Design Directors, Video & Animation - Building our Networks

We are looking to meet Design Directors in Video & Animation specifically working freelance or in fixed term contracts. This area of design practice is a key pillar in our multidimensional design work and we have some great long-term relationships, but as our portfolio grows we're looking to build our networks and meet new collaborators that can co-deliver our next stage of projects.

To manage expectations, this is not an opportunity for those interested in full time, permanent positions -  we are only looking, at this stage, to connect with people on a freelance or fixed-term project specific basis.

The Design Director creates and communicates design concepts to both internal teams and external partners, leads the design team drawing from their own specific design approach and specialism, and offers the experience and ingenuity to turn concepts into coherent and original design responses.

Due to the nature of our interdisciplinary work across industries the Design Director title and remit can vary across projects; being referred to as video designer, design lead, project lead or similar based on the scope and/or specific project context. 

The role suits a highly experienced design leader with an appetite and the motivation to apply your design experience to our portfolio.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Create and develop design-led responses to briefs 
• Attend client-facing design meetings to assimilate and understand a creative brief 
• Lead and coordinate the design process on multiple, varying scale projects with substantial budgets, taking them from concept through all design phases to delivery 
• Collaborate with project design teams to integrate the design response 
• Appraise and critique the design work of project teams and the wider department 
• Attend client facing meetings to assimilate and understand a creative brief 
• Present the results of multiple design stages to the client, collaborators, internal project teams and the wider company 
• Convene, facilitate and engage in internal design discussions, reviews and critical feedback 
• Undertake still and time-based visual design and content generation work at a number of developmental stages from concept through to final animation/video production

• Lead, manage and galvanize the design team on projects, convening internal design discussions, reviews and critical feedback 
• Act as designated Design Lead, as applicable, on projects 
• Oversee the delivery of projects on-site 
• Deliver internal and client-facing design presentations 
• Input into decision-making required to build project teams 
• Attend project washups and engaging with outcomes/key takeaways 

• Managing & mentoring members of the Design team, and other areas of the company as relevant 

• A commitment to sustainability, accessibility and belonging & inclusion in all project work

• Approximately 10 years of demonstrable and significant experience leading video design and/or animation projects from pre-concept through to delivery on-site 
• Demonstrable interest in a story driven design approach and sustained audience engagement across a narrative experience
• Evidence of a lateral thinking design ability to take a concept or brief and develop it into a specific form 
• An ability to use applicable software to illustrate design ideas (e.g. After Effects, Premiere Pro & Photoshop) 
• Ability to personally manifest design ideas / concepts in visual form quickly and communicate these to a wide range of stakeholders; clients, internal team, collaborating creative team, technical teams etc. 
• An inspiring communicator with both clients and team, who can convey creative ideas with passion as well as manage expectations 
• A true interest in and ability to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment and with a range of creatives
• Experience in leading, inspiring and managing project teams 
• Knowledge of creating work in different territories, with a design portfolio that demonstrates a range of work in different mediums and storytelling formats (i.e. long-form video, music video, theatre show, exhibition, live events, VR etc.) 
• A thorough understanding of video design technologies with the ability to communicate both creatively and technically with designers working in 2D and 3D specialisms 
• An ability to multitask effectively and handle multiple workflows at any one time 
• An ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines 

• Experience with real-time / games-engine technologies (e.g. Unreal, Notch, Touchdesigner) 
• A demonstrable understanding of recent key themes and industry shifts in video delivery within live events, performances and exhibitions 
• Experience line managing Designers earlier in their careers with considered professional development and training opportunities 
• An existing network of relationships with commissioning organizations and potential clients

Location: Our London studio/s. We value regular in-person collaboration because we think it leads to the best creative work however hybrid working is available around project commitments.

Contract: Opportunities will be project specific, and contracted as freelance or fixed-term employment based on the specific task.

Application: Please share a CV of your experience, softwares and any training, a cover letter outlining how your experience would transfer to our projects and a portfolio of your work with specific references to the particular role you played in the work shown. Due to the clear Design experience required for this role we are unable to consider applications without Portfolios.

Deadline: Friday 23rd October 10am

If you have any questions about accessibility in applying for this position please highlight this in your cover letter.

For fixed term contracts an indicative salary range is below, freelance contracts and rates can be discussed case by case.

We follow pay transparency, meaning we publish a salary range for each role. The salary range is the full earning potential during someone’s time in a role. Salary offers are made within this range and based on your experience and parity with the strength of our existing team/s.