Design Director (Graphics)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director (Graphics)

Company: Verve

Location: Dublin, Leinster, Ireland

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

Category: Creative & Design / Experiential Marketing Operations

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visual strategy and execution of graphic design for live, experiential, and event environments, ensuring brand coherence and production readiness.

• Translate creative concepts and strategic ideas into compelling visual systems across various touchpoints, from pitches to final deliverables.

• Drive innovative graphic design solutions that enhance brand storytelling and spatial experiences for global brands.

• Oversee and mentor a team of designers, fostering a culture of high-quality craft, collaboration, and creative excellence.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Creative Directors, 3D Designers, Producers, and Technical teams to ensure seamless project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Director (Graphics), indicating a senior leadership position focused on the strategic and creative direction of visual elements within the context of experiential events. The emphasis on "brand, storytelling and spatial design" suggests a GTM (Go-To-Market) adjacent role that directly influences brand perception and customer engagement through physical and digital event experiences. The operations aspect lies in the rigorous process of translating concepts into production-ready designs and ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of graphic design systems for pitches, campaigns, and live event projects, setting the visual direction for event brand identities, key visuals, and content design (motion and social).

• Ensure a consistently high standard of graphic craft, pushing creative boundaries while maintaining strategic alignment, clarity, and purpose across all deliverables.

• Collaborate closely with Creative Directors, 3D Designers, and Producers to translate abstract ideas into tangible graphic elements that come to life physically within event spaces.

• Adapt and scale graphic systems for large-scale builds, stage design, signage, wayfinding, digital screens, and dynamic content, understanding material application and audience impact.

• Play a pivotal role in early-stage thinking and pitch development, creating visually compelling and clear routes that excite clients and differentiate Verve's offerings.

• Lead, inspire, and mentor a team of graphic designers, providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and fostering professional growth and development.

• Act as the crucial bridge between creative ambition, brand mandatories, and real-world execution, ensuring feasibility and quality in all design outputs.

• Oversee the design development lifecycle from concept through to final artwork, maintaining rigorous attention to typography, layout, color, information hierarchy, and material application.

• Understand and leverage print and digital production processes, working with suppliers to maintain quality and adapt designs to anticipated production challenges.

• Build scalable visual systems that ensure consistent and creatively interpreted brand expression across diverse environments, content, and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a senior leadership role requiring strategic oversight, creative direction, and team management within the specialized field of experiential event graphics. The emphasis on translating concepts to physical environments and managing production awareness highlights the operational rigor expected.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for a Design Director role.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of proven experience in graphic design, with a significant portion within a creative agency environment, ideally specializing in live events, experiential marketing, or brand identity. Experience in a Senior Designer or Design Director capacity is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record as a Senior Designer or Design Director within a creative agency, with a strong focus on live events, experiential, or branding.

• Exceptional portfolio showcasing expertise in graphic identity systems, campaign work, and environmental graphics.

• Advanced proficiency in conceptual thinking and precise execution of design.

• Mastery of typography, layout, color theory, and information hierarchy.

• Experience in leading and mentoring design teams, managing multiple projects concurrently.

• Strong understanding of visual storytelling and its application in spatial and event contexts.

• Ability to adapt graphic systems for diverse applications, including large-scale builds, digital screens, and wayfinding.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating creative vision to clients and internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics and social content design.

• Knowledge of 3D design principles and their integration with graphic elements.

• Familiarity with sustainability certifications (e.g., ISO 20121, ISO 14001, B Corp) and their impact on design choices.

• Understanding of client relationship management and strategic brand consulting.

• Experience in developing and managing brand guidelines for complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of creative leadership, technical design skills, and operational understanding of event production. The portfolio is a critical component, requiring demonstration of specific types of work relevant to experiential marketing.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of graphic identity systems, including logo development, brand guidelines, and their application.

• Case studies showcasing successful environmental graphics projects, highlighting the translation of concepts into physical spaces, signage, and wayfinding.

• Examples of campaign work, illustrating the development of cohesive visual narratives across various media and touchpoints.

• Demonstrations of how graphic design has been used to enhance storytelling and user experience in live or experiential environments.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of design process documentation, illustrating workflow from brief to final artwork, including research, sketching, digital rendering, and refinement stages.

