Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: Saje Natural Wellness

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design Leadership / Brand Strategy

Date Posted: January 24, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the evolution and solidification of Saje Natural Wellness's brand expression across all customer touchpoints, from universal design systems to full-funnel commercial activities and conversion platforms.

• Serve as a senior creative leader, working closely with the ECD to shape and define the brand's visual identity for North American and global scalability.

• Master the creation and implementation of scalable design systems, leveraging AI-powered tools for enhanced efficiency and agility in design execution.

• Drive best-in-class conceptual, idea-driven work while deeply understanding conversion-focused channels such as CRM, e-commerce, and retail environments.

• Oversee and mentor a team of agile designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that pushes the boundaries of experience design.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Design Director," the description strongly emphasizes Brand Strategy, Design Systems, and a 'universe building' approach at scale, making "Brand Strategy / Design Systems Leadership" a more accurate operational category. The role requires a blend of creative vision and practical application across conversion channels, indicating a significant Go-To-Market (GTM) operational component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee, empower, and mentor a team of agile designers, guiding them from brief to delivery to bring the brand vision to life across diverse mediums.

• Act as a versatile, channel-agnostic creative leader with deep expertise in digital, social, retail, and performance marketing applications.

• Develop and implement global brand systems tailored to multiple market needs, ensuring adherence to the brand platform, best practices, and universal design codes.

• Create and implement cohesive design systems across all assets to establish efficient workflows, integrating AI-powered tools for optimized output.

• Lead and supervise photography and motion shoots, overseeing execution through post-production to maintain brand consistency and quality.

• Own and deliver compelling presentations to pitch concepts and designs, solicit feedback, build stakeholder consensus, and secure necessary approvals.

• Balance hands-on design execution with managing the work of other team members, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Foster an environment that encourages pushing the boundaries of experience design, maintaining a sophisticated taste level aligned with the Saje brand.

• Forge strong relationships with resource management and cross-functional peers to ensure cohesive project execution, team coordination, and asset management.

• Exhibit urgency and business maturity, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit of the organization in all initiatives.

• Actively contribute to the Creative team as a working member, demonstrating confidence in problem-solving, open communication, and receptiveness to diverse viewpoints.

• Maintain a keen awareness of industry trends, leading creative figures, emerging innovations, and the competitive landscape to inform strategic design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant operational focus on process efficiency (design systems, AI tools), team management, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder management, all critical for effective Revenue Operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 12+ years of experience working in an agency or brand-side environment in a similar leadership role, demonstrating a blend of people management and hands-on design execution.

• Proven track record of building flexible brand universes from strategic insights, leveraging design systems to ensure consistency and drive business results.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in universal design principles and a deep understanding of universe building and systems at scale.

• Proficiency in creating and implementing design systems for consistency and efficiency, including the use of AI-empowered tools for agility.

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities, with experience overseeing and empowering design teams from concept to completion.

• Channel-agnostic creative thinking with a focus on best practices and applications across digital, social, retail, and performance marketing channels.

• Masterful command of visual expression, including photography and motion, with experience leading shoots and overseeing post-production.

• Exceptional presentation skills, capable of pitching concepts, soliciting feedback, building consensus, and securing approvals from stakeholders.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities, with strong time management and planning skills for both personal and team workload.

• A sophisticated taste level and a passion for pushing the boundaries of experience design, aligned with high-end wellness or lifestyle brands.

• Strong business acumen and maturity, understanding the balance between brand integrity and driving business growth.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering strong relationships with cross-functional teams and resource management.

• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a willingness to speak up, share ideas, and actively engage in team discussions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the beauty, retail, CPG, health, or wellness industries.

• Motion graphics and editing capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "design systems," "conversion driving channels," and "business results" indicates a significant need for candidates who understand the operational impact of design, aligning with GTM and RevOps principles. The requirement for AI tool knowledge is particularly relevant to modern operations efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A killer, comprehensive portfolio demonstrating the ability to think and execute across multiple mediums (digital, e-commerce, CRM, retail, conceptual content).

• Unwavering attention to craft, showcasing high-quality visual execution and a deep understanding of design principles.

• A clear focus on long-term brand building and the strategic application of design systems to create consistent and impactful brand experiences.

