Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design
Company: FluidStack
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Marketing Operations / Brand Strategy
Date Posted: 2025-08-15
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and evolution of FluidStack's external creative identity as the Head of Design.
• Lead the creation of a distinct and unique brand design vision, pushing creative boundaries within the AI/technology sector.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Strategic Communications and senior leadership to translate company narrative into compelling visual assets.
• Drive the design requirements for a wide array of touchpoints, including events, websites, and digital media, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Head of Design," the responsibilities described lean heavily towards brand strategy and execution within a marketing and communications framework, rather than a purely product design leadership role. The focus is on external brand identity and visual narrative.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, development, and execution of FluidStack's master brand identity, ensuring a cohesive and compelling visual narrative across all external communications.
• Define and articulate design requirements for diverse platforms, including digital media, website, marketing collateral, and physical event spaces.
• Develop distinct product identities and lead the creation of a compelling sub-brand identity to differentiate FluidStack's offerings in the market.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and the communications team to align visual design strategies with evolving verbal identity and overall brand narrative.
• Create impactful physical and digital design assets for events of all scales, from major conferences and expos to internal company gatherings.
• Translate design strategies and requirements to web developers and other stakeholders, ensuring successful implementation of website design elements.
• Design engaging assets for social media platforms, optimizing for visibility and impact across various digital channels.
• Manage and organize design assets, making them easily accessible to teams across the organization to foster brand consistency and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "fast-evolving company narrative" and "greenfield to break conventions" suggests a dynamic, hands-on role where the Head of Design will be instrumental in shaping the company's visual language from a relatively early stage. This requires strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex technological concepts into understandable visual communications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is implicitly expected given the role's responsibilities. Experience: 10+ years of comprehensive design experience, with a significant portion ideally within the AI, software, or technology sectors, demonstrating a proven track record in brand development and execution.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in brand design and the development of visual identities, with a portfolio showcasing a wide scope of work across various mediums.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and Figma for design execution and collaboration.
• Proven ability to define, articulate, and evolve a master brand identity, incorporating design principles for distinct product and sub-brand identities.
• Experience creating physical and digital design assets for events, including conferences, expos, and internal functions.
• Understanding of website design principles and the ability to communicate design strategies effectively to web developers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills with a proactive approach to making design assets accessible and manageable for the wider organization.
• Expertise in designing for social media, understanding platform nuances to create impactful digital assets.
• A demonstrated willingness to push creative boundaries and differentiate a brand in a competitive, often uniform, industry landscape.
• Ability to work closely with senior stakeholders and communications teams, aligning visual grammar with enterprise objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Working understanding of motion and animation design principles, with a collaborative mindset towards specialists in these fields.
• Experience leading creative direction for film shoots and motion projects.
• Basic interest and proficiency in photography and photo editing for social media applications.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, evolving technology startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of experience, coupled with the "Head of" title, suggests this role will involve significant strategic input and leadership, potentially managing a small team or external agencies in the future. The emphasis on "pushing creative boundaries" in a uniform field highlights the need for innovative thinking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a wide range of design projects across multiple mediums, showcasing the candidate's ability to adapt design direction swiftly.
• Case studies detailing the process behind creating and evolving visual identities, including brand strategy, concept development, and final execution.
• Examples of successful brand implementation across digital platforms (websites, social media) and physical touchpoints (events, collateral).
• Demonstrations of how design strategy was used to differentiate offerings, create product identities, or build sub-brands.
• Evidence of collaboration with stakeholders, including senior leadership and technical teams (e.g., web developers), to achieve strategic communication goals.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase a structured approach to brand development, from initial research and conceptualization to final asset delivery and implementation.
• Include examples of how design processes were optimized for efficiency and accessibility across an organization.
• Demonstrate methods for maintaining brand consistency across diverse applications and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate the "why" behind their design choices, linking them directly to business objectives and brand strategy. The portfolio should highlight not just aesthetic output but also the strategic thinking and process involved in achieving impactful results for the client or company.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location (London, UK), experience level (10+ years), and industry (AI/Technology), a competitive salary is expected. For a Head of Design role in London with this experience, a range of £70,000 - £100,000+ per annum is a reasonable estimate, potentially higher depending on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio, and negotiation. This includes a competitive total compensation package with equity.

Benefits:

• Competitive total compensation package, including salary and equity.
• Retirement or pension plan, compliant with local UK norms.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, in line with local UK standards.

