Associate Director Experience Design

DEPT®; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working policy

25 days holiday

Wellness budget

Learning & development budget

Job summary

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company helping brands grow faster, with clients like Google and OpenAI. We seek an Associate Director to lead pitches across DACH/EMEA, oversee key account projects, and develop user-centered experiences that drive measurable growth.

Focus is on design quality to win and retain clients. Responsibilities include leading design for pitches, ensuring delivery quality, collaborating with Strategy, UX, Content, Technology, and international teams, and acting as a thought

Qualifications

• 15+ years in brand design, UX/UI, motion design, and large design systems.
• Experience with dynamic agencies and international brands; able to manage senior stakeholders.
• Strong portfolio across the design value chain; awards are welcome.
• Tech and AI savvy; curious about digital trends and AI integrations.
• Excellent communication to translate design visions for high-level decision makers.

Responsibilities

• Lead design for pitches and key accounts, setting award-winning standards.
• Delivery accountability for design quality and success of pitches or project teams.
• Collaborate with Strategy, UX, Content, Technology, and international EMEA teams.
• Act as an internal and external thought leader, showcase work through engagements.

Skills

Brand design

UX/UI design

Motion design

Design systems

Stakeholder management

Languages: German/English

Job description

Zürich, Hybrid

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Mastering both technology and marketing, we work with clients such as Google, Lufthansa, Meta, eBay, and OpenAI. We are certified B Corp and Climate Neutral since 2021.

Job Purpose

As Associate Director you will lead pitches to win new business across DACH and EMEA and oversee key account projects, developing user‑centered experiences that drive measurable growth. Your focus will be on ensuring outstanding design quality to win and retain clients.

Responsibilities

• Design excellence – lead design for pitches and key accounts, setting award‑winning standards that exceed user, brand, and business requirements.
• Delivery accountability – responsible for design quality and successful delivery of pitches or project teams, setting direction and monitoring quality, working closely with core teams to ensure overall success.
• Teamwork and collaboration – work closely with Strategy, UX, Content, Technology, and international EMEA teams.
• Thought leadership – act as an internal and external voice, showcasing pioneering work through speaking engagements and industry contributions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in brand design, experience design (UX/UI), motion design, and large‑scale design systems.
• Proven work history in dynamic agency environments, collaborating with international brands and managing senior stakeholders.
• Outstanding portfolio across the entire design value chain, demonstrating measurable business growth; industry awards are welcome.
• Tech and AI savvy – curiosity about digital trends and AI, committed to integrating relevant innovations.
• Strong communication and influence skills – ability to translate design visions into compelling presentations that inspire high‑level decision makers. Proficient in German and English (C1 level).

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid working policy (2 days from the office based on location); 25 days holiday with possibility of additional unpaid leave.
• Flexible health budget and wellness & personal day; learning & development budget.
• Referral bonus program.
• Occasional breakfast & lunch at the office, smoothies on Tuesdays.
• Health contribution through the OpenUp platform.
• Option to work from the spacious Zurich office or the fully equipped Bern office based on preference.
• Social events and organised activities.
• Certified B Corp and Agency of the Year recognitions.
• Opportunities to work with clients of all sizes across all industries.
• Continuous skill development and certifications.
• Global annual DEPT® Cares Month supporting local charities.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

DEPT® is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives. Reasonable adjustments can be discussed throughout the recruitment process and time with us.