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’re partnering with a renowned creative agency—known for its excellence in brand packaging design and marketing innovation—to find a Design Director to join their team. This is a hybrid opportunity based in Chicago (preferred), but we're also open to remote candidates working CST hours.

In this exciting leadership role, you’ll drive strategic design initiatives while mentoring a talented creative team. As Design Director, you’ll guide projects from concept through execution, ensuring work is aligned with brand goals and executed at the highest level. You’ll collaborate with clients and internal teams to deliver compelling visual storytelling and innovative brand solutions that stand out in the market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Brand Leadership & Team Management:
  Lead brand development across client accounts, ensuring cohesive visual strategies. Provide direction, mentorship, and performance guidance to the design team.

• Creative Strategy & Execution:
  Craft impactful design solutions grounded in strategy. Oversee concept development through to final delivery, ensuring creative integrity.

• Strategic Thinking & Thought Leadership:
  Partner with strategy teams to establish creative direction. Support the agency’s industry presence by contributing thought leadership content.

• Technical & Production Oversight:
  Direct photo shoots, with a focus on food packaging photography. Manage freelance contributors and align creative output with project budgets.

• Client Engagement & Communication:
  Act as the primary creative liaison for key clients. Present ideas clearly and confidently while ensuring client goals are met.

• Innovation & Trends:
  Stay on top of design trends and drive innovative thinking within the team. Identify and champion new capabilities aligned with market needs.

• Quality Control & Brand Consistency:
  Ensure all design output meets high standards of excellence and brand consistency across all touchpoints.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of design leadership experience in a creative agency or fast-paced studio environment

• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite and a strong grasp of brand strategy and visual storytelling

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field (Master’s degree a plus)

• Strong communication, presentation, and client management abilities

• Strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset and passion for design innovation

If you’re ready to lead bold creative work, inspire a top-tier team, and help shape the future of branding, apply today. Our team will guide you through the process and advocate for you every step of the way.