Senior Creative Designer + Animator at Leading global travel tech brand

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Creative Designer + Animator Company: Leading global travel tech brand Location: London, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Technology / Marketing Date Posted: January 13, 2026 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid (Office-based with remote flexibility)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative development of global projects, aiming to redefine the visual identity and motion language for a high-growth travel platform.
• Drive the creation of impactful visual assets, including brand films and refined design systems, to connect with millions of customers worldwide.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to build an iconic visual voice during a significant global expansion phase.
• Partner with the Creative Director to systematize design processes and mentor junior design talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is for a Senior Creative Designer + Animator, indicating a need for hands-on creative execution combined with strategic design leadership. The emphasis on "redefining visual identity" and "motion language" suggests a significant impact on brand perception and customer engagement. The "travel tech" industry context implies a need for understanding user experience in digital platforms and potentially global market nuances.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the creative development for global projects across brand, digital, and social media channels, overseeing the entire process from concept to final delivery.
• Elevate the brand's motion graphics and animation capabilities by conceptualizing and executing playful animations, sophisticated scroll transitions, and comprehensive brand films.
• Collaborate closely with the Creative Director to establish and refine design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability across all platforms and regions.
• Mentor and guide junior designers, fostering a culture of bold thinking and creative innovation within the design team.
• Partner with marketing, product, and engineering teams to ensure visual assets align with strategic objectives and enhance user experience.
• Contribute to the development of a cohesive and iconic visual identity that resonates with a diverse global customer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution (designing, animating) and leadership (leading creative, mentoring). The scope includes diverse channels (brand, digital, social) and specific deliverables (brand films, scroll transitions), requiring a broad skillset and the ability to manage multiple project streams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for a senior role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 6+ years of progressive experience in brand and motion design, with a proven track record in either an agency setting or a fast-paced in-house environment.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of Adobe After Effects for complex animation and motion graphics creation.
• Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing and post-production.
• Expertise in the broader Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) for asset creation and manipulation.
• Exceptional portfolio showcasing advanced motion design, animation, and typography skills.
• Strong understanding of brand development and visual identity principles.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in developing and scaling design systems across various digital platforms.
• Proven ability to mentor and guide junior creative talent.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the travel or technology sectors.
• Familiarity with 3D animation software (e.g., Cinema 4D, Blender).
• Knowledge of UI/UX principles and how motion design impacts user experience.
• Experience with project management tools and agile methodologies.
• Understanding of paid social media creative best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (After Effects, Premiere, Adobe CC) and a strong portfolio is critical. The requirement for "scaling design systems globally" suggests a need for strategic thinking beyond just execution, focusing on adaptability and consistency across diverse markets.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio that must prominently feature exceptional motion design and animation work, with a clear demonstration of technical skill and creative execution.
• Case studies that illustrate the process of transforming initial concepts into polished, final deliverables for global projects.
• Examples showcasing the application of motion design and animation across various digital platforms, including social media, web, and potentially app interfaces.
• Demonstrations of how design systems were implemented or refined, with specific attention to their scalability and global application.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to creative development, outlining the workflow from brief understanding and concept generation through to execution and delivery.
• Provide evidence of process optimization, such as how workflows were streamlined or how feedback loops were effectively managed to improve efficiency and quality.
• Showcase experience in documenting design processes and motion guidelines to ensure consistency and facilitate collaboration with other teams and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior creative role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing final assets; it should articulate the thinking behind the work, the problem-solving involved, and the impact of the creative solutions. Demonstrating an understanding of process and scalability is key for a senior position.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Creative Designers/Animators with 6+ years of experience in London, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £65,000 - £85,000 per annum. This range accounts for the senior level, specialized skills in motion design and animation, and the high-growth tech industry context.

