Senior Creative Designer (12 month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Creative Designer (12 month FTC)

Company: Tails.com

Location: Richmond, London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: 6+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the evolution and visual execution of the Tails.com brand identity across all integrated marketing channels, driving creative strategy from concept to completion.

• Lead the end-to-end creative process for multi-channel campaigns, encompassing both high-impact digital assets and tactile print touchpoints, ensuring brand consistency and performance optimization.

• Collaborate closely with Senior Copywriter and other creatives to translate strategic briefs into standout design solutions that resonate with pet parents and drive business objectives.

• Partner with Performance Marketing, Brand, and CRM teams to leverage data and customer insights, iteratively refining and elevating design concepts for maximum conversion and retention impact.

• Articulate and champion a strong creative vision, influencing stakeholders and mentoring junior creative talent within a fast-paced, award-winning in-house studio environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Creative Designer on a fixed-term contract (FTC), reporting to the Head of Creative Studio. The core focus is on driving brand evolution and executing integrated campaigns across both digital and print channels, with a significant emphasis on performance-driven creative and cross-functional collaboration. The "12 month FTC" indicates a project-based need, likely for a specific campaign or initiative.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Champion and evolve the Tails.com brand identity, ensuring visual consistency and creative ambition across all touchpoints, from digital ads to packaging.

• Conceptualize and execute integrated campaign designs, encompassing digital channels (paid social, CRM, display, web assets) and print mediums (direct mail, packaging, inserts, print media).

• Apply advanced typography, layout, artworking, and production knowledge to both physical and digital design, adapting styles effectively for diverse channel requirements.

• Translate performance data, creative testing insights, and customer feedback into scalable, high-performing design concepts in partnership with relevant teams.

• Lead art direction for photo and video shoots, from concept mood boards and storyboarding through to on-set execution for brand and campaign assets.

• Act as a key creative sounding board for senior stakeholders, setting high visual standards and providing constructive feedback to other creatives.

• Collaborate with the Creative Traffic & Assets Coordinator to streamline design pipelines, optimize feedback loops, and ensure timely, accurate asset delivery.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of creative output, ensuring alignment with overarching business goals and market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic brand stewardship and hands-on creative execution. The emphasis on "dual mastery" across print and digital, coupled with "performance savvy" and "art direction," indicates a need for a well-rounded senior creative who can drive both aesthetic quality and commercial impact. The mention of "optimizing studio process" suggests an involvement in workflow efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Creative Designer role.

Experience: 6+ years of design experience within an in-house Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brand, agency, or consumer-facing creative studio.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in both digital-first performance creative (paid social formats, email, web) and traditional print design (direct mail, packaging, print production/artworking).

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Advanced proficiency in Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Demonstrated track record of taking broad strategic briefs, setting art direction, and successfully pitching and executing visual campaigns.

• Strong understanding of how design impacts conversion, customer acquisition, and retention metrics within a DTC context.

• Hands-on experience planning, directing, and executing photography and videography shoots.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate creative ideas clearly to non-creative stakeholders.

• Adaptable, positive mindset suited to a fast-paced DTC environment requiring agility and iteration.

• Strong understanding of brand identity development and visual consistency principles.

• High-level typography, layout, artworking, and production knowledge. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of After Effects or basic motion design capabilities.

• Experience with A/B testing creative assets for performance optimization.

• Familiarity with project management tools for creative workflow management.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of successful integrated campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "6+ years" experience requirement, coupled with the specific software proficiencies (Adobe CC, Figma) and the dual mastery of print and digital, clearly defines the seniority and technical expectations for this role. The emphasis on DTC, performance, and art direction points to a candidate who understands commercial impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 6 years of design experience, with a strong emphasis on DTC brands or consumer-facing creative studios.

• Clearly demonstrate expertise across both digital design (e.g., paid social ads, email campaigns, web banners) and print design (e.g., direct mail, packaging, print collateral).

• Include case studies that highlight your role in setting art direction and executing integrated campaigns from concept through to completion.

• Present examples of how your design work has directly impacted key business metrics such as conversion rates, customer acquisition, or retention.

• Feature examples of art direction for photo or video shoots, illustrating your ability to translate concepts into visual executions. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your process for translating strategic briefs into actionable design concepts.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with performance marketing, brand, and CRM teams to incorporate data and feedback.

