Head of Design (6 month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design (6-Month Fixed-Term Contract)
Company: Beauty Pie
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: CONTRACTOR
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Management & Leadership
Date Posted: 2025-10-09
Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic and creative direction for all design initiatives, ensuring brand consistency and innovation across all touchpoints.
• Manage and mentor a team of designers, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and commercial awareness within the creative studio.
• Translate seasonal campaign concepts and brand strategy into compelling visual assets for both physical and digital platforms, driving customer engagement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (CRM, Ecomm, PR, Social, Paid Social) to deliver effective marketing assets and maintain brand integrity.
• Drive continuous improvement in brand visual language, guidelines, and customer experiences to enhance brand perception and customer acquisition.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 6-month fixed-term contract, requiring an immediate start in January. It emphasizes leadership within a creative studio environment, focusing on brand elevation and visual language refinement, which is crucial for a consumer-facing beauty brand like Beauty Pie. The hybrid work model with a minimum of three days in the office highlights the importance of in-person collaboration and team synergy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and deliver innovative, on-brand design solutions across various formats, platforms, and environments, aligning with the Creative Director's vision.
• Translate seasonal campaigns and overarching brand strategy into cohesive visual narratives for multi-channel marketing efforts (print, digital, social, packaging).
• Present and articulate design concepts, strategies, and rationales to senior stakeholders, influencing key business decisions.
• Enhance and standardize brand touchpoints, guidelines, and customer experiences to ensure a unified and engaging brand presence.
• Partner with internal departments (CRM, E-commerce, PR, Social Media, Paid Social) to produce high-quality marketing assets for both physical and digital events and campaigns.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive library of creative templates, assets, and brand guidelines for efficient team utilization.
• Conduct thorough market research, staying abreast of customer insights, emerging trends, and competitor activities across all relevant markets.
• Inspire, mentor, and lead the design team, cultivating an environment of creative excellence, accountability, and astute commercial awareness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strategic design leadership combined with hands-on execution and team management. The emphasis on "on-brand design solutions with innovation" and "translating seasonal campaigns" suggests a role that balances creative vision with tactical campaign support, a common requirement in fast-paced consumer brands.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating formal design education or equivalent professional experience is expected. Experience: Extensive design experience (5-10 years) is required, with a proven track record in print, digital, and packaging design. Experience within the beauty, fashion, or luxury sectors is highly preferred due to the brand's market positioning and aesthetic. Prior experience in people management, including building, mentoring, and motivating design teams, is essential.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional 360-degree design and concept thinking capabilities, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of materials and processes.
• Proven ability in people management, with a demonstrated capacity to build, mentor, and motivate creative teams.
• Strong understanding of branding principles and the ability to develop and maintain a cohesive visual identity across all touchpoints.
• Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate design concepts and strategies to diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders.
• Strategic and thoughtful approach to design and branding, aligning creative output with business objectives.
• Superior communication and storytelling skills, both verbal and written, to articulate creative vision and drive alignment.
• Robust project management and organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in Figma and core Adobe Creative Suite applications (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in innovative, high-energy fields such as beauty, fashion, or luxury.
• A natural collaborative leadership style that fosters teamwork and cross-functional synergy.
• Deep understanding of customer insights and market trends to inform design strategy.
• Ability to inspire creativity and foster a culture of accountability and commercial awareness within a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "obsessed with process and material" suggests a candidate who understands the practicalities of design execution and production, which is vital for a product-centric company like Beauty Pie. The emphasis on "360 design and concept thinking" indicates a need for a holistic approach to design strategy, not just visual execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-10 years of design experience, with a strong emphasis on print, digital, and packaging projects.
• Evidence of successful brand elevation or refinement projects, demonstrating an ability to evolve a brand's visual language while maintaining its core identity.
• Case studies detailing the strategic thinking, concept development, and execution process behind key design initiatives, highlighting problem-solving and innovative approaches.
• Examples of cross-functional collaboration and how design solutions supported marketing campaigns or business objectives.
• Demonstrations of leadership experience, including examples of mentoring junior designers or managing a creative team.

