Associate Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Design Director Company: SALT XC Location: Toronto, Canada Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Design Date Posted: 2026-02-05T19:22:58 Experience Level: 7+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and execution of brand-aligned design systems that ensure consistency and creative impact across digital, print, and experiential mediums.
• Drive concept development and strategic design thinking, translating insights into engaging creative concepts that differentiate brands.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and quality oversight to design teams, fostering a culture of creative problem-solving and design excellence.
• Confidently present design work, visual strategy, and creative concepts to clients and senior stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment with business objectives.
• Maintain hands-on involvement in key design work, setting a high standard for visual craft, attention to detail, and production-ready deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior creative leadership position within a marketing agency. The focus is on strategic design thinking, team management, and client-facing responsibilities, requiring a blend of creative vision and execution capability. The "Associate" title suggests a path towards broader creative director roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the creation and implementation of comprehensive brand-aligned design systems that reinforce consistency, clarity, and creative impact across all client deliverables.
• Translate client brand strategies and positioning into scalable creative systems and compelling design concepts that drive audience engagement and market differentiation.
• Oversee the end-to-end execution of design work across multiple projects, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in layout, typography, color, and final production standards.
• Lead and mentor Designers and Senior Designers, providing constructive feedback, direction, and quality oversight to elevate the team's overall craft and output.
• Facilitate and lead ideation and concepting sessions, pushing creative boundaries while ensuring strict alignment with client objectives and brand guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with Creative Directors, Strategy, Production, and Account teams to ensure integrated campaign execution and seamless project delivery.
• Act as a primary presenter of design work, visual strategy, and creative concepts to clients and internal senior stakeholders, articulating the rationale and impact effectively.
• Champion a culture of creative problem-solving, curiosity, and continuous learning within the design team, encouraging the exploration of new design innovations and AI-driven tools.
• Ensure the preparation of all final deliverables is production-ready, accurate, efficient, and polished.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to bring a strong design perspective to brand challenges and the development of connected experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic leadership and hands-on design execution. The role requires not only creative direction but also the ability to manage and develop a design team, ensuring high-quality output and effective client communication. The emphasis on "connected experiences" and "innovation" suggests a forward-thinking agency environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Post-secondary degree or diploma in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Communication Design, or a related field is preferred. Experience: 7+ years of professional design experience in social, digital, and brand design. Experience in experiential and shopper marketing is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and manage creative teams, providing effective mentorship and quality oversight.
• Strong portfolio showcasing conceptual depth, design excellence, and versatility across digital, print, and potentially experiential mediums.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Excellent client-facing presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative vision and strategic rationale clearly.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing brand-aligned design systems.
• Strategic thinking capabilities to translate brand strategy and insights into impactful design concepts.
• Strong understanding of production standards and attention to detail for final deliverables.
• Ability to balance leadership responsibilities with hands-on creative execution.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with AI-driven design tools and emerging design technologies.
• Experience in experiential and shopper marketing design.
• Proven track record in concept development for integrated marketing campaigns.
• Collaboration experience with Strategy, Production, and Account Management teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a senior-level designer with leadership experience. The portfolio is critical, and proficiency in core Adobe tools is non-negotiable. Experience with emerging technologies like AI in design is a differentiating factor.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio that clearly demonstrates conceptual depth, a high level of design excellence, and versatility across various mediums (digital, print, social, experiential).
• Case studies showcasing the ability to translate strategic insights and brand positioning into tangible, effective design solutions.
• Examples of developed and implemented brand-aligned design systems, illustrating consistency and scalability.
• Evidence of leadership in design execution, including examples of guiding junior designers or overseeing project quality.
• Visuals that highlight meticulous attention to detail, production readiness, and polished final outputs.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for developing design systems, from initial concept to final implementation.
• Be ready to articulate your approach to leading creative reviews, providing constructive feedback, and driving consensus.
• Demonstrations of how you translate client briefs and strategic objectives into actionable design concepts will be highly valued.
• Examples of how you collaborate with cross-functional teams (Strategy, Production, Accounts) to ensure project success.
• Ability to explain your process for ensuring brand integrity and creative excellence across diverse project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design leadership role, the portfolio is paramount. It must showcase not only aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a structured approach to design challenges. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process and decision-making for key portfolio pieces.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $90,000–$110,000 CAD. Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Up to 28 paid days off annually.
• Winter holiday shutdowns.
• "Salt Bucks" for wellness, RRSPs, or extra time off.
• Referral bonuses.
• New business bonuses.
• Personalized wellness options.
• Access to top-tier learning resources.
• Formal leadership development programs.
• Team trips and seasonal social events.
• DEI programs and active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

