Design Director at Landor

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: Landor

Location: New York

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Brand Design / Creative Direction

Date Posted: 2025-06-15

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Provide strategic creative leadership and direction for design teams and branding projects, ensuring the delivery of high-quality creative solutions that align with client objectives and brand strategy.
Guide and mentor junior designers, fostering their growth and upholding the studio's creative standards and design excellence.
Evaluate design options, providing insightful critique and pushing conceptual boundaries to develop innovative and impactful brand identities and experiences.
Collaborate closely with Creative Directors and other Design Directors to shape the future creative vision of the New York studio and contribute to Landor's global design perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role summary emphasizes strategic creative leadership, team guidance, and conceptual development, which are key responsibilities for a Design Director at a leading branding agency. The reference to contributing to the studio's future creative vision highlights the strategic impact expected at this level.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Lead and manage multiple design projects simultaneously, overseeing the entire design lifecycle from concept development to final implementation, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Translate brand strategy and creative briefs into compelling visual design solutions, ensuring consistency and impact across all brand touchpoints.
Conduct design critiques and provide constructive feedback to design teams, elevating the quality of creative output and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Collaborate with internal cross-functional teams, including strategy, client services, and production, to ensure seamless project execution and client satisfaction.
Present design concepts and rationale to clients, effectively communicating the strategic thinking and creative vision behind the work and building strong client relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities detail the hands-on leadership, project management, and client interaction expected of a Design Director. The emphasis on translating strategy into design solutions and conducting critiques reflects the seniority and strategic nature of the role within a branding agency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related design field is typically preferred. A Master's degree or equivalent professional experience demonstrating advanced design knowledge and leadership is advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in branding and design, with a significant portion in a leadership role within a branding/design agency. A strong portfolio showcasing a track record of successful brand development projects and creative leadership is essential.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in creative leadership and managing cross-discipline design teams, demonstrating the ability to inspire and guide designers.
Exceptional understanding of design strategy and the ability to translate business objectives into effective visual communication and brand experiences.
Outstanding technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe Acrobat) for high-fidelity design execution and production.
Deep knowledge of current creative and design trends across various industries and media, with the ability to apply them strategically to branding projects.

Preferred Skills:

Experience in managing complex branding projects for large, global clients across diverse sectors.
Familiarity with motion design, sonic branding, or architectural design principles and their integration into comprehensive brand experiences.
Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and rationale clearly and persuasively to both internal teams and clients.
Experience with design system development and implementation for large-scale brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills and qualifications section is enhanced to reflect the expectations for a Design Director role at a prominent branding agency. It emphasizes leadership experience, strategic thinking, and advanced technical skills, while also including preferred skills that align with Landor's broader service offerings (sonic branding, architectural design). The education and experience levels are aligned with industry standards for a director-level design position.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Present a curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of branding projects, demonstrating your creative leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver impactful design solutions.
Include detailed case studies that clearly articulate the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your design work on client objectives and brand perception.
Showcase your ability to lead and guide design teams, highlighting your contribution to the success of complex projects and the development of junior designers.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of visual design principles, typography, color theory, and layout, with a focus on executing high-quality, production-ready design assets.

Process Documentation:

Provide documentation that illustrates your approach to the research and discovery phases of branding projects, including competitive analysis, trend research, and audience insights.
Detail your methods for ideation, concept development, and design iteration, showing how you explore multiple creative avenues and refine designs based on feedback and strategic requirements.
Explain your approach to design validation and testing, including how you gather user feedback, conduct usability testing, and measure the effectiveness of design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio section is tailored for a Design Director role, emphasizing not just individual design skills but also leadership, strategic thinking, and process documentation. The focus on case studies and articulating impact aligns with the expectations for a senior position responsible for project outcomes and client success.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The base salary for this position in New York, NY is stated to range from $75,000 to $180,000. This wide range reflects potential variations based on factors such as specific experience, tenure, portfolio strength, and the scope of responsibilities within the Landor structure. This range aligns with typical Design Director salaries in a major market like New York, especially within established branding agencies, though individual compensation will be determined by negotiation and assessment of qualifications.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.
Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match to support long-term financial planning.
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to encourage work-life balance.
Access to professional development resources, training programs, and opportunities for skill enhancement relevant to the design industry.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week. As a Design Director, some flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, attend client meetings, or support global teams, reflecting the nature of leadership roles in a dynamic agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation section includes the provided salary range and adds context about factors influencing the specific salary within that range. The benefits are inferred based on typical offerings at a large, reputable company like Landor, part of WPP, and are presented with relevance to design professionals. The working hours are described with consideration for the demands of a director-level agency role.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Design Services / Branding. Landor operates within the competitive landscape of global brand consulting, focusing on connecting business strategy to brand execution across various touchpoints. This industry context means Design Directors play a critical role in shaping client businesses through the power of design and strategic branding.

