Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer

Company: Havas Group (Prose On Pixels)

Location: San Antonio de Belen, Costa Rica

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 7+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and execution of design projects across print and digital platforms, ensuring high-quality, brand-aligned deliverables.

• Provide strategic art direction and mentorship to a team of designers, fostering skill development and a culture of innovation.

• Seamlessly integrate design and production capabilities across diverse media, including print, digital, presentations, branding, and motion graphics.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including art directors, project managers, and copywriters, to bring creative concepts to life.

• Drive continuous improvement in design processes and workflows, leveraging AI tools and best practices to enhance efficiency and creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Lead Designer at Havas Group, specifically within the Prose On Pixels agency, emphasizes a blend of creative leadership, hands-on design and production skills, and team mentorship. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong communication and collaboration tools, with potential for structured office days for team interaction and project reviews. The focus on AI tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization and development of innovative visual solutions across various channels, from initial brief to final execution.

• Conduct thorough art direction sessions, providing constructive feedback and guidance to designers to elevate creative output and ensure alignment with project objectives.

• Maintain rigorous quality control and brand consistency across all design assets, ensuring adherence to established brand guidelines and style guides.

• Review and approve creative work, ensuring it meets client expectations and strategic goals before presentation.

• Generate novel design ideas and execute them across multiple media, demonstrating a strong command of both aesthetic principles and production techniques.

• Seamlessly transition between creative design and hands-on production for print, digital, presentation decks, branding collateral, and motion graphics.

• Actively participate in training and mentoring junior, mid-level, and senior designers, contributing to their professional growth and skill enhancement.

• Implement design and production skills across various media and channels, including but not limited to digital, print, presentations, branding, and motion graphics.

• Make precise corrections to layouts, including art and copy, based on feedback from brand teams or clients, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

• Manage a portfolio of multiple projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet demanding deadlines without compromising quality.

• Collaborate closely with art directors, project managers, and copywriters during the initial concepting stages to produce composite artwork using industry-standard design software.

• Contribute to the creation or editing of essential visual elements such as charts, graphs, and logos.

• Lead and manage calls with network teams, ensuring clear, concise, and effective communication to facilitate project alignment and progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role: strategic creative leadership and operational execution. The emphasis on "seamlessly switch gears between design and production" and "implement design and production skills across various media" indicates a need for a versatile designer who can contribute at both conceptual and practical levels. The inclusion of "AI tools" suggests a requirement for familiarity with emerging design technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Interactive Design, Advertising, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in a design role, with a significant portion in a lead or art direction capacity.

Required Skills:

• Creative Concept Development: Proven ability to generate original ideas and translate creative briefs into compelling visual narratives.

• Art Direction & Mentorship: Demonstrated experience in guiding design teams, providing constructive feedback, and fostering professional development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with art directors, project managers, copywriters, and client stakeholders.

• Digital Production Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Adobe Acrobat, Sketch, Figma, and Pre-Flight software.

• Print Production Expertise: Strong understanding of print production processes, file preparation, and quality control.

• Motion Graphics & Presentation Design: Advanced knowledge and practical application in motion design, presentation development, and dynamic visual storytelling.

• Branding & Identity Design: Deep understanding of brand guidelines and the ability to create assets that are consistently aligned with brand identity.

• UX/UI Design Principles: Advanced understanding of user experience and user interface design concepts, with the ability to apply them to digital products.

• AI Tool Integration: Proven experience utilizing Artificial Intelligence tools within the design workflow for enhanced creativity and efficiency.

• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication in English (B2+ level), with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively to clients and internal teams.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong proficiency in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel for presentations, documentation, and data management.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the pharmaceutical advertising agency sector.

• Ability to conceive and design in three dimensions.

• Illustration skills for concept development and asset creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a comprehensive skill set, requiring not only artistic talent but also technical proficiency, leadership capabilities, and an understanding of business objectives. The explicit mention of AI tools suggests a need for candidates to be adaptable and forward-thinking in their approach to design technology. The preference for pharmaceutical advertising experience indicates a specialized industry focus for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Creative Concept Showcase: Demonstrations of original campaign concepts and visual solutions across various media (print, digital, motion).

