Design Director (FMCG Focused)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director (FMCG Focused) Company: Landor Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: August 29, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead creative vision and execution for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) clients, driving brand transformation through innovative design strategies.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a culture of creative excellence and collaborative problem-solving within the Mumbai studio.
• Act as a primary client-facing liaison, confidently presenting design concepts, articulating strategic rationale, and ensuring client satisfaction across global markets.
• Uphold and advance Landor's reputation as a world-leading brand specialist, connecting business strategy with impactful brand experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Director," the focus on "FMCG Focused" and the responsibilities outlined suggest a role that bridges creative leadership with operational execution within a specific industry vertical. This implies a need for understanding market dynamics, consumer behavior, and production constraints unique to FMCG. The emphasis on "connecting business strategy to brand" and "building brands, designed to transform" reinforces the strategic operations aspect of this creative leadership role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide visionary creative leadership, guiding design teams and managing creative projects from concept to completion to deliver exceptional strategy and design solutions for FMCG clients.
• Collaborate with Creative Directors and fellow Design Directors to define and implement the studio’s future creative vision, ensuring alignment with global brand strategy.
• Critically evaluate design options, offering constructive feedback and challenging briefs to uncover "big ideas" that are grounded in design strategy and client objectives.
• Champion and cultivate creative thinking across the team, actively coaching and nurturing junior designers to foster talent development and skill enhancement.
• Develop and refine competitive and breakthrough design strategies and plans that resonate with target consumer segments within the FMCG landscape.
• Partner effectively with internal cross-functional teams (e.g., strategy, client services) and external clients to deliver transformative creative work and ensure seamless project execution and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a leadership role that requires not only creative direction but also strategic input, team management, and client engagement. The mention of "connecting business strategy to brand" and "evaluating competitive and breakthrough design strategies" points to an operations-heavy component involving strategic planning and market analysis, crucial for success in the FMCG sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Branding, Visual Communication, or a related creative field.
• A strong academic foundation in design principles, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy is expected.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in a branding or design agency environment, with a significant portion focused on leading design projects and teams, particularly within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing the complete delivery of complex design projects, demonstrating creative impact and effective project lifecycle management.

Required Skills:

• Creative Leadership: Ability to inspire, guide, and motivate design teams to achieve exceptional creative output.
• Design Strategy: Proficient in developing and articulating design strategies that align with client business objectives and consumer insights.
• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Outstanding technical command of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe Acrobat for creating high-quality visuals, mock-ups, and final artwork.
• FMCG Sector Expertise: Deep understanding of the FMCG market, including packaging design, brand positioning, consumer trends, and competitive landscapes.
• Client Interaction & Presentation: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently articulate ideas, influence stakeholders, and build strong client relationships, including across international borders.
• Team Collaboration & Coaching: Proven ability to foster strong internal working relationships and mentor junior team members effectively.
• Creative Thinking & Problem Solving: A solutions-driven mindset, fueled by curiosity, innovation, and the ability to challenge briefs constructively.
• Trend Knowledge: Up-to-date knowledge of current creative and design trends, with the ability to apply them strategically.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects) or 3D rendering tools to enhance visual presentations.
• Familiarity with project management software and methodologies to ensure efficient workflow and delivery.
• Cross-cultural communication and negotiation skills, vital for navigating international client engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Photoshop will be particularly critical" highlights a key technical requirement, suggesting the need for hands-on design execution and rapid prototyping capabilities. The mention of presenting "across borders, and navigating cultural differences" underscores the importance of international operations and communication skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a strong command of design principles and a strategic approach to branding, with a significant emphasis on FMCG projects.
• Demonstrations of creative leadership, including examples of how you have guided teams and delivered impactful design solutions.
• Case studies detailing the process from brief to execution, highlighting problem-solving, design rationale, and the impact of the final design on brand perception or business objectives.
• Evidence of technical proficiency, particularly in delivering high-quality visual assets and mock-ups, ideally with examples created using Photoshop.
• Examples of cross-cultural collaboration and successful client presentations that showcase confidence and clarity in communication.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate your design process, from initial client brief analysis and research to concept development, refinement, and final asset delivery.
• Understanding of workflow management within a creative agency setting, including how to integrate feedback, manage revisions, and ensure timely project completion.
• Familiarity with documentation best practices for design projects, ensuring clarity for internal teams and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as a direct indicator of their strategic thinking, creative execution, and ability to manage projects end-to-end. The "FMCG Focused" aspect means the portfolio should specifically highlight relevant experience in this sector, demonstrating an understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: ₹2,000,000 - ₹3,500,000 per annum (INR).
• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Director roles in Mumbai, India, with a specialization in FMCG branding. Factors considered include the experience level (5-10 years), the reputation of Landor as a leading agency, and the typical compensation structures for creative leadership positions within the Indian market. Research was conducted using salary aggregators, industry reports, and comparable job postings in the region.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage for employees and dependents, potentially including dental and vision.
• Retirement Savings: Provident Fund (PF) contributions as per Indian labor laws, with potential for additional company-sponsored retirement plans.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, including access to industry conferences, workshops, training programs, and internal skill-sharing sessions.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off (PTO) including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, with a hybrid work model promoting flexibility.
• Creative Environment: Access to a stimulating and collaborative studio environment with state-of-the-art tools and resources.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional challenges.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.
• The company operates a hybrid work model, with employees expected to be in the office for approximately four days a week, allowing for flexibility and remote work on one day.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the lack of explicit salary information, an estimated range has been provided based on market data for Mumbai. The benefits listed are typical for a senior role in a reputable agency and align with general employee expectations in the Indian market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Branding & Design Services, Marketing & Advertising (within the broader WPP network). Company Size: Landor is a global branding firm, part of the WPP network, which is one of the world's largest advertising and marketing services groups. While specific numbers for the Mumbai studio aren't provided, Landor globally employs thousands of professionals. For operations professionals, this means access to a vast network of resources and expertise, alongside potentially structured career paths. Founded: Landor was founded in 1941, with a long history of pioneering brand development. Being part of WPP, founded in 1982, further contextualizes its established presence and global reach.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will likely lead a team of designers, potentially including Art Directors, Senior Designers, and Junior Designers, specializing in packaging, brand identity, and visual communication for FMCG clients.
• Reporting structure would typically be to a Creative Director or Head of Design for the Mumbai studio, with close collaboration with Account Management, Strategy, and Project Management teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with strategy consultants, client services directors, and project managers to ensure seamless client delivery and project success.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: Landor emphasizes a blend of strategic insight and creative execution. Operations professionals within design teams often facilitate the flow of data from research and strategy into the creative process.
• Process Optimization: The agency likely employs structured project management methodologies to ensure efficiency, quality control, and timely delivery of client projects, especially critical in fast-paced FMCG cycles.
• Client-Centric Approach: A core operational tenet is understanding and exceeding client expectations, requiring strong communication, feedback integration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Company Website: https://landor.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of Landor being a global entity within WPP is significant. It implies a structured operational framework, access to global best practices, and potential for international collaboration, which are key considerations for operations professionals. The "FMCG Focused" aspect means the operational processes will be tailored to the specific demands of this sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the creative operations spectrum, focusing on the strategic direction and execution of design projects for a key industry vertical. It requires a blend of creative vision, project management acumen, and client relationship skills.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to higher creative leadership (e.g., Creative Director, Head of Design) within the Mumbai studio. They will also manage and mentor a team of designers, acting as a key point of contact for project-related creative matters.