Company Size: Landor is a large organization within the WPP network, with over 1,000 employees globally. For design professionals, this means working within a structured environment with access to extensive resources, a broad range of client projects, and opportunities for collaboration with diverse teams and disciplines.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly mentioned in the provided text, Landor has a long-standing history as a prominent global branding agency, known for its legacy of influential brand work and design innovation.

Team Structure:

Design teams are likely structured around specific projects or client accounts, led by Design Directors reporting to Creative Directors.
Collaboration is emphasized, with design teams working closely with strategy, client services, and potentially specialized teams like sonic branding (amp) and architectural design (BDG).
The structure likely encourages mentorship and development, with Design Directors coaching and nurturing junior team members.

Methodology:

Landor's methodology emphasizes connecting business strategy to brand outcomes, suggesting a strong focus on strategic research and discovery to inform design solutions.
The process likely involves rigorous ideation, design thinking approaches, and iterative development to arrive at impactful creative concepts.
Validation and testing are crucial to ensure design solutions are effective and meet client objectives, likely involving client feedback sessions and potentially market testing or user research.

Company Website: https://landor.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company and design culture details are inferred from Landor's public profile as a leading global branding agency within WPP. The industry context, company size, and team structure implications are explained in terms relevant to a design professional. The methodology section describes a typical branding process at a strategic agency, aligning with Landor's stated approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This is a senior leadership role within the design hierarchy, positioned to guide teams, shape creative direction, and significantly impact project outcomes. It represents a key step in a design career, likely reporting to a Creative Director or higher.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director, working closely with other Design Directors and collaborating across departments. This structure provides opportunities for strategic input and leadership within the creative department.

Design Impact: Design Directors at Landor have a direct and significant impact on the brands they work with and the success of client businesses. They are responsible for translating strategy into tangible, effective design solutions that resonate with target audiences and achieve business goals.

Growth Opportunities:

Potential advancement to Creative Director or other senior leadership roles within Landor or the broader WPP network, based on performance and demonstrated leadership.
Opportunities to specialize in specific areas of branding or design, such as digital branding, brand experience, or strategic design consulting.
Mentorship opportunities, both formal and informal, to develop leadership skills and contribute to the growth of the wider design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career and growth analysis positions the Design Director role within the typical agency hierarchy and highlights potential advancement paths within a large organization like Landor/WPP. The emphasis on design impact reflects the strategic importance of the role.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site at the New York studio. Landor's studios are designed to foster creative collaboration and innovation, providing a dedicated space for design teams to work together and interact directly.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is the New York studio. Specific address details would be provided later in the application process or during interviews.

Design Workspace Context:

The New York studio likely offers a dynamic and inspiring creative environment, designed to support various stages of the design process, from brainstorming to production.
Collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially specialized areas for presentations or workshops would be available to facilitate team work and client interactions.
Access to high-end design tools and technology would be provided, supporting efficient workflow and the creation of high-quality design deliverables.

Work Schedule: The on-site nature of the role implies a standard office schedule, although flexibility may be required to accommodate project demands or international collaboration, typical of a global agency. The focus is on being present in the studio to facilitate team collaboration and creative synergy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description provides context for an on-site role at a creative agency, highlighting the importance of the physical space for collaboration and the resources available to design professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience.
Interview(s) with Creative Directors or other Design Directors to discuss your portfolio, creative process, and leadership experience. Be prepared to walk through specific case studies in detail.
Potential design challenge or presentation to assess problem-solving skills and ability to articulate design solutions under pressure. This could involve a take-home assignment or an in-studio exercise.
Further interviews with cross-functional team members (e.g., strategy, client services) and potentially senior leadership to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit within the agency.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate your portfolio to showcase projects that demonstrate strategic thinking, creative leadership, and the ability to deliver impactful branding solutions for diverse clients.
For each case study, clearly outline the project brief, your role and responsibilities, the design process you followed, the challenges you faced, and the tangible results or impact of your work.
Highlight your leadership contributions, explaining how you guided teams, mentored designers, and collaborated with cross-functional partners to achieve project success.
Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and reflects a high level of design execution and attention to detail, aligning with Landor's standards of creative excellence.

Challenge Preparation:

Review your design process and be prepared to articulate your approach to problem-solving, ideation, and iteration under time constraints.
Practice presenting your work clearly and concisely, focusing on the strategic rationale behind your design decisions and how they address the project objectives.
Familiarize yourself with Landor's work and clients to demonstrate an understanding of their brand philosophy and potential challenges in the branding landscape.

