Design Director - Mat Cover - Corporate Communications Agency

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director - Maternity Cover

Company: Black Sun Ltd

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative execution of complex communication projects, transforming intricate information into clear, compelling visual narratives for a global clientele.

• Provide hands-on design and strategic creative direction, guiding junior and mid-weight designers to elevate project quality and conceptual strength.

• Drive the development of visual systems and design languages that ensure coherence, distinctiveness, and practical application across multiple channels.

• Foster a collaborative design environment, actively contributing to creative concepts, challenging constructively, and presenting ideas persuasively to internal teams and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a fixed-term maternity cover, requiring a candidate who can quickly integrate into established teams and client relationships, ensuring continuity while bringing fresh perspectives and expertise. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design sophisticated visual communications, including reports, digital assets, and campaigns, that effectively convey complex corporate, financial, strategic, and sustainability information.

• Develop and maintain strong visual hierarchies, narrative structures, and storytelling elements to enhance audience comprehension and engagement.

• Lead the creation of distinctive and coherent design systems, ensuring consistent application of brand identity, typography, imagery, colour, and composition across all project deliverables.

• Expertly utilize advanced typography, editorial design, information design, and data visualization techniques to simplify complex data and present it in an accessible and impactful manner.

• Oversee the end-to-end design process, from initial concept development and client brief interpretation through to final execution and quality assurance, collaborating closely with publishing and production teams.

• Provide clear, constructive, and actionable creative direction and feedback to other designers, fostering their growth and ensuring the integrity of the design vision.

• Present and articulate creative strategies, design rationale, and project outcomes effectively to internal stakeholders and external clients, building trust and confidence in creative judgment.

• Proactively identify opportunities for creative enhancement and process improvement, ensuring work remains innovative, impactful, and aligned with client objectives and evolving industry trends.

• Engage with emerging creative tools, AI, and digital technologies to explore innovative approaches that strengthen creative concepts and optimize workflow efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual focus on individual design craft and leadership, requiring a candidate who can both execute high-quality design and guide creative teams. The role demands a deep understanding of corporate communications, particularly in areas like financial reporting, ESG, and stakeholder engagement, reflecting Black Sun's core business.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a Design Director role. Equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a significant portion spent in senior or lead designer roles within an agency environment. Experience in corporate communications, financial reporting, or stakeholder advisory is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Advanced graphic design and typographic craft, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetic quality.

• Strong conceptual and visual thinking abilities, capable of translating abstract ideas into tangible design solutions.

• Proven expertise in editorial design, information hierarchy, and data visualization.

• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and applying coherent visual systems and design languages.

• Proficiency in designing for both print and digital platforms, understanding the nuances of each medium.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and rationale clearly and persuasively.

• Experience in providing constructive feedback and direction to other designers.

• Strong project management capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

• A collaborative and team-oriented approach, with a willingness to contribute to a positive studio culture. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics, AI tools, or other emerging creative technologies.

• Familiarity with investor relations, ESG reporting, or sustainability communications.

• Experience in client-facing roles, including presenting to senior stakeholders.

• Understanding of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) principles for digital design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "comfortable operating between Senior Designer and Design Director level" suggests that candidates with strong senior design experience and leadership potential will be strongly considered, even if they haven't held a formal Design Director title previously. The requirement for a "strong portfolio of thoughtful, beautifully crafted work" is paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of projects demonstrating expertise in complex information design, data visualization, and editorial layout for corporate or financial clients.

• Include examples of strong conceptual thinking and visual problem-solving, illustrating how design was used to clarify complex content.

• Highlight projects where you developed and applied a consistent visual system or design language across multiple touchpoints.

• Present case studies that detail your design process, from initial brief and concept development through to final execution, emphasizing your role and contributions.

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in typography, hierarchy, and composition within your design work. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to articulate your design process, from understanding a brief and conducting research to concept generation, iteration, and final delivery.

• Showcase how you approach simplifying complex information and creating clear visual narratives.

• Be ready to discuss how you establish and maintain design systems and brand consistency.

• Provide examples of how you collaborate with other designers, Creative Directors, and account teams throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "making complexity clear" and "making every choice for a reason," the portfolio should explicitly demonstrate the candidate's ability to translate strategic objectives and dense information into effective visual solutions. Case studies detailing the "why" behind design decisions will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Design Director role with 5-10 years of experience in London, a competitive salary range is typically between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the position, the specialized nature of corporate communications design, and the cost of living in London.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Hybrid working model offering flexibility between office-based and remote work.

• Opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of leading global organizations.

• Collaborative and supportive studio environment within a well-established agency.

• Exposure to cutting-edge creative tools and methodologies.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and potential for continued engagement beyond the maternity cover period based on business needs.

• Participation in a company culture that values learning, respect, courage, and excellence.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely to be around 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a maternity cover position, the benefits package may differ slightly from a permanent role. However, the core aspects of professional development, collaborative environment, and exposure to high-profile work are expected. The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in London and the specified experience level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Stakeholder Advisory and Engagement, Corporate Communications, ESG & Sustainability Consulting. Black Sun operates at the intersection of strategic communications, investor relations, and corporate responsibility, serving as a trusted partner to global organizations navigating complex business landscapes.