• Case studies that illustrate how design thinking has been applied throughout the customer funnel to enhance CX and deliver measurable business results.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a process documentation role, the expectation to "create and implement design systems across assets to create efficient ways-of-working" implies a need to document and standardize design workflows.

• The ability to articulate and present design processes, from brief intake to final execution and post-production, will be crucial for stakeholder buy-in.

• Experience in documenting and communicating the strategic rationale behind design choices, linking them to business goals and customer insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "killer portfolio" requirement is paramount for this role, and it needs to showcase not just creative output but also strategic thinking, process implementation (design systems), and demonstrated business impact, which are core to operations-focused roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $130,000 - $150,000 CAD annually (base pay).

Benefits:

• Annual bonus program

• Hybrid work model

• Flexible work hours (based on business needs)

• Wellness days dedicated to mental and physical health

• Comprehensive health benefits (vision and dental packages included)

• Paid sick days

• Generous product discount on Saje Natural Wellness products

• Full onboarding plan with an assigned onboarding buddy

• Employee Assistance Program (24/7 support, resources, and information)

• RRSP programs (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)

• Paid time off for rest and recharging

Working Hours:

• Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility based on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified salary range is for Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This range is competitive for a Design Director role with 10+ years of experience in a major Canadian market, especially in a hybrid work environment. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with industry standards for full-time employees, with a particular emphasis on wellness, which fits the company's brand.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Health and Wellness, Retail, Natural Products. Saje Natural Wellness operates in a growing market focused on natural remedies and holistic well-being, positioning itself as "nature's original farmacy."

Company Size: Saje Natural Wellness is a well-established brand with a significant retail presence and a support office structure, indicating a company size that allows for both operational efficiency and collaborative team dynamics. The description implies a growing organization.

Founded: While the founding date isn't provided, the company's established presence and ongoing growth suggest a history of successful brand development and market penetration in the wellness sector.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will report to the ECD (Executive Creative Director) and will lead a team of agile designers.

• This role requires significant collaboration with cross-functional peers, including resource management, marketing, e-commerce, and retail teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role requires understanding conversion-driving channels (CRM, e-commerce, retail) and applying design thinking to achieve business results, implying a data-informed approach.

• Systems Thinking: A core requirement is the creation and implementation of design systems for efficiency and consistency, reflecting a process-oriented methodology.

• Agile Execution: The team is described as "agile designers," suggesting an iterative and responsive approach to design projects.

• Customer-Centricity: The emphasis on customer experience (CX) and remedying "real life, naturally" indicates a customer-first mindset in design strategy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "purpose-driven, people-first" with an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurial mindsets. This suggests an environment where operations professionals can thrive by driving efficiency and impact while being supported by a positive and growth-oriented team. The focus on natural wellness also implies a commitment to employee well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a senior leadership level within the creative and brand function, bridging creative strategy with operational execution. It requires a seasoned professional capable of strategic thinking, team leadership, and hands-on contribution across various channels.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports to the Executive Creative Director (ECD), indicating a clear line of accountability within the creative department. This structure allows for strategic direction from senior leadership while empowering the Design Director to manage their team and execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's role is critical in shaping the brand's visual identity, which directly influences customer perception, engagement, and conversion across all channels (e-commerce, retail, CRM). By creating efficient design systems and leading impactful creative campaigns, this role directly contributes to revenue generation and brand equity. The emphasis on global scalability also points to a strategic impact on market expansion.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to grow within the creative leadership structure, potentially taking on broader brand strategy responsibilities or managing larger teams as the company scales.

• Strategic Influence: Influence the long-term visual direction and brand expression of a beloved Canadian wellness brand, with potential for global impact.

• Skill Expansion: Deepen expertise in designing for modern conversion channels (e-commerce, CRM, retail) and integrating emerging technologies like AI into design workflows.

• Mentorship: Develop strong people management and mentorship skills by guiding and growing a team of designers.

• Industry Exposure: Stay at the forefront of design trends and innovations, particularly within the health, wellness, and retail sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for operations professionals interested in the intersection of creative brand strategy and GTM execution. The ability to implement scalable design systems and influence conversion channels provides a strong foundation for career advancement within brand, marketing, or even sales operations leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job explicitly states a "hybrid way of working," indicating a blend of in-office and remote work. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and focused work, complemented by the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Toronto, Ontario, Canada (M5G 1W8). The hybrid model implies that some days will be spent at a Saje Natural Wellness office in or near Toronto.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest an office space that facilitates team interaction, brainstorming, and shared project work.

