Design Director Otrivin

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director Otrivin

Company: Haleon

Location: Nyon Main Site, Switzerland

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Leadership / Brand Management

Date Posted: January 12, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead global design strategy and execution for the Otrivin brand, ensuring a holistic and cohesive brand experience across all consumer touchpoints.

• Drive innovation and elevate design standards through creative excellence, leveraging deep consumer insights and a strong understanding of market dynamics.

• Act as a strategic design partner to marketing and cross-functional teams, translating business objectives into impactful design solutions that strengthen brand equity and fuel growth.

• Champion design quality, consistency, and the effective application of brand language across 40+ global markets, including regulated categories.

• Contribute to the broader 'design community of practice' within Haleon, fostering best practice sharing and capability building.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within Haleon's Respiratory Health Global team, focusing on a "Global Power Brand" (Otrivin). The emphasis is on embedding design as a strategic partner, driving both creative excellence and measurable business outcomes. The "Design Director" title, coupled with 15+ years of experience and specific responsibilities like managing global design agency partners and budgets, indicates a significant level of autonomy and strategic influence. The requirement for experience in regulated categories also highlights a critical aspect of operational diligence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a holistic brand language and visual positioning for Otrivin, encompassing master designs and comprehensive guidelines.

• Lead the creation and ongoing maintenance of distinctive and meaningful brand assets, adhering to best-in-class design practices.

• Ensure flawless and consistent consumer experiences across all touchpoints, including shopper marketing, digital platforms, product design, packaging, claims, expert communications, and innovation initiatives.

• Quantify the Return on Investment (ROI) of design initiatives by transforming consumer insights and market data into actionable strategies that demonstrably strengthen brand equity.

• Drive category growth by aligning design-led initiatives with overarching brand, category, and corporate strategies.

• Leverage human-centered insights to develop inclusive, innovative, and sustainable consumer experiences that influence behavior and enhance everyday health.

• Establish and maintain the Design function as a strategic leader and key influencer within both global and local operating market teams.

• Conduct regular audits and quality checks to monitor design consistency and adherence to standards across more than 40 markets.

• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain and R&D departments on packaging development, product innovation, and optimization projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic brand stewardship and operational execution. "Holistic brand language," "meaningful, distinctive brand assets," and "flawless, consistent consumer experiences" point to a need for deep understanding of brand architecture and consumer journey mapping. The explicit mention of demonstrating "design ROI" and "quantifying" impact through insights and data underscores the operational rigor expected, moving beyond purely aesthetic contributions to business outcomes. Collaboration with Supply Chain and R&D highlights the practical, integrated nature of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15+ years of progressive professional experience in design management or a similar leadership role.

• At least 2 years of direct in-house design management experience is required, demonstrating an understanding of internal corporate structures and processes.

• Proven experience within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry is essential, with a strong understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in branding, design strategy, and innovation processes for various applications including brand identity, packaging, Point-of-Sale (POS) materials, advertising campaigns, and digital platforms.

• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative market and design research methodologies to inform strategic decisions and measure design effectiveness.

• Strong strategic thinking capabilities, coupled with robust commercial acumen and marketing skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage significant design budgets across multiple categories effectively.

• Experience in managing and collaborating with global design agency partners on complex, international design projects.

• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse, global teams and navigate multicultural environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in sustainability initiatives within design and packaging.

• Familiarity with digital design tools and platforms relevant to modern consumer engagement.

• A strong portfolio showcasing successful brand transformations and impactful design-led innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "15+ years" requirement, with a specific "2 years of in-house design management," suggests a need for candidates who understand both external agency dynamics and internal operational realities. The emphasis on "regulated categories" and "artwork approval by local authorities" is a critical operational qualifier, indicating a need for meticulous attention to detail and compliance, which is often a significant challenge in GTM operations. The combination of "strategic thinking," "commercial and marketing skills," and "managing design budgets" points to a business-oriented design leader.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a track record of successful design leadership in brand strategy, visual identity development, and holistic brand language implementation.

• Case studies showcasing the strategic application of design to drive innovation, consumer engagement, and business growth, particularly within the FMCG sector.

• Evidence of managing design projects from concept through to global execution, highlighting process management and cross-functional collaboration.

• Examples of how design insights and data were translated into tangible, impactful outcomes and measurable ROI.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrated ability to establish and manage robust design processes, including workflow design, approval cycles, and quality assurance mechanisms.

• Experience in creating and maintaining comprehensive design guidelines and brand architecture documentation to ensure global consistency.

• Skills in process optimization for design asset creation and deployment, aiming for efficiency and effectiveness across multiple markets.