Benefits:

• Work From Anywhere Policy: Opportunity to work remotely from any location for 4 weeks per year, offering significant flexibility and work-life balance.
• Personal Learning Budget: A dedicated budget for professional development, enabling continuous skill enhancement and exploration of new creative technologies or techniques.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Standard benefits likely include private medical insurance, dental care, and potentially mental health support resources.
• Pension Scheme: A company-contributed pension plan to support long-term financial security.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Competitive annual leave allowance, public holidays, and potential for additional flexible time off.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Potential for Equity/Bonus: Given the backing by a private equity firm and "high-growth" status, performance-based bonuses or equity options may be available.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the company culture may support flexible working arrangements, especially given the 'work from anywhere' policy, allowing for some autonomy in structuring the workday around core collaboration hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary is based on current market data for similar roles in London, considering the specified experience level and industry. The "work from anywhere" and "personal learning budget" are significant benefits that should be highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel Technology. This sector is characterized by rapid innovation, a focus on user experience, global reach, and often a data-driven approach to growth and customer acquisition. The company is backed by a highly successful private equity firm, suggesting a strong emphasis on profitability, scalability, and achieving ambitious growth targets.

Company Size: The job description implies a "high-growth" and "global" brand, likely indicating a company that has moved beyond startup phase and is in a significant scaling phase. It could range from 100-500 employees, with a substantial customer base (over 3 million global customers). This size offers opportunities for impact while maintaining a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, the description of "redefining visual identity" and "ambitious expansion phase" suggests a company that has established itself but is now entering a new, aggressive growth trajectory, potentially driven by recent investment or strategic pivots.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Creative Designer + Animator will likely be part of a broader Creative or Marketing department.
• They will report to a Creative Director and will be responsible for mentoring junior designers.
• Close collaboration is expected with other creative roles (graphic designers, copywriters), as well as cross-functional teams such as Marketing, Product Management, and potentially Engineering.

Methodology:

• A data-driven approach to creative development is probable, with A/B testing and performance metrics influencing visual strategies.
• Agile or sprint-based methodologies might be employed for project management, particularly in a high-growth tech environment.
• Emphasis on systematic processes for design, animation, and brand consistency to ensure global scalability and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.jackandjill.ai (Note: This is the AI recruiter's website, not the client's. The client's website is not directly provided but is a "Leading global travel tech brand").

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of being a "leading global travel tech brand" backed by private equity is crucial. It suggests a professional, results-oriented environment focused on rapid scaling and market leadership. The role of an AI recruiter (Jack & Jill) indicates a modern approach to talent acquisition.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level role, requiring significant experience and the ability to lead projects and mentor others. It sits above junior or mid-level designer positions and is likely a key contributor within the creative department.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Creative Designer + Animator will report directly to the Creative Director. They will also have direct reports or mentees in the form of junior designers. This position requires strong communication and leadership skills to effectively manage upwards, downwards, and across teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the company's brand perception, customer acquisition, and retention efforts. By redefining the visual identity and motion language, the Senior Designer will influence how millions of customers perceive and interact with the travel tech platform, directly supporting the company's high-growth and expansion objectives. Their work will be critical in differentiating the brand in a competitive market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Track: Potential to advance to a Creative Lead or Art Director role, taking on greater strategic responsibility and managing larger teams.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of animation or visual effects, becoming a go-to specialist within the company.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Increased involvement in strategic brand planning and cross-departmental initiatives, expanding influence beyond the immediate creative team.
• Industry Exposure: Working with a leading travel tech brand and a private equity firm provides valuable experience and network opportunities within the tech and investment sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, reporting to a Creative Director, and mentoring junior designers all point to a clear path for career progression within creative leadership roles. The company's growth phase presents opportunities for significant impact and visibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in London, UK, and implies an office environment suitable for collaboration. Given the "work from anywhere" policy, the office likely serves as a hub for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and critical project collaborations, rather than a mandatory daily attendance.