Working Hours: The stated working hours are 40 per week, typical for a full-time role, with an on-site work arrangement expected in London.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "equity" indicates that this is a startup environment where employees can share in the company's growth. The benefits are standard for a professional role in the UK tech sector, with a focus on comprehensive health coverage and work-life balance through a generous PTO policy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AI Cloud Platform / GPU Supercomputing. FluidStack operates at the cutting edge of AI infrastructure, providing high-performance computing resources to leading AI labs, governments, and enterprises. This context implies a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and a focus on solving complex problems. Company Size: Small, but growing. This suggests a dynamic environment where individuals can have a significant impact and shape processes. As a small team, collaboration and cross-functional support are likely highly valued. Founded: While the exact founding date isn't provided, FluidStack's focus on serving top AI labs and enterprises indicates a relatively established presence or a rapid growth trajectory in a niche, high-demand market.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design will report to the Director of Strategic Communications, working within a small but growing communications team.
• Collaboration with senior leadership is a key aspect of the role, indicating direct access to decision-makers and strategic input.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected, particularly with web developers and potentially product teams, to ensure cohesive brand integration.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on customer-centricity and delivering a world-class customer experience.
• High standards for effectiveness, competence, and a growth mindset are core values.
• Ownership from inception to delivery is expected, fostering a proactive and accountable work environment.
• Open-mindedness and a positive attitude are encouraged when approaching problems.

