Design Director

McCann; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design agency in London is seeking a hands-on Design Director who combines sharp creative instincts with a love for craft. The successful candidate will lead and mentor a diverse team while ensuring high-quality design execution across projects. Expected skills include proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and AI tools to elevate visual ideas. A hybrid working model is offered along with excellent benefits.

Benefits

Three ‘Time Well Taken’ days

On-demand mental health support

Hybrid working model

Subsidised on-site services

Free breakfast and snacks

Learning and development opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounts on various services

Qualifications

• Deep experience in developing design and branding ideas.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and execution.
• Highly capable with AI tools for creative content generation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own accounts with clarity and confidence.
• Mentor junior team members and manage workloads.
• Shape and deliver the team's vision alongside the Head of Design.

Skills

Creative thinking

Mentoring

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Figma proficiency

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

About Us

We’re a 200+ strong agency driven by one belief: when truth is told well, it changes everything. That’s been our focus since 1912—and it’s just as relevant now.

Truth Well Told is isn’t just a line. It’s how we make sure everyone here has a voice, a role to play, and the chance to make real impact—for our clients and culture alike.

You’ve probably seen our work: Snoop Dogg bringing joy to Just Eat, Kevin the Carrot changing how Aldi shows up in the world, L’Oréal reminding people they’re worth it, and Mastercard showing what ‘Priceless’ really means.

We’re proudly part of McCann Worldgroup, and we stand for Bravery, Integrity and Generosity.

About the Design Team

We’re a diverse team of designers with different specialisms—but one shared passion for craft, culture and creativity.

We’re constantly pushing ourselves and each other, challenging briefs, and elevating the work at every opportunity.

Design touches almost everything we do—from branding to big integrated campaigns. You’ll see our fingerprints on brands like Xbox, Just Eat, Dettol, Nurofen, and Mastercard.

We work closely with creatives, strategists, producers and the wider McCann network to bring the best ideas to life.

About the Role

We’re looking for a hands‑on Design Director—an exceptional designer with sharp creative instincts and a deep love for craft. You pair strong conceptual thinking with polished execution—and just as importantly, you're a genuinely great person to work with. People trust your taste, your judgement, and your ability to bring out the best in others.

Here’s what we’re looking for

• A natural motivator who brings energy, curiosity, and positivity to the team
• Deep experience in developing design and branding ideas, backed by refined creative craft
• A strong portfolio that shows your ability to think strategically and execute with precision
• Creative to the core, with a sharp eye for detail and a true passion for visual culture
• Skilled in briefing and directing photographers, illustrators, and motion designers
• Confident mentoring others while staying hands‑on and managing your own workload — including direct line management of more junior team members
• Passionate about nurturing emerging talent and sharing knowledge generously
• Highly capable with AI tools—using them to explore, create, and elevate visual ideas
• Always tuned into the latest design trends, tools, and technologies
• Detail‑driven and dependable—deadlines are met, and nothing slips through the cracks
• A thoughtful collaborator who values input and knows great work comes from great teams
• Comfortable juggling multiple projects, shifting priorities, and working at pace
• Open to feedback and keen to learn, knowing that the best ideas often come from anywhere
• Able to lead and own accounts with clarity and confidence
• Helps shape and deliver the vision of the design team alongside the Head of Design

Expected Skillset

• High‑level proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite—particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects (for motion design)
• Confident using AI tools for creative content generation across stills and video—from ideation to execution

Perks & Benefits

Alongside the basics (holidays, pension, private medical etc.), we offer:

• Three ‘Time Well Taken’ days throughout the year where we switch off collectively.
• On‑demand 1:1 mental health and coaching support through MyndUp (alongside a free Headspace membership)
• A hybrid working model: 3 days in the office.
• Subsidised on‑site massages, manicures, haircuts—and a dog‑friendly office.
• Free breakfast, snacks and drinks, plus rooftop ‘Lounge Nights’.
• Learning and development through SPARK (our internal L&D platform), LinkedIn Learning, as well as external opportunities with NABS, WACL and the IPA, amongst others.
• A tree planted in your name each year you’re with us.
• Cycle to Work scheme, showers, and styling stations.
• Discounts on food, entertainment, and financial services.

McCann Worldgroup is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We embrace diversity in all its form. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

A Quick Note

We want the interview process to work for you. If you need adjustments or extra support along the way, just let us know—we’re here to help.