for a portion of the work week.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest a workspace designed to facilitate teamwork. The presence of designers, copywriters, strategists, and other creative professionals points to a vibrant and interactive atmosphere.

• Operations Tools & Technology: The workspace will likely be equipped with standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and presentation tools necessary for high-level creative work. Access to meeting rooms for client presentations and team reviews will be essential.

• Team Interaction: The 3 days in the office are crucial for direct interaction with the design team, the Creative Director, and other key internal stakeholders, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and facilitating real-time feedback and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an expected 40-hour work week. While standard hours are implied, the nature of client-facing contract work in a fast-paced agency environment may necessitate some flexibility to meet project deadlines and client demands, especially during critical phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring candidates to be based in or near Toronto and comfortable with a structured blend of office and remote work. The emphasis on collaboration suggests a dynamic office setting conducive to creative problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the Design Director role. Special attention will be paid to your brand identity and redesign project experience.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you will present your portfolio, focusing on key brand redesigns and design system projects. Be prepared to discuss your strategic approach, creative process, team management, and client leadership experience. This is where you'll demonstrate your ability to articulate vision and lead.

• Team/Creative Director Interview: An interview with the Creative Director to assess your creative philosophy, leadership style, and cultural fit within The Turn Lab's collaborative and values-driven environment. You may also meet with other team members to gauge cross-functional collaboration potential.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study (Potential): Depending on the hiring manager's discretion, a short design challenge or case study might be presented to evaluate your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking under pressure, and ability to apply your expertise to a specific scenario relevant to TTL's work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that directly showcase your experience in brand identity, redesigns, and design systems. Highlight projects where you led the initiative or managed a team.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the creative process, your specific role (especially leadership and team management), the solutions you developed, and the impact/results. Quantify outcomes where possible.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've guided teams, managed client relationships, and presented creative concepts effectively. Demonstrate your ability to inspire and direct.

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Emphasize projects where you developed comprehensive brand guidelines or design systems, showcasing your ability to create scalable and consistent visual frameworks.

• Prepare for "Roll Up Your Sleeves": Be ready to discuss specific design execution examples and how you ensure high craft standards, even when under pressure or when contributing hands-on.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to speak to your expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and how you leverage these tools for efficiency and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand TTL's Approach: Research The Turn Lab's website, client work, and B Corp/carbon-neutral status. Understand their consultancy-led, strategy-first approach to creative problem-solving.

• Brand Strategy Fundamentals: Refresh your understanding of brand strategy, identity development, and the process of translating business objectives into visual language.

• Design System Principles: Be ready to discuss best practices for creating and implementing design systems that ensure brand consistency and efficiency.

• Client Communication: Practice articulating your creative vision and rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client or senior leadership. Focus on translating complex design concepts into understandable business benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong portfolio presentation and the ability to articulate strategic and leadership capabilities. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design skill, but also business acumen and client-facing confidence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Expert Level):

  • Illustrator: For logo design, vector graphics, and complex illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, digital asset creation, and mockups.
  • InDesign: For layout design, print collateral (brochures, etc.), and brand guideline documentation.

• Figma (Proficient):

  • For collaborative design, prototyping, building scalable design systems, and creating client-ready presentations. Its role in design systems and team collaboration is highlighted.

• Presentation Software: Likely PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides for developing and delivering client-ready presentation decks.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned for this design role, a Design Director would indirectly leverage analytics to understand design performance and user engagement for digital assets. Awareness of how design impacts metrics is beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the day-to-day tasks of a Design Director, but understanding how creative assets fit into broader marketing automation or CRM workflows could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite (Expert) and Figma (Proficiency) indicates these are the core technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their mastery of these tools and how they are used for both individual craft and team/system-level work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craft & Clarity: A core value is the pursuit of high-quality design ("craft") presented with clear communication and strategic intent ("clarity"). This means attention to detail and the ability to articulate the purpose behind design decisions.

• Bold Ideas & Innovation: The company thrives on tackling unique challenges with innovative solutions, encouraging creative risk-taking and forward-thinking approaches.

• Solution-Driven & Grit: A practical, problem-solving mindset is essential. This involves the determination and resilience ("grit") to overcome obstacles and deliver results, especially in a fast-paced environment.

• Purpose-Driven & Sustainability: As a Certified B Corp and 100% carbon-neutral organization, TTL values ethical business practices, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. This likely influences decision-making and project selection.