Process Documentation:

• Within case studies, clearly outline the design process from initial brief to final delivery, including research, ideation, iteration, stakeholder feedback, and final implementation.
• Showcase how design processes were optimized for efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in relation to campaign launches or product releases.
• Provide examples of how brand guidelines and creative templates were developed, maintained, and utilized to ensure consistency and streamline workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of Design role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, leadership capability, and a deep understanding of brand development and campaign execution within a consumer goods context. The "obsessed with process and material" requirement suggests portfolio pieces should reflect an understanding of production and execution realities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Head of Design role with 5-10 years of experience in London, on a 6-month FTC, the estimated annual salary range would typically be between £60,000 - £85,000 pro rata. This range considers the fixed-term nature of the contract and the senior level of responsibility.

Benefits:

• Free Beauty Pie+ membership.
• 30% discount on Beauty Pie products.
• 25 days of holiday per year (pro-rated for the FTC).
• Your birthday off.
• Flexible bank holidays.
• Equal leave for all new parents, regardless of gender or personal circumstances.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Menopause support services.
• £2,500 towards fertility journey support (after 2 years of service, may be prorated or adjusted for FTC).
• 10 therapy sessions through AXA PPP.
• Access to mental health support through Spill.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The role operates on a hybrid model with a minimum of three days in the office. Some roles may require more in-office time, which will be clarified during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for similar senior design leadership roles in London, considering the fixed-term contract duration. The benefits package is generous and reflects Beauty Pie's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which is a significant draw for candidates evaluating FTC opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Beauty & Skincare Retail (Direct-to-Consumer). Beauty Pie operates on a disruptive, membership-based model, offering high-quality beauty products at factory prices by cutting out traditional retail markups. This creates a unique market position focused on value and transparency. Company Size: Beauty Pie is a growing e-commerce business with a significant online presence and an expanding product line. While specific employee numbers for the UK are not provided, the brand's global reach and ambition suggest a dynamic and scaling organization. Founded: Beauty Pie was founded with a mission to democratize luxury beauty by offering direct access to premium formulations without the traditional retail markup. This ethos of fairness, value, and quality underpins its operations and brand identity.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design will lead a team of designers within the brand's creative studio.
• This team likely collaborates closely with marketing, e-commerce, product development, and other core business functions.
• The Creative Director oversees the overall creative vision, with the Head of Design responsible for its execution and team management.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, informed by customer insights, market trends, and sales performance.
• A "bias for action" culture, emphasizing speed, smart choices, and learning through doing to drive momentum.
• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and campaign development, involving cross-functional teams.
• Continuous improvement and refinement of brand visuals and customer experiences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Beauty Pie's culture is defined by its "intelligently rebellious" approach to the beauty industry, emphasizing value, quality, and transparency. The "bias for action" and "customer obsessed" values are key indicators of a fast-paced, results-oriented environment where design plays a critical role in communicating the brand's unique proposition.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level leadership position within the design function, equivalent to a Director or Head of Department in many organizations. It requires strategic oversight, team management, and significant influence over brand aesthetics and customer experience. Reporting Structure: The Head of Design will report directly to the Creative Director, working closely with them to translate the overarching creative vision into actionable design strategies and team execution. Collaboration with other department heads (e.g., Marketing, E-commerce) is also a key aspect of the role. Operations Impact: The Head of Design has a direct and significant impact on Beauty Pie's revenue and business decisions by shaping the brand's visual identity, enhancing customer engagement through compelling design, and supporting marketing and e-commerce initiatives that drive sales and customer acquisition. Effective design leadership is crucial for maintaining brand perception and competitive advantage in the beauty market.

