Design Director (12mth FTC)

Jones Knowles Ritchie is a branding business, founded in 1990 and proudly independent ever since.

We started out in the world of packaging, but now we’re worldwide—from three founders, to more than 300 of us across the UK and USA. Together, we build and deliver brands across the entire consumer experience.

But even more important than what we do, is why we do it. We’re here to inspire brands and people to be their true selves. To be brave. Be tenacious. And above all, be yourself. Because we believe that’s the only way to truly be distinctive, everywhere.

We are seeking a Design Director on a fixed term contract (FTC) May/June 2026 to guide and elevate our creative vision. Reporting directly to the Creative Director, you will oversee the creative direction of branding and Consumer Packaging (CPG).

As a Design Director you play a pivotal leadership role within our Design team, driving quality and strategically led creative solutions. You will inspire your team and offer growth opportunities, enabling them to excel in their roles while consistently innovating for our clients.

Responsibilities

• Champion the sharing of creative work and inspiration both internally and externally 
• Identify and develop skills within the team through training and mentorship 
• Lead client-facing presentations with excellence in communication
• Deliver impactful pitches and strategies that influence client outcomes
• Provide constructive feedback on design work and guide projects towards creative excellence 
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve optimal results for clients

Experience 

• Substantial experience in a leading branding, design, or creative agency
• Significant exposure to Global CPG projects with proven leadership
• Ability to construct brand ideas across various consumer touchpoints
• Experience managing design teams and fostering a collaborative environment
• Fluent in senior-level presentations and client engagement
• A passionate advocate for outstanding design and attention to detail
• Proven ability to extract world-class conceptual design from team members

Requirements

• 7+ years of relevant experience
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
• Exceptional communication skills
• Experience leading a team of designers

At JKR, our goal is to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace that reflects and creates for the societies we live in. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a long-term business imperative and a commitment at JKR, not an initiative that sits under one department. As a leader in our business, you will demonstrate being a DE+I advocate and champion with your actions in how you build, run, and grow your team(s)

Benefits

This role will be offered as a Fixed term contract from May/June 2026, for 12 months, you will be eligible for JKR benefits* including:

• Pension Plan
• Training & Development
• Paid holiday
• Health insurance
• Location: Busy Shoreditch studio
• Hybrid working: min 2 days pw in the studio (or as required by the team)

*some after qualifying period