• Detail your workflow for managing the end-to-end creative process for integrated campaigns, including print and digital asset creation.

• Showcase your methods for ensuring visual consistency and upholding brand identity across diverse channels.

• Demonstrate your approach to art direction, including concept development, storyboarding, and shoot execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio requirement" section isn't in the original input, the job description strongly implies the need for a portfolio that showcases specific skills. This section infers those expectations based on the responsibilities and required experience, focusing on demonstrating dual-channel mastery, performance impact, and art direction capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For a Senior Creative Designer with 6+ years of experience in London, the estimated salary range is between £50,000 and £70,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the London market, considering the fixed-term contract nature of the position and the specific requirements for dual print/digital expertise and art direction.

Benefits:

• Private Healthcare through AXA

• A 9-day fortnight (office closed every other Friday)

• 25 days of Annual Leave (pro-rated for FTC)

• 8 additional remote working days (pro-rated for FTC)

• Opportunity to work with a certified B Corp organization.

• Access to a collaborative, award-winning in-house creative studio.

• Potential for creative testing and experimentation. Working Hours:

The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard office hours (e.g., 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM), with the benefit of a 9-day fortnight, meaning a compressed work schedule over two weeks with every other Friday off. Specific working hours might be flexible within this framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was not provided. The estimated range is derived from typical market rates for Senior Creative Designers in London with the specified experience level and technical skills. Benefits are directly extracted from the job description. The "9 day fortnight" is a significant benefit to highlight.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (specifically, tailored dog food subscription)

Company Size: Tails.com is part of the Purina ecosystem, indicating a substantial operational scale, though the in-house studio likely operates with the agility of a growing DTC brand. The company size supports a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Founded: Tails.com was founded to revolutionize dog nutrition, establishing a new category in the pet food market. This innovative spirit permeates its culture.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Creative Designer reports to the Head of Creative Studio, indicating a clear reporting line within a dedicated creative department.

• This role is part of a core creative "power-duo" with a Senior Copywriter, emphasizing close collaboration within the studio.

• The studio comprises a team of permanent and freelance creatives, suggesting a flexible and experienced talent pool.

• Close collaboration is expected with cross-functional teams such as Performance Marketing, Brand, and CRM. Methodology:

• Data-driven creative: Performance data and customer feedback are integral to refining and elevating design concepts.

• Iterative design: The fast-paced DTC environment necessitates agility and continuous testing and optimization.

• Collaborative ideation: Creative testing is celebrated, encouraging experimentation and shared learning within the studio.

• Brand stewardship: A strong focus on maintaining and evolving brand identity across all channels.

• Cross-channel integration: Executing cohesive creative strategies across both digital and print mediums.

Company Website: https://careers.tails.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights its mission-driven approach as a certified B Corp and its innovative position in the pet food industry, backed by Purina. This context is crucial for understanding the company's values and its operational scale, influencing the creative team's impact and resources.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior Creative Designer, signifying a mid-to-senior level position within the creative function. It requires significant independent contribution, strategic input, and the ability to mentor others, bridging the gap between individual contributor and team lead.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Creative Designer reports to the Head of Creative Studio. This provides a clear path for mentorship, strategic alignment, and performance feedback within the creative department.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on revenue and retention through the creation of high-converting digital assets and engaging print materials. The creative output directly influences brand perception, customer acquisition, and customer loyalty in a DTC model.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership: Opportunity to influence brand direction and mentor junior creatives, potentially leading to future leadership roles within the studio.

• Skill Specialization/Expansion: Deepen expertise in specific areas like art direction, performance creative, or motion design through project work and potential training.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deeper insights into performance marketing, CRM, and brand strategy by working closely with these departments.

• Project Ownership: Take ownership of significant integrated campaigns, building a strong portfolio of impactful work.

• Industry Exposure: Work within an award-winning studio and a certified B Corp, gaining experience in a mission-driven, innovative company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the reporting structure to the Head of Creative Studio indicate a significant level of responsibility and influence. The growth opportunities are framed around leadership, skill enhancement, and strategic impact, common progression paths for senior creative professionals in a DTC environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Tails.com's office in Richmond, London, suggesting a collaborative, in-person workspace with opportunities for direct interaction with the creative studio and other departments.