Working Hours: While specific daily hours are not detailed, the role is expected to be a standard full-time position, likely around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility afforded by a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided in CAD and is based on the input data. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance, professional development, and employee well-being, aligning with the company's stated values.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising. SALT XC is a North American marketing agency focused on creating "connected experiences" through creative, digital, and media innovation. Company Size: The provided data does not specify exact company size. However, the structure implies a growing agency with distinct teams and a focus on collaboration. Founded: The founding date is not provided. The company name "SALT XC" and its mission "Earn the World’s Attention" suggest a modern, results-oriented agency.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Creative" team at SALT XC.
• It reports to Creative Directors and will collaborate closely with Strategy, Production, and Account Management teams.
• The role involves leading and mentoring Designers and Senior Designers.
• The agency emphasizes cross-functional collaboration to deliver integrated solutions.

Methodology:

• Focus on "connected experiences" through creative, digital, and media innovation.
• Mission: "Earn the World’s Attention" by finding, developing, executing, and amplifying impactful ideas.
• Values: "Salt of The Earth" implies collaborative, humble, and hard-working individuals.
• Emphasis on combining different perspectives and working across mediums.
• Commitment to delivering meaningful and effective results.

Company Website: saltxc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: SALT XC positions itself as an innovative marketing agency that values a strong culture ("Salt of The Earth") alongside client results. The hybrid work model and comprehensive benefits indicate a modern approach to employee experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the Creative/Design function, bridging hands-on execution with team leadership and strategic input. It's an "Associate" level, suggesting a stepping stone to a full Creative Director or similar senior leadership role. Reporting Structure: The Associate Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director or Group Creative Director and will manage a team of Designers and Senior Designers. Collaboration with Strategy, Production, and Account teams is a key aspect of the role. Operations Impact: In this role, the "operations" aspect is centered around the efficient and effective execution of creative projects. The Associate Design Director's impact is on maintaining design quality, ensuring brand consistency, driving creative innovation, and ultimately contributing to the success of client campaigns and the agency's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Potential to advance to Creative Director, Group Creative Director, or similar senior leadership positions within SALT XC.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to hone leadership, mentorship, and client-facing presentation skills. Exposure to a wide range of client challenges and industries.
• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like design systems, digital strategy, or experiential design depending on project focus and personal development goals.
• Agency Growth: Contributing to the agency's reputation and growth by delivering exceptional creative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" title implies a defined growth path within the agency. The role offers a blend of creative leadership and team management, preparing individuals for more senior creative director roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work setup, with a dog-friendly office environment. This suggests a collaborative and somewhat informal office culture. Office Location(s): Toronto, Canada. Specific office address is not provided, but it is a hybrid role, requiring some in-office presence.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility, balancing remote work with in-office collaboration.
• The dog-friendly office indicates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
• Collaborative work is emphasized, suggesting open-plan areas or dedicated collaboration spaces for team projects and client presentations.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology is implied.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time employment, with the hybrid arrangement offering flexibility. The emphasis on "Work-Life Flexibility" suggests a culture that supports employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and dog-friendly office are key aspects of the work environment, appealing to candidates seeking flexibility and a positive workplace culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and fit.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting key projects, strategic thinking, and their role in execution. This is a critical step.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with Creative Directors, potential direct reports, and cross-functional partners to assess leadership style, collaboration skills, and cultural fit.
• Creative Challenge (Potential): A design exercise or case study to evaluate problem-solving abilities, concept development, and execution skills under timed conditions.
• Final Interview: With senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, concept development, and hands-on execution capabilities. Include diverse examples across different mediums.
• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, your specific role and contributions, the creative solution, and the impact/results.
• Highlight Leadership: If possible, include examples where you led a team, mentored designers, or influenced the creative direction.
• Showcase Design Systems: If you've developed design systems, clearly explain the process, the components, and how they ensured consistency.
• Be Prepared for Detail: Expect questions about your process, tool usage, problem-solving techniques, and how you handle feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a creative challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.
• Outline your approach clearly before diving into execution.
• Communicate your thought process throughout the exercise.
• Ensure your final output is polished and aligns with the brief's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a central part of the hiring process for this role. Candidates should prepare a compelling narrative for their work and be ready to discuss their strategic approach and leadership contributions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. These are fundamental for graphic design, digital assets, and print production.
