Senior Creative Designer

Butternut Box
Full-timeLondon, United Kingdom

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Creative Designer

Company: Butternut Box

Location: London, Greater London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-05-29

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead end-to-end creative projects, from initial concept through to final delivery, across a diverse range of marketing channels including CRM, paid social, packaging, and Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising.

  • Act as an AI design pioneer, proactively integrating emerging artificial intelligence tools into the creative workflow to enhance ideation, production quality, personalization efforts, and overall efficiency.

  • Leverage performance data, such as Click-Through Rates (CTR), Conversion Rates (CVR), and A/B test outcomes, to drive creative iterations and continuously improve the performance of the company's highest-revenue generating channels.

  • Develop, build, and maintain Figma-based design systems, component libraries, and toolkits to empower junior designers, freelancers, and global teams to operate with speed and maintain high-quality output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Creative Designer with a strong emphasis on leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and driving performance through data-informed creative. The explicit mention of AI integration and the ownership of high-revenue channels indicates a strategic importance for this role beyond traditional design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Take full ownership of creative projects, guiding them from conceptualization to successful delivery across various touchpoints including CRM campaigns, paid social static assets, packaging design, direct sales materials, and OOH advertising.

  • Spearhead the adoption and integration of AI-driven design tools and methodologies, identifying opportunities to enhance creative ideation, streamline production processes, enable personalized customer experiences, and boost overall operational efficiency.

  • Critically analyze performance data (e.g., CTR, CVR, A/B test results) to inform and refine creative strategies, taking accountability for the continuous improvement and optimization of key revenue-generating marketing channels.

  • Construct and meticulously optimize Figma-based design systems, robust component libraries, and comprehensive toolkits to ensure brand consistency, accelerate design velocity, and maintain high standards across junior designers, freelance collaborators, and international markets.

  • Concept and execute packaging designs for new product launches, managing the entire technical print production lifecycle from dielines and specifications to final output, ensuring a premium and memorable unboxing experience.

  • Provide clear, constructive feedback and mentorship to junior design team members, and effectively brief and direct freelance designers and external agencies to achieve project objectives.

  • Proactively conceptualize and develop campaign creative for CRM, paid social, OOH, and seasonal initiatives, demonstrating initiative by pitching new ideas beyond formal briefs.

  • Serve as a vigilant brand guardian, ensuring consistent brand representation and adherence to brand guidelines across all creative assets, from small digital banners to large-scale event structures.

  • Foster strong collaborative relationships with senior stakeholders across Brand, Marketing, CRM, and New Product/Equipment Development (NEPD) teams to ensure the delivery of highly effective creative solutions aligned with business goals.

  • Excel within a high-revenue, fast-paced operational environment, adeptly prioritizing high-impact tasks and managing contributions within the Creative Studio's two-week sprint cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a hands-on, strategic, and leadership-oriented design role. The emphasis on data-informed design, AI integration, and end-to-end project ownership suggests a need for candidates who can balance creative vision with commercial acumen and operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and mastery of design principles is paramount. Candidates are expected to possess a deep understanding of visual communication, branding, and marketing principles.

Experience: A minimum of five years of professional design experience, gained either in-house at a creative-led company or within a dynamic agency environment. This experience must be showcased through a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating successful project completion from initial concept to final delivery across both digital and print mediums.

Required Skills:

  • Expert proficiency in Figma for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows.

  • Advanced mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for a wide range of design tasks.

  • Demonstrable experience actively integrating and utilizing AI tools within the creative design process, with the ability to articulate specific applications and outcomes.

  • Strong conceptual thinking capabilities, enabling the generation of innovative and impactful design ideas.

  • Exceptional execution skills, translating concepts into polished, high-quality visual assets.

  • Comfort and competence in interpreting and applying performance data (e.g., CTR, CVR, A/B test results) to inform creative decisions and drive measurable improvements.

  • Proven ability to mentor junior designers, providing clear, actionable feedback and fostering their professional development.

  • Solid understanding of end-to-end print production processes, including dielines, bleed requirements, colour profiles, and print specifications.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in art direction for photoshoots, planning content capture, or on-set production for owned media channels.