Growth Opportunities:

• While this is a 6-month FTC, successful performance could lead to opportunities for extension or other senior roles within Beauty Pie, especially given the company's growth trajectory.
• The role offers substantial experience in leading a creative team and shaping the visual direction of a rapidly growing direct-to-consumer brand, which is highly valuable for future career advancement.
• Opportunity to develop expertise in specific areas such as beauty marketing, DTC e-commerce design, and brand strategy refinement.
• Potential for increased responsibility and strategic input based on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term nature of the contract means that "growth" will likely be measured by the impact made during the contract period and potential for future opportunities, rather than a traditional linear career progression within the 6 months. The role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to a high-profile brand's visual evolution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Beauty Pie operates a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster team interaction and synergy. Office Location(s): The role is based in London, England. Specific office address details would typically be provided during the interview process, but it is expected to be within a commutable area for London-based professionals.

Workspace Context:

• The design studio environment is expected to be dynamic and collaborative, encouraging frequent interaction with designers and other creative professionals.
• Access to necessary design technology and software (Figma, Adobe CC) is a given.
• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home, balanced with in-office collaboration, ideation, and team meetings.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with other departments are inherent to the role, fostering a holistic understanding of business operations.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected, with the hybrid model providing some flexibility on daily working arrangements, contingent on team needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a hybrid model and the company's value of "It's all for one (& one for all)" suggests a workplace that values both individual contribution and collective effort. The interview process will likely delve into how candidates adapt to and thrive in such an environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the role and contract duration.
• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (e.g., Creative Director) to discuss your experience, leadership style, and initial thoughts on Beauty Pie's brand. This is an opportunity to showcase your understanding of their aesthetic and market position.
• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, focusing on key projects that demonstrate your strategic thinking, design execution, and leadership capabilities. You may be asked to discuss how you would approach specific challenges relevant to Beauty Pie.
• Stakeholder Interview: Potential interviews with other senior leaders or cross-functional team members to assess cultural fit and collaboration potential.
• Final Offer: Following successful interviews and reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best align with Beauty Pie's brand aesthetic (beauty, fashion, luxury) and highlight your strengths in print, digital, and packaging.
• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of managing projects, mentoring designers, or leading creative initiatives.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your strategic approach, the creative process, the challenges faced, and the measurable impact or results. Use data where possible.
• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding of design workflows, brand guidelines, and how you ensure consistency and quality.
• Address the FTC: Be prepared to discuss your availability and commitment to the 6-month contract, and how you can quickly integrate and deliver impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Analysis: Research Beauty Pie's current visual identity, marketing campaigns, and competitor landscape. Identify areas for potential enhancement or innovation.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would address specific design challenges, such as refreshing brand assets for a new campaign, ensuring brand consistency across global markets, or leading a team through a high-pressure launch.
• Leadership & Team Management: Prepare examples of how you have mentored, motivated, and managed design teams, resolved conflicts, and fostered a positive creative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "brand elevation and refinement of the brand’s visual language" suggests that interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only execute but also strategically evolve the brand's aesthetic. Be prepared to articulate your vision for Beauty Pie's design future.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX work. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency.
• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • InDesign (Id): Crucial for print design, layout, and brand collateral.
  • Illustrator (Ai): Necessary for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop (Ps): Key for image manipulation, retouching, and digital asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct responsibility, an understanding of how design impacts key metrics (e.g., conversion rates, engagement, brand recall) is beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and e-commerce platform data could be advantageous for demonstrating design impact. CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to this design role, but awareness of how design assets integrate into CRM and marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email campaigns) would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the core Adobe CC suite is non-negotiable for this role. The company's active e-commerce presence means that digital design skills will be heavily weighted.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Bring your ‘A’ game: Demonstrates a commitment to high performance, a growth mindset, and a dedication to disrupting the beauty industry. Operations professionals should embody this by consistently delivering high-quality work and seeking continuous improvement.
