Design Director

McCann; London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency in London is seeking a hands-on Design Director to lead branding and design initiatives. You will use your sharp creative instincts and strong conceptual thinking to guide projects and mentor junior team members. The ideal candidate has a strong portfolio, is detail-oriented, and knowledgeable in AI tools and the Adobe Creative Suite. This role offers a hybrid working model and numerous employee benefits.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

On-demand mental health support

Subsidised on-site massages

Learning and development opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Deep experience in developing design and branding ideas.
• Ability to think strategically and execute with precision.
• Skilled in briefing and directing photographers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own design accounts with clarity.
• Nurture emerging talent and share knowledge.
• Shape and deliver the vision of the design team.

Skills

Motivation

Creative thinking

Portfolio development

Detail orientation

Mentoring

Knowledge of AI tools

Tools

Figma

Adobe Creative Suite

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

After Effects

Job description

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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 Toldisn’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-onDesign 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

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

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