  • Proficiency in conceptualizing, storyboarding, or directing video and motion graphics projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on skills and a forward-thinking approach to design. The explicit need for experience with AI tools and performance data suggests the company values data-driven creativity and technological adaptability. The "desirable" skills point towards a desire for broader creative leadership and production capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership, from initial brief or concept ideation through to final execution and deployment across digital and print channels.

  • Include case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your creative solution, the process followed, and the measurable impact or performance results achieved (e.g., improved CTR, conversion rates, brand recognition).

  • Highlight specific examples of how performance data was used to inform design decisions and iterate on creative assets.

  • Present examples of your work with AI tools integrated into the workflow, explaining the tools used and the benefits derived.

Process Documentation:

  • Provide examples of how you have documented design processes, workflows, or guidelines for team use.

  • Illustrate your approach to managing creative projects within a sprint-based or agile framework, detailing how you prioritize tasks and collaborate within these cycles.

  • Showcase how you have managed technical print production processes, including the creation or utilization of dielines and specification sheets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are geared towards demonstrating practical application, strategic thinking, and measurable impact, which is crucial for a senior role focused on driving commercial outcomes through design. The emphasis on AI and data highlights the need for candidates to showcase their adaptability and analytical skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Creative Designers in London with 5-10 years of experience, particularly in a fast-paced, B-Corp certified company, the estimated salary range would be between £45,000 - £65,000 per annum. This range accounts for the hybrid work model, the responsibilities outlined, and the competitive London market.

Benefits:

  • Generous Paid Time Off: 25 days of annual holiday, plus 8 bank holidays, with an additional day added for each year of service up to five years.

  • Wellbeing & Development: 5 additional paid 'paws' days off per year, specifically for personal learning, development, or well-being initiatives.

  • Learning Budget: A £500 personal budget dedicated to sharpening skills and professional development.

  • Equity Ownership: A share options grant, providing an opportunity to own a stake in Butternut Box's success.

  • Employee Discount: A significant discount on Butternut Box's fresh food products for personal pets.

  • Family Support: Enhanced parental leave policies.

  • Work Flexibility: Flexible core working hours to accommodate personal needs and productivity.

  • Commuting Support: Cycle to Work scheme to encourage sustainable commuting.

  • Retirement Planning: Pension scheme with NEST.

  • Health & Wellness: Private Medical Insurance with Vitality and Private Dental Insurance with Bupa.

  • Specialized Leave: Paid time off for fertility treatments and pregnancy loss.

  • Long Service Recognition: Paid sabbaticals for employees with five or more years of service.

  • Fitness: Discounted gym access through MyGymDiscounts.

  • Office Perks: Access to numerous office dogs, fostering a positive and unique work environment.

Working Hours: The company offers flexible core working hours, indicating a degree of autonomy within the standard workday. However, the role's hybrid nature requires 3 days per week in the West London office, implying a structure that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. Standard full-time hours are assumed to be around 40 per week, with flexibility to manage workload effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional development, and long-term incentives like share options and sabbaticals. The "paws" days and office dogs highlight a unique company culture. The salary estimate is based on typical London market rates for this level of experience and responsibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (specifically, fresh pet food delivery), with a strong focus on sustainability and customer well-being. As a B-Corp certified company, Butternut Box prioritizes social and environmental performance alongside profit.

Company Size: The job description implies a growing, well-established company that has scaled significantly ("hundreds of thousands of hungry dogs across the UK and Europe"). The mention of a "small but mighty Studio team" suggests the Creative Studio operates with efficiency and agility within a larger organization.

Founded: Founded by Kev & Dave, with a history of hand-delivery for the first products, indicating a strong entrepreneurial and customer-centric origin story. This suggests a culture that values innovation, direct customer impact, and a hands-on approach.

Team Structure:

  • The Senior Creative Designer reports to the Creative Studio Lead, indicating a clear reporting hierarchy within the creative function.

  • The role involves mentoring a "small but mighty Studio team," suggesting direct line management or significant mentorship responsibilities over junior designers.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Creativity: Performance data (CTR, CVR, A/B test outcomes) is central to informing creative iterations and optimizing high-revenue channels.

