Design Director (AI & Tech)

DEPT®; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working policy

Private healthcare

26 days paid holiday

Cycle-to-work scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

DEPT® is seeking a Design Director for its Marketing & Technology service in Manchester. The role involves leading and inspiring design teams for cutting-edge AI projects. You will ensure creative excellence, deliver innovative campaigns, and collaborate deeply across the agency.

Ideal candidates will have experience managing large teams, a strong consultative approach, and a keen interest in AI tools. Benefits include a flexible hybrid working policy, competitive salary, and extensive professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team of 10+.
• Strong client leadership experience, ideally in tech or AI.
• High attention to detail in large-scale production.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire design teams.
• Deliver high-quality innovative work.
• Maintain brand consistency across projects.

Skills

Leadership

Creative direction

Visual judgement

AI tools understanding

Job description

London / Manchester

Design Director (AI & Tech)

This position sits in our Marketing & Technology service based in London. We combine data, technology, creative and paid media to tackle brands’ business problems and drive revenue through a variety of digital marketing solutions, including social, influencer, TTL ad campaigns, augmented reality, AI and innovation. Our clients include eBay, easyJet, Just Eat Takeaway and Pepsico.

Job Purpose

We are looking for a Design Director for an exciting AI Platform client. The work ranges from simple BAU creative responses to in‑person creative sprints and full productions across multiple global markets. As a Design Director and client lead, you will review and sign off on work, uphold brand and business standards, and ensure creative excellence across all campaigns and projects. You will provide clear, decisive feedback and inspiration to a wider team of creatives and producers, while building and empowering the team to take on work.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, motivate and inspire DEPT’s design teams and encourage collaboration.
• Deliver and inspire innovative, high‑quality work across all deliverables from the team.
• Develop strong creative ideas rooted in narrative, pacing, composition, and visual structure.
• Initiate and facilitate creative team collaboration and sharing, and build team cohesion through social and team‑building initiatives.
• Guide execution across motion and static deliverables to keep work aligned with the original creative intent.
• Be the face and voice of design at Dept®, raising the profile of the team.
• Suggest best ways of working and pursue the best opportunities.
• Work with the ECD to build processes and structures that raise the quality of design.
• Build a productive working relationship with other disciplines across the agency to deliver projects.
• Maintain brand consistency throughout all marketing projects.
• Explore and work on a variety of formats and platforms to create global campaigns.
• Generate creative ideas and campaign look‑and‑feel.
• Collaborate with other designers and creative planners.
• Stay aware of and respond to current design trends and culture.
• Use experience and ideas to contribute to the development of our creative process.
• Present work internally and externally.
• Keep up‑to‑date with industry development and tools.

Qualifications

• Experience growing, inspiring and leading a team of 10+.
• Strong experience leading on a client with a consultative approach, ideally in the tech or AI space.
• Ability to work with management to operationally set the client team up for success.
• Strong visual judgement and confidence contributing to concepts and creative direction.
• Experience working with resource and operations to ensure projects are set up for success.
• High attention to detail, especially in large‑scale asset production and sign‑off.
• Experience creating and reviewing scopes and timing plans.
• Curiosity around AI tools and interest in learning how they can support creative work.
• A strong portfolio or showreel demonstrating concept, craft, and high‑quality motion and design work, with examples of tech or AI‑led campaigns.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid working policy (two days from the office, depending on location).
• Excellent salary based on experience, with equal pay policies.
• Pension, free private healthcare, mental health support, and company sick pay scheme.
• 26 days paid holiday plus UK bank holidays.
• Refreshments provided in the office all week, and drinks at 4 p.m. on Thursdays.
• Season ticket loan and cycle‑to‑work scheme assistance.
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies to support new parents.
• Social and cultural events with opportunities to connect with colleagues.
• Inspirational talks and regular guest speakers.
• Learning and development opportunities for continuous growth.
• Buddy programme to support you during your first weeks.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At DEPT®, we take pride in 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.