ATS Keywords: Creative Leadership, Design Strategy, Brand Development, Team Management, Client Management, Adobe Creative Suite, Branding Agency, Brand Identity, Visual Communication, Design Thinking, Portfolio Review, Case Studies, Design Process, Strategic Branding, Creative Direction, Cross-functional Collaboration, Design Trends, Mentorship, Project Management, Brand Experience, Digital Branding, Packaging Design, Corporate Identity, Brand Guidelines, Design Systems, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Strategic Design, Concept Development, Ideation, Design Critique.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and portfolio review process section is enhanced with specific advice for a Design Director role at a branding agency. It outlines typical interview stages, provides tactical tips for portfolio curation and presentation (emphasizing leadership and strategic impact), and offers guidance for preparing for potential design challenges. The comprehensive list of ATS keywords is tailored to design roles, covering skills, tools, methodologies, and industry terms.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe Acrobat): Essential for core design tasks, including visual concepting, layout, illustration, and preparing production-ready files. Proficiency at an advanced level is required for leadership and guidance.
Other industry-standard design tools may be used depending on project needs, such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for digital branding projects.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) for internal communication and team coordination.
Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) for tracking project progress, managing tasks, and coordinating workflows with cross-functional teams.
Handoff tools (e.g., Zeplin, Abstract) may be used for seamless collaboration with developers and ensuring accurate implementation of design specifications.

Research & Testing:

Access to research platforms and databases for market analysis, trend research, and competitive benchmarking.
Potential use of prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Marvel) for testing user flows and gathering feedback on digital brand experiences.
Analytics platforms may be utilized to measure the performance and impact of implemented design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack section details the essential software and platforms used in a professional branding agency environment. It emphasizes the core Adobe Creative Suite proficiency while also including tools for collaboration, handoff, research, and testing, reflecting the broader technological landscape of modern design work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Creative Excellence: A strong commitment to producing innovative, high-quality design work that pushes creative boundaries and sets industry standards.
Strategic Impact: Design is viewed as a strategic function that drives business outcomes and connects with target audiences on a deeper level.
Collaboration & Openness: Fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructive, and diverse perspectives are valued.
Continuous Learning & Growth: Encouraging designers to stay updated on trends, refine their skills, and explore new technologies and methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

Highly collaborative, with design teams working closely with strategists, client services, and other specialists.
Emphasis on open communication, regular design critiques, and cross-functional brainstorming sessions.
A culture that values mentorship and knowledge sharing among team members at all levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: Design values and collaboration style are inferred from the company's description as a "world-leading brand specialist" and the emphasis on teamwork and creative leadership in the job description. These values are presented with behavioral expectations and their impact on the design process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Managing multiple complex branding projects simultaneously while maintaining high creative standards and meeting tight deadlines.
Navigating client expectations and feedback, effectively communicating design rationale, and building consensus among stakeholders.
Staying ahead of evolving design trends, technologies, and consumer behaviors to ensure brand solutions remain relevant and impactful.
Mentoring and developing a diverse team of designers with varying skill levels and experience, fostering their growth and ensuring creative synergy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities to work on high-profile branding projects for global clients across diverse industries, expanding your portfolio and strategic experience.
Access to internal training programs, workshops, and resources to enhance design skills, leadership capabilities, and knowledge of emerging trends.
Mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within Landor and the wider WPP network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Design challenges are identified based on the demands of a Design Director role in a fast-paced agency environment, including project management, client interaction, and team leadership. Growth opportunities are highlighted, emphasizing the potential for working on significant projects and accessing professional development resources within a large organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Be prepared to discuss your end-to-end design process for a complex branding project, from initial research and strategy to concept development, iteration, and final implementation. Use specific examples from your portfolio.
Explain how you approach design challenges, including how you define the problem, explore solutions, and make design decisions based on strategic requirements and user needs.
Describe your experience leading design critiques and providing constructive feedback to design teams, highlighting your methods for fostering creative growth and maintaining quality standards.

Company Culture Questions:

Research Landor's recent work and clients. Be prepared to discuss projects that resonate with you and explain why, demonstrating your understanding of their brand philosophy and creative approach.
Discuss your leadership style and how you motivate and mentor design teams. Provide examples of how you have fostered a collaborative and innovative team culture.
Be ready to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams (strategy, client services, etc.) and how you ensure seamless collaboration and communication throughout the project lifecycle.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 3-4 key case studies from your portfolio that best demonstrate your creative leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver impactful branding solutions.
Structure your presentation to clearly articulate the project brief, your role, the design process, the challenges you overcame, and the results or impact of your work. Focus on the strategic rationale behind your design decisions.
Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, explaining your approach to research, ideation, iteration, and collaboration with the team and clients.
Highlight your leadership contributions, showcasing how you guided the team, mentored designers, and navigated project complexities to achieve successful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored for a Design Director role, focusing on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership skills, and the ability to articulate the design process and its impact. Specific question areas are suggested, along with tactical tips for portfolio presentation and company research.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link.
Carefully review the job description and tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in creative leadership, branding, and team management.
Prepare and refine your online portfolio, ensuring it showcases your strongest branding projects with detailed case studies that emphasize your strategic thinking, design process, and leadership contributions.
Research Landor's work, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of their brand philosophy and align your application materials accordingly.
Practice discussing your portfolio and design process, focusing on articulating the strategic rationale behind your work and highlighting your leadership experience.

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

Design Director