Office Location(s): Spencer House, Richmond, TW9 1BN, United Kingdom. This location in Richmond offers a professional office environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: As part of an in-house studio, expect a dynamic environment where collaboration, idea sharing, and constructive feedback are encouraged. The mention of a "creative power-duo" with a Senior Copywriter highlights this.

• Agile Operations: The fast-paced DTC nature means the workspace supports quick iterations, testing, and adaptability.

• Tools & Technology: Access to advanced design tools within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and Figma is standard. Opportunities to work with motion design software may also be available.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with permanent and freelance creatives, as well as key stakeholders in marketing, brand, and CRM teams.

Work Schedule:

The role is full-time, with standard office hours expected. A key benefit is the "9 day fortnight," meaning the office is closed every other Friday, offering a compressed work schedule and enhanced work-life balance. The additional 8 remote working days provide further flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with the specific office location and the unique "9 day fortnight" benefit, paints a clear picture of the work environment. This blend of in-office collaboration and flexible remote work is attractive to creative professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. CV Review: Initial screening by the Talent Acquisition (TA) Team.

2. TA Call: A preliminary call with the TA Team to discuss your skills, experience, and learn more about the role and company.

3. Hiring Manager Video Call: A video interview with the hiring manager (Head of Creative Studio) to assess your fit for the role and creative direction.

4. Task Presentation: A video call where you will present a pre-assigned task to a panel of interviewers, likely demonstrating your creative problem-solving and presentation skills.

5. Brand Director Video Call: A final interview with the Brand Director to assess strategic alignment and overall cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Dual Mastery: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases strong examples of both digital (paid social, web, CRM) and print (direct mail, packaging) design work.

• Showcase Performance Impact: For digital pieces, include metrics or case study details demonstrating how your designs contributed to conversion, acquisition, or retention.

• Demonstrate Art Direction: Include examples of art direction for shoots, detailing your process from concept to execution, and the final assets produced.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the successful outcomes.

• Tailor to DTC: Emphasize work that reflects an understanding of the DTC model, customer journey, and brand building.

• Present Clearly: Be prepared to walk the interviewers through your portfolio, highlighting specific pieces relevant to the role's responsibilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Tails.com's current brand identity, marketing campaigns, and target audience.

• Focus on Integration: For any task, consider how your creative solution would integrate across both digital and print channels.

• Data-Driven Approach: Be prepared to discuss how you would use performance data or customer insights to inform your creative decisions.

• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate an ability to translate business objectives into creative concepts, not just execute aesthetic designs.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your ideas concisely and persuasively, anticipating questions about your process and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed, multi-stage interview process highlights the company's structured approach to hiring. The emphasis on a "task presentation" suggests a practical assessment of creative skills and strategic thinking, making portfolio preparation and challenge readiness crucial for candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced skills required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for comprehensive design creation and manipulation across digital and print.

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and creating scalable digital assets, particularly for web and social media.

• After Effects (Preferred): Basic knowledge or proficiency in motion design is a distinct advantage, indicating potential use for animated digital assets, social media content, or video elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as design tools, familiarity with how design assets perform within analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media ad managers) would be beneficial for understanding performance data. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of how design assets are utilized within CRM platforms and marketing automation workflows (e.g., email marketing tools) is implied, given the collaboration with CRM teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma as required tools, with After Effects as a preferred skill, clearly defines the technical requirements for this role. This technology stack is standard for senior creative roles in digital and integrated marketing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Purpose: As a certified B Corp and category creator, Tails.com likely values innovation, a commitment to improving dog welfare, and a mission-driven approach to business.

• Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and serving pet parents and their dogs, translating into a dedication to creating relevant and engaging brand experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The emphasis on a "power-duo" creative team and cross-functional partnerships suggests a culture that thrives on shared goals and mutual support.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: The role of Senior Creative Designer implies a high standard for visual quality and execution, suggesting a value placed on excellent design craft.

• Agility & Adaptability: The fast-paced DTC environment indicates a value for flexibility, quick thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and market demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Creative Partnerships: Working closely with a Senior Copywriter forms a core creative unit, ensuring cohesive messaging and visual design.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Proactive collaboration with Performance Marketing, Brand, and CRM teams to ensure creative aligns with strategic objectives and performance goals.