• Include examples of how design systems are developed and scaled to ensure consistency across different platforms and physical applications.

• Demonstrate an understanding of production processes, with examples of how technical specifications, material considerations, and supplier collaboration are integrated into the design workflow.

• Highlight instances where design has been optimized for specific production methods or client constraints, showing a pragmatic approach to creative execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role in an experiential agency, the portfolio is not just a showcase of aesthetics but a testament to strategic thinking, process management, and production awareness. The emphasis on "systems" implies the need to demonstrate the ability to create scalable and consistent visual frameworks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director with 10+ years of experience in Dublin, Ireland, within the creative agency sector specializing in events and branding, the estimated salary range is €75,000 - €100,000 per annum, potentially higher for exceptional candidates with a proven track record of delivering high-impact campaigns for major brands.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package (including dental and vision, where applicable).

• Generous paid time off (vacation days, public holidays, sick leave).

• Pension scheme contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Access to industry certifications and continuous learning resources.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.

• Opportunities to work with globally recognized brands on high-profile projects.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of event-based work, occasional flexibility and extended hours may be required during critical project phases or event execution, with potential for compensatory time off.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for Dublin are based on recent market data for senior creative roles in Ireland, considering the agency's specialization and the role's leadership scope. The benefits listed are standard for a "Great Place to Work" certified company in this sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Experiential Marketing and Event Agency. Verve operates within a dynamic and fast-paced industry focused on creating immersive brand experiences through live events, activations, and digital integrations. The company's commitment to sustainability (ISO 20121, ISO 14001, B-Corp certified) and its "Great Place to Work®" certification indicate a culture that values both high performance and employee well-being.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of leading a "team of designers across multiple projects" and working with "some of the biggest brands in the world" suggests a well-established agency with a significant operational capacity and a robust client portfolio. The "Great Place to Work®" certification implies a company size that engages in regular employee feedback mechanisms.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's certifications (Great Place to Work® in Sep 2025, ISO 20121, ISO 14001, B-Corp) suggest a mature and forward-thinking organization with a strong commitment to operational excellence and ethical business practices.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is likely structured to support various creative disciplines, with this role leading the graphic design specialization.

• Reporting to a Creative Director or Head of Creative, this role will manage a team of Senior Designers, Designers, and potentially Junior Designers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Storytelling: Utilizing insights to inform creative concepts and measure the impact of visual communication.

• Integrated Design Thinking: Seamlessly blending graphic design with spatial and digital elements to create holistic experiences.

• Agile Project Management: Adapting to client needs and production realities through flexible workflow processes.

• Sustainability Integration: Proactively incorporating eco-friendly practices and materials into design solutions.

Company Website: https://vervelive.bamboohr.com/careers (Note: This URL appears to be for their HR platform; a direct company website would be ideal if available, e.g., verveacu.com).

📝 Enhancement Note: Verve's emphasis on certifications (Great Place to Work, ISO, B-Corp) provides strong clues about their operational ethos, which likely values process, sustainability, and employee well-being. This is crucial context for understanding the company's approach to design and project execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the creative operations of an experiential marketing agency. As a Design Director (Graphics), the individual is responsible for the strategic direction, quality control, and team leadership of all graphic design output for client projects. This level requires not only exceptional design skills but also strong project management, client-facing abilities, and a deep understanding of production and brand strategy.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Design Director reports to a Chief Creative Officer (CCO), Executive Creative Director (ECD), or Head of Creative. They, in turn, manage a team of designers, including Senior Designers and graphic designers, potentially overseeing multiple project streams simultaneously.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is significant and multifaceted:

• Brand Integrity: Ensuring all visual communications are on-brand, consistent, and strategically aligned, directly influencing client brand perception and equity.

• Client Engagement: Creating compelling visual narratives that capture audience attention, drive engagement, and achieve event objectives.

• Production Efficiency: Translating creative vision into production-ready assets, minimizing errors, and optimizing for cost and feasibility, thereby impacting project profitability.

• Team Performance: Fostering a high-performing design team that consistently delivers exceptional work, contributing to the agency's overall creative output and reputation.