• Ability to document and communicate design strategies, rationale, and outcomes to diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics to demonstrating strategic thinking, process management, and quantifiable business impact. The emphasis on "holistic brand language," "global execution," and "regulatory compliance" means the portfolio should highlight projects that required navigating these complexities. Documenting an ability to create and manage design processes is crucial, as this role will likely involve standardizing design operations for Otrivin.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary for a Design Director with 15+ years of experience in Switzerland, particularly in a regulated industry like FMCG/Healthcare, typically ranges from CHF 180,000 to CHF 250,000. This range is influenced by factors such as specific experience, the strategic importance of the brand, and the scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.

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

• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.

• Employee assistance programs offering confidential counseling and support services.

• Access to Haleon's product portfolio and potential employee discounts.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered, with the expectation of availability for critical global meetings and project deadlines, which may sometimes fall outside standard business hours due to international time differences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for Switzerland is based on industry benchmarks for senior leadership roles in multinational corporations in the FMCG/Healthcare sector, considering the high cost of living and competitive market. Benefits are standard for large, established companies like Haleon, with a focus on employee well-being, long-term financial security, and professional growth, all crucial for attracting and retaining senior talent in specialized roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Healthcare / Pharmaceuticals. Haleon operates in a highly regulated industry focused on delivering everyday health solutions through trusted brands like Otrivin. This context requires a strong emphasis on scientific integrity, consumer safety, and compliance, which directly impacts design decisions.

Company Size: Haleon is a large, global consumer healthcare company, formed from the demerger of GSK's Consumer Healthcare business. Its significant scale implies complex organizational structures, global reach, and substantial resources.

Founded: Haleon officially launched as an independent company in July 2022, following its demerger from GSK. This relatively new corporate identity suggests a dynamic environment focused on establishing its own distinct culture and operational strategies, while building upon the legacy of its predecessor brands.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will be embedded within the Respiratory Health Global team, indicating a close working relationship with brand marketing, product development, and commercial strategy functions.

• This role will likely manage a team of designers or external agency partners, requiring strong leadership and vendor management skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Insights from consumer research, market analysis, and performance metrics are critical for informing design strategies and proving ROI.

• Holistic Brand Experience: A focus on creating seamless and consistent brand interactions across all consumer touchpoints, from packaging to digital platforms.

• Agile & Performance-Focused Culture: Haleon emphasizes agility and performance, suggesting a need for efficient processes, clear objectives, and a results-oriented approach to design.

• Human-Centered Approach: Placing human understanding at the core of innovation and design to deliver better everyday health solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Haleon's position as a newly independent, large-scale consumer healthcare company is significant. The "purpose-driven" and "agile, performance-focused" culture suggests a demanding yet opportunity-rich environment. For a Design Director, understanding the intersection of consumer insight, scientific rigor, and commercial objectives is key. The "Win as One" strategy implies a need for strong internal alignment and collaboration, which will be crucial for embedding design effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior leadership level, functioning as a "Director." It requires strategic vision, significant experience, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams and global markets. The scope of responsibility for a Global Power Brand like Otrivin positions this as a high-impact role with substantial strategic autonomy.

Reporting Structure:

The Design Director will report into a senior leader within the Respiratory Health Global team, likely a Global Brand Lead or Marketing Director. They will also have a dotted line or strong collaborative relationship with the broader Haleon Design leadership community to ensure brand consistency and share best practices.

Operations Impact:

The Design Director's impact directly influences brand perception, consumer engagement, market share, and ultimately, revenue for the Otrivin brand. By ensuring cohesive and compelling brand experiences across all touchpoints, this role is critical in driving consumer preference, loyalty, and sales performance in a competitive FMCG market. The ability to translate insights into impactful design is a direct driver of business success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within the respiratory health category or expand into other therapeutic areas within Haleon's portfolio.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to higher leadership roles, such as Head of Design for a larger business unit or a global VP of Design, overseeing multiple brands or categories.

• Strategic Influence: Take on broader strategic responsibilities within the marketing or innovation functions, leveraging design thinking to shape overall business strategy.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience in areas like global brand strategy, product innovation, or commercial operations through cross-functional projects and collaborations.

• Community Contribution: Lead initiatives within Haleon's design community, contributing to talent development, process improvement, and the elevation of design standards across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career step, offering the chance to lead design for a major global brand. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding leadership scope, deepening strategic impact, and contributing to the overall evolution of design within a large, dynamic organization. For an operations professional, understanding how design leadership translates into tangible business results and market success is crucial.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based at Haleon's Nyon Main Site in Switzerland, which is likely a corporate office environment designed for professional collaboration. It will offer a blend of individual workspace and shared areas for meetings and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Nyon Main Site, Switzerland. This location suggests a base within a key European hub, potentially offering good connectivity and access to a diverse talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction with marketing teams, R&D, supply chain, and other global stakeholders. The Nyon site will likely provide meeting rooms, project spaces, and informal areas for brainstorming and collaboration.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), project management tools, and potentially specialized platforms for brand asset management and global review processes.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with global brand teams, agency partners, and the wider Haleon design community, fostering a culture of shared learning and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• The role operates on a standard full-time basis, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Given the global nature of the brand and team, some flexibility in working hours may be required to accommodate meetings with colleagues in different time zones, particularly for crucial project phases or urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" work arrangement in Nyon, Switzerland, implies a need for candidates comfortable with a physical presence in a corporate setting. This environment is designed to foster collaboration, which is critical for a role that bridges creative strategy with operational execution across diverse teams and markets. The emphasis on global collaboration means that while the primary location is Nyon, effective remote or virtual collaboration skills will also be essential.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a Global Brand Lead or Marketing Director for Otrivin) to explore strategic thinking, leadership experience, and understanding of brand challenges.