• Collaboration & Humour: The team values working together effectively and fostering a positive, enjoyable work environment, recognizing that a sense of humour is important when tackling tough problems.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The company emphasizes working closely with various teams (strategy, copy, art direction, production, media, technology), requiring a collaborative style that bridges creative disciplines and integrates diverse perspectives.

• Client-Centric Partnership: A strong emphasis is placed on client leadership and building trust, suggesting a partnership approach where client needs and objectives are deeply understood and addressed collaboratively.

• Feedback Exchange: The role involves providing and receiving feedback within the design team and with other departments, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning.

• Knowledge Sharing: The "marketing lab" concept implies an environment where knowledge and best practices are shared openly to drive innovation and elevate the collective output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is a blend of high-performance creative work and strong ethical values. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values, particularly in their approach to craft, innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Leadership and Craft: The role requires simultaneously leading a team, managing client relationships, and contributing hands-on design work. This can be demanding, requiring excellent time management and prioritization skills.

• Managing Multiple Client Portfolios: Overseeing creative direction for "multiple large-scale brand clients" simultaneously presents a significant challenge in terms of scope, stakeholder management, and maintaining consistent quality across diverse projects.

• Pace and Deadlines: The "fast-paced environment" and "deadline-driven" nature of agency work can be challenging, requiring resilience and adaptability.

• Translating Strategy to Visuals: Effectively translating complex client briefs and business objectives into compelling and strategically sound visual creative direction is a constant challenge that requires strong conceptual and communication skills.

• Maintaining High Standards: Upholding the highest standards of "craft" across a team and diverse deliverables, while also managing client expectations and project timelines, requires constant vigilance and leadership.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Brand Strategy: Leading a brand redesign project offers deep immersion in strategic brand development, enhancing skills in market analysis, positioning, and brand architecture.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Direct experience in managing and mentoring a design team provides invaluable leadership development, preparing for future senior roles.

• Client Relationship Management: The extensive client-facing responsibilities hone skills in negotiation, presentation, and building long-term client trust.

• Diverse Industry Exposure: Working across "multiple sectors" provides exposure to a wide range of industries and client challenges, broadening one's design perspective and problem-solving toolkit.

• Exposure to Integrated Marketing: Collaborating with strategy, media, and technology teams offers insights into integrated marketing campaigns and how design functions within a broader GTM strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of senior creative roles in agencies, emphasizing the need for strong organizational skills, strategic thinking, and resilience. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly in areas of strategic brand leadership and team management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for leading a brand redesign from initial concept to final system delivery. What are the key stages, and how do you ensure strategic alignment?" (Focus on your structured approach, client involvement, and strategic rationale).

• "How do you balance your role as a creative director overseeing a team with the need to remain hands-on with design execution? Provide an example of a time you had to 'roll up your sleeves'." (Highlight your ability to lead and contribute, and how you prioritize tasks).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to The Turn Lab, specifically our B Corp and carbon-neutral status, and how do you see your design leadership contributing to our mission?" (Show your research and alignment with the company's values).

• "How would you foster a culture of 'craft and clarity' within a design team, and what strategies would you employ to ensure high-quality output across diverse projects?" (Discuss your approach to quality control, feedback, and team motivation).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your strategic approach, your specific role (especially leadership and team management), the creative solutions, and the measurable impact.

• Highlight Leadership: Use phrases like "I led," "I oversaw," "I directed," "I guided," and "I presented" to emphasize your directorial responsibilities.

• Showcase Systems Thinking: Dedicate time to explaining how you developed and applied brand guidelines or design systems, demonstrating your ability to create scalable and consistent brand experiences.

• Focus on Client Impact: Connect your design decisions directly to client business objectives and outcomes. Be prepared to discuss ROI or how your work supported client goals.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your process, how you handle feedback, and your experience with specific tools. Prepare concise, well-reasoned answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, client management skills, and a deep understanding of brand development. Candidates must be able to articulate their process and impact clearly, aligning with The Turn Lab's values and operational style.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on The Turn Lab's careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature 3-5 of your strongest brand identity, redesign, and design system projects. Ensure these showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on craft.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience, specifically mentioning your leadership in brand redesigns, team management, and client-facing roles. Use keywords such as "Creative Direction," "Brand Systems," "Design Leadership," "Client Management," and "Adobe Creative Suite/Figma."

• Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling, strategic rationale, and demonstrating your leadership capabilities. Prepare concise answers for potential strategy and culture-related questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Turn Lab's website, client work, and their commitment to being a Certified B Corp and 100% carbon-neutral organization. Understand their "consultancy-led problem solver" approach and values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Turn Lab hiring organization before making application decisions.