Design Director — Digital

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director — Digital

Company: Bakken & Bæck

Location: Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands; London, United Kingdom; Oslo, Norway; Barcelona, Spain

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Digital Design Leadership & Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site required in one of the listed office locations)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and evolve the web design discipline within a dynamic design and technology studio, focusing on creating scalable, integrated digital products and brands.

• Define and drive the creative and systemic direction for complex, large-scale web experiences, translating vision into actionable design systems and frameworks.

• Collaborate deeply with cross-functional teams, including strategists, copywriters, product designers, motion designers, and engineers, to deliver cohesive and impactful digital solutions.

• Mentor and develop a team of talented designers, fostering a culture of craft, innovation, and continuous learning to elevate the studio's overall design output.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Design Director — Digital," the core responsibilities and required skills heavily lean into the strategic and leadership aspects of digital product and web experience design. This role is not a typical "operations" role in the traditional sense (like Revenue or Sales Ops), but it requires a similar strategic mindset for process, system, and team development within a creative and technical context. Therefore, the enhancement will focus on translating the "design director" responsibilities into a structured format that highlights leadership, strategic thinking, and process ownership, which are transferable skills relevant to operations professionals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define the creative and systemic direction for complex, large-scale web projects, ensuring a cohesive integration of narrative, brand, product, motion, and technology.

• Lead the end-to-end development of web experiences, from initial concept and narrative framing through to scalable framework creation and high-quality execution.

• Translate strategic vision into clear structures, reusable patterns, and robust design systems that empower teams to build and scale effectively.

• Foster seamless collaboration among strategists, copywriters, brand designers, product designers, motion designers, and engineers, ensuring an integrated approach to project delivery.

• Develop and articulate a forward-thinking perspective on the evolution of the web, translating these insights into impactful client work and studio methodologies.

• Mentor, guide, and inspire a team of designers, consistently raising the bar for both creative craft and strategic thinking across all projects.

• Contribute to business development efforts by participating in scoping sessions, developing proposals, and pitching new client opportunities.

• Play a key role in shaping the growth and strategic direction of the web design discipline within Bakken & Bæck.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities have been expanded to detail the scope of leadership and strategic ownership expected from a Design Director. Emphasis is placed on "systemic direction," "scalable frameworks," and "integrated teams," which are critical for large-scale digital initiatives and highlight a process-oriented approach to design leadership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, or a related field is beneficial. Equivalent practical experience will be highly valued.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in digital design, with a significant portion focused on leadership roles and the creation of large-scale web experiences.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Web Design Expertise: Deep understanding of web design principles, best practices, and emerging trends, with a portfolio showcasing complex, end-to-end web projects.

• Conceptual Thinking: Strong ability to develop compelling concepts and connect narrative, interaction design, and system architecture.

• Design Systems & Frameworks: Experience in building and implementing scalable design systems and frameworks that ensure consistency and efficiency across digital products.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated success working closely with engineers, product managers, strategists, and other stakeholders in an integrated team setting.

• Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and articulate a strong point of view on digital strategy and the future of the web.

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Experience in managing client relationships, presenting work, and influencing stakeholders.

• Delivery Focus: A balance of visionary thinking and the practical ability to drive projects from concept to successful delivery.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with UX research methodologies and user-centered design processes.

• Proficiency in motion design principles and animation for web.

• Understanding of front-end development principles and technical constraints.

• Experience in pitching and winning new business opportunities.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" have been detailed to reflect the strategic and leadership demands of the role. Keywords like "Design Systems," "Scalable Frameworks," "Cross-Functional Collaboration," and "Strategic Vision" are emphasized to align with industry standards for senior design leadership roles and to highlight transferable skills to operations professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end ownership of large-scale web experiences, demonstrating strategic thinking from concept to execution.

• Examples of work that illustrate the creation and implementation of scalable frameworks and design systems, not just isolated campaign pages.

• Case studies detailing how narrative, brand, product, motion, and technology were integrated to form cohesive, living web systems.

• Demonstrations of collaboration with engineering and product teams, highlighting how design and technical execution were aligned.

• Evidence of leadership in defining creative direction and mentoring design teams on complex projects. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have translated vision into clear structures, patterns, and design systems.

• Documentation or case studies that show how you have managed complex projects from early concept through to delivery.