Office Location(s): London, United Kingdom. Specific details about the office facilities or neighborhood are not provided but can be assumed to be a professional workspace in a major metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on "collaborating across teams" and "partnering with the Creative Director" suggests an open and interactive workspace designed to foster communication and idea exchange.
• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard creative software (Adobe CC suite), high-performance workstations, and potentially specialized animation hardware or software.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with fellow designers, art directors, copywriters, and other marketing professionals, facilitating knowledge sharing and creative synergy.

Work Schedule: While standard office hours might apply, the "work from anywhere" policy for 4 weeks a year, combined with a "high-growth" tech environment, often indicates a degree of flexibility. The focus is likely on delivering high-quality work and meeting project deadlines rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule, especially for creative roles where inspiration can strike at any time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, with a London base and remote flexibility, is a key aspect. The office environment will likely be geared towards collaboration and innovation, supporting the company's creative output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Contact/Screening: Likely a brief call with "Jack" (AI recruiter) to understand career aspirations and basic qualifications.
• Portfolio Review & Initial Interview: A review of your portfolio by the hiring team (potentially the Creative Director or HR) followed by an interview to discuss your experience, creative approach, and fit for the role.
• Creative Challenge/Test: A practical exercise to assess your skills in motion design, animation, and conceptual thinking relevant to the company's brand and projects. This might involve creating a short animation, developing concepts for a campaign, or refining an existing design.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with the Creative Director, potentially other senior team members, and possibly stakeholders from marketing or product teams to assess collaboration skills and strategic alignment.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior leader or hiring manager to confirm fit and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your mastery of After Effects, Premiere, and your animation/motion design expertise. Prioritize work that demonstrates global adaptability and brand system thinking.
• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the measurable impact (if possible). Highlight your role specifically.
• Showcase Motion & Typography: Ensure your portfolio has dedicated sections or clear examples of your best motion graphics, animations, and typography skills.
• Demonstrate Scalability: If possible, include examples or explanations of how your designs can be scaled across different platforms and regions.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. A dedicated website or a polished PDF is recommended.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Research the company's current visual identity, target audience, and market position. Analyze their existing creative assets.
• Practice Core Skills: Rehearse complex animations, transitions, and timing in After Effects. Be ready to explain your technical choices.
• Think Strategically: Consider how your creative output aligns with business goals. Be prepared to discuss how your work can drive customer engagement and brand recognition.
• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to walk through your thought process for a hypothetical or given brief, explaining your rationale for design and animation choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Jack & Jill" recruitment process implies an initial AI screening followed by human interaction. A practical creative challenge is highly likely for this role, so preparing a strong portfolio and being ready to demonstrate skills is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: Essential for advanced motion graphics, animation, and visual effects. Expected mastery for complex animations and character rigging.
• Adobe Premiere Pro: Crucial for video editing, sequencing animations, and final delivery of brand films.
• Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator: Fundamental for asset creation, vector graphics, image manipulation, and preparing files for motion.
• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Overall proficiency across the suite is expected for seamless workflow.

Analytics & Reporting (Indirectly Relevant):

• While not a direct tool for the designer, understanding how creative assets perform on platforms like social media, web, or email will be beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) can inform creative decisions.

CRM & Automation (Indirectly Relevant):

• No direct CRM or automation tools are expected for this role. However, understanding how creative assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM systems for campaigns may be advantageous.

Other Potential Tools:

