Design Director

at  VML

WHO WE ARE:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.
Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.
We are VML Enterprise Solutions - a group of talented engineers, tech experts, and creators who combine our passions and contribute to the IT world. You may know us better as Wunderman Thompson Technology – in 2024 we changed our name, but at the same time, we remained a great team of people who deliver our best. We design, build, manage and run complex technology platforms and help our clients to benefit from our work and creativity.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

We are looking for a creative visionary responsible for shaping the future of our client’s brand experiences across the globe. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role that requires a strategic thinker and a passionate storyteller who can translate complex concepts into compelling design solutions. You will lead a team of talented designers and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to define and deliver innovative customer journeys that drive brand love and business growth.
In this role, you will cultivate strong relationships with senior stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration with the global team and our agency. You will act as a crucial link, translating your design vision into exceptional customer experiences.

THIS IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN A GLOBAL LEADER AND MAKE A REAL IMPACT ON THE FUTURE OF OUR ICONIC BRANDS. IF YOU ARE A PASSIONATE AND VISIONARY DESIGN LEADER WHO IS EXCITED BY THE CHALLENGE OF SHAPING THE FUTURE OF BRAND EXPERIENCE, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY.

You will collaborate with our UK project team, so we’ll need you to be available until 18:00 PL time.

• Lead the development and execution of a global design vision for innovation and future experiences. This includes defining the design principles, frameworks, and processes that will guide our work.
• Partner with global leadership and cross-functional teams to understand business objectives and translate them into actionable design strategies. You will be a key player in shaping the future of the platform.
• Champion a human-centered design approach, conducting research and gathering insights to deeply understand our diverse consumers and their evolving needs. You will be a champion for the customer, ensuring their voice is heard throughout the design process by leveraging data and technological insights.
• Lead the ideation and creation of innovative customer journeys across physical and digital touchpoints. This includes developing concepts, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs that push the boundaries of brand experience that can be built and scaled in line with technical capabilities.
• Embrace emerging technologies and explore their potential to enhance the customer experience. You will be a thought leader in design and technology, always seeking out new ways to innovate.
• Build and manage a high-performing team of designers, providing mentorship, guidance, and inspiration. You will be a strong leader and mentor, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
• Communicate design vision and strategy effectively to senior leadership and key stakeholders. You will be a compelling storyteller, able to articulate the value of design and its impact on the business.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices, constantly seeking opportunities to elevate the team’s work and push the boundaries of design excellence.
• Establish a long-term vision and roadmap for innovation and future experiences, proactively identifying and capitalising on emerging trends and opportunities. You will collaborate with the Project Manager to forecast resource needs, guide the evolution of this critical program, and ensure its continuous alignment with the company’s strategic priorities.