Operations Impact: The Design Director directly influences the quality, efficiency, and strategic relevance of design output, which is critical for client satisfaction, business development, and the overall success of Landor's projects in the FMCG sector. Their ability to streamline creative processes and ensure effective resource allocation has a direct impact on profitability and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Creative Director, Executive Creative Director, or even studio leadership roles, overseeing larger teams and more significant client portfolios.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise within FMCG or expand into other industry verticals, leveraging the broad client base of Landor and WPP.
• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or transfer to other Landor/WPP offices globally.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning in emerging design trends, technologies, and client management strategies through WPP's extensive training and development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Director in a major agency like Landor involves significant growth potential, not just in creative leadership but also in operational management and strategic influence. Understanding this trajectory is key for candidates looking for long-term career development in design operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Landor operates with a hybrid work model, meaning the Mumbai studio will likely be a dynamic, collaborative space designed to facilitate in-person teamwork, brainstorming sessions, and client meetings. It's expected to foster creativity and connection.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Specific office details would be provided upon further inquiry or during the interview process. Mumbai offers a vibrant business environment with access to a large pool of talent and a significant concentration of FMCG companies.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to encourage interaction, idea sharing, and cross-pollination of creative concepts among design teams and other departments.
• Tool-Rich Environment: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially specialized tools for prototyping and visualization will be available.
• Client Engagement Space: Meeting rooms and presentation areas will be equipped for client interactions, pitches, and reviews.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model allows for approximately four days per week in the office, balancing in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. This structure supports focused creative work and team alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, indicating a modern approach to workplace flexibility that balances team cohesion with individual productivity. For operations professionals, understanding how this model impacts workflow and collaboration is important.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruitment team to assess suitability for the role and FMCG focus.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An opportunity to present your portfolio, discuss your design process, highlight key FMCG projects, and articulate your creative and leadership philosophy. Expect in-depth questions about your strategic approach and problem-solving methods.
• Creative/Technical Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or scenario-based questions to evaluate your creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency (especially in Photoshop).
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Creative Directors, fellow Design Directors, and potentially client services or strategy leads to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic alignment.
• Final Interview: A conversation with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final alignment with the studio's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest FMCG-focused projects that best showcase your creative leadership, strategic thinking, and execution skills. Ensure a mix that demonstrates versatility.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role, the strategic approach, the design process, and the measurable impact of your work. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.
• Highlight Process: Detail your problem-solving methodology and how you collaborate with teams and clients. Showcase your ability to push creative boundaries while meeting strategic objectives.
• Emphasize FMCG Relevance: Clearly articulate your understanding of the FMCG landscape, consumer insights, and packaging design considerations within your case studies.
• Showcase Technical Skill: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with tools like Photoshop, demonstrating how you leverage them to achieve exceptional results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate FMCG Scenarios: Prepare for case studies or challenges that involve rebranding an FMCG product, developing packaging concepts for a new launch, or addressing a competitive market challenge within the sector.
• Articulate Strategic Rationale: Focus on clearly explaining the "why" behind your creative decisions, linking them back to business goals and consumer insights.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with different teams (strategy, account management) and clients to bring a concept to life.
• Time Management: Practice presenting your ideas concisely and effectively within a limited timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior design role is rigorous. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their creative output but also their strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and operational approach to managing projects and client relationships, especially within the demanding FMCG sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop (as highlighted), Illustrator, and InDesign for all aspects of design creation, mock-up generation, and final artwork preparation.
• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides for developing and delivering client presentations and internal concept proposals.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms for managing project timelines, tasks, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, an understanding of how design impacts key performance indicators (KPIs) such as brand recall, consumer engagement, and sales is beneficial. Familiarity with basic reporting dashboards might be helpful for understanding project performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is generally not a primary requirement for this creative role, but an understanding of how design work integrates with client relationship management and marketing automation workflows can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, is a critical technical requirement. Understanding how design tools integrate into broader project management and client delivery workflows is key for operations professionals in creative agencies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful design work that meets and exceeds client expectations.