• Explanations of your approach to developing a strong point of view on web evolution and translating it into actionable work.

• Illustrations of how you have collaborated with diverse teams (strategy, copy, brand, product, motion, engineering) to achieve integrated outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for a design leadership role. The requirements are framed around demonstrating process ownership, system thinking, and the ability to create scalable solutions, which are highly valued in operations roles as well. The focus on "living systems" and "scalable frameworks" emphasizes a process-driven approach to digital product development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the location (Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Oslo), experience level (10+ years), and the senior leadership nature of the role, the estimated annual salary range is approximately €90,000 - €140,000 (or equivalent in GBP, NOK, etc.). This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Directors in leading digital studios across Western Europe, considering cost of living and market demand for specialized design leadership.

Benefits:

• Annual Learning Allowance: An annual budget for courses, classes, or conferences to support continuous professional development and inspiration.

• Independence & Autonomy: The freedom to shape projects, develop personal methods, and take ownership within an independently-owned studio.

• Flexibility: Flexible working hours, with options for workations and potential relocation between offices.

• Collaboration & Bonding: Opportunities for team trips, dinners, and events to foster camaraderie and creativity across offices.

• Well-Equipped Offices: Access to welcoming and functional office spaces designed to support day-to-day work and team events.

• Relocation Support: Comprehensive support for international relocation, including visa sponsorship, travel budget, housing tips, language classes, a buddy system, and team welcome events.

• Visa Sponsorship: Support for candidates requiring a work visa to relocate to one of the listed office locations.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, with flexibility in scheduling. The role implies a commitment to project delivery, which may occasionally require extended hours, but the company emphasizes work-life balance and flexible arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Design Director in major European cities. The benefits are detailed to highlight the company's investment in employee growth, well-being, and international mobility, which are significant draws for senior talent. Visa sponsorship is a key benefit for international candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design and Technology Studio, Digital Product Development, Consulting. Bakken & Bæck operates at the intersection of design, technology, and business strategy, helping ambitious companies innovate and adapt in a complex digital landscape.

Company Size: Bakken & Bæck is a medium-sized studio with multiple international offices. This size fosters a culture of close collaboration and allows for significant individual impact, while providing the resources and reach to tackle large-scale projects.

Founded: Bakken & Bæck was founded with a vision to create a design and technology studio that prioritizes craft, collaboration, and a people-first culture. The company's history is marked by a commitment to building long-term partnerships and a flexible, autonomous work environment.

Team Structure:

• The design team is organized into specialized disciplines, including web design, product design, and brand design, all operating collaboratively.

• The Design Director for Digital Web will likely report to a Head of Design or a similar senior leadership role, overseeing a dedicated team of web designers and conceptual thinkers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers working seamlessly alongside strategists, copywriters, engineers, and project managers as unified project teams. Methodology:

• Bakken & Bæck emphasizes a human-centered approach, driven by data and insights, to create meaningful digital experiences.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, focusing on iterative development, design systems, and agile principles to ensure efficient and effective project delivery.

• Automation and efficiency practices are integrated where possible, leveraging technology and robust processes to enhance creative output and client value.

Company Website: https://bakkenbaeck.teamtailor.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture description highlights key aspects like "small egos and huge hearts," "flexibility," "care deeply about craft," and "low barrier for coming up with ideas." These are crucial for understanding the collaborative and innovative environment. The "Methodology" section is tailored to reflect a process-oriented and data-informed approach, common in both design leadership and operations roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the digital design domain. It is equivalent to a Director or Principal level in a traditional operations context, focusing on strategic direction, team development, and process excellence within a specific discipline (web design). The scope involves not just execution but also the shaping of methodologies and the growth of the practice.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a higher-level design or creative lead (e.g., Head of Design, Creative Director) and will manage a team of designers. They will also work closely with project managers, account managers, and client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role extends beyond aesthetics. It involves shaping how companies present themselves digitally, how users interact with complex technologies, and how scalable digital systems are built to support business growth. This role directly influences client success, brand perception, and the studio's reputation for innovation and quality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Opportunity to become a key voice in the studio's overall design strategy and contribute to its long-term vision.

• Discipline Development: Lead the growth and evolution of the web design discipline, defining new methodologies and standards.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Develop leadership skills by nurturing talent and building a high-performing design team.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to technology, strategy, and business development, broadening expertise beyond pure design.