• Art Direction & Team Collaboration: Examples showcasing leadership in guiding design teams, with evidence of mentoring and collaborative problem-solving.

• Production Versatility: A diverse range of projects highlighting seamless transitions between design and production for print, digital, presentations, branding, and motion graphics.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Case studies or project examples illustrating the ability to strictly follow and apply brand identity and style guidelines.

• AI Tool Integration Examples: Specific projects or case studies that highlight the innovative use of AI tools in the design process, demonstrating efficiency gains or novel creative outcomes.

• Client Presentation Examples: Evidence of presenting creative work and strategic design rationale to clients or stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Documented examples of how you've designed or optimized design workflows to improve efficiency, quality, or team collaboration.

• Production Process Management: Evidence of managing production processes for various media, ensuring quality control and timely delivery.

• Performance Analysis & Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio should implicitly demonstrate how your design work has contributed to project success or business objectives, which can be framed as performance analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Lead Designer" title and the emphasis on both creative direction and production, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase aesthetic quality but also the candidate's ability to manage projects, lead teams, and integrate new technologies like AI. Demonstrating a structured approach to design and production processes will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Designer role with 7+ years of experience in Costa Rica, a competitive salary range would likely fall between ₡25,000,000 - ₡40,000,000 annually (approximately $47,000 - $75,000 USD, depending on exchange rates). This estimate considers the cost of living in San Antonio de Belen and the specialized skills required, including AI tool proficiency and potential pharmaceutical advertising experience.

Benefits:

• Full-time Permanent Contract: Offering job security and long-term employment.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision needs.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences to enhance design skills, including AI and emerging technologies.

• Hybrid Work Environment: Flexibility to balance remote work with in-office collaboration.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions towards long-term financial security.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically around 40 hours, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research of similar Lead Designer roles in Costa Rica and general cost of living data. The range is indicative and subject to the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits are standard for a full-time permanent role in a reputable international agency like Havas. The "Hybrid" work status suggests a structured approach to office days, though specific days are not detailed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing Communications. Havas Group is a global leader, and Prose On Pixels, as part of this group, likely operates with a strong focus on creative excellence, client service, and integrated marketing solutions. The industry demands innovation, adaptability, and a keen understanding of market trends.

Company Size: Havas Group is a large, global organization with thousands of employees worldwide. Prose On Pixels, while potentially a specialized unit, benefits from the resources and reach of a multinational corporation. This size offers opportunities for diverse projects and potential career mobility.

Founded: Havas Group has a long history, founded in 1835. This longevity signifies stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of the advertising landscape.

Team Structure:

• Operations: The Lead Designer will be part of the creative department, likely reporting to a Creative Director or Head of Design. The team will include other designers (Junior, Mid-level, Senior), Art Directors, Copywriters, and Project Managers.

• Reporting: The role involves leading a team of designers, implying a direct reporting line for those designers to the Lead Designer. The Lead Designer will report to a higher-level creative leadership.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role necessitates extensive collaboration with Art Directors for conceptualization, Project Managers for workflow and timelines, and Copywriters for integrated campaign development. Interaction with client services and strategy teams is also probable.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creative-led, Havas agencies often integrate data insights to inform creative strategies and measure campaign effectiveness.

• Agile Project Management: Many creative agencies adopt agile or hybrid methodologies to manage project lifecycles, ensuring flexibility and timely delivery.

• Innovation & Experimentation: A culture that encourages exploring new technologies, such as AI tools, and experimenting with novel design approaches.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a dynamic, large-scale agency environment with a global reach. The Lead Designer role is positioned within a creative hub that values both artistic merit and strategic execution, with an increasing emphasis on technological integration like AI.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, designated as "Lead." It signifies a transition from individual contributor to a role with significant leadership, mentorship, and strategic oversight responsibilities within the design function. The role requires not only advanced design skills but also the ability to manage people and processes.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Head of Design within the Prose On Pixels agency. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of designers at various experience levels (Junior, Mid-level, Senior). This structure emphasizes a hierarchy focused on creative output and team development.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer's impact is crucial to the agency's success. They are responsible for the quality and effectiveness of creative deliverables that directly influence client brand perception, campaign performance, and ultimately, client satisfaction and retention. Their strategic input shapes the visual direction of client projects and contributes to the agency's reputation for creative excellence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Director: A natural progression from Lead Designer, involving broader creative strategy, account leadership, and larger team management.