• Design Systems Tools: While not explicitly named, tools or methodologies for creating and managing design systems (e.g., Figma, Sketch, or internal platforms) may be utilized.
• AI-Driven Design Tools: Familiarity or experience with emerging AI tools for design is a plus, indicating a forward-thinking approach to creative workflows.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly specified for this design role, but understanding how design impacts engagement metrics would be beneficial. CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud is a core technical requirement. The mention of AI-driven design tools suggests the agency is adopting or exploring new technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Salt of The Earth: Humility, honesty, and heart in all interactions. This suggests a supportive and grounded team environment.
• Do What’s Right: Integrity, choosing the right path over the easy one. This implies ethical conduct and a commitment to quality.
• Earn Your Salt: Rolling up sleeves, chasing results, and celebrating achievements. This points to a hardworking, results-oriented team that values effort and success.
• Make Things Better: Proactive problem-solving and seeking smarter, more efficient ways of working. This fosters innovation and continuous improvement.
• Seek Different Perspectives: Valuing diversity and inclusion to fuel thinking and drive impact. This indicates an open-minded and inclusive team culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working across creative, strategy, production, and account management teams.
• Emphasis on cross-functional partnerships to deliver integrated and effective client solutions.
• Open to diverse perspectives to drive innovation and better outcomes.
• Mentorship and knowledge sharing are implied through the leadership and team development aspects of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are deeply integrated into its culture and likely influence daily operations and team interactions. Candidates should align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Leadership and Execution: Effectively managing a team while remaining hands-on with critical design tasks requires strong time management and delegation skills.
• Elevating Creative Standards: Consistently pushing the creative boundaries for diverse clients while adhering to brand guidelines and delivering on strategic objectives.
• Client Presentation Dynamics: Navigating client expectations, feedback, and potential pushback during presentations, ensuring creative vision is maintained.
• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with design innovations, particularly AI, and integrating new tools and methodologies effectively into the team's workflow.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring design seamlessly integrates with strategy, media, and production, managing expectations and communication across departments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Formal programs and on-the-job training in managing creative teams, mentorship, and client relationship management.
• Creative Skill Advancement: Opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects, expanding creative range and technical proficiency.
• Industry Exposure: Staying abreast of marketing and design trends, potentially through agency-provided learning platforms or industry events.
• Strategic Acumen: Deepening understanding of brand strategy, client business objectives, and how design contributes to overall marketing success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities for growth in both creative leadership and strategic thinking, with challenges that encourage professional development and adaptation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a design system for a new client. What are the key considerations?" (Focus on strategic thinking, scalability, and brand alignment.)
• "Walk us through a complex project where you had to balance hands-on design work with leading a team. How did you manage both?" (Highlight delegation, prioritization, and leadership skills.)
• "How do you translate abstract brand strategy or client insights into concrete, compelling visual concepts?" (Demonstrate conceptual thinking and strategic translation.)
• "Describe a time you had to present a challenging creative concept to a client. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase presentation skills, persuasive communication, and client management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody the 'Salt of The Earth' values in your leadership and work?" (Connect your personal values to the company's core principles.)
• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within a design team?" (Discuss your approach to encouraging new ideas and adapting to trends like AI.)
• "What is your approach to mentoring and developing junior designers?" (Show your commitment to team growth and talent development.)
• "How do you ensure design work not only looks good but also drives measurable business results for clients?" (Emphasize the link between creativity and impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by client, project type, or skill. Clearly label your role and contributions for each piece.
• Narrative: For each selected project, tell a concise story: problem, strategy, solution, execution, and results.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images and mockups. For digital work, consider showing it in context.
• Interactivity: Be prepared to click through websites, apps, or presentations, explaining design choices as you go.
• Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, tools, challenges, and how you handle feedback. Be confident and articulate.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of design's role in marketing. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to demonstrate these qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant experience in brand systems, design leadership, and client presentations. Ensure it showcases a strong balance of conceptual thinking and execution across digital, social, and print mediums.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 7+ years of experience, leadership responsibilities, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Design Leadership," "Brand Systems," and "Client Presentation."
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on the narrative behind each project, your strategic approach, and your leadership contributions. Prepare to discuss your mentoring style and how you foster a creative team environment.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SALT XC's work, client roster, and company values ("Salt of The Earth," "Do What's Right"). Understand their mission to "Earn the World's Attention" and how design contributes to creating "connected experiences."

⚠️ 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.