Group Design Director (FTC)

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ideas, products, and services that move the world forward. We exist at the intersection of design, technology, and culture — creating work that is as meaningful as it is beautiful.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Opportunity</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">As Group Design Director, your opportunity is to define what comes next.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">You will lead the vision, shape the work, and set the benchmark for digital craft across brand and product experiences. This role guides ideas from first thought to final execution, ensuring that every digital interaction is intelligent, innovative, and unforgettable.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">You are a creative leader and a maker at heart, balancing bold, systemic thinking with meticulous craft. You know how to build teams, elevate talent, and cultivate an environment where great ideas thrive. Under your leadership, global product storytelling and launch experiences will sit at the core — moments where every detail matters, and every interaction carries meaning.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">This role is embedded within a client team in London and requires onsite collaboration in the client studio three days per week.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">This is a 6–9 month rolling fixed-term contract, offered on a hybrid basis</span></p> <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>ROLE REQUIREMENTS</strong></p> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Uphold Design Excellence:&nbsp;Define and uphold the creative vision and standard across all digital brand, product, and interactive launch experiences.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Lead Product Storytelling:&nbsp;Drive the end-to-end creative process for global product launches — from early-stage narrative concept through to final digital execution and delivery.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Be Hands-On with Craft:&nbsp;Maintain an active, hands-on approach where needed, sitting alongside designers to guide UI, interaction design, and visual craft at key execution moments.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Navigate Embedded Dynamics:&nbsp;Collaborate within a joint, cross-functional team of both AKQA and client-side designers, UX specialists, writers, and technologists.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Solve Complex Challenges:&nbsp;Translate sophisticated product strategies and technical inputs into simple, compelling, and elegant digital narratives.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Act as a Trusted Partner:&nbsp;Act as a confident creative partner, presenting and defending ambitious design work to senior internal stakeholders.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Mentor and Cultivate Talent:&nbsp;Mentor and develop creative talent, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team environment.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Pioneer Modern Workflows:&nbsp;Champion and implement modern design technologies and workflows — including motion design, spatial interfaces, rapid prototyping, and AI-assisted design tools.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Ensure Visual Consistency:&nbsp;Establish tight creative feedback loops and design reviews to ensure absolute consistency across complex digital ecosystems.</span></li> <li class="li2"><span class="s4">Balance Ambition with Rigour:&nbsp;Drive creative ambition while maintaining the discipline and focus required to deliver on high-stakes, time-sensitive launch schedules.</span></li> </ul> <p class="p3">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS</strong></p> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">A Master of Craft:&nbsp;A visionary creative leader with a relentless, uncompromising commitment to digital design craft, layout, typography, and detail.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Launch-Experienced:&nbsp;Deep, proven expertise in leading digital product launches, connected-experience storytelling, and interactive campaigns for global premium brands.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Systemic Thinker:&nbsp;Strong expertise in building and scaling digital brand systems, interactive ecosystems, and responsive web platforms.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Diplomatic and Adaptable:&nbsp;Experienced working within embedded or client-side team structures, with the communication skills and diplomacy to lead within an integrated creative model.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Natural Mentor:&nbsp;A supportive, inspiring leader who is genuinely invested in the growth of their team members.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Compelling Storyteller:&nbsp;A brilliant communicator and presenter, able to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and inspire stakeholders.</span></li> <li class="li1"><span class="s2">Strategic &amp; Practical:&nbsp;Both a high-level conceptual thinker and a pragmatic problem-solver who can roll up their sleeves and design.</span></li> <li class="li2"><span class="s4">Technically Curious:&nbsp;Forward-thinking and curious about emerging technology and how it translates into the future of human-device interaction.</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">Explore our extensive range of benefits<a href="https://www.akqa.com/studios/london/benefits/">&nbsp;<strong>here</strong></a>.</p> <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p><div class="content-conclusion"><p><span style="font-weight: 300;">We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 300;">AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.</span></p> <hr> <p><span style="font-weight: 300;"></span></p> <p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">About WPP</span></strong></p> <p class="x_MsoNormal">WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite&nbsp;cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel&nbsp;in a single company –&nbsp;powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open,&nbsp;to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://wpp.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">WPP.com</a>.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 300;"></span></p></div>

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