Company Size: Black Sun Global is part of the Positive Change Group, which brings together specialist agencies. While specific numbers for Black Sun are not provided, the group likely comprises several hundred employees globally, indicating a medium to large-sized organization with specialized teams. This size offers opportunities for broad exposure and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Black Sun has been operating for over 20 years, establishing a strong reputation and deep expertise in its field. The Positive Change Group emphasizes a forward-thinking approach, adapting to evolving business needs shaped by AI, transparency, and societal expectations.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will collaborate closely with Creative Directors, reporting into a senior creative leadership role.

• They will manage and mentor a team of Senior, Midweight, and Junior Designers, fostering a supportive and developmental environment.

• Close cross-functional collaboration is expected with Account Directors, Account Managers, Strategy specialists, Investor Relations experts, Sustainability specialists, and Digital/Creative specialists.

• Interaction with Publishing and Production teams is vital for ensuring the integrity of design execution. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Storytelling: Transforming complex data and information into clear, engaging narratives through design.

• Strategic Insight: Understanding client challenges and objectives to inform creative direction.

• Collaborative Development: Working in integrated teams to brainstorm, refine, and deliver creative solutions.

• Process Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to improve creative workflows and leverage new technologies.

• Focus on Impact: Ensuring all creative output drives tangible results for clients, whether in reporting, engagement, or brand perception.

Company Website: www.blacksun-global.com, www.positivechangegroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values ("learn and grow, go together, show respect, be courageous and deliver excellence") and "The Changemaker Way" culture highlight a commitment to professional development, teamwork, integrity, and proactive problem-solving, which are crucial for operations and creative roles alike.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior creative leadership level, bridging the gap between Senior Designer and a fully-fledged Design Director. It offers an opportunity to step up in responsibility, manage projects with greater autonomy, and influence creative output significantly. For someone already at Design Director level, it provides a chance to work on high-profile clients and contribute to a leading agency.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to Creative Director(s) and work closely with Account Directors. They will also lead and mentor a team of designers. This structure offers exposure to senior leadership and team management responsibilities.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly impacts client success by clarifying complex information, enhancing communication effectiveness, and strengthening brand perception. Their output influences how clients engage with their stakeholders, contributing to trust, reputation, and long-term value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Gain experience in leading creative teams, mentoring designers, and managing project workflows, which are foundational for future leadership roles.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like financial reporting, ESG communications, information design, and data visualization within a leading agency context.

• Client Exposure: Develop strong client relationship management and presentation skills by working with prominent global organizations.

• Potential for Extension/Permanent Role: Depending on business needs and performance, there may be opportunities for the contract to be extended or transition into a permanent position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed as a "maternity cover," which implies a fixed term. However, the description emphasizes bringing "your own ideas and experience to make the work stronger" and the potential for growth, suggesting that exceptional performance could lead to further opportunities within Black Sun or the Positive Change Group.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. The 2nd interview is specified as "In person interview (Fulham Palace)," suggesting a physical office space is available and utilized for key interactions.

Office Location(s): The job is located in London, with a specific mention of an in-person interview at Fulham Palace, suggesting this is a key office location. The company operates globally, implying potential for interaction with international teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed for collaboration, team meetings, creative reviews, and client presentations, particularly for in-person interviews and team interactions.

• Tool Availability: Access to necessary design software and technology within the office is implied, supporting the hands-on nature of the role.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to connect with Creative Directors, fellow designers, and account teams, fostering idea exchange and a shared creative culture.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected, with the flexibility inherent in a hybrid model. The emphasis on "making every choice for a reason" and "looking for opportunities to make the work better, not simply to get it finished" suggests a results-oriented culture that values quality and strategic thinking over strict adherence to hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "Fulham Palace" for the in-person interview suggests a professional and potentially inspiring office location. The hybrid nature of the role implies a modern work environment that balances in-person collaboration with remote flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Stage 1: Phone Chat: Initial screening with a Talent Acquisition Manager to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.

• Stage 2: 1st Interview (Teams): A virtual interview with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, skills, and approach to design challenges.

• Stage 3: 2nd Interview (In-Person): A face-to-face interview at the Fulham Palace office with a Creative Director and a team member. This stage includes presenting a task, which will likely assess practical design skills, conceptual thinking, and presentation abilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in complex information design, data visualization, editorial layout, and conceptual thinking relevant to corporate communications.

• Showcase Process: For each selected project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, and the rationale behind key decisions. Use visuals to illustrate your journey from concept to execution.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved clarity, engagement metrics, client feedback). If direct metrics are unavailable, focus on the strategic impact of your design solutions.

• Demonstrate Craft: Ensure all presented work is polished, well-executed, and showcases advanced typographic and visual design skills.

• Tailor to Black Sun: Emphasize how your skills and experience align with Black Sun's creative belief ("Find what matters. Have an idea. Make complexity clear. Make every choice for a reason. Make a difference.") and their focus on corporate communications.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: For the task presented in the 2nd interview, thoroughly analyze the brief, identify key objectives, and understand the target audience.