3. Case Study Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to prepare and present a case study based on a provided brief or a selection from their portfolio. This assesses their strategic approach, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate design ROI.

4. Cross-Functional/Team Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from marketing, R&D, supply chain, and potentially other design leads to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate design into broader business processes.

5. Final Interview: A discussion with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Marketing or Global Head of Design) to confirm strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit for the role and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Narrative: Focus on storytelling. For each project, clearly articulate the business challenge, your strategic approach, the design solution, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., increased sales, improved brand perception, enhanced consumer engagement).

• Quantifiable Results: Emphasize data and metrics. Showcase how your design work drove tangible business results and ROI. Use graphs and charts where appropriate to illustrate impact.

• Global & Regulated Experience: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience managing global brands and navigating regulated markets, including compliance considerations.

• Holistic Approach: Showcase your ability to think holistically about brand experience across multiple touchpoints (packaging, digital, shopper, product, etc.).

• Process & Collaboration: Include examples of your design process, how you collaborate with cross-functional teams, and how you manage agency partners.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful work efficiently, focusing on relevance to the Otrivin brand and Haleon's strategic objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Otrivin: Research the Otrivin brand, its market position, target audience, and current marketing efforts. Identify potential design challenges or opportunities.

• Haleon Strategy: Familiarize yourself with Haleon's purpose, "Win as One" strategy, and their focus on "better everyday health with humanity."

• Design ROI: Prepare to discuss how you measure and demonstrate the business impact of design in FMCG/Healthcare contexts.

• Sustainability: Be ready to discuss how sustainability considerations can be integrated into design and packaging strategies.

• Agency Management: Prepare to discuss your approach to selecting, briefing, and managing global design agencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process outlined reflects a typical senior leadership hiring funnel, emphasizing not just creative talent but strategic thinking, business acumen, and collaboration skills. The portfolio review is critical and must demonstrate the ability to translate design into measurable business outcomes, especially within the specific context of FMCG and regulated markets. Case study preparation is key for assessing problem-solving and strategic articulation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential. Familiarity with other relevant design and prototyping software.

• Brand Asset Management (BAM) Systems: Experience with systems used for storing, organizing, and distributing brand assets globally.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for managing design projects, workflows, and deadlines.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar tools for real-time communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Research Tools: Familiarity with tools and platforms used for qualitative and quantitative consumer and market research (e.g., Nielsen, Kantar, GfK).

• Data Visualization Tools: Basic understanding or ability to interpret data presented in tools like Tableau or Power BI, which may be used to track design performance metrics.

• Web Analytics: Awareness of how website and digital platform analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) inform design decisions for digital touchpoints.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM systems, an understanding of how design elements integrate with customer journeys managed through CRM platforms is beneficial.

Integration:

• Understanding of how design assets are integrated into various systems, including PIM (Product Information Management) systems for e-commerce, and digital asset management systems for marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director, the "tools" are less about specific software proficiency and more about the strategic application of technology to manage design processes, ensure brand consistency across platforms, and measure impact. The emphasis is on understanding how different systems support the end-to-end design lifecycle, from concept to execution and performance tracking.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven: A commitment to Haleon's purpose of delivering better everyday health with humanity, translating this into design that genuinely helps consumers.

• Consumer-Centricity: Placing the consumer at the heart of all design decisions, driven by deep empathy and understanding of their needs and behaviors.

• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, scientific accuracy, and regulatory compliance in all design outputs, especially critical in regulated categories.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• Agility & Performance: Embracing a dynamic, performance-oriented approach to design, capable of adapting to market changes and delivering impactful results efficiently.

• Sustainability: Commitment to developing sustainable design solutions that minimize environmental impact, aligning with corporate responsibility goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Strategic Partnership: Acting as a proactive, strategic partner to marketing, R&D, and other functions, providing design leadership and insights to shape business strategy.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly integrating design considerations into product development, marketing campaigns, and innovation pipelines, ensuring a unified brand voice.

• Empowering & Influential: Inspiring and guiding internal teams and external agency partners, fostering a shared vision for the brand and design excellence.