• International Mobility: Potential to relocate to other Bakken & Bæck offices, offering exposure to different markets and cultures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the "Design Director" role through an operations lens, emphasizing strategic impact, process ownership, and leadership development. The "Operations Impact" and "Growth Opportunities" sections highlight how this role contributes to broader business objectives and offers career advancement, similar to senior operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Bakken & Bæck offers modern, welcoming office spaces designed for collaboration, focused work, and team events. These are not just places to sit but hubs for creativity and connection.

Office Location(s): The role is available in Bakken & Bæck's offices located in:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands (Korte Prinsengracht 42)

• Barcelona, Spain (C/ de Pamplona, 59)

• Berlin, Germany

• London, United Kingdom (23 Englefield Rd)

• Oslo, Norway (Trondheimsveien 135) Workspace Context:

• The environment encourages close collaboration, with designers working alongside strategists and engineers in integrated teams, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

• Access to the latest tools and technology is assumed, supporting the creation of cutting-edge digital experiences.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with the broader studio team, including cross-office events, are prioritized to build camaraderie and share knowledge.

Work Schedule: While the company offers flexibility in working hours, the "hybrid" nature and the emphasis on collaboration mean that on-site presence in one of the listed offices is required. This allows for effective teamwork, spontaneous idea generation, and strong team cohesion, crucial for complex digital projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the workspace focuses on collaboration, integration, and the blend of focused work with team interaction, mirroring the ideal environment for operations teams that require both deep analysis and cross-functional communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, CV, and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements and Bakken & Bæck's culture.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you present your work, focusing on end-to-end ownership of large-scale web experiences, strategic thinking, and leadership. Expect in-depth questions about your process, decision-making, and impact.

• Team & Leadership Interview: Discussions with potential peers and senior leadership to evaluate your collaborative style, mentoring approach, and strategic vision.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Conversations to gauge alignment with Bakken & Bæck's values of independence, autonomy, flexibility, and craft.

• Final Interview: A concluding conversation with key stakeholders to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate end-to-end ownership of large-scale web experiences, focusing on impact and process.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the strategic decisions made, the process followed (including collaboration with engineers), the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Emphasize your work on scalable frameworks and design systems, explaining how they contributed to efficiency and consistency.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase instances where you led teams, mentored designers, or influenced project direction and strategy.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design rationale, problem-solving approach, and how you handle complex stakeholder relationships.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly stated, be prepared for potential conceptual or strategic challenges that require you to articulate your approach to a hypothetical web design problem or studio growth initiative.

• Focus on demonstrating your strategic thinking, ability to structure complex problems, and communicate your vision clearly and persuasively.

• Practice articulating your point of view on the future of the web and how Bakken & Bæck can lead in this space.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a senior design leadership role, emphasizing portfolio presentation and strategic communication. The advice on "systems thinking," "demonstrating leadership," and "strategic rationale" are directly transferable to operations roles that require similar levels of strategic articulation and process demonstration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), potentially tools for 3D design or AR/VR if relevant to advanced web experiences.

• Design Systems Management: Tools for documenting and managing design systems (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook) and component libraries.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, Slack, Confluence for team communication and workflow management.

• Presentation Tools: Keynote, PowerPoint, Google Slides for client presentations and internal strategy discussions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and performance metrics.

• Ability to interpret data from A/B testing and user research to inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how digital products integrate with CRM systems and marketing automation platforms will be beneficial.

• Familiarity with the principles of data flow and integration between front-end experiences and back-end systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section lists common tools used in digital design and development. For a Design Director, the emphasis is on proficiency in leading the use of these tools within a team and integrating them into scalable processes, rather than deep individual technical expertise. The inclusion of analytics and CRM awareness highlights the business-oriented aspect of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship: A deep commitment to quality, detail, and excellence in all aspects of design and execution.

• Collaboration: A belief that the best outcomes are achieved by working closely together, breaking down silos between disciplines and offices.

• Autonomy & Responsibility: Empowering individuals to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and drive initiatives.

• Curiosity & Learning: A continuous drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and methodologies, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.

• Impact: A focus on creating meaningful and valuable digital experiences that drive tangible results for clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Working as one cohesive unit with strategists, engineers, and other disciplines, fostering mutual respect and shared goals.

