Principal, Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal, Designer Company: DEPT® Location: United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: September 11, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-7 years) Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical design leadership position within DEPT®, focusing on conceptualizing and executing standard-setting digital products for prominent clients in lifestyle and technology sectors.
• The Principal Designer will drive creative execution by translating business strategy into impactful design solutions, ensuring high-quality content and user experiences across various digital platforms.
• Key responsibilities include leading projects from ideation through production, including sketching, prototyping, and planning, while also mentoring junior designers and fostering a collaborative, best-idea-wins environment.
• The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving in a less structured environment, emphasizing simplicity, usability, and a strong point of view supported by data and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Principal, Designer," the responsibilities and experience level (5-7 years) suggest a senior-level individual contributor role with leadership and mentorship expectations, rather than a pure management position. The emphasis on "working with little process in place" and "proactive problem-solving" points towards a need for self-starters who can establish best practices.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design of large-scale digital projects, encompassing websites, branding initiatives, content strategy, and integrated marketing campaigns for major clients.
• Translate client business strategies and user needs into compelling visual and interactive design solutions that drive measurable results.
• Develop detailed design documentation, including asset kits, style guides, and specifications, for seamless handover to development and other cross-functional teams.
• Drive conceptual direction, production, sketching, prototyping, and meticulous planning to ensure the highest quality design output.
• Actively contribute to the creative process by bringing a strong point of view, a passion for typography, interaction, and graphic design, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Mentor and guide junior design talent, fostering their growth and ensuring alignment with project goals and DEPT®'s quality standards.
• Create and present persuasive presentations that clearly articulate design vision, strategic rationale, and intended outcomes to internal teams and clients at all levels.
• Enhance design deliverables through the integration of motion design or high-fidelity prototypes to bring concepts to life and demonstrate user interaction.
• Champion simplicity and usability in all design outputs, ensuring intuitive and engaging user experiences.
• Maintain design consistency across all touchpoints, from the final product to client presentations and communication materials.
• Articulate design thinking and strategic intentions effectively to internal stakeholders and external clients, fostering understanding and buy-in.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking, hands-on execution, and leadership. The emphasis on "bringing business strategy to creative execution" and "driving results" indicates a need for designers who understand the commercial impact of their work.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for this level, though equivalent practical experience in a design agency or similar environment will be strongly considered.

Experience:

• 5 to 7 years of professional experience in a design agency, digital studio, or in-house creative team, with a proven track record of delivering high-impact digital projects.
• Demonstrated experience in leading design initiatives from concept to completion, including managing project scope, timelines, and deliverables.

Required Skills:

• Visual Design Excellence: Mastery in creating aesthetically compelling and brand-aligned visual designs for digital products.
• User-Centered Experience Design: Deep understanding and application of UX principles to create intuitive, engaging, and user-friendly interfaces.
• Interaction Design Proficiency: Ability to design seamless and effective user interactions that enhance product usability and user satisfaction.
• Brand Development Acumen: Strong grasp of brand strategy and the ability to translate brand guidelines into cohesive digital experiences.
• Creative Process Management: Proven ability to navigate and contribute to all stages of the creative process, from research and ideation to execution and delivery.
• Modern Design & Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping software (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision, Principle).
• Presentation and Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to articulate design concepts, strategic rationale, and project outcomes clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Capacity to lead internal design teams, provide creative inspiration, and guide junior talent effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Typography Expertise: A profound appreciation and skillful application of typography in digital design.
• Motion Design Skills: Experience or understanding of motion design principles to add dynamic elements to interfaces.
• Documentation & Asset Handoff: Skill in creating comprehensive design documentation for developer handoff.
• Client Management: Experience in managing client relationships and presenting to stakeholders at various levels.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to approach work with flexibility and adapt to evolving project requirements and feedback.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive, self-driven approach to problem-solving and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "working with little process in place" suggests that candidates who can demonstrate initiative in defining their own workflows and processes will be highly valued. The requirement for "a diverse sense of taste" implies an appreciation for varied aesthetics and the ability to adapt design styles to different client needs and target audiences.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse digital design projects that demonstrate expertise across website design, branding, and user experience.
• Include case studies that detail the problem statement, your role and contributions, the design process undertaken, and the final outcomes.
• Highlight projects where you translated complex business requirements or strategies into elegant and effective design solutions.
• Provide clear examples of your ability to create consistent and high-quality visual and interactive designs.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using modern design and prototyping tools through the quality and interactivity of your portfolio pieces.