  • Agile Workflow: The Creative Studio operates within two-week sprint cycles, requiring efficient task prioritization and execution.

  • AI Integration: Proactive exploration and implementation of AI tools in the design workflow are encouraged to enhance efficiency and innovation.

  • Brand Guardianship: A strong emphasis on maintaining brand consistency and quality across all touchpoints.

  • Collaborative Design: Close work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders is essential for effective campaign development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Butternut Box presents itself as a mission-driven, innovative, and people-centric company. The B-Corp certification and emphasis on employee well-being suggest a culture that values purpose, sustainability, and a positive work environment. The creative team operates with a blend of strategic focus, data-driven decision-making, and agile project management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior," indicating a level of experience and responsibility beyond entry-level or mid-level design positions. It requires the ability to lead projects independently, mentor others, and contribute to strategic creative decisions. The expectation to "own the outcome" and "move the needle on performance" signifies a role with significant impact and accountability.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Creative Designer reports directly to the Creative Studio Lead. This structure suggests opportunities for direct mentorship from a senior creative leader and exposure to higher-level creative strategy and decision-making.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on revenue through the optimization of high-revenue channels like CRM and paid social. By improving creative effectiveness, the designer directly influences customer acquisition, retention, and overall business performance. The responsibility for packaging design also impacts product perception and the customer unboxing experience, which are critical for brand loyalty and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Development: Opportunity to further develop leadership and mentorship skills by guiding junior designers and potentially taking on more complex project leadership roles within the Creative Studio.

  • Strategic Creative Influence: Potential to influence the broader creative strategy and direction of the company, especially in areas like AI integration and campaign development.

  • Skill Expansion: Access to a £500 personal learning and development budget, plus 5 "paws" days, provides dedicated resources for acquiring new skills, exploring emerging technologies (like advanced AI in design), or deepening expertise in areas like motion graphics or art direction.

  • Career Progression: Potential to advance to roles such as Creative Studio Lead, Head of Creative, or specialized roles within marketing or brand management, depending on career aspirations and performance.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Working closely with Brand, Marketing, and NEPD teams offers exposure to different facets of the business, broadening understanding and potential career paths.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Senior Creative Designer role offers a clear path for growth, focusing on leadership, strategic impact, and continuous skill development within a dynamic, mission-driven company. The emphasis on data and AI suggests opportunities to evolve with industry trends.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a hybrid model, requiring 3 days per week in the West London office. This suggests an office environment designed for collaboration, team interaction, and potentially, creative brainstorming sessions.

Office Location(s): West London, United Kingdom. The exact location is not specified but is noted as being within comfortable commuting distance.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Hub: The office days are intended for team collaboration, implying a dynamic workspace that facilitates interaction, feedback exchange, and team-based problem-solving.

  • Resource Availability: As a growing company with a dedicated Creative Studio, it's reasonable to assume access to standard design hardware, software, and potentially specialized equipment for creative work.

  • Team Interaction: The hybrid model means opportunities for both focused individual work and vibrant team collaboration, fostering a balanced work environment. The presence of office dogs adds a unique, positive, and informal element to the workspace culture.

Work Schedule: Flexible core working hours are offered, allowing employees some control over their daily schedule. However, the hybrid requirement of 3 days in the office and the mention of two-week sprint cycles indicate a structured yet adaptable work schedule aimed at maximizing productivity and team cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at Butternut Box aims to combine the benefits of in-person collaboration and team culture with the flexibility and focus of remote work. The West London office serves as the central point for team synergy and strategic alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Call: A remote introductory call with a Talent Acquisition Partner to assess initial fit and discuss the role in more detail.

  • Potential Task/Presentation: May include a take-home design task or a presentation component, requiring candidates to demonstrate specific skills or conceptual thinking.

  • Skills Interview: A remote interview focused on assessing technical design skills, software proficiency (Figma, Adobe Suite), and understanding of design principles and processes.

  • Behaviors Interview: An in-person interview to evaluate behavioral competencies, cultural fit, and alignment with company values, likely focusing on collaboration, problem-solving, and mentorship.

