Design Director (Corporate Branding)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director (Corporate Branding)

Company: Landor

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Branding Strategy

Date Posted: March 02, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and inspire design teams to deliver exceptional branding strategies and creative execution for a diverse client portfolio, with a specific focus on FMCG brands.

• Drive the strategic and creative vision for branding projects, ensuring alignment with client business objectives and consumer needs through a solutions-driven and innovative approach.

• Champion best practices in design, critique, and creative development, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence within the design team.

• Act as a key client-facing representative, confidently presenting concepts, articulating strategic rationale, and building strong, collaborative relationships across global teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input states "Design Director (Corporate Branding)", the description heavily emphasizes FMCG-focused work and packaging elements. This suggests the role will likely involve significant consumer-facing brand development and packaging design, even within a corporate branding context. The "corporate branding" aspect may refer to the strategic oversight of a client's overall brand architecture or identity system that extends to their consumer products.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide visionary creative leadership for design teams, guiding them through project lifecycles from initial strategy and concept development to final execution and delivery.

• Collaborate with Creative Directors and fellow Design Directors to define and evolve the studio's future creative direction and innovative approaches to brand building.

• Conduct rigorous evaluations of design options, offering constructive critique and pushing for breakthrough "big ideas" grounded in robust design strategy and client briefs.

• Actively promote and cultivate creative thinking and problem-solving skills within the team, mentoring and nurturing junior designers to foster their professional development.

• Develop and present competitive, compelling, and breakthrough design strategies and comprehensive plans that address client business challenges and opportunities.

• Partner effectively with internal cross-functional teams (strategy, account management, etc.) and external clients to deliver transformative, impactful creative work, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.

• Utilize advanced technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, to create detailed mock-ups, refine packaging elements, and produce high-quality visual assets efficiently.

• Present and discuss creative concepts confidently across international borders, adeptly navigating cultural nuances while maintaining clarity and persuasive communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of leadership, strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and client interaction. The emphasis on "challenging a brief" and "probing deeper" suggests the need for a proactive, inquisitive mindset rather than a purely execution-focused one. The mention of "packaging elements" and "visual mock-ups" strongly indicates a significant portion of the role will involve tangible design deliverables for consumer products.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Branding, or a related field is typically expected for a Design Director role. A Master's degree or equivalent professional experience may also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in branding and design, with a significant portion in a leadership capacity within a reputable branding or design agency. Proven track record of managing complete project deliveries and demonstrating significant creative impact.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional creative leadership and team management capabilities, with a proven ability to inspire and guide cross-discipline teams.

• Deep expertise in design strategy development, translating business objectives into compelling brand identities and systems.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe Acrobat, with a strong emphasis on Photoshop for high-fidelity mock-ups and refinements.

• Comprehensive understanding of current and emerging creative and design trends, with the ability to apply this knowledge strategically.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong, trust-based working relationships with internal teams, clients, and external partners.

• A proactive, solutions-driven outlook, characterized by curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for innovative design.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, including cross-border and cross-cultural communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience within the FMCG sector, demonstrating a strong understanding of consumer insights and the dynamics of product branding.

• Experience with sonic branding or motion design, given Landor's broader capabilities.

• Familiarity with brand governance frameworks and measurement methodologies.

• Experience presenting to C-suite level clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Photoshop proficiency is a critical technical requirement, suggesting a need for hands-on design skills beyond just conceptualization. The need for "cross-border communication" implies an international client base and potentially working with global teams. The "FMCG Focused" aspect in the initial description is a key differentiator, suggesting a specialized skillset within the broader branding domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of successful branding projects, with a significant emphasis on FMCG product branding and packaging design.

• Demonstrate the complete project lifecycle, from initial client brief and strategic thinking to concept development, design execution, and final delivery.

• Include examples that highlight impactful design solutions and their contribution to client business objectives or brand value enhancement.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how strategic thinking and design briefs were translated into actionable design strategies and creative plans.

• Case studies illustrating the process of evaluating design options, providing critique, and iterating towards "big ideas."

• Evidence of leading and coaching junior team members through design processes and project challenges.

• Demonstrate client interaction and collaboration throughout the design process, highlighting how feedback was incorporated.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. It needs to go beyond just aesthetics and clearly articulate the strategic thinking, problem-solving process, and quantifiable impact of the design work. The inclusion of FMCG and packaging examples is critical, as is demonstrating proficiency with tools like Photoshop in the final deliverables.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Director roles with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Mumbai, and considering Landor's standing as a global branding firm, the estimated annual salary range is ₹2,500,000 to ₹4,500,000 INR. This range accounts for the seniority, specialized skills (FMCG focus, Photoshop proficiency), and leadership responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., Provident Fund contribution).

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and attendance at industry conferences.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services.

• Hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and recognition programs.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. However, given the nature of creative leadership and client-driven projects, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, which could involve occasional extended hours or weekend work. The hybrid model allows for some flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on market research for senior design roles in Mumbai, India, factoring in the specific industry (branding agency) and experience level. Benefits are typical for a professional services firm of Landor's caliber. The hybrid work arrangement of "around four days a week in the office" is factored into the overall work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Branding & Design Services, Advertising & Marketing. Landor operates at the forefront of brand consulting and design, helping businesses define, differentiate, and grow their brands. They are part of the WPP network, a global leader in communications services.

Company Size: Landor is a global entity with numerous studios worldwide and is part of WPP, a very large multinational corporation (over 100,000 employees). The Mumbai studio itself is likely a significant operation within this network.

Founded: Landor was founded in 1941. This long history signifies deep experience and established methodologies in brand strategy and design.

Team Structure:

• The Mumbai studio houses a multidisciplinary team of strategists, designers, account managers, and other specialists.

• The Design Director will be part of the design leadership team, likely reporting to a Creative Director or Head of Design for the studio.

Methodology:

• Landor emphasizes a data-driven, strategic approach to branding, connecting brand work directly to business outcomes.

• Their methodology involves deep client immersion, consumer insight generation, and the integration of various capabilities (design, experience, governance, measurement) to create holistic brand solutions.

• The process encourages challenging briefs and pushing creative boundaries to achieve breakthrough results.

Company Website: https://landor.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Landor's positioning as "world-leading brand experts" and their focus on making brands "more valuable and less vulnerable" highlights a strategic, business-oriented approach to design. The integration of various specialized companies within Landor suggests a comprehensive service offering and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the creative discipline of a branding agency. It is a step beyond individual contribution or team lead, requiring strategic oversight, team management, client-facing confidence, and significant creative vision. It sits firmly within the "Director" level of a professional services firm.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director or Executive Creative Director, overseeing teams of Senior Designers, Designers, and potentially Junior Designers. They will collaborate closely with Account Directors and Strategy Directors.

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

• Client Success: Directly influences the success of client brands through innovative and effective design solutions, impacting brand perception, market share, and revenue.

• Team Development: Shapes the skills, capabilities, and creative output of the design team, fostering talent and driving excellence.

• Studio Growth: Contributes to the studio's reputation and business development by delivering exceptional work and fostering strong client relationships.

• Brand Vision: Plays a critical role in defining and executing the strategic and creative vision for both client brands and Landor's own brand positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Creative Director, Executive Creative Director, or Studio Head roles, with increased strategic oversight and business responsibility.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific sectors (like FMCG) or service areas (e.g., digital branding, packaging innovation).

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work within Landor's international network of studios.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Expand knowledge and involvement in Landor's other capabilities (e.g., sonic branding, experience design, architectural branding).

• Mentorship & Thought Leadership: Become a recognized expert within the industry, contributing to thought leadership and mentoring emerging talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career milestone, demanding not just design talent but also leadership acumen. Growth paths are clearly defined within creative leadership hierarchies, with opportunities for both deepening specialization and broadening influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Landor operates with a hybrid model, indicating a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work. The office environment is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Mumbai, India. Specific office details would typically be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process, but it would be a professional studio environment conducive to creative work.

Workspace Context:

• The office setting is designed to encourage brainstorming, team meetings, and collaborative design critiques.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware, including advanced Adobe Creative Suite capabilities, would be standard.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with a diverse team of design, strategy, and account professionals.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model allows for approximately four days per week in the office, with one day typically remote. This offers a degree of flexibility while ensuring consistent in-person collaboration and team engagement. Standard professional working hours apply, with the understanding that project demands may necessitate flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, emphasizing flexibility while retaining the importance of in-person team dynamics and collaboration for creative roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and fit with the role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where candidates present their portfolio, highlighting key projects, strategic rationale, and their role in the creative process. Expect in-depth questions about your design thinking, problem-solving approach, and client management.

• Creative/Technical Assessment: Potentially a design challenge or case study to evaluate your creative problem-solving skills, design execution, and ability to work under pressure, possibly involving Photoshop-based tasks.

• Leadership & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with senior leadership to assess leadership style, collaboration skills, and alignment with Landor's values and culture.

• Final Interview: May involve a broader discussion about your vision for the role and the studio, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your capabilities, particularly those showcasing FMCG branding, packaging design, and strategic thinking.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, your specific role and contributions, the creative process, and the resulting impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight FMCG & Photoshop: Ensure your portfolio prominently features FMCG work and demonstrates your advanced Photoshop skills through detailed mock-ups and high-quality visuals.

• Show Leadership: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, mentor junior designers, and manage client relationships.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle creative briefs, critique, and difficult client conversations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Landor's Work: Research Landor's recent projects, their brand philosophy, and their approach to design.

• FMCG Trends: Familiarize yourself with current trends in FMCG packaging and branding.

• Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating how design solves business problems and drives brand value.

• Photoshop Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills in Photoshop, whether through a live exercise or by explaining complex techniques used in your portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior creative role like this will heavily rely on portfolio review and the ability to articulate strategic thinking. Candidates must be prepared to present their work comprehensively and demonstrate both creative vision and leadership potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Mastery is essential, with a specific emphasis on:

  • Photoshop: For high-fidelity mock-ups, photo manipulation, packaging visualization, and detailed asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For logo design, vector graphics, and illustration.
  • InDesign: For layout, presentation decks, and brand guideline creation.
  • Adobe Acrobat: For document review and markups.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Keynote, or similar for client presentations.

• Collaboration Tools: Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace for internal communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for the design function, but understanding how CRM systems and marketing automation tools integrate with branding efforts can provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Photoshop as "particularly critical" elevates its importance beyond just another tool in the Adobe Suite. This role requires a hands-on designer who can execute quickly and to a high standard using this software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering outstanding creative work that meets the highest standards of design quality and strategic impact.

• Collaborative Spirit: Fostering an environment where ideas are shared openly, and teams work together across disciplines to achieve common goals.

• Client-Centricity: Placing client needs and business objectives at the forefront of all creative endeavors, building strong, trust-based relationships.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging a mindset of continuous learning, exploration of new ideas, and pushing creative boundaries.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards and fostering an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close partnership with strategy, account management, and other creative specialists to ensure integrated and holistic brand solutions.

• Open Critique & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and open dialogue to elevate creative output and foster team growth.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear, consistent, and transparent communication with both internal teams and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: Landor's emphasis on "challenging a brief," "asking critical questions," and "engaging collaboratively and proactively" suggests a dynamic and assertive team culture. The values are geared towards driving business results through creative excellence and strong relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Demands: Effectively translating ambitious creative ideas into solutions that meet client briefs, budgets, and timelines, while also pushing their expectations.

• Navigating Global Stakeholders: Communicating and aligning creative strategies across diverse cultural contexts and with multiple client decision-makers.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously evolving design knowledge and capabilities to remain at the forefront of branding and consumer trends, especially in the fast-paced FMCG sector.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Inspiring and motivating a team of designers with varying skill sets, experience levels, and creative styles.

• Demonstrating ROI: Clearly articulating and proving the business value and impact of design decisions to clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Workshops: Access to specialized training in emerging design techniques, software, and industry best practices.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading branding and design conferences to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior leaders within Landor and WPP.

• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Exposure to and participation in projects involving other Landor companies (e.g., sonic branding, architectural design) to broaden expertise.

• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on enhancing leadership, strategic thinking, and business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the strategic and leadership demands of the role, extending beyond pure design execution. The growth opportunities are designed to foster continuous development and career advancement within a global network.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to challenge a client's brief. What was the situation, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic questioning, problem-solving, and client management).

• "How do you ensure your design strategy aligns with broader business objectives and consumer insights, particularly in the FMCG sector?" (Prepare to discuss your strategic process and understanding of market dynamics).

• "Walk us through a complex branding project you led from concept to delivery. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them using tools like Photoshop?" (Be ready to present a case study from your portfolio, emphasizing your leadership and technical execution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Landor's work and our approach to branding, especially considering our FMCG focus?" (Research Landor's recent work and articulate your alignment).

• "How do you see your role contributing to the creative vision and future direction of the Mumbai studio?" (Show initiative and strategic thinking about your potential impact).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and expertise, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly outline the Challenge, Strategy, Solution (showcasing design and Photoshop execution), and Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals. Be prepared to zoom in on details, explain your Photoshop techniques, and showcase mock-ups effectively.

• Narrative: Focus on telling a compelling story about how your design thinking and execution solved a problem and delivered value.

• Interactivity: Be ready for follow-up questions and to discuss alternative approaches or solutions. Prepare to articulate your rationale for design choices clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership potential, strong client management skills, and a deep understanding of branding principles, particularly within the FMCG context. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and showcase advanced Photoshop skills will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the Landor careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest FMCG branding and packaging design projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your strategic thinking, creative process, and advanced Photoshop execution capabilities. Include specific case studies that highlight your leadership in driving design outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your experience in leading design teams, managing client relationships, driving creative strategy, and your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased brand engagement by X%", "Managed projects with budgets up to Y").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, strategic approach, and leadership style. Prepare to walk through your portfolio, explaining your process and impact for each selected project in detail. Rehearse answers to common interview questions related to creative leadership, client management, and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Landor's recent work, their brand philosophy, and their position within the WPP network. Understand their approach to branding, their clients, and the specific context of the Mumbai studio. Familiarize yourself with current FMCG branding trends to demonstrate your industry relevance.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions tailored for a Design Director role in a branding agency. All details should be verified directly with Landor during the application and interview process.