• Technology-Enabled: As a design-focused role, expect access to high-quality creative software (Adobe, Figma) and potentially advanced hardware to support design tasks, including motion graphics and AI tools.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid setup will require intentional efforts to foster team cohesion and communication, with opportunities for both in-person and virtual collaboration. The "onboarding buddy" program also points to a supportive team environment.

Work Schedule:

• Described as "flexible work hours based on business needs," with an implied standard of around 40 hours per week. This flexibility allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively while ensuring business objectives are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment and flexible hours are key considerations for operations professionals who often manage dynamic workloads and value work-life integration. This setup allows for focused individual work and collaborative team engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by HR or a talent acquisition specialist to assess basic qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Discussion: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio with the ECD and potentially other senior creative or marketing leaders. Expect discussions on design philosophy, strategic approach, and execution examples.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with designers the candidate would manage, as well as leaders from marketing, e-commerce, or retail to assess collaboration and leadership style.

• Conceptual/Problem-Solving Exercise: Candidates may be given a brief to develop a concept or solve a design challenge relevant to Saje's brand or a specific campaign.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or HR to discuss culture fit, compensation, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Brand Systems: Clearly demonstrate experience in creating and implementing scalable design systems. Highlight how these systems ensured brand consistency and efficiency.

• Demonstrate Funnel Thinking: Include case studies that show how your design work influenced the customer journey across different touchpoints (awareness, consideration, conversion, retention).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics and data that illustrate the business results of your design initiatives (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved engagement, cost savings through efficiency).

• Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: Include examples of team leadership, mentoring, and collaboration. Explain your approach to managing design teams and fostering creative growth.

• Adaptability & Versatility: Showcase a range of work across different mediums (digital, retail, motion, photography) and industries, demonstrating your ability to adapt to various project needs.

• AI & Efficiency Integration: If applicable, include examples of how you've leveraged AI tools or other innovative methods to improve design efficiency and execution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Saje's Brand: Thoroughly research Saje Natural Wellness's current brand identity, products, target audience, and competitive landscape.

• Develop Design Concepts: Be prepared to brainstorm and articulate creative concepts that align with Saje's brand values and business objectives.

• Articulate Strategy: Be ready to explain the strategic rationale behind your design choices, linking them to specific business goals (e.g., driving e-commerce sales, enhancing retail experience).

• Process & Systems Thinking: Prepare to discuss your approach to creating and managing design systems, workflow optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and any challenge work concisely and persuasively, focusing on storytelling and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily relies on portfolio demonstration, which is a common requirement in creative roles but also aligns with operations' need for tangible proof of process implementation and results. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just the 'what' but the 'how' and 'why' behind their work, emphasizing process and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, photo editing, and potentially illustration (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Figma: A leading tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design systems. This is a key requirement for modern design leadership.

• AI-Powered Tools: Mentioned as a requirement for agility and efficiency, indicating an openness to integrating emerging AI technologies for design tasks (e.g., AI image generation, content assistance, workflow automation tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• Motion Graphics Software (e.g., Adobe After Effects) - Mentioned as an asset.

• Video Editing Software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro) - Mentioned as an asset.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Trello) - Likely used for team workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe, Figma, and AI tools highlights the modern technology stack expected. For operations candidates, understanding how design tools integrate with broader marketing technology (MarTech) and CRM systems is key to appreciating the full scope of this role's operational impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven: A commitment to Saje's mission of "remedying real life, naturally" through plant-powered solutions. This translates to a desire to create meaningful and impactful design.

• People-First: Emphasis on supporting team members, fostering a positive environment, and valuing collaboration. This extends to employee well-being initiatives like wellness days and EAP.

• Innovation & Entrepreneurial Mindset: Encouraging new ideas, pushing boundaries, and taking initiative to drive growth and improve processes.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams, departments, and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Customer Focus: Keeping the customer experience at the center of all design decisions and brand expressions.