• Think Before You Make: Apply Black Sun's core principle by focusing on strategy and concept before diving into execution.

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your thoughts logically, clearly explaining your approach, design decisions, and how your solution addresses the brief.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, creative choices, and how you handle feedback. Be prepared to discuss your experience with complex content and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to progressively assess different facets of a candidate's suitability, culminating in a practical, in-person assessment. The emphasis on a "task" presentation during the final interview is a critical component, requiring thorough preparation of a relevant design challenge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is mandatory, specifically:

  • Adobe InDesign: For editorial layout, reports, and complex document design.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, icons, and detailed illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, compositing, and digital asset creation.

• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint or Keynote will be used for client presentations and internal reviews.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how design impacts reporting metrics (e.g., engagement, clarity of information) is crucial. Familiarity with how data is presented visually within reports is key. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool usage is implied for this design role. However, an understanding of how design assets are integrated into broader communication campaigns managed by account teams may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus is on advanced graphic design software. The role requires a designer who can leverage these tools to translate complex information and strategic objectives into visually compelling outputs, rather than managing operational systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Find What Matters: A commitment to deep understanding and identifying the core message before design execution.

• Have an Idea: Encourages proactive contribution of concepts and creative thinking, not just execution.

• Make Complexity Clear: A core tenet of Black Sun's work, emphasizing the designer's role in simplifying intricate information.

• Make Every Choice for a Reason: Promotes thoughtful, strategic decision-making in all design aspects.

• Make a Difference: Focuses on delivering impactful work that contributes to client success and positive change.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Works closely with Creative Directors, account teams, strategy, IR, and sustainability specialists to ensure cohesive communication strategies.

• Mentorship and Guidance: A supportive environment where senior designers provide direction and feedback to junior team members, fostering growth.

• Open Communication: Encourages sharing of ideas, constructive challenge, and active participation in creative reviews and pitches.

• Respectful Exchange: Adherence to Group Values of "show respect" and "go together," fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's explicit articulation of its creative beliefs and group values provides a strong framework for understanding the desired team culture. Candidates are expected to embody these principles in their daily work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: Consistently translating highly technical, financial, or strategic information into accessible and engaging visual narratives for diverse audiences.

• Maternity Cover Integration: Quickly onboarding into established client relationships and project teams, providing continuity while introducing fresh creative perspectives.

• Balancing Craft and Direction: Effectively managing both hands-on design execution and creative leadership, ensuring high quality while guiding others.

• Evolving Tools: Staying current with new creative technologies, including AI, and integrating them effectively into design workflows to enhance output and efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to refine expertise in specialized areas like data visualization, editorial design, and information architecture within a leading agency.

• Creative Leadership: Develop strategic thinking, client presentation, and team management skills through leading projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Industry Exposure: Gain in-depth understanding of stakeholder advisory, corporate reporting, ESG, and investor relations through project work.

• Networking: Build relationships with industry professionals within Black Sun and the wider Positive Change Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity for a designer to expand their leadership capabilities and deepen their expertise in a niche but critical area of corporate communications, all within a supportive agency structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify complex financial or strategic information for a broad audience. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, tools, and impact).

• "How do you balance your own design execution with providing creative direction to other designers? Can you give an example?" (Demonstrate leadership and mentorship skills).

• "Walk us through a project where you developed a comprehensive visual system. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure consistency?" (Showcase system thinking and execution).

• "How do you approach a new brief from a client you've never worked with before? What are your initial steps?" (Assess research, strategic thinking, and brief interpretation). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Black Sun's creative philosophy, particularly 'Find what matters' and 'Make complexity clear'?" (Align your understanding with their core beliefs).

• "How do you embody Black Sun's Group Values (learn and grow, go together, show respect, be courageous, deliver excellence) in your work?" (Provide specific examples).

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?" (Assess cultural fit and teamwork). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a clear story that highlights the challenge, your unique approach, your key decisions, and the positive outcome.

• Visual Emphasis: Ensure your visuals are high-quality and clearly demonstrate your design skills. Use annotations or call-outs to explain specific design choices.

• Process Focus: Be prepared to discuss the 'why' behind your design decisions, demonstrating strategic thinking rather than just aesthetic choices.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Select 3-5 key projects that best represent your capabilities for the role.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process, especially the second stage with a task presentation, requires candidates to not only showcase their past work but also demonstrate their ability to think critically and creatively under pressure, aligning with Black Sun's core principles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Black Sun's careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating expertise in complex information design, data visualization, and editorial layout for corporate or financial clients. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your process and the strategic rationale behind your design decisions.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in corporate communications, stakeholder advisory, and creative leadership. Emphasize your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with ESG or sustainability reporting. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Black Sun and the Positive Change Group. Prepare to discuss your design philosophy, how you embody their creative values, and be ready to present a task or case study demonstrating your ability to "make complexity clear." Practice articulating your creative process and strategic thinking.

• Company Research: Understand Black Sun's client base, their core services (disclosure and reporting, ESG, sustainability, digital engagement), and their mission. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses to demonstrate a strong fit with their business objectives and culture.

⚠️ 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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