  • Final Leadership Interview: For senior roles, a final interview with leadership may be required to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall executive presence.

  • Timeline: The entire process is typically expected to take 3-5 weeks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • End-to-End Storytelling: Clearly present projects that showcase your journey from concept to completion. Detail the problem, your strategic approach, the design decisions made, and the final outcome.

  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use performance data (CTR, CVR, A/B testing results) to demonstrate the tangible business impact of your creative work. Numbers are key for this role.

  • Highlight AI Integration: Include specific examples of how you've used AI tools in your design process. Explain the tool, your approach, and the benefits achieved (e.g., efficiency gains, enhanced ideation, personalization).

  • Showcase Process & Systems: Include examples of design systems, component libraries, or process documentation if possible. This demonstrates your ability to scale design efforts and maintain consistency.

  • Tailor to the Role: Emphasize work relevant to CRM, paid social, packaging, and OOH. Highlight your conceptual abilities and execution craft.

  • Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, articulate your rationale for design choices, and discuss your experience with performance data and AI tools.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the "Why": If given a task or presentation, ensure you understand the business objective behind it. How does this creative task contribute to revenue, brand perception, or customer engagement?

  • Focus on Performance: Frame your solutions with performance metrics in mind. How would you measure success? What data would you look at?

  • AI & Data Integration: Be prepared to discuss how AI and performance data could be incorporated into your proposed solutions, even if not explicitly asked for.

  • Conciseness & Clarity: Present your ideas clearly and concisely. Senior roles require efficient communication.

  • Brand Alignment: Demonstrate an understanding of the Butternut Box brand and how your creative approach aligns with its values and mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess a range of skills, from initial fit to in-depth behavioral and strategic capabilities. The emphasis on portfolio review and potential tasks highlights the practical nature of the role, while the inclusion of a Leadership interview underscores the seniority and strategic importance of this position.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, collaborative workflows, and building design systems/component libraries. Proficiency is a core requirement.

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills required in Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print production, document design).

  • AI Design Tools: Experience with specific AI tools for ideation, image generation, content creation, or workflow augmentation is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to name and demonstrate their use of such tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Performance Data Analysis: Comfort and ability to interpret data from various sources, including:

    • CTR (Click-Through Rate): Understanding how creative impacts user engagement with links.
    • CVR (Conversion Rate): Analyzing how creative influences desired customer actions (e.g., purchases, sign-ups).
    • A/B Testing Outcomes: Ability to analyze results from A/B tests to identify winning creative variations.
  • Data Visualization Tools (Implied): While not explicitly listed, familiarity with tools that can help visualize performance data for reporting and presentation would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Platforms (Implied): Experience designing creative assets for CRM campaigns suggests familiarity with how these assets are deployed within CRM systems (e.g., email marketing platforms).

  • Marketing Automation Tools (Implied): Understanding the creative requirements for automated marketing workflows.

  • Content Management Systems (Implied): Familiarity with platforms where digital assets are managed and deployed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes industry-standard design software alongside a forward-looking requirement for AI tool proficiency. The ability to work with and interpret performance data is paramount, indicating a data-driven approach to creative development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of dogs and their owners, reflected in product quality and customer interactions.

  • Sustainability & Responsibility: As a B-Corp, a core value is operating with integrity and a positive impact on the planet and society.

  • Innovation & Agility: A drive to continuously improve, adopt new technologies (like AI), and adapt to a fast-paced market.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across departments to achieve shared goals, with a strong sense of collective ownership.

  • Craftsmanship & Quality: A commitment to high standards in product and creative output, ensuring excellence in every touchpoint.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with Brand, Marketing, CRM, and NEPD teams, fostering a highly integrated approach to campaign and product development.

  • Feedback-Driven: The expectation to mentor junior designers suggests a culture that values constructive feedback and continuous improvement through peer review and guidance.

  • Proactive & Initiative-Taking: Candidates are encouraged to "pitch new ideas" and "not wait for the brief," indicating a culture that rewards initiative and proactive contribution.

