ABOUT ELMWOOD

We’re a globally recognised, award-winning strategic brand design consultancy with studios in London, New York, Singapore and Shanghai. Every day, we partner with some of the world’s most ambitious consumer, corporate, and healthcare brands to craft high-impact creative that moves people and markets.
Rooted in purpose and powered by creativity, our mission is simple: get our clients from intent to impact — faster.
As proud members of the MSQ Group and B Corp certified, we unite strategy, design, and experience to shape brands that are not only standout but stand FOR something.
“The world doesn’t need more brands, it needs better ones.” Daniel Binns – Elmwood Global CEO

REQUIREMENTS

• Extensive experience leading established brands and a portfolio showcasing exceptional design, you’re driven to inspire creative excellence and make a bold impact through thoughtful design leadership
• You take brands from intent to impact, leading the creative process from concept through design development to execution across every touchpoint
• Deep knowledge of print, production, AI, and digital motion as creative guardrails, you provide clear direction and leadership—guiding teams or work streams to deliver high-quality, creatively excellent outcomes across multiple projects
• Adaptable across disciplines and projects, you bring passion, energy, and creative consistency to every challenge—leading design teams with efficiency while delivering high-quality outcomes. You understand how to adapt global brand systems with creativity and stay tuned to industry trends to keep your work fresh and relevant
• Committed to continual learning, gaining experience by driving new ways of working through deeper insight into systems, processes, and creativity
• A source of confidence, through your continuous mentorship and recognition, you empower the team to grow, stay motivated, and be celebrated for their achievements
• Clear storytelling and design skills, with the ability to support and collaborate with the design team to ensure creative standards are maintained across projects
• Highly creative and great eye for detail and craft, with the ability to create or contribute to strategic ideas that resonate and stand out
• An understanding of strategic and analytical thinking, with a focus on driving brand growth through creative excellence while keeping an eye on budgets
• Growing project management skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate with Strategy and Client Services teams, ensuring projects align with client needs and timelines
• An understanding of the latest technologies, from AI to UI platforms, and a willingness to use these tools to help deliver innovative and impactful design
• A mentor and coach, providing guidance and feedback, setting meaningful goals and holding regular check-ins to support each designer’s development
  If your experience looks different from what we’ve described, but you believe you’d make a great fit — we’d love to hear from you.

THE ROLE

As a Design Director at Elmwood, you are responsible for ensuring the quality and successful delivery of creative work. This role requires a passionate design leader capable of collaborating closely with both Strategy and Client Services teams, leading and inspiring designers while providing strategic direction and daily guidance to build compelling storytelling around the work that resonates with clients. In addition to managing and motivating your team, you cultivate strong, strategic relationships with clients, driving growth and profitability across selected accounts in a fast paced environment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• As a Design Director, you support the Creative Director in setting the benchmark for creative excellence, ensuring all deliverables uphold Elmwood’s high standards and values
• Working closely with the design team, you oversee the day-to- day creative output, fostering innovation and ensuring cohesive, impactful brand experiences across all projects
• You are able to translate creative strategies into clear, compelling design ideas, working alongside the strategy team to implement and bring these concepts to life through craft and storytelling
• From concept to execution, you have a clear understanding of brand world-building across the user journey, including print, digital, motion, and activation, while guiding and nurturing the team to bring these design aspects to life
• You guide the creative team daily, championing fresh ideas, new methodologies, and bold design approaches—overseeing projects that push creative boundaries and elevate the work
• With your knowledge in consumer and market insights, you can evaluate trends to help shape creative direction, ensuring the work remains aligned with industry shifts and emerging design trends
• You work with Creative Directors, Strategy and Client Services to bring the creative vision to life, ensuring a cohesive, design- led brand experience. Through strong client relationships, you align design outcomes with objectives, creating work that resonates with the brand and its audience
• Your ability to craft compelling presentations and articulate the thinking behind the work helps clients see the strategic value of creative solutions, leading to stronger outcomes and lasting relationships
• Eloquent and persuasive, you confidently present work to clients, articulating design decisions and explaining creative solutions that achieve exceptional results while meeting commercial requirements
• You guide and support the day-to-day creative team by fostering collaboration, and encouraging a culture of creative excellence. Through hands-on mentorship and feedback, you help nurture talent
• You work closely with key stakeholders, including Strategy and Client Services, to align creative direction with business objectives
• As a Line Manager, you provide regular check-ins and development support, helping team members define their career goals and build on their strengths. You champion personal growth, ensuring everyone has the guidance and tools they need to succeed