• Business Development: Playing a key role in pitch processes, using strong visual concepts to win new business and secure client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into Executive Creative Director roles, overseeing broader creative departments or multiple agency functions.

• Strategic Development: Opportunity to shape the agency's creative vision, define new service offerings, and contribute to the company's strategic direction.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like brand identity systems, motion graphics for events, or sustainable design practices.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior talent and shaping the agency's design talent pipeline.

• Client Relationship Management: Grow in roles that involve more direct client strategy and advisory capacities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical component of the GTM strategy execution, as visual design is paramount in creating impactful brand experiences. The growth analysis focuses on how this role contributes to and benefits from the operational success of the agency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "On-site" in Dublin, indicating a physical office environment. Given Verve's "Great Place to Work®" certification, the office is likely designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and employee well-being. This could include open-plan workspaces, dedicated collaboration zones, meeting rooms equipped for presentations, and potentially areas for creative brainstorming.

Office Location(s): Dublin, Leinster, Ireland (Postal Code: D02 DY88). This specific location suggests a central or accessible business district within Dublin, facilitating easy commute for local employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace is expected to be a hub for cross-functional collaboration, with ample opportunities for designers to interact with creative directors, account managers, producers, and technical teams.

• Creative Resources: Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially physical resources for mood boards or concept development.

• Presentation Facilities: Meeting rooms equipped for presenting visual concepts to internal teams and clients, likely featuring large displays and AV equipment.

• Dynamic Atmosphere: An environment that thrives on the fast-paced nature of event production, encouraging energetic problem-solving and creative output.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, aligned with a full-time, on-site role. However, the nature of event work might necessitate occasional flexibility, requiring extended hours during peak project phases or event build-ups, with an understanding of balancing these demands with work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Dublin, combined with the company's culture, suggests a collaborative and resource-rich physical environment crucial for the hands-on nature of experiential design.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and creative output against the role's requirements.

• Creative/Technical Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager and potentially other senior creatives to delve into design philosophy, approach to challenges, and technical skills. This may involve a review of specific portfolio pieces.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on key projects that demonstrate their capabilities in graphic identity, environmental graphics, and campaign development. This is where they'll articulate their process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and collaborators (e.g., Producers, 3D Designers) to assess cultural fit, communication style, and collaborative potential.

• Leadership/Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership (e.g., CCO, ECD) to discuss strategic vision, leadership approach, and overall fit with Verve's culture and business objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that directly align with the requirements: graphic identity systems, environmental graphics for events, and campaign work.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your creative process (including research and concept development), the solutions you implemented, and the impact or results (if quantifiable).

• Highlight Process: Showcase not just the final visuals but also sketches, mood boards, wireframes, and iterations that demonstrate your thinking and problem-solving.

• Emphasize Systemic Thinking: For graphic identity and environmental graphics, demonstrate how you built scalable visual systems that maintained brand consistency across diverse applications.

• Production Awareness: If possible, include examples where you had to consider production constraints, materials, or specific manufacturing processes.

• Leadership Examples: If presenting team-led projects, clearly define your leadership contribution and how you guided the team to success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge exercise, which might involve developing a concept or visual direction for a hypothetical event or brand activation.

• Focus on demonstrating your strategic thinking, conceptual abilities, and how you translate briefs into visually compelling ideas quickly.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if you were presenting to a client or senior stakeholder.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach production and collaboration for any proposed solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior creative role like this will heavily rely on the portfolio presentation. Candidates need to prepare to articulate not just their design skills but also their strategic thinking, leadership, and understanding of the experiential event context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential. Proficiency with After Effects for motion graphics and potentially Cinema 4D or similar for 3D visualization integration would be highly beneficial.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides – for creating compelling client presentations.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms used by agencies for task management and workflow tracking.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this graphic design role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media engagement, website traffic, event attendance/feedback) is valuable. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics for digital touchpoints) can be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Experience with CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) is generally not required for a Design Director, but understanding how design assets are requested, managed, and delivered within a client management framework is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is centered around core design tools. The emphasis is on creative execution and presentation, with an understanding of production and project management workflows being key operational components.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A deep commitment to the highest standards of visual design, attention to detail, and quality in every output.