• Head of Design/Studio Manager: Moving into a role focused on operational efficiency, resource allocation, and process improvement within the creative department.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, UX/UI, or emerging technologies (e.g., AI in design), potentially leading to a specialist or principal designer track.

• Cross-Disciplinary Roles: Opportunities to move into roles that bridge design with strategy, account management, or digital transformation initiatives within Havas Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead Designer" title implies a significant step up from a senior designer role, requiring a strong foundation in both creative execution and people management. Growth paths within a large agency like Havas are typically well-defined, offering clear trajectories for advancement and specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern workplace that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in San Antonio de Belen, Costa Rica. This region is known for its business parks and accessibility, making it a viable hub for creative agencies.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated spaces for brainstorming sessions, fostering interaction among design teams and with other departments.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch), high-performance workstations, and potentially specialized hardware for motion graphics or 3D work. The emphasis on AI tools suggests these will be integrated into the workflow.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model implies structured days for team meetings, design reviews, client presentations, and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that designers can connect and share ideas effectively.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid arrangement. This allows for concentrated work periods both at home and in the office, accommodating design sprints and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key characteristic. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of remote and in-office work, understanding that office days are likely dedicated to collaborative activities and team-building. The specific days for office presence are usually communicated during the onboarding process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications, focusing on experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key projects that demonstrate their design expertise, leadership capabilities, and ability to integrate AI tools. This stage often involves a presentation to a panel of creative leaders.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: A practical exercise may be given to assess design thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to execute under specific constraints (e.g., design a concept based on a brief, critique existing work, or demonstrate AI tool application).

• Team & Leadership Interview: Interviews with potential team members and senior leadership to assess cultural fit, leadership style, and ability to mentor and manage.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior executive (e.g., Creative Director, Agency Head) to discuss strategic vision, career aspirations, and final offer terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those showcasing leadership, AI integration, and versatility across print, digital, and motion.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the creative process, the challenges faced, your solutions (especially AI usage), and the impact/results.

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples where you led a team, mentored junior designers, or influenced creative direction.

• Showcase AI Proficiency: Dedicate specific examples or a section to how you've used AI tools to enhance creativity, efficiency, or outcomes.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or in-person. Use clear, concise language.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any creative challenge, identifying key objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Leverage AI Tools: Be prepared to demonstrate how you would use AI tools to accelerate ideation, explore concepts, or refine designs within the challenge parameters.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your thought process, design decisions, and how you would manage the project if you were the Lead Designer.

• Focus on Impact: Frame your solutions in terms of potential business impact and client objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Lead Designer role will be rigorous, focusing heavily on both creative output and leadership potential. A well-prepared portfolio that explicitly demonstrates AI tool usage and leadership experience will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for all graphic design and production tasks.

• Figma/Sketch: Advanced skills in collaborative design and prototyping tools, essential for digital and UI/UX design.

• Adobe Acrobat: For file review, pre-flighting, and final output preparation.

• Pre-Flight Software: Familiarity with tools used for checking and preparing print-ready files.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of PowerPoint (for presentations), Word (for documentation), and Excel (for data and project tracking).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary design tools, an understanding of how design impacts analytics is beneficial. Familiarity with tools used for website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) or campaign performance dashboards might be advantageous for understanding design effectiveness. CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms used for task management, workflow tracking, and team collaboration.

• AI Design Tools: Proven experience with generative AI platforms (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly) for ideation, asset creation, and workflow enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required tools are standard for a senior design role, with a specific emphasis on digital design and prototyping platforms like Figma/Sketch. The explicit mention of AI tools indicates that proficiency in these emerging technologies is a key differentiator and likely an expectation for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the agency to push boundaries and deliver fresh, impactful creative solutions. This is exemplified by the encouragement to use AI tools.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines and experience levels to achieve common goals, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Client Focus & Excellence: Commitment to understanding client needs and delivering high-quality work that drives business results, ensuring client satisfaction and long-term partnerships.