• Mentorship & Support: A willingness to share expertise, provide constructive feedback, and uplift other creatives within the studio.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Engaging in discussions informed by performance data and customer insights to refine creative strategies.

• Open Feedback Loops: Encouraging efficient feedback processes to ensure timely and accurate asset delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are inferred from the company's description as a B Corp, its mission, and the described team structure. The collaboration style emphasizes strong internal partnerships and a data-informed approach, crucial for a senior creative in a performance-oriented DTC brand.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand & Performance: Effectively merging strong brand identity and creative ambition with the demanding requirements of performance marketing for high conversion rates.

• Art Directing Diverse Shoots: Successfully planning and executing photo/video shoots that meet both brand aesthetic and campaign objectives, potentially with limited resources or tight timelines.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating diverse input from various departments (Marketing, Brand, CRM) while maintaining creative integrity and ensuring timely delivery.

• Adapting to a Fast-Paced Environment: Thriving in a dynamic DTC setting that requires rapid iteration, continuous testing, and quick adaptation to market shifts.

• Fixed-Term Contract Transition: Delivering significant impact and value within a 12-month timeframe, potentially leading to opportunities beyond the FTC.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Performance Creative Expertise: Gain hands-on experience optimizing designs based on real-time performance data and A/B testing results.

• Expand Art Direction Experience: Lead more complex and varied photo/video shoots, further honing visual storytelling and direction skills.

• Strategic Brand Influence: Contribute significantly to the ongoing evolution of a recognized DTC brand's visual identity.

• Motion Design Skills: Develop or enhance motion design capabilities through preferred skill utilization or potential training, adding a valuable dimension to creative output.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Build a strong understanding of the interplay between creative, marketing, and customer retention strategies within a successful DTC model.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the core demands of a senior creative role in a DTC, performance-driven, and integrated marketing environment. Growth opportunities focus on expanding expertise in key areas relevant to the role and the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully evolved a brand's visual identity. What was your process, and what was the impact?" (Focus on your strategic approach, research, and measurable outcomes.)

• "How do you balance the creative vision for a brand with the need for high-converting performance marketing assets?" (Prepare examples of integrating brand guidelines with performance-driven design elements.)

• "Walk us through your process for art-directing a photo or video shoot, from concept to final asset delivery." (Detail your planning, collaboration, and on-set execution strategies.)

• "How would you approach designing for a 9-day fortnight schedule, ensuring all creative needs are met efficiently?" (Showcase your time management and process optimization skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Tails.com as a B Corp and its mission? How does that resonate with your values?" (Demonstrate research into the company's mission and values.)

• "Describe your ideal creative studio environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." (Align your answer with the description of a fast-paced, award-winning studio.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with copywriters and performance marketing teams?" (Provide specific examples of successful cross-functional partnerships.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best represent your dual print/digital expertise, art direction capabilities, and impact on DTC metrics.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline: The Brief, Your Role, Your Process (including any data/research), Creative Execution, Challenges, and Results (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly call out your use of Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, art direction, and performance-driven design principles within your chosen projects.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your creative decisions, technical execution, and the impact of your work.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within any time limits provided for the task.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements and interview stages outlined, focusing on demonstrating strategic thinking, brand understanding, collaborative skills, and a strong portfolio presentation relevant to a Senior Creative Designer in a DTC environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Creative Designer position:

• Submit your application, including your CV and a link to your portfolio, via the provided application link on the Tails.com careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of integrated campaigns (print and digital), art direction for shoots, and any work demonstrating impact on DTC metrics. Tailor your case studies to highlight how you translate strategy into high-impact creative.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 6+ years of experience, specific technical proficiencies (Adobe CC, Figma), and achievements in DTC, print, and digital design. Use keywords from the job description such as "Art Direction," "Brand Identity," "Performance Marketing," and "Integrated Campaigns."

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Tails.com, its mission, and its brand. Prepare to discuss your creative process, how you balance brand and performance, and your experience with art direction and cross-functional collaboration. Practice presenting your portfolio and any assigned tasks.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Tails.com's approach as a certified B Corp, their product offering, and their target audience. Understand how their values might influence creative output.

⚠️ 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.

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