• Be intelligently rebellious: Encourages challenging norms and finding creative solutions. In operations, this translates to innovative process improvements, strategic problem-solving, and smart risk-taking to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Bias for action: Emphasizes speed, decisive decision-making, and learning through doing. For operations, this means proactively addressing issues, implementing solutions quickly, and maintaining momentum in project execution.
• Be customer obsessed: Places the customer at the center of all decisions. Operations professionals should align their work with customer needs, ensuring that processes and systems ultimately enhance the customer experience and deliver value.
• It’s all for one (& one for all): Promotes trust, integrity, and collaboration. Operations roles require strong teamwork, open communication, and a willingness to support colleagues across departments to achieve collective goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork. The Head of Design will work closely with marketing, e-commerce, and other departments.
• Open communication and feedback exchange are encouraged, particularly within the creative studio and with senior leadership.
• A culture of shared learning and mutual support is fostered, aligning with the "It's all for one" value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of Beauty Pie are deeply embedded in its operational ethos. Candidates who can demonstrate how they embody these values in their day-to-day work, particularly "bias for action" and "customer obsessed," will resonate strongly.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Brand Evolution: Contributing to the "elevation and refinement of the brand’s visual language" in a short timeframe requires swift strategic thinking and execution.
• Balancing Brand Vision with Commercial Needs: Effectively translating creative concepts into marketing assets that drive sales and engagement requires a keen understanding of commercial objectives.
• Managing a Hybrid Team: Ensuring consistent team performance, creativity, and collaboration within a hybrid work environment.
• High-Paced Environment: Adapting to the speed and demands of a growing e-commerce business, where quick turnarounds are often necessary.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Brand Leadership: Gaining hands-on experience in shaping the visual direction of a prominent DTC beauty brand.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Deepening understanding of how design integrates with e-commerce, marketing, and product development strategies.
• Team Development: Honing leadership and mentoring skills by guiding a creative team through critical brand initiatives.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the beauty and fashion retail sectors and their design-specific demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is delivering significant impact and evolving the brand's visual language within a 6-month period. This requires a candidate who can hit the ground running and demonstrate immediate strategic value.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach refining and elevating Beauty Pie's visual language across all touchpoints within a 6-month timeframe?"
• "Describe a time you had to present a bold design concept to senior stakeholders who were initially resistant. How did you gain their buy-in?"
• "Given Beauty Pie's value of 'bias for action,' how would you prioritize design projects when faced with multiple urgent requests from different departments?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with Beauty Pie's mission to democratize luxury beauty?"
• "Describe your experience leading and mentoring design teams. How do you foster creativity and accountability?"
• "How do you ensure that design decisions are customer-obsessed and contribute to measurable business outcomes?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with an overview of Beauty Pie's brand and your initial thoughts on its visual identity. Then, present 2-3 key case studies that best showcase your strategic thinking, leadership, and execution skills relevant to the role.
• Quantify Success: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the process, and the results achieved. Use metrics where possible (e.g., increased engagement, conversion uplift, cost savings through process efficiency).
• Demonstrate Leadership: Weave in examples of your leadership style, how you collaborate, and how you mentor team members throughout your presentation.
• Address the FTC: Be prepared to discuss your immediate availability and how you plan to integrate quickly and make a significant contribution within the 6-month contract period.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to articulate a clear vision for Beauty Pie's design, drawing on your research of their current brand and market positioning. Your ability to connect design strategy to business objectives and demonstrate leadership will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design (6-Month FTC) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your extensive design experience (5-10 years), specifically mentioning print, digital, and packaging expertise, and any beauty, fashion, or luxury industry experience. Emphasize people management and leadership achievements.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that demonstrate strategic brand elevation, creative leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Use case studies to detail your process and impact.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and key case studies, focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. Be ready to articulate your vision for Beauty Pie's design.
• Research Beauty Pie: Understand their brand values, current visual identity, target audience, and competitive landscape. Prepare thoughtful insights and potential ideas for the brand.

⚠️ 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.

---