Process Documentation:

• Include examples of design documentation such as style guides, component libraries, or developer handoff specifications that showcase your attention to detail and collaborative approach.
• Present case studies that specifically detail your problem-solving process, illustrating how you approached challenges and iterated on designs to achieve optimal results.
• Showcase examples of your presentation materials, demonstrating your ability to articulate design vision and strategy effectively to clients or stakeholders.
• If applicable, include examples of how you've integrated motion design or created high-fidelity prototypes to enhance project deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. It should not only display aesthetic talent but also a clear understanding of the design process, strategic thinking, and the ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions. Evidence of leading projects and mentoring others within the portfolio would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The anticipated salary range for this position in the US is $106,900 - $160,400 USD per year, based on a 40-hour workweek. This range reflects varying factors such as candidate experience, specific skills, and physical location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage to support employee well-being.
• A 401k plan with employer matching contributions to aid in long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for personal time, vacation, and sick leave.
• Paid Company Holidays to observe national and regional holidays.
• Parental Leave to support new parents during a significant life event.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are 40 hours per week. While remote, a commitment to effective time management and responsiveness during core business hours is expected. Flexibility may be available, but project deadlines and client needs are paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Principal Designer role with 5-7 years of experience in the US market, especially within a reputable digital agency. The benefits package is standard and robust, offering good support for employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Services / Marketing Technology / Creative Agency Company Size: 2,500+ employees globally, with a presence across 30+ locations on 5 continents. This indicates a large, international organization with the resources and reach of a global player, while aiming to maintain a "boutique culture." Founded: DEPT® was born digital, emphasizing its modern approach to agency services. Its B Corp certification and focus on "purpose-driven work" suggest a company culture that values social responsibility and positive impact alongside business objectives.

Team Structure:

• The Principal Designer will report to the Creative Director, who sets the overall creative strategy and direction.
• The role involves working within project-based teams, collaborating with other designers, strategists, developers, project managers, and client service professionals.
• The team structure is likely matrixed, with individuals contributing to multiple projects and clients simultaneously.
• Expect close collaboration with junior talent, providing guidance and oversight.

Methodology:

• DEPT® emphasizes a "new model of agency" with a deep skillset in technology and marketing, suggesting a data-informed, integrated approach to client solutions.
• The culture is described as "big enough to cope and small enough to care," implying a balance between global capabilities and personalized attention.
• An "open-door, best-idea-wins environment" fosters collaboration and empowers individuals to contribute innovative solutions.
• The company's "pioneering at heart" ethos means a focus on forward-thinking, innovation, and creating what doesn't exist yet.

Company Website: http://www.deptagency.com

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT®'s culture appears to be a blend of a large, global organization with the agility and collaborative spirit of a smaller agency. The emphasis on "purpose-driven work" and B Corp certification is a significant differentiator, appealing to candidates who seek to align their professional work with personal values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior individual contributor level, often referred to as a "Principal" or "Lead" Designer. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to influence design direction and mentor others. The focus is on design craft, strategic thinking, and client impact.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to a Creative Director, who provides strategic oversight and guidance. The Principal Designer will also have dotted-line reporting or influence over junior designers on project teams.

Operations Impact: The Principal Designer is expected to have a significant impact on client success by delivering high-quality, innovative digital experiences that meet business objectives, drive user engagement, and enhance brand perception. Their work directly contributes to DEPT®'s reputation for creating "standard-setting products."

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership Progression: Opportunity to move into Art Director or Senior Creative Director roles, leading larger teams and more significant client accounts.
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific design disciplines (e.g., UX strategy, motion design, design systems) based on interest and project opportunities.
• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger client-facing skills and take on more responsibility in client strategy and presentations.
• Mentorship and Training: Formalize mentorship skills by leading training sessions or developing design best practices within the organization.
• Global Opportunities: Leverage DEPT®'s international presence for cross-cultural collaboration and potential international assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title suggests a path towards senior leadership or recognized technical expertise within the design domain. The emphasis on "progress yourself as well as the projects you work on" directly points to a company culture that values and supports employee development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "Remote OK" with a primary location focus on the "United States." This implies a predominantly remote work environment, though DEPT® has numerous global offices. Candidates should anticipate a remote-first or hybrid approach depending on team and client needs.

Office Location(s): While the job is remote, DEPT® has a significant global footprint. For US-based remote employees, there might be an expectation to occasionally travel to client sites or DEPT® offices for key meetings or workshops.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic, fast-paced agency environment driven by client project cycles and deadlines.
• Collaboration is key, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and sharing ideas across disciplines.
• Access to digital collaboration tools and platforms will be essential for remote work.
• The "open-door" policy suggests an environment where communication is encouraged, and input is valued regardless of hierarchy.

