Design Director (Fabric Japan/ Korea)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director (Fabric Japan/ Korea)

Company: Procter & Gamble

Location: Singapore

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Creative Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute design strategies for P&G's Fabric Care brands across the Japan and Korea markets, driving consumer-inspired innovation.

• Manage and mentor a multi-talented design team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment focused on delivering exceptional creative output.

• Oversee end-to-end design execution across various touchpoints, including branding, packaging, digital assets, and print production, ensuring brand consistency and elevation.

• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Consumer Insights, and Sales, to effectively translate business needs into compelling design solutions.

• Drive the development of new ideas, techniques, and approaches in design, demonstrating a pioneer mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement and market relevance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within the design function, requiring a strategic mindset and the ability to manage both creative output and team dynamics. The focus on Japan/Korea markets suggests a need for cultural nuance and market-specific design adaptation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the cascade and execution of design strategies within the team and broader organization, actively contributing to framing and refining these strategies.

• Build and maintain strong, productive working relationships and communication rhythms with multi-functional team members to ensure seamless collaboration.

• Proactively identify and lead the development of innovative design concepts, techniques, procedures, services, or products that enhance brand appeal and market competitiveness.

• Co-create and refine designs to effectively adapt to the unique nuances and challenges of local markets, ensuring winning brand propositions.

• Achieve results by effectively managing and leading the design team, strategically allocating individuals based on business needs, their strengths, and career aspirations.

• Lead work with speed, agility, and flexibility, particularly in navigating uncertain circumstances and evolving market demands.

• Foster a pioneer mindset and cultivate curiosity within the team, always with the end goal of delivering impactful and consumer-centric design solutions.

• Represent the design function effectively in matrixed organizational structures, influencing leadership teams and ensuring designs are on-brand, elevated, and of the highest quality.

• Lead and oversee multiple design initiatives from strategy development through to execution, clearly articulating local consumer needs and the business context.

• Develop consumer-winning concepts across various touchpoints in partnership with internal and external teams, responding to campaign needs. Projects encompass innovative package design, digital design, brand identity/asset creation, photography, and more.

• Translate consumer insights and business needs into consumer-appealing and effective design solutions.

• Coach and mentor a team of designers and print production managers/specialists, ensuring a high level of design quality and efficient workflow while simultaneously growing the team's capabilities.

• Own and drive the design priorities of the team's activities, including work processes, budgets, and the stewardship of design tools, to deliver on the design team's agenda.

• Lead assigned projects to ensure goals are delivered on time and within budget, while maintaining strong, consistent communication with key partners throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, team management, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on creative oversight, with a strong emphasis on market adaptation for Japan and Korea.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field. Experience:

• 10-18 years of agency, design studio, or in-house experience in graphic design, art direction, digital design, and package design.

• Specific experience within the beauty industry is a key requirement.

• Proven experience working on the Japan market is essential. Required Skills:

• Sophisticated visual design aesthetic with a keen eye for detail and artistic quality.

• Design leadership skills, with the ability to represent design effectively in key decision-making processes and influence stakeholders.

• Proven experience leading a team of designers and managing external agency partners.

• Strong understanding of the latest design trends, cultural shifts, and their impact on consumer preferences.

• Proficiency in basic print production management, ensuring effective execution of design concepts.

• Strong communication and storytelling skills, both verbal and written, to articulate design rationale and vision.

• Ability to problem-solve effectively and proactively mitigate challenges before due dates.

• Consistently deliver excellence in work quality and inspire and encourage team members.

• Strategic and thoughtful approach to design and branding, aligning creative execution with business objectives.

• Strong project management and organization skills to manage multiple initiatives concurrently.

• Proficient on Mac platform with expertise in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics software such as After Effects and video editing software like Premiere Pro.

• Familiarity with 3-D drawing programs.

• Proficiency in the Japanese language is preferred, facilitating deeper market integration and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and specific industry focus (beauty) are critical. The emphasis on both creative execution and leadership, along with market-specific experience (Japan), are key differentiators.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10-18 years of design leadership and execution, with a strong emphasis on brand identity, packaging, and digital design.

• Demonstrations of successful campaign development and execution for the beauty industry, highlighting creative problem-solving and strategic thinking.

• Examples of adapting designs for specific markets, particularly the Japan market, illustrating cultural sensitivity and market relevance.

• Evidence of team leadership and collaboration, including managing direct reports and external agency partners effectively.

• Case studies detailing the end-to-end design process, from initial concept development based on consumer insights and business needs to final execution and print production. Process Documentation:

• Visual documentation of workflow design and optimization for creative projects, demonstrating efficiency and best practices in design execution.

• Examples of how design processes were implemented and potentially automated to streamline creative output and project delivery.