• Figma/Sketch: Increasingly used for design systems and collaborating on digital interfaces, even for motion designers.
• 3D Software (e.g., Cinema 4D, Blender): Preferred for more advanced 3D animation and rendering, though may not be a strict requirement.
• Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Jira): For managing tasks and collaborating within agile workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects and Premiere Pro. Proficiency in these tools, backed by a strong portfolio, is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and develop novel visual solutions that capture attention and communicate effectively.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and building positive relationships with colleagues across various departments.
• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality work that meets strategic objectives and upholds brand standards.
• Growth Mindset: A willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace new technologies and creative approaches, supported by the company's personal learning budget.
• Customer Focus: Designing with the end-user in mind, ensuring visual communication resonates with millions of global customers.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with marketing, product, and other teams to ensure creative aligns with broader business goals and user needs.
• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive feedback from peers, managers, and stakeholders to refine creative output.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share expertise, mentor junior designers, and contribute to a collaborative learning environment.
• Agile & Iterative: Embracing iterative design processes, where concepts are developed, tested, and refined in response to feedback and performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's backing by private equity and focus on high growth suggest a performance-driven culture, but the emphasis on "iconic visual voice" and "playful animations" indicates that creativity and brand storytelling are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Redefining a Global Brand: The significant task of transforming a "successful" brand into an "iconic" one requires strategic vision, strong creative execution, and the ability to navigate potential resistance to change.
• Scaling Design Systems Globally: Ensuring visual consistency and brand integrity across diverse markets, languages, and cultural contexts can be complex.
• Balancing Creativity with Business Objectives: Effectively translating marketing goals and user needs into compelling creative work that also drives performance metrics.
• Rapid Expansion Environment: Working in a fast-paced, high-growth company means adapting to evolving priorities, tight deadlines, and potentially a dynamic team structure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Utilize the personal learning budget to master new animation techniques, explore 3D software, or gain expertise in emerging visual technologies.
• Industry Exposure: Gain deep insights into the travel tech industry, understanding its unique creative challenges and opportunities.
• Leadership Development: Grow leadership skills through mentoring junior designers and contributing to strategic creative direction.
• Networking: Build connections within a well-backed, high-growth company and potentially within the broader private equity and travel tech ecosystems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant creative challenge with the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on a global brand. The company's investment in employee development is a key advantage for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new motion language for a brand." Preparation: Be ready to walk through your steps from research and mood boards to animation style guides and execution. Showcase examples of how you've defined or evolved visual styles.
• "How would you approach creating a brand film that resonates with a global audience?" Preparation: Discuss your conceptualization process, storytelling techniques, and considerations for cultural nuances. Mention previous experience with video production.
• "Tell us about a time you had to scale a design system or creative assets across multiple platforms or regions. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" Preparation: Use the STAR method to structure your answer, highlighting your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to ensure consistency.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the travel tech industry and our brand specifically?" Preparation: Research the company's mission, values, and recent activities. Connect your passion for design with the travel sector's impact.
• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers?" Preparation: Discuss your philosophy on mentorship, how you provide constructive feedback, and foster growth.
• "How do you ensure your creative work aligns with business objectives and drives measurable results?" Preparation: Be ready to discuss how you interpret briefs, collaborate with stakeholders, and consider performance metrics in your creative process.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a compelling story for each project, guiding the interviewer through your thought process and problem-solving.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples demonstrating your mastery of After Effects, animation, typography, and brand system scalability.
• Impact & Rationale: For each project, explain why you made certain creative choices and, if possible, the positive impact or results achieved.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Prepare a concise overview and be ready to dive deeper into specific projects based on interviewer interest.
• Technical Demonstration: Be prepared to briefly show your workflow or explain specific technical aspects of your animation work if requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the AI recruiter aspect, ensure your initial communication is clear and concise. For the portfolio review, focus on demonstrating both technical prowess and strategic thinking applicable to a global brand's growth phase.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Creative Designer + Animator position:

• Submit your application through the provided link, initiating the process with "Jack" (AI recruiter).
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate and refine your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest motion design, animation, and typography work. Ensure it highlights your experience with brand systems and global scalability.
• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 6+ years of relevant experience, specific software proficiencies (After Effects, Premiere, Adobe CC), and achievements in brand and motion design leadership.
• Research the Company: Investigate the "Leading global travel tech brand" to understand their current visual identity, target audience, and market position. This will be crucial for interview preparation.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your creative process, your approach to mentoring, and how you can contribute to redefining the brand's visual identity. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail.

⚠️ 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.