Design Director (Packaging/Branding)

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands. We are currently partnering with a dynamic creative agency, renowned for its expertise in brand packaging design and marketing innovation, to find a Design Director for their team. This is an exciting opportunity where you will play a pivotal role in leading a talented team to deliver exceptional design work that drives growth and enhances the agency's industry reputation.

As the Design Director, you will guide creative projects from concept to delivery, collaborating with both clients and internal teams to craft compelling, innovative designs. Your leadership will ensure consistency across all brand work, while fostering a culture of creative excellence within your team. If you're passionate about design, strategy, and innovation, this role is an incredible opportunity to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Brand Leadership & Team Management: Lead brand development across multiple clients, ensuring strategic and creative consistency. Provide clear direction and mentorship to designers, fostering professional growth and high-performance standards.

• Creative Strategy & Execution: Develop innovative design solutions rooted in strategic thinking. Guide teams in creating compelling brand stories, overseeing the design process from initial concept through to final delivery.

• Strategic Thinking & Thought Leadership: Collaborate with strategy teams to build strong creative foundations. Contribute to the agency’s thought leadership by producing articles that elevate its industry presence.

• Technical & Production Oversight: Lead art direction for photography, particularly in food packaging, and manage photo shoots and post-production. Oversee freelance resources and ensure alignment with project budgets.

• Client Engagement & Communication: Serve as the primary creative contact for key clients, effectively presenting concepts and strategies. Maintain proactive communication with internal teams and stakeholders.

• Innovation & Trends: Stay informed on emerging design trends, encouraging innovative approaches within your team. Lead the development of new capabilities that meet market demands.

• Quality Control & Brand Consistency: Ensure all design work meets high standards of creativity and craftsmanship, maintaining brand consistency across projects.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in design leadership, particularly within a creative agency environment and in fast-paced, deadline-driven settings.

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and a strong understanding of brand strategy and visual communication.

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.

• Strong communication, presentation, and client management skills with a collaborative spirit and strategic mindset.

If you are ready to lead a talented team and make an impact in a cutting-edge agency, we encourage you to apply now. Our recruitment team will be in touch, guide you through the interview process, and advocate on your behalf.

Employer Details:

• Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in an employment with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• Onward Search is unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp or Independent Contractor arrangements at this time. All freelancers will be paid as W2 employees.
• Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401k program, for all eligible full time temporary assignments.
• Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.
• Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing and technology. Our clients are continuously turning to us to fill their open positions. Therefore, there is no application deadline for this position, as we are seeking candidates for this type of role across all our clients on an ongoing basis.