• Agility & Efficiency: Embracing fast-paced environments and leveraging tools (like AI) to optimize workflows and deliver results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on building relationships with and working closely with peers in marketing, e-commerce, retail, and resource management to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Feedback Culture: The role involves providing feedback to designers, copywriters, and art directors, and soliciting feedback on pitches, indicating an open and iterative communication style.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: The expectation to "empower and mentor" designers and be "gracious with your time to teach and mentor others" points to a culture of knowledge sharing and skill development.

• Solution-Oriented Communication: Encouraging active participation, speaking up, and engaging in constructive dialogue to find the best solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is highly aligned with operational excellence, emphasizing efficiency, collaboration, and a results-oriented approach, all within a supportive and purpose-driven framework. This makes it an attractive environment for operations professionals who value impact and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Integrity with Scalability: Maintaining a distinct and high-quality brand expression while adapting it for North American and global markets requires careful strategic planning and execution.

• Driving Conversion Through Design: Translating creative vision into tangible business results across complex conversion channels (e-commerce, CRM, retail) requires a deep understanding of performance marketing and user psychology.

• Leading in a Hybrid Environment: Effectively managing and motivating a design team in a hybrid work model, ensuring cohesion, productivity, and a strong team culture.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying ahead of the curve by effectively integrating AI-powered tools and other innovations into design workflows without compromising creative quality or brand consistency.

• Prioritization in a Fast-Paced Setting: Juggling multiple projects, competing priorities, and tight deadlines requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to make tough prioritization calls.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Brand Development: Opportunity to influence and shape the future brand expression of a growing wellness company with international aspirations.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain deeper insights into the operational aspects of e-commerce, CRM, retail, and marketing by working closely with these departments.

• Leadership Skill Enhancement: Develop advanced people management, mentorship, and strategic leadership skills through direct team oversight and collaboration with senior leadership.

• Technology Adoption: Become proficient in leveraging cutting-edge AI tools and design technologies to drive efficiency and innovation in creative processes.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Continuous exposure to the latest trends in design, wellness, retail, and digital marketing through company initiatives and personal development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in senior leadership roles that bridge creative and operational functions. Successfully navigating them offers significant opportunities for personal and professional growth, particularly in areas relevant to GTM and RevOps strategies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for evolving a brand's visual identity for global scalability while maintaining core brand integrity." (Focus on systematic approach, research, and phased rollout.)

• "How do you ensure design initiatives directly contribute to conversion goals in channels like e-commerce and CRM? Provide a case study." (Highlight data-driven design, A/B testing experience, and linking design to KPIs.)

• "Discuss your experience in creating and implementing design systems. What benefits did it provide, and how did you manage its adoption?" (Emphasize efficiency gains, consistency, and stakeholder buy-in.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Saje Natural Wellness's mission and brand? How does your design philosophy align with our values?" (Research Saje's products, mission, and recent campaigns.)

• "How would you foster a collaborative and innovative culture within your design team, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Discuss communication strategies, team-building activities, and feedback mechanisms.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio around key themes: brand building, design systems, funnel optimization, and leadership.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the execution, and the measurable results (ROI, conversion lift, efficiency gains).

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Dedicate a section or specific examples to showcasing your ability to create and implement design systems, explaining their impact on efficiency and consistency.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase a breadth of work that demonstrates your ability to design for different channels (digital, retail, social, CRM) and mediums.

• Emphasize Collaboration & Leadership: Include projects where you led teams, mentored designers, or collaborated effectively with cross-functional partners.

• Be Prepared for Live Exercises: If a creative challenge is part of the process, practice sketching, ideating, and presenting your concepts concisely, linking them back to Saje's brand and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, operational efficiency through design systems, and a data-informed approach to creative execution, mirroring the skills valued in operations roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Trakstar platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature examples of design systems, brand universe building, and work across conversion channels (e-commerce, CRM, retail). Highlight projects demonstrating measurable business impact and efficiency gains.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership experience, strategic brand development, team management, and proficiency with key tools like Adobe, Figma, and AI technologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic approach to brand building, and leadership philosophy. Prepare specific examples and case studies that showcase your ability to drive business results through design.

• Company Research: Conduct thorough research on Saje Natural Wellness's brand, products, values, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their position in the wellness market and identify areas where your design leadership can add significant value.

⚠️ 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.