• Agility & Adaptability: The capacity to respond quickly to changing market dynamics, client feedback, and project requirements, embracing new technologies and methodologies.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all interactions and delivering work with precision and accountability.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Design teams work closely with art directors, copywriters, project managers, and account managers, fostering a holistic approach to campaign development.

• Feedback Culture: An open environment where constructive feedback is encouraged and valued, promoting continuous improvement and skill development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Regular opportunities for designers to share insights, techniques, and learnings, particularly regarding new tools and trends like AI in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Havas and Prose On Pixels likely promotes a dynamic, client-centric environment where creativity, collaboration, and adaptability are paramount. The emphasis on mentorship and AI tools suggests a forward-thinking and supportive team structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Demands: Effectively translating client objectives and feedback into compelling designs that meet strategic goals while maintaining creative integrity.

• Managing Diverse Project Portfolios: Juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines, scopes, and client requirements simultaneously, ensuring consistent quality across all.

• Integrating AI Tools Effectively: Navigating the evolving landscape of AI in design, identifying practical applications, and ensuring ethical and high-quality integration into workflows.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Guiding and inspiring a team of designers with diverse skill sets and experience levels, fostering their growth and ensuring team cohesion.

• Adapting to Rapid Industry Changes: Staying abreast of new design trends, technologies, and client needs in the fast-paced advertising and marketing industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Workshops: Access to training on cutting-edge design techniques, software updates, and specialized areas like motion graphics or advanced UX/UI.

• AI in Design Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in AI tools and their application in creative workflows, potentially leading to specialized roles or certifications.

• Leadership & Management Training: Programs focused on enhancing mentoring, team leadership, project management, and client communication skills.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Participation in relevant design and advertising conferences to network, learn from industry leaders, and stay updated on trends.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with strategy, account management, or digital teams to gain a broader understanding of the agency's operations and client businesses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges reflect the typical demands of a senior creative role in a fast-paced agency. The growth opportunities highlight Havas's commitment to employee development, particularly in areas of leadership and emerging technologies like AI.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a design team through a challenging project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and team management.)

• "How do you approach translating a complex client brief into a clear creative concept? Can you walk us through an example where you used AI tools in this process?" (Demonstrate creative strategy, process, and AI integration.)

• "Tell us about a project where you had to balance brand guidelines with a need for innovative design. How did you achieve that balance?" (Assess understanding of branding, creativity, and client needs.)

• "How do you manage conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a design project?" (Evaluate conflict resolution, communication, and diplomatic skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Havas Group and Prose On Pixels? What attracts you to our agency culture?" (Showcase research and cultural alignment.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within a design team, especially in a hybrid setting?" (Assess understanding of team dynamics and modern work environments.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends and new technologies like AI?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with an overview of your career, highlighting leadership experience. Then, present 3-4 key projects, dedicating ample time to each.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly state the business objective, your specific role and contributions, the creative process (emphasizing AI usage where applicable), challenges overcome, and measurable results.

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you mentored designers, led team efforts, or influenced strategic creative decisions.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical approach, leadership style, and how you handle feedback.

• Enthusiasm and Vision: Convey your passion for design and your vision for how you would contribute to the Havas team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative prowess, leadership acumen, and technological adaptability. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, their impact, and their vision for design within the agency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided Workday link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of experience, focusing on leadership responsibilities, art direction, and successful project management. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Led a team of 5 designers," "Improved production efficiency by 15%").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and refine your strongest projects, ensuring they showcase your versatility across media, leadership experience, and innovative use of AI tools. Prepare a compelling narrative for each.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Havas Group and Prose On Pixels thoroughly. Practice articulating your experience, design philosophy, leadership style, and your approach to AI integration. Be ready to walk through your portfolio confidently.

• Network (Optional): If you have connections within Havas Group, consider reaching out for insights into the company culture and team dynamics, but ensure your application is submitted through the official channel.

⚠️ 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.