Design Director (AI & Tech)

Location: London / Manchester

This position is within the Marketing & Technology service at DEPT®, focusing on digital marketing solutions including social, influencer marketing, TTL ad campaigns, augmented reality, AI, and innovation for major clients like eBay, easyJet, Just Eat Takeaway, and Pepsico.

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a Design Director to lead creative efforts for a key AI Platform client. The role involves reviewing and approving work, upholding brand and business standards, and ensuring creative excellence across diverse projects, from BAU creative to global campaigns. You will guide a wider team of creatives and producers, providing clear feedback, inspiration, and mentorship, while also being a hands-on contributor.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead, develop, motivate, and inspire DEPT®’s design teams, fostering collaboration.
• Deliver and inspire innovative, high-quality work across all team deliverables.
• Develop strong creative ideas rooted in narrative, pacing, composition, and visual structure.
• Initiate and facilitate creative team collaboration, sharing, and cohesion.
• Guide execution across motion and static deliverables to maintain creative intent.
• Act as the face and voice of design at DEPT® to raise the team’s profile.
• Suggest best practices and identify opportunities for growth.
• Collaborate with the ECD to build processes, structures, and enhance design quality.
• Nurture a team of fulfilled designers.
• Build productive working relationships with other agency disciplines.
• Maintain brand consistency across all marketing projects.
• Explore and work within various formats and platforms for global campaigns.
• Generate creative ideas and define campaign aesthetics.
• Collaborate with other designers and creative planners.
• Stay aware of and respond to current design trends and culture.
• Contribute to the development of the creative process.
• Present work internally and externally.
• Stay up-to-date with industry developments and tools.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Experience growing, inspiring, and leading a team of 10+.
• Strong experience leading clients 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 judgment and confidence in contributing to concepts and creative direction.
• Experience working with resource/operations to ensure project success.
• High attention to detail, especially in large-scale asset production and sign-off.
• Experience in creating and reviewing scopes/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.

WE OFFER:

• Flexible, hybrid working policy (2 days from the office).
• Excellent salary based on experience and equal pay policies.
• Pension, free private healthcare, mental health support, and company sick pay.
• 26 days paid holiday plus UK Bank Holidays.
• Office refreshments and Thursday drinks.
• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme.
• Enhanced family-friendly policies.
• Social and Cultural Events.
• Inspirational Talks and guest speakers.
• Learning and Development opportunities.
• Buddy Programme.
• Certified B Corp® status and awards (The Lovies, The Webby Awards).
• Work with awesome clients.

WHY DEPT®?

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company focused on helping ambitious brands grow faster by operating at the intersection of technology and marketing. They are known for pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further. Their culture is built on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. At DEPT®, you'll find the freedom to explore, collaborate, and make a real impact.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION:

DEPT® is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. They actively seek diverse talent and encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every qualification. DEPT® is dedicated to making reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.