Design Director

Design Director Lead major national rebrands, shape an agency’s creative direction, mentor designers and stay close to the work in a collaborative independent studio with real influence. This is not a sit-back, review-the-work-and-nod-at-decks kind of role. We’re working with an ambitious, award-winning independent brand and creative agency looking for a Design Director, or an exceptional emerging Creative Director of Brand, to lead its design team and help push the agency’s creative output to the next level. They need someone with serious brand credentials, a portfolio that still feels fresh and a genuine desire to stay close to the work. What you’ll be walking into The agency is entering an exciting phase, with several major national rebrands and Tier 1 projects moving through the studio. You’ll lead a team of three designers and take ownership of the agency’s brand and design discipline. The team has been through some change, so this person will play an important role in bringing stability, consistency and plenty of creative energy. You’ll work closely with the founder and leadership team, with the potential to join the broader management team depending on your experience and how much agency-wide responsibility you want to take on. The work The main focus is brand identity, brand refresh and rebranding work, but they don’t want someone sitting in a neat little “brand only” box. If you’ve helped create a brand and the agency then develops a major OOH campaign for it, you’ll have a creative voice in that too. The same goes for campaigns, pitches, digital experiences and the wider creative conversation across the agency. You’ll be: Leading major national brand projects from concept through to design systems and rollout. Setting the creative bar across brand and design. Staying hands-on and personally helping elevate the work. Leading and mentoring a team of three designers. Working closely with junior creatives to develop their craft and confidence. Presenting and selling ideas to clients and senior stakeholders. Running Brand Expression workshops. Contributing to pitches and new business opportunities. Improving design systems, processes and ways of working. Managing multiple projects across deadlines and budgets. Exploring AI tools that can make creative workflows smarter and faster without making the work feel generic. Bringing ideas and opinions to campaigns, OOH and other creative outputs beyond branding. You’ll probably be someone who... Has around eight or more years of experience in a strong brand, design or creative agency. Has led major rebrands or brand identity projects for recognized or national brands. Still loves the work and hasn’t disappeared entirely into meetings and management. Has a genuinely strong, current portfolio that clearly shows what you contributed. Knows how to raise the standard without crushing the confidence of the people around you. Is advanced in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Understands print, digital design, production and final art. Has a working understanding of UX and UI principles. Can present, facilitate workshops and sell a creative idea with confidence. Can manage several projects without losing track of quality, timing or budget. Is curious about new tools, technology and how AI can support better creative work. Still has something to prove and is excited by the idea of making a visible impact. Culture matters here Once the portfolio box is ticked, personality is a huge part of this hire. This is an independent agency with an open, collaborative and very human culture. They want someone personable, energetic and creatively curious. Someone who can have a natural conversation with a founder, confidently lead a client workshop and then sit beside a junior designer to help make the work better. Essentially, an excellent creative leader who is also an actually nice person. Why it’s worth a look You’ll lead significant Tier 1 brand work. You’ll have real influence rather than becoming one senior creative among many. You’ll work directly with the founder and leadership team. You’ll have the freedom to innovate and push the agency’s creative standards. You’ll help shape and grow a talented design team. You’ll have a platform to create work worthy of awards and industry recognition. If you’re a Design Director ready to step up, this could be a genuine progression opportunity. The practical bits Sydney-based. Work from home on Mondays. In the office Tuesday to Friday. This is important for mentoring, collaboration and team leadership. Salary from approximately $140k + super, with flexibility depending on experience. They’re moving quickly, but they won’t compromise on quality. One important thing Your portfolio matters more than the logos on your CV. It should include recent brand identity or rebranding work, make your personal contribution clear and show that you’re still creatively current and hands-on. If the work is great, the personality fits and you’re hungry to help shape an ambitious independent agency, we’d love to hear from you. Department Creative & Design Locations Sydney Remote status Hybrid Yearly salary AUD130,000 - AUD160,000