• Strategic Partnership: Valuing the integration of business strategy and consumer insights into the creative process to drive meaningful brand transformation.
• Collaboration & Respect: Fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and teamwork is paramount for achieving shared goals.
• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging a proactive mindset, continuous learning, and a willingness to explore new ideas and push creative boundaries.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and serving client needs, building strong, trust-based relationships through reliable delivery and impactful solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A collaborative approach that ensures seamless integration between design teams, strategy, account management, and other agency functions.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and constructive feedback loops among team members and with clients to refine creative output.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, learnings, and creative inspiration across the team to elevate collective capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values of a leading design agency like Landor are integral to its operational success. Understanding these values helps candidates align their own professional approach and expectations with the company's ethos, particularly concerning client collaboration and creative output.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Client Expectations: Balancing diverse client needs and feedback with the agency's creative vision and strategic objectives, particularly in the fast-paced FMCG sector where trends evolve rapidly.
• Managing Cross-Cultural Projects: Effectively leading design initiatives and communicating concepts across different cultural contexts and time zones, ensuring clarity and sensitivity.
• Driving Innovation within Constraints: Developing breakthrough creative ideas that are also commercially viable and feasible within FMCG production timelines and budgets.
• Mentoring Diverse Talent: Guiding and developing a team with varying skill sets and experience levels, fostering a cohesive and high-performing creative unit.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Exposure: Gaining exposure to a wide range of FMCG brands and market challenges, deepening expertise in consumer-driven design.
• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to hone leadership, strategic thinking, and client management skills through hands-on project experience and internal training programs.
• Networking: Engaging with professionals across the WPP network provides avenues for learning, collaboration, and career advancement.
• Trend Forecasting: Staying at the forefront of design, branding, and consumer behavior trends relevant to the FMCG industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Acknowledging potential challenges and framing them as growth opportunities is crucial for candidates. This demonstrates foresight and a proactive approach to problem-solving, which are highly valued in leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully led a design team to deliver a transformative brand strategy for an FMCG client. What was your process, and what was the outcome?"
• "How do you approach challenging a client's brief while still maintaining a strong, collaborative relationship?"
• "Walk us through your process for developing a new brand identity for a consumer packaged good. What key considerations do you prioritize?"
• "How do you stay ahead of design trends, and how do you integrate them into your work in a way that is both innovative and strategically sound for FMCG brands?"
• "How do you foster creative thinking and mentorship within a design team?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Landor's work, particularly in the FMCG sector?"
• "How do you see your leadership style contributing to the culture of our Mumbai studio?"
• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design departments like strategy and account management?"
• "How do you measure the success of your design work beyond aesthetics?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation with a clear beginning (the challenge), middle (your solution and process), and end (the impact/results).
• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals that clearly demonstrate your design execution. Ensure mock-ups are polished and accurately represent the final output.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data or client feedback to illustrate the success of your projects, especially in terms of brand perception or consumer engagement.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure you cover key points efficiently and clearly.
• Interactive Q&A: Be prepared for questions that probe your decision-making process, your ability to adapt, and your understanding of the FMCG market.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing thoughtful answers to these types of questions, supported by specific examples from your portfolio, will significantly enhance your candidacy. Demonstrating an understanding of Landor's operations and culture is also key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your most relevant FMCG projects, demonstrating your strategic thinking, creative leadership, and technical proficiency, particularly with Photoshop. Ensure your case studies clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the impact.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize leadership experience, project management successes, FMCG industry exposure, and proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on storytelling, strategic rationale, and measurable outcomes. Prepare to discuss your design process, leadership philosophy, and how you handle client interactions and team dynamics. Research Landor's recent work and industry positioning.
• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of Landor's brand, its values, its work within the FMCG sector, and its position within the WPP network. Familiarize yourself with their client roster and recent campaigns.

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

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