• Metrics and analysis demonstrating the performance and impact of design initiatives, showcasing how designs contributed to business objectives and consumer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is expected to be a robust representation of strategic design leadership, market-specific adaptation, and proven ability to manage complex creative projects from conception to completion within the beauty industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director role with 10-18 years of experience in Singapore, in a multinational corporation like P&G, the estimated salary range is approximately SGD 150,000 - SGD 220,000 per annum. This range is subject to adjustment based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and performance during the interview process. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., CPF contributions in Singapore).

• Employee assistance programs for mental health and well-being.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.

• Access to P&G's global network of design professionals and resources. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, Monday to Friday.

• Potential for occasional overtime or flexible scheduling to meet project deadlines and market demands, particularly when collaborating with teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimation based on typical compensation for senior design leadership roles in Singapore's multinational corporate sector. Benefits are standard for a company of P&G's scale and industry standing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Goods (specifically Fabric Care)

Company Size: Procter & Gamble is a global leader with over 100,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established, and resource-rich organization. This scale offers significant opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and exposure to diverse markets and business units.

Founded: 1837, providing a long history of innovation, brand building, and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will report to a Senior Design Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design function.

• The role involves managing a team of designers and print production managers/specialists, suggesting a direct leadership responsibility for a creative unit.

• Close collaboration with multi-functional teams (Marketing, Consumer Insights, Sales) is a core aspect, highlighting a matrixed organizational structure where design is integrated into broader business strategies. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on translating consumer insights and business needs into design solutions, suggesting a rigorous, data-informed approach to creative work.

• Strategic Brand Building: Focus on elevating brands and driving winning propositions through design, aligning creative output with overarching brand and business strategies.

• Collaborative Execution: Work is done both independently and collaboratively, with a strong emphasis on partnerships with internal teams and external agencies to achieve comprehensive design outcomes.

• Innovation and Pioneer Mindset: Encouragement of new ideas, techniques, and proactive development, fostering a culture of innovation within the design function.

Company Website: https://www.pg.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: P&G's culture is known for its strong emphasis on leadership development, data-driven decision-making, and a structured approach to business and creative execution. The "Fabric Japan/Korea" designation implies a need for deep market understanding and localized strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the creative and design function, equivalent to a Director level in other industries. It requires extensive experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage both people and projects effectively.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports to a Senior Design Director, indicating a clear path for escalation and mentorship within the design hierarchy. This also suggests that strategic design direction comes from senior leadership.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is critical for brand perception, consumer engagement, and market competitiveness in the Japan and Korea markets. Their work directly influences product appeal, brand equity, and ultimately, sales performance through compelling visual communication and packaging.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Senior Design Director role or similar senior leadership positions within P&G's global design organization.

• Strategic Influence: Greater involvement in shaping global design strategies and brand architecture for P&G's extensive portfolio.

• Cross-Market Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific, complex markets like Japan and Korea, potentially leading to roles with broader regional or global responsibilities.

• Specialization Development: Opportunities to further specialize in areas such as digital design innovation, sustainable packaging design, or advanced brand identity systems.

• Mentorship and Development: Growing capabilities in coaching and mentoring design talent, contributing to P&G's reputation for developing leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant career progression within a large, global organization, with opportunities to influence strategy and develop deep expertise in key markets.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at Procter & Gamble's Singapore General Office. This implies a professional corporate office environment designed for collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): Singapore, a major business hub in Asia, offering a dynamic and international work setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Singapore office likely features modern workspaces designed to facilitate teamwork, cross-functional meetings, and creative brainstorming sessions.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to P&G's standard creative software suite (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially advanced design and visualization tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse range of colleagues across marketing, insights, sales, and other design professionals, fostering a rich learning and collaboration ecosystem.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily a standard full-time schedule (Monday-Friday, 40 hours).

• Flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines, international collaboration with Japan and Korea teams, and global P&G initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Singapore suggests an environment where in-person collaboration and access to office resources are prioritized for this leadership role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager (Senior Design Director) to discuss experience, leadership style, and initial fit for the role and team. Portfolio walkthrough may be requested.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a design strategy or a past project, demonstrating their approach to problem-solving, market adaptation, and creative execution relevant to P&G's brands and the Japan/Korea markets.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key partners from Marketing, Consumer Insights, or Sales to assess collaboration skills and ability to influence.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership capabilities, and final cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in brand identity, packaging, and digital design, especially within the beauty/fabric care industry.

• Highlight Market Adaptation: Clearly articulate how you adapted designs for specific markets, with a focus on the Japan market, demonstrating cultural understanding and strategic rationale.

• Showcase Leadership & Collaboration: Include examples of managing teams, partnering with agencies, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, present metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased brand engagement, successful product launches, positive consumer feedback).

• Narrative is Key: Be prepared to walk through your projects, explaining the problem, your process, the solution, and the impact. Storytelling is crucial for conveying your strategic intent.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Challenges: Prepare to discuss hypothetical design challenges for P&G brands in Japan or Korea, focusing on strategy, consumer insights, and execution.