• Strategic Creativity: Ensuring that all design decisions are rooted in strategic thinking, brand objectives, and a clear understanding of the client's goals.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where ideas are shared freely, and cross-functional teamwork is paramount.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging a culture of continuous learning, exploration of new visual trends, and pushing creative boundaries.

• Accountability & Delivery: Taking ownership of projects, managing timelines effectively, and ensuring reliable and high-quality delivery.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: Integrating ethical and environmentally conscious practices into the design process, aligning with Verve's core certifications.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Proactive collaboration with Creative Directors, 3D Designers, Producers, and Account Teams to ensure a unified vision and seamless execution from concept to delivery.

• Constructive Feedback: An open and honest approach to giving and receiving feedback, aimed at elevating the quality of creative work and fostering team development.

• Client-Centric Approach: Working closely with account teams to understand client needs, translate them into design solutions, and present creative concepts effectively.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share expertise, guide junior designers, and contribute to the collective growth of the design studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Verve's stated values and certifications provide a strong foundation for understanding their desired team culture. The Design Director role is expected to embody and promote these values within their team and cross-functional interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Production Realities: Navigating the constraints of budgets, timelines, and physical production capabilities while maintaining a high level of creative integrity and innovation.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively aligning the creative vision with the diverse needs and perspectives of clients, account teams, and technical departments.

• Leading and Inspiring a Team: Motivating and guiding a team of designers through high-pressure projects, fostering individual growth while ensuring collective success.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends and Technology: Continuously evolving one's skillset and the team's capabilities to incorporate emerging visual languages, technologies, and production techniques in experiential design.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Complex Projects: Ensuring a unified brand experience across potentially vast and varied event spaces and digital touchpoints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Creative Leadership Training: Opportunities to hone strategic leadership, team management, and client advisory skills.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attendance at leading design, branding, and experiential marketing events to gain insights into new trends and network.

• Sustainability Design Certifications: Deepen expertise in sustainable event design practices and certifications.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to learn from 3D design, production, and strategy teams to gain a more holistic understanding of event creation.

• Mentorship Programs: Participate in or lead mentorship initiatives to refine leadership capabilities and contribute to talent development within Verve.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential difficulties and growth pathways specific to a senior creative leadership role in the experiential events sector, linking them to the company's operational context and values.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex brand strategy into a cohesive graphic identity for a large-scale event. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on strategic thinking, process, and problem-solving).

• "How do you approach balancing creative ambition with practical production constraints and client budgets in experiential design?" (Assess pragmatism, resourcefulness, and production awareness).

• "Walk us through a project where you led a design team to deliver exceptional results under pressure. What was your leadership style, and how did you ensure quality and on-time delivery?" (Evaluate leadership, team management, and operational execution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our certifications (Great Place to Work, ISOs, B-Corp), what are your thoughts on Verve's culture, and how would your leadership style contribute to it?" (Gauge understanding of company values and alignment).

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within a design team, especially in a fast-paced agency environment?" (Assess team-building and cultural contribution).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the strategic brief, the creative journey (ideation, development), the final solution, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Systemic Design: Emphasize how you created scalable visual systems that worked across different applications (e.g., environmental, digital, print).

• Showcase Leadership: If presenting team projects, clearly define your leadership role, how you guided the team, and their collective achievements.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss specific design choices, technical aspects, production considerations, and how you collaborated with other disciplines.

• Connect to Verve: Conclude by explaining how your experience and approach align with Verve's mission, values, and client work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a senior design leadership role in an agency setting, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership, and the specific demands of experiential event design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director (Graphics) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Verve careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature graphic identity systems, environmental graphics for events, and campaign work. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your leadership experience and strategic approach to design challenges.

• Resume Optimization: Refine your CV to highlight 10+ years of relevant agency experience, focusing on leadership roles, key achievements in graphic design for events, and any experience with sustainability or certifications relevant to Verve.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and how you translate creative concepts into production-ready assets. Prepare specific examples for strategy and leadership questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Verve's recent work, client roster, and their stated values (Great Place to Work, sustainability certifications). Understand their approach to experiential marketing and how your skills can contribute.

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

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