  • Agile & Sprint-Focused: Working within two-week sprint cycles necessitates efficient communication, clear task management, and adaptability within team workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of purpose-driven values (sustainability, customer focus) and a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to creative execution within an agile framework. Collaboration and initiative are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Craft with Commercial Impact: The need to produce high-quality, aesthetically pleasing creative while simultaneously driving measurable business outcomes (CTR, CVR) is a key challenge.

  • Pioneering AI Integration: Being at the forefront of integrating AI into design workflows requires continuous learning, experimentation, and adaptation, as the technology and best practices are rapidly evolving.

  • Managing Multiple Project Streams: Leading end-to-end projects across diverse channels (CRM, social, packaging, OOH) demands strong organizational skills, prioritization, and the ability to context-switch effectively.

  • Mentoring and Leading: Effectively guiding and developing junior designers while also meeting personal project delivery expectations requires strong leadership and communication skills.

  • Fast-Paced Environment: Thriving in a high-revenue, fast-paced setting requires resilience, adaptability, and efficient time management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI & Emerging Technologies: Direct experience in applying cutting-edge AI tools to design challenges, positioning the candidate as an expert in this rapidly growing field.

  • Strategic Creative Leadership: Developing skills in influencing creative strategy, mentoring teams, and contributing to high-level business objectives.

  • Data-Driven Design Mastery: Deepening expertise in using performance data to optimize creative, moving beyond aesthetics to measurable impact.

  • Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining exposure to various business functions (Marketing, Brand, Product) can broaden strategic understanding and career options.

  • Formal Development Resources: Access to a £500 learning budget and 5 paid "paws" days provides tangible opportunities for formal training, courses, workshops, or personal projects that enhance skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of senior creative roles in growth-stage companies, emphasizing innovation, performance, and leadership. The growth opportunities are robust, directly linked to the company's forward-looking approach and investment in employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you led a creative project from concept to delivery. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them? What was the measurable outcome?" (Focus on end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, and impact.)

  • "How have you integrated AI tools into your design workflow? Can you provide a specific example of a tool, your process, and the benefits it brought?" (Be ready with concrete examples beyond theoretical interest.)

  • "How do you use performance data (like CTR or CVR) to inform your creative decisions? Walk us through an example where data led you to change your design approach." (Emphasize analytical skills and data-driven iteration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you most about Butternut Box and our mission? How does your design philosophy align with our B-Corp values?" (Show research into the company's mission, values, and industry.)

  • "How do you see yourself contributing to our Creative Studio, particularly within a two-week sprint cycle?" (Demonstrate understanding of agile workflows and team contribution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to highlight end-to-end projects, prioritizing those most relevant to CRM, paid social, packaging, and OOH.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the initial brief/problem, your strategic approach, the design process, key decisions, and the final results (quantified where possible).

  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Use strong visuals. For AI integration, show the output and explain the process. For data-driven work, present charts or metrics that demonstrate impact.

  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss the technical aspects of print production (dielines, color profiles) and your proficiency with Figma and Adobe Suite.

  • Enthusiasm for AI: Convey genuine excitement and practical knowledge about using AI in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application, strategic thinking grounded in data and innovation, and strong collaborative and leadership skills. Candidates must be ready to articulate their value beyond just aesthetics.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Creative Designer position at Butternut Box:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase end-to-end ownership, experience with CRM, paid social, packaging, and OOH. Ensure each project clearly outlines the brief, your creative process, your specific contributions, and any measurable results. Explicitly include examples of AI tool integration and how performance data informed your designs.

  • Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience, expertise in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, proven ability to integrate AI tools, experience with performance data analysis, and any mentorship or leadership experience. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

  • Prepare Your Pitch: Practice articulating your portfolio pieces, focusing on your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to drive commercial impact through creative excellence. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentorship and brand guardianship.

  • Research Butternut Box: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, products, and recent marketing campaigns. Understand their B-Corp status and what it means for their operations and culture. This will be crucial for the behavioral interview.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Requires five or more years of experience in-house or agency with a portfolio spanning digital and print. Must be an expert in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite with proven experience applying AI tools and interpreting performance data.