Group Design Director - Craft & Product Storytelling

Critical Playground LLC; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AKQA, part of WPP, invites a Group Design Director to shape the future of digital craft across brand and product experiences. Based in London, you will lead vision, elevate talent, and set the benchmark for storytelling and launch campaigns while embedding in a client studio team.

This six-to-nine month rolling contract blends hands-on craft with strategic leadership, mentoring a multidisciplinary group, and driving modern workflows, motion design, and AI-assisted tools to deliver thoughtful,

Qualifications

• Mastery of digital design craft including layout, typography, and detail.
• Proven track record leading digital product launches and storytelling for premium brands.
• Experience building and scaling digital brand systems and ecosystems.
• Experience collaborating within embedded or client-side teams with strong communication.
• Mentor and develop talent, fostering a high-performing team environment.
• Ability to present and defend design work to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Define and uphold the creative vision across digital brand, product, and launches.
• Lead end-to-end creative process for global product launches from concept to execution.
• Be hands-on with UI, interaction design, and visual craft when needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional AKQA and client teams of designers, UX writers, and technologists.
• Translate product strategies and technical inputs into clear, compelling digital narratives.
• Present and defend ambitious design work to senior internal stakeholders.
• Mentor and cultivate talent to foster a high-performing, inclusive team.
• Champion and implement modern design workflows including motion design, spaces, rapid prototyping, and AI-assisted tools.
• Ensure visual consistency through tight feedback loops and design reviews.
• Balance ambition with rigour to meet high-stakes launch schedules.

Skills

Master of Craft

Launch-Experienced

Systemic Thinker

Diplomatic & Adaptable

Natural Mentor

Compelling Storyteller

Strategic & Practical

Technically Curious

Job description

AKQA, part of WPP, invites a Group Design Director to shape the future of digital craft across brand and product experiences. Based in London, you will lead vision, elevate talent, and set the benchmark for storytelling and launch campaigns while embedding in a client studio team.

This six-to-nine month rolling contract blends hands-on craft with strategic leadership, mentoring a multidisciplinary group, and driving modern workflows, motion design, and AI-assisted tools to deliver thoughtful,