• Constructive Feedback: Cultivating a culture of open communication and constructive feedback, essential for continuous improvement and elevating design quality.

• Global Alignment: Ensuring that design strategies and execution are aligned across diverse global markets while allowing for appropriate local adaptation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style for this role must align with Haleon's stated purpose and agile culture. A Design Director needs to be a bridge-builder, connecting creative vision with business objectives and operational realities, all while championing consumer needs and ethical standards. The emphasis on "Win as One" highlights the importance of collaborative spirit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Consistency with Local Relevance: Ensuring Otrivin's brand expression is consistent worldwide while adapting effectively to the diverse cultural nuances and regulatory requirements of over 40 markets.

• Navigating Regulated Categories: Managing the complexities of artwork approval processes, scientific claims substantiation, and adherence to strict legal and medical guidelines in design.

• Driving Innovation in a Mature Market: Identifying opportunities for design-led innovation in a well-established product category to maintain competitive advantage and consumer interest.

• Demonstrating Design ROI: Quantifying and communicating the tangible business impact of design initiatives to senior stakeholders who may focus on other performance metrics.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively aligning the design vision with diverse internal teams (marketing, R&D, legal, supply chain) and external agency partners.

• Integrating Sustainability: Embedding sustainable design practices into packaging and product development processes, balancing environmental goals with brand, cost, and performance requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Category Expertise: Deepening knowledge of respiratory health science, consumer needs in this category, and the competitive landscape.

• Global Brand Leadership: Gaining experience managing a "Global Power Brand" and understanding the intricacies of global market operations and strategy.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Developing a broader understanding of marketing, R&D, supply chain, and regulatory affairs within a large consumer healthcare organization.

• Leadership Development: Accessing Haleon's leadership training programs to enhance strategic thinking, team management, and executive communication skills.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, design forums, and participate in broader professional networks to stay abreast of trends in design, branding, and consumer health.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the specifics of a global FMCG/Healthcare brand in regulated markets. Highlighting these challenges and the associated growth opportunities demonstrates a deep understanding of the role's complexities and the potential for significant professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing and implementing a holistic brand language for a global brand like Otrivin, ensuring consistency across 40+ markets while accommodating local needs?" (Focus on process, stakeholder management, and strategic frameworks).

• "Describe a time you successfully translated consumer insights into a design-led innovation that drove significant business growth. What was your role, and how did you measure the impact?" (Prepare a STAR method response with quantifiable results and a clear articulation of design's contribution to ROI).

• "How do you ensure design quality and consistency in regulated categories where artwork approval is a critical and often lengthy process? What strategies do you employ?" (Focus on process, attention to detail, cross-functional collaboration with legal/regulatory).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Haleon's purpose and 'Win as One' strategy, how would you ensure the Otrivin brand's design reflects these core principles?" (Research Haleon's mission and values; connect design to purpose).

• "How do you foster an inclusive and collaborative design environment, both within your team and when working with diverse global stakeholders and agency partners?" (Discuss your leadership style and approach to building relationships).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate for Impact: Select 3-4 of your most relevant projects that showcase global brand management, FMCG/Healthcare experience, innovation, and navigating complex requirements.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define:

  • The Challenge (Business/Brand problem)
  • Your Strategic Approach (Insight-driven, process-oriented)
  • The Design Solution (Key elements, rationale)
  • The Results (Quantifiable ROI, brand impact, consumer response)
  • Your Role & Collaboration (Specific contributions, team dynamics)

• Highlight ROI: Be prepared to specifically call out metrics and data that demonstrate the commercial success driven by your design work.

• Address Regulatory Aspects: If applicable, clearly explain how you managed design within regulatory constraints.

• Concise Delivery: Practice your presentation to ensure it is engaging, clear, and within any time limits provided. Be ready for probing questions about your process and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, business acumen, and a deep understanding of design's role in driving commercial success, particularly within the FMCG/Healthcare sector. The emphasis on "ROI," "global consistency," and "regulated categories" is paramount, as these are key operational and strategic considerations for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Haleon Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your experience with global brands, FMCG/Healthcare sectors, regulated categories, and driving measurable business results through design. Focus on strategic impact and ROI.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 15+ years of experience, emphasizing leadership roles, in-house management experience, and specific achievements in brand development, innovation, and global market execution. Use keywords relevant to design leadership, branding, and FMCG.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Haleon, the Otrivin brand, and the company's purpose and strategy. Prepare to discuss your strategic approach to design leadership, how you measure design ROI, and your experience managing global teams and complex projects. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies.

• Company Research: Understand Haleon's "Win as One" strategy, their commitment to "better everyday health with humanity," and their focus on agile, performance-driven culture. Be prepared to articulate how your design leadership philosophy aligns with these principles.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. All details, particularly regarding specific interview stages, portfolio expectations, and compensation, should be verified directly with the hiring organization or recruiter before making application decisions.