• Open Communication: Encouraging honest feedback, constructive critique, and transparent dialogue across all levels and offices.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing insights, best practices, and learnings through internal talks, workshops, and documentation.

• Experimentation: A willingness to try new approaches and learn from both successes and failures, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values are directly drawn from the company description and are framed to align with how a Design Director would embody and promote them within their team and across the studio. The emphasis on "Impact" and "Craftsmanship" resonates strongly with operations professionals who focus on efficiency and delivering measurable results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining and Scaling Web Systems: Evolving from campaign-based work to building robust, scalable web systems that can grow with client businesses requires a strategic and process-driven approach.

• Balancing Vision with Delivery: Ensuring that ambitious creative visions are translated into practical, deliverable solutions within project constraints and timelines.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively mentoring and guiding a team of talented designers with varying skill sets and experiences, fostering a unified direction.

• Keeping Pace with Web Evolution: Staying ahead of rapid changes in web technology, user behavior, and design trends to ensure the studio's work remains cutting-edge.

• Cross-Office Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication across multiple international offices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Opportunities to hone strategic leadership, team management, and client relationship skills.

• Industry Exposure: Access to conferences, workshops, and cutting-edge projects that expose you to the forefront of digital design and technology.

• Mentorship: The chance to be mentored by senior leaders within Bakken & Bæck and to mentor emerging talent.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Deepen understanding and collaboration with technology, strategy, and business development, broadening your overall professional toolkit.

• International Experience: Potential to work in different cultural and business contexts across Bakken & Bæck's global offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges and growth paths, framing them in a way that allows candidates to prepare and demonstrate problem-solving skills. The challenges are presented as opportunities for strategic thinking and process improvement, aligning with operations principles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you defined the creative and systemic direction for a complex, large-scale web project. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your strategic framework, decision-making, and ability to integrate different elements.)

• "How do you approach turning a visionary concept into clear structures, patterns, and scalable design systems that teams can effectively use?" (Highlight your process for systemization, documentation, and team enablement.)

• "Discuss your experience working with engineers and product teams. How do you ensure seamless collaboration and alignment between design and development?" (Emphasize your cross-functional communication strategies and understanding of technical constraints.)

• "What is your point of view on the future of the web, and how would you translate that into impactful work for our clients?" (Be prepared to articulate your vision and how it aligns with Bakken & Bæck's mission.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Bakken & Bæck specifically, and how do you see yourself contributing to our culture of independence, autonomy, and craft?" (Research the company's values and be ready to articulate your alignment.)

• "How do you approach mentoring and developing design teams? Describe your philosophy and experience in nurturing talent." (Focus on your leadership style and commitment to team growth.)

• "How do you measure the success and impact of your design work, particularly for large-scale web experiences?" (Be ready to discuss metrics, KPIs, and how design contributes to business objectives.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically: client challenge, your role and approach, key strategic decisions, design solutions (with emphasis on systems and scalability), collaboration process, and measurable results.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Pixels: Detail how you arrived at your solutions, including research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration. Explain the "why" behind your design choices.

• Highlight Leadership Moments: Point out specific instances where you led, influenced, or mentored, demonstrating your directorial capabilities.

• Quantify Outcomes: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work on user engagement, conversion rates, efficiency, or business goals.

• Engage and Converse: Treat the presentation as a discussion. Be prepared to answer questions thoroughly and engage in a dialogue about your work and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to help candidates showcase their strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and process-oriented approach, which are critical for a senior role and transferable to operations contexts.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director — Digital position:

• Submit your application through the Bakken & Bæck Teamtailor portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership of large-scale web experiences, a strong conceptual foundation, and experience with scalable frameworks or design systems. Ensure your portfolio clearly outlines your role, process, and quantifiable results.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your leadership experience, strategic contributions, and experience managing cross-functional teams. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Director," "Web Design," "Scalable Frameworks," "Design Systems," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your strategic vision for web design, your leadership philosophy, and how you foster collaboration and innovation within teams. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and compellingly.

• Research Bakken & Bæck: Understand the company's values, culture, and the types of projects they undertake. Prepare to explain why you are a good fit for their specific environment and how you can contribute to their mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. While it aims to provide comprehensive context, all details should be verified directly with Bakken & Bæck during the application and interview process.