• Brand Strategy Understanding: Research P&G's brands, particularly in the Fabric Care category, and understand their current positioning and target audiences in the specified markets.

• Cultural Nuance: Be ready to discuss how cultural differences in Japan and Korea might influence design choices for consumer products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio walkthrough and potential case study presentation indicates a strong focus on practical design leadership and strategic application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for graphic design, illustration, and layout.

• Motion Graphics/Video: Familiarity or proficiency with After Effects and Premiere Pro is preferred for digital design and animation needs.

• 3D Drawing Programs: Proficiency is a plus for advanced packaging design visualization.

• Mac Platform: The standard operating system for creative professionals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how design impacts key performance indicators (KPIs) and the ability to interpret consumer insights data is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an understanding of how design integrates with marketing automation and CRM strategies can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The toolset is standard for a senior creative role, with a preference for advanced motion graphics and 3D capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Consumer First: A deep understanding and respect for the consumer, with designs rooted in consumer insights and needs.

• Brand Stewardship: A commitment to maintaining and elevating brand integrity and visual identity across all touchpoints.

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push creative boundaries, develop novel solutions, and deliver work of the highest quality.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and strong relationships with cross-functional partners and external agencies.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding P&G's core values of integrity, leadership, ownership, and passion for winning.

Collaboration Style:

• Matrixed and Cross-Functional: The role requires working seamlessly within a matrixed organization, actively collaborating with Marketing, Consumer Insights, Sales, and other creative professionals.

• Influential and Persuasive: Ability to articulate design rationale effectively and influence decision-making processes with data and strong visual arguments.

• Mentorship and Development: A collaborative approach to team development, fostering growth and skill-building among direct reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: P&G's emphasis on strong values and collaborative, data-driven approaches will shape the day-to-day interactions and decision-making within the design team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Nuance: Successfully navigating the distinct cultural and consumer preferences of both Japan and Korea, ensuring designs resonate authentically in each market.

• Balancing Global Brand Consistency with Local Relevance: Maintaining P&G's global brand standards while creating designs that are highly localized and appealing.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Aligning the vision and expectations of various internal teams (Marketing, Sales) and external partners.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving design trends and consumer expectations in dynamic markets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Market Immersion: Gaining profound insights into the Japanese and Korean consumer markets and their design landscapes.

• Global Design Network: Access to P&G's extensive global network of design leaders and resources for knowledge sharing and best practices.

• Brand Portfolio Exposure: Working with iconic, billion-dollar brands offers unparalleled experience in brand building and creative strategy.

• Leadership Development Programs: P&G is renowned for its leadership training, providing structured opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to market specificity and stakeholder management, balanced by substantial growth opportunities within a leading consumer goods company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully adapted a global brand's design for a specific Asian market. What was your process, and what were the key challenges and outcomes?" (Focus on market adaptation, process, and results.)

• "How do you approach leading and mentoring a design team, particularly in fostering innovation and ensuring high-quality output under tight deadlines?" (Focus on leadership, team management, and quality assurance.)

• "Imagine P&G is launching a new product in the Fabric Care category in Japan. Outline your initial design strategy, considering consumer insights, brand positioning, and competitive landscape." (Focus on strategic thinking, consumer focus, and competitive analysis.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about P&G's design approach or specific brands, and how do you see your leadership style fitting into our culture?" (Demonstrate research and cultural alignment.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with non-design stakeholders, such as marketing and sales teams, to achieve business objectives?" (Focus on cross-functional collaboration and influence.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design initiatives, and what metrics do you prioritize?" (Focus on data-driven approach and impact measurement.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your strategic approach, the creative process, the challenges overcome, and the final results/impact.

• Emphasize Market-Specific Work: Dedicate significant time to showcasing projects that demonstrate your experience with the Japan market and your ability to adapt designs for local relevance.

• Showcase Leadership: Be prepared to discuss your role in leading projects, managing teams, and collaborating with stakeholders within your presented work.

• Highlight Tools and Techniques: Briefly mention the tools and technologies used, especially if they represent advanced capabilities or innovative applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, market understanding, leadership capabilities, and a collaborative approach, backed by strong portfolio examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the Procter & Gamble careers portal using the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest projects, focusing on beauty/fabric care industry experience, brand identity, packaging, and digital design. Ensure clear articulation of market adaptation, especially for Japan.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10-18 years of experience, leadership achievements, cross-functional collaboration, and proficiency with design tools. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, strategic rationale, and demonstrating your leadership and problem-solving skills.

• Research P&G: Understand P&G's brands, particularly in Fabric Care, their target markets (Japan/Korea), and their corporate values to articulate your fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details should be verified directly with Procter & Gamble during the application and interview process.