Work Schedule: A 40-hour workweek is standard, but the nature of agency work and client demands may require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines. Proactive time management and efficient workflow are crucial for remote success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role requires strong self-discipline and communication skills. Candidates comfortable working independently and collaborating virtually will thrive. Understanding DEPT®'s global office locations might be relevant for potential travel or team collaboration across time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Expect a dedicated session where you present your portfolio, walking through key projects, your design process, and the rationale behind your decisions. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: You may be given a design challenge or a hypothetical client problem to solve, either as a take-home assignment or an in-interview exercise. This will likely focus on your ability to apply design principles, think strategically, and communicate your solutions.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with the Creative Director, other designers, and potentially project managers or client leads to assess collaboration style, leadership potential, and overall fit within the team and DEPT®'s culture.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final conversation with a senior leader to confirm alignment and discuss the role's strategic importance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent the skills and experience DEPT® is seeking: strong visual design, user-centered design, and impactful digital experiences.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, your design decisions, and the measurable results or impact. Use a narrative structure.
• Demonstrate Process: Show your thinking – sketches, wireframes, user flows, prototypes, iterations – to illustrate how you arrive at solutions.
• Highlight Leadership/Mentorship: If possible, include examples where you've led projects or mentored junior designers.
• Keep it Concise: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a defined timeframe, focusing on your most relevant and impactful work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge provided. Ask clarifying questions if necessary.
• Prioritize & Scope: If time is limited, focus on delivering a well-reasoned solution for the core aspects of the challenge, rather than trying to perfect every detail.
• Communicate Your Approach: Clearly articulate your thought process, assumptions, and the rationale behind your design choices.
• Consider the Client: Frame your solutions in the context of client business goals and user needs, as DEPT® emphasizes bringing business strategy to creative execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and strategic thinking. Be prepared to defend your design decisions and discuss how they align with business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), InVision, Principle, After Effects (for motion design). Proficiency in at least one primary design tool (Figma or Sketch) and prototyping software is essential.
• Collaboration & Documentation: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets).
• Presentation Tools: PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility, familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or Mixpanel can be beneficial for understanding user behavior and campaign performance to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role, but an understanding of how design integrates with marketing automation platforms and CRM data (e.g., for personalized experiences) can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of modern design and prototyping tools is non-negotiable. The ability to create clear documentation for developer handoff is also a key technical requirement. Familiarity with tools that facilitate remote collaboration and project management will be important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity & Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and design approaches, embodying DEPT®'s "pioneers at heart" ethos.
• Collaboration & Transparency: An open-door, "best-idea-wins" approach, valuing shared knowledge and open communication across teams and disciplines.
• Client Focus & Results-Driven: A commitment to understanding client business goals and delivering design solutions that achieve tangible results.
• Craftsmanship & Detail-Oriented: A dedication to high-quality execution, attention to detail, and a passion for the art and science of design.
• Purpose-Driven: An alignment with DEPT®'s commitment to making a positive impact and contributing to a better world through their work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with strategists, developers, project managers, and client leads to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Constructive Feedback: Actively seeking, giving, and receiving feedback in a constructive manner to elevate the quality of work.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to the collective learning and growth of the design team.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Taking initiative to identify and address potential issues, rather than waiting for direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "big enough to cope and small enough to care" suggests a culture that balances global resources with a supportive, team-oriented environment. Candidates who are adaptable, communicative, and eager to contribute to a positive team dynamic will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Ambiguity and Process Building: Navigating projects with "little process in place" requires initiative, adaptability, and the ability to establish efficient workflows and best practices.
• Balancing Client Needs with Creative Vision: Effectively translating diverse client requirements and feedback into innovative, high-quality designs while maintaining a strong creative point of view.
• Mentoring and Leading Junior Talent: Providing effective guidance, feedback, and leadership to junior designers to foster their development and ensure project success.
• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, technologies, and methodologies in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design disciplines and learn new tools through internal training, workshops, and access to online learning platforms.
• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences, participate in design challenges, and engage with the broader design and tech community.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership and mentorship skills through guiding project teams and junior designers.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to various facets of digital marketing and technology through collaboration with DEPT®'s diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of a senior role in a dynamic agency environment. The company's commitment to growth indicates that these challenges are viewed as opportunities for personal and professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create design standards or processes for a project or team with limited existing structure. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process building, proactivity)
• "How do you balance delivering on client business objectives with pushing creative boundaries? Can you share an example?" (Focus on strategic thinking, client collaboration)
• "Walk us through a digital project where you had to solve a complex user experience problem. What was your process, and how did you arrive at the final solution?" (Focus on problem-solving, UX/UI skills)
• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers? What is your philosophy on providing feedback and fostering their growth?" (Focus on leadership, mentorship)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to DEPT®'s 'pioneering at heart' and 'purpose-driven work' ethos? How does this align with your own values?" (Focus on cultural fit, motivation)
• "Given DEPT®'s global reach and boutique culture, how do you see yourself contributing to both aspects?" (Focus on understanding company model)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in design, technology, and popular culture?" (Focus on curiosity, industry awareness)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure with Purpose: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type, and have a clear narrative for each case study.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, engagement metrics).
• Highlight Your Role: Be explicit about your specific contributions, especially if working on team projects. Use "I" statements for your individual actions and "we" for team efforts.
• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly, stays within the allotted time, and effectively communicates your expertise and passion. Be ready for questions that probe deeper into your process and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy, your approach to problem-solving, and how you integrate business strategy into your creative work. Demonstrating a proactive, collaborative, and detail-oriented mindset will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Greenhouse.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills that directly align with the job description, focusing on your years of agency experience, specific design proficiencies (visual, UX, interaction), and any leadership or mentorship activities. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your strongest work relevant to digital product design for lifestyle and technology clients, and includes detailed case studies that illustrate your process and impact.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication of your design process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to articulate your "why" for design decisions.
• Research DEPT®: Familiarize yourself with DEPT®'s work, client roster, company culture, and their commitment to purpose-driven initiatives and B Corp certification. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.