Company Website: https://www.fluidstack.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes hard work, ownership, and a growth mindset, which is common in ambitious tech startups. The "small team" aspect means that the Head of Design will likely wear multiple hats and have a direct influence on the company's visual direction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a leadership role, "Head of Design," indicating significant responsibility for shaping the company's external visual identity and brand strategy. It's a senior individual contributor role with potential for team leadership as the company scales. Reporting Structure: The Head of Design will report to the Director of Strategic Communications, placing them within the broader marketing and communications function. This structure allows for close alignment with the company's strategic messaging and external narrative. Operations Impact: The Head of Design will have a direct impact on FluidStack's market perception, customer acquisition, and brand differentiation. By creating a strong, unique visual identity, they will support sales efforts, enhance brand recognition, and contribute to the overall growth and success of the company in the competitive AI infrastructure market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to build and define the visual identity of a growing AI Cloud Platform company from a foundational stage.
• Potential to grow into a broader creative leadership role as the company scales, possibly managing a design team or expanding the scope of design responsibilities.
• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making within a fast-paced technology environment.
• Development of skills in translating complex technical concepts into compelling visual narratives for diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is an opportunity to make a significant mark on a company's brand identity in a rapidly growing and technologically advanced sector. The "greenfield" nature of the role means the Head of Design can truly shape the brand's visual future.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in London, implying a traditional office environment designed to foster collaboration and focused work. Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom. Specific office details are not provided, but being in London suggests access to a vibrant professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment where interaction with the Director of Strategic Communications and other team members is expected.
• The expectation is to work hard and take ownership, suggesting an environment that values dedication and results.
• The company emphasizes a positive attitude and open-mindedness, contributing to a supportive and productive workspace.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, is a given.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an implied 40-hour work week. While the core hours are standard, the emphasis on "working hard" and "ownership" may suggest flexibility or the need for dedication beyond standard hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role in London, candidates should expect a professional office setting that facilitates in-person collaboration, crucial for brand strategy development and stakeholder alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and portfolio by HR or the hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing their process, strategic thinking, and how they've tackled similar challenges. This is a critical step for assessing design leadership and communication skills.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with the Director of Strategic Communications and potentially other senior leaders to evaluate strategic alignment, cultural fit, and ability to collaborate effectively.
• Design Challenge (Potential): A small, targeted design task or case study might be given to assess practical skills and approach to problem-solving within FluidStack's context.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in brand identity development, visual strategy, and working within the tech/AI space.
• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the design process, your role, and the quantifiable impact or outcome.
• Highlight Process: Showcase your thinking behind the designs, not just the final visuals. Explain your rationale for color palettes, typography, and overall visual direction.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples across different mediums (digital, print, events) and show your ability to adapt to various project needs.
• Showcase Collaboration: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you collaborated with stakeholders, developers, or other teams.
• Address "Pushing Boundaries": Be ready to discuss how you've innovated or differentiated brands in your past work, especially in uniform industries.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand FluidStack's Brand: Research FluidStack's current online presence, mission, and target audience to inform any potential design challenges.
• AI/Tech Industry Trends: Familiarize yourself with current design trends and best practices within the AI and technology sectors.
• Communication Skills: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on strategic rationale and business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "pushing creative boundaries" and "breaking conventions" means candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to innovation and how they identify opportunities to make a brand stand out visually. The portfolio should directly address this requirement.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for a wide range of design tasks, from vector graphics and layouts to image editing.
• Figma: Crucial for collaborative design, prototyping, and design system development, particularly for digital interfaces and web assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, an understanding of how design impacts website analytics (e.g., conversion rates, user engagement) and social media performance metrics would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as direct requirements for this role, but familiarity with how marketing automation platforms or CRMs might utilize design assets could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is highlighted, indicating its importance in modern collaborative design workflows. Candidates should be comfortable using these tools for both creative execution and sharing with development teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to providing a world-class customer experience, which extends to how the brand visually communicates with its audience.
• High Standards: Holding oneself and others accountable for effectiveness, competence, and delivering quality work.
• Growth Mindset: Embracing continuous learning, adaptability, and a proactive approach to challenges and opportunities.
• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for tasks from inception through to delivery, demonstrating initiative and drive.
• Innovation & Boundary Pushing: A culture that encourages creativity and the desire to differentiate and stand out in a competitive market.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with the Director of Strategic Communications, senior leadership, and potentially web developers to ensure cohesive brand messaging and execution.
• Open Communication: An environment that values an open mind and positive attitude, fostering constructive feedback and idea sharing.
• Efficiency & Accessibility: A practical approach to managing and distributing design assets, enabling teams across the organization to leverage them effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built around strong work ethic, accountability, and a forward-thinking, growth-oriented mindset. The Head of Design will be expected to embody these values and contribute to a positive, high-performing team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a Unique Identity: The primary challenge will be to develop a distinct visual identity for FluidStack that stands out in the often uniform AI/technology sector, requiring creativity and strategic differentiation.
• Translating Complex Concepts: Effectively visualizing and communicating the value proposition of a complex AI Cloud Platform and GPU supercomputing service to diverse audiences.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating with senior leadership and various stakeholders to align diverse perspectives on brand direction and design execution.
• Rapidly Evolving Narrative: Adapting the brand's visual identity to reflect a "fast-evolving company narrative" and potentially new product offerings or market positioning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Brand Building: Gaining hands-on experience in shaping the brand identity of a growing technology company from a foundational level.
• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of design within the AI and high-performance computing sectors.
• Leadership Experience: Developing leadership and strategic communication skills through close collaboration with senior management.
• Creative Innovation: Opportunities to experiment with new design approaches and technologies to push creative boundaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to influence a company's brand trajectory. The challenges are directly tied to the excitement of building something impactful in a cutting-edge industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a brand identity for a company in a highly technical or uniform industry. How did you ensure it stood out?" (Focus on strategic differentiation and creative process).
• "How would you approach defining FluidStack's visual identity, considering our work in AI Cloud Platforms and GPU Supercomputing?" (Assess understanding of the industry and ability to translate technical concepts visually).
• "Walk us through a project where you collaborated with senior stakeholders or technical teams to implement a significant design initiative. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Evaluate collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills).
• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you balance following trends with maintaining a distinct brand identity?" (Assess industry awareness and strategic design thinking).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about FluidStack's mission and the AI Cloud Platform space?" (Gauge genuine interest and cultural alignment).
• "How do you embody the values of high standards, ownership, and a growth mindset in your work?" (Assess cultural fit and work ethic).
• "How would you contribute to a small, highly motivated team like ours?" (Evaluate teamwork and contribution potential).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating progression in your career. Start with your most relevant and impactful work.
• Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process (including research, ideation, iteration), the final solution, and the impact or results. Connect your work to business objectives.
• Visuals: Ensure your presentation visuals are clean, high-quality, and reflective of your design skills. Use high-resolution mockups and clear typography.
• Key Themes: Be prepared to specifically address how you've pushed creative boundaries, differentiated brands, and successfully translated complex technical concepts visually.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your process, and your experience in the AI/tech industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples of how they have "broken conventions" and pushed creative boundaries in their past roles. Demonstrating a proactive, strategic approach to brand building will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application directly through the provided Ashby link.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that prominently features brand identity development, visual strategy execution, and experience in the technology sector. Select projects that demonstrate your ability to push creative boundaries and translate complex concepts into compelling visuals.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of design experience, specific achievements in brand building, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any experience within the AI/software/technology space. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to present your portfolio with a clear narrative, focusing on your strategic thinking, design process, and impact. Practice articulating responses to common design leadership and strategy questions.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research FluidStack's current offerings, mission, and market position to understand their business context and inform your interview discussions. Pay attention to their existing visual identity and identify opportunities for enhancement.

⚠️ 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.