Design Lead

Independent Food; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic hospitality firm in the UAE is looking for a Design Lead to define and maintain the visual identity of its restaurant brands. The role involves creative direction, design execution, and team leadership, making it essential for a candidate to have over 5 years of graphic design experience, particularly in the F&B sector. Strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite, leadership qualities, and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively are crucial. This position offers an opportunity to impact brand presence significantly.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in graphic design.
• At least 1-2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience within the F&B or hospitality industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of brand guidelines and visual identities.
• Oversee design and production of brand collateral.
• Mentor and inspire a team of designers.

Skills

Leadership

Design execution

Visual communication

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in graphic design or Visual Arts

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

Sketch

Job description

Driven to create unique home-grown food concepts that bring people together, the Independent Food Company is a UAE-based hospitality company with multiple concepts under its umbrella – SALT, Parker’s, Grind, Somewhere, Public, Soil, Shalwa and Kumo.

We are presently seeking to hire a highly qualified Design Lead who will be a pivotal creative force, responsible for defining, developing, and maintaining the visual identity and aesthetic integrity of our various restaurant brands. This role requires a visionary designer with strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of F&B branding, and the ability to guide a team in producing high-quality, impactful design solutions across all touchpoints.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creative Direction & Strategy:
  • Lead the development of comprehensive brand guidelines and visual identities for new and existing restaurant concepts.
  • Translate F&B visions and strategies into compelling visual narratives and design solutions.
  • Ensure brand consistency and quality across all internal and external communications and physical spaces.
• Design Execution & Oversight:
  • Oversee the design and production of all brand collateral, including menus, packaging, signage, uniforms, in-venue graphics, and promotional materials.
  • Direct the visual content for digital platforms, social media, websites, and marketing campaigns.
  • Collaborate closely with F&B operations, marketing, project management, and interior design teams to ensure seamless integration of design elements.
  • Manage project timelines and resources effectively to meet deadlines and budget requirements.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship:
  • Mentor and inspire a team of designers, providing constructive feedback, fostering skill development, and promoting a collaborative creative environment.
  • Delegate tasks efficiently and oversee the quality of design output from the team.
• Innovation & Trend Spotting:
  • Stay abreast of global and local design trends, F&B industry innovations, and competitor activities to ensure our brands remain fresh, relevant, and cutting-edge.
  • Propose new design approaches and technologies to enhance brand presence and customer experience.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in graphic design, Visual Arts, or a related creative field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in graphic design, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership or senior design role.
  • Proven experience within the F&B, hospitality, or restaurant industry is essential.
  • A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of branding projects, particularly for F&B concepts.
• Technical Proficiency:
  • Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat).
  • Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, or similar UI/UX design tools is a plus.
  • Familiarity with motion graphics (After Effects) or 3D rendering software is an advantage.
• Design Acumen:
  • Exceptional understanding of typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.
  • Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling visual communications.
• Leadership & Communication:
  • Excellent leadership, mentorship, and team-building skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly to both creative and non-creative stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.