Design Lead

As a Design Lead at DEPT®, your primary responsibilities include managing and developing design projects, mentoring Designers and Senior Designers, being a brand guardian to ensure alignment with guidelines, overseeing project budgets and timelines, and maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of design trends. Your role is central to the commercial success of the design output for various accounts.

To qualify for the Design Lead position at DEPT®, candidates should have a strong background in managing design teams, a working knowledge of design software such as Adobe, Sketch, and Figma, and an understanding of both online and offline design processes. Additionally, exceptional communication skills and the ability to offer constructive feedback are essential.

At DEPT®, supporting the growth of our Design Leads is a key priority. We offer numerous opportunities for learning and development, including training programs, certifications, and inspiring talks with guest speakers. As a Design Lead, you will benefit from mentorship and a buddy program to help you settle in and thrive in our dynamic environment.

DEPT® thrives on a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. As a Design Lead, you will work in a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages your creative ideas. Our teams, spread across more than 30 countries, focus on driving impactful solutions while ensuring a healthy work-life balance through flexible policies.

As a Design Lead at DEPT®, you will collaborate with an array of clients, from global giants like eBay and Walmart to nimble startups. This variety means you’ll gain rich experience across different industries, allowing you to tackle diverse challenges and showcase your talent in a multitude of creative settings.

When mentoring junior designers, I focus on providing constructive feedback, encouraging open dialogue, and fostering a supportive environment where they feel safe to express their ideas and challenges. I believe in leading by example and sharing both my successes and failures to provide valuable lessons.

My design process begins with understanding the client's needs and brand guidelines. I conduct thorough research on user journeys and market trends, followed by brainstorming sessions. I then create prototypes and wireframes, ensuring to involve the team for ideas and feedback throughout the process to ensure quality output.

To meet tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that I and my team remain focused on core deliverables. I encourage open communication and regular check-ins to identify potential bottlenecks early. By fostering collaboration, we can maintain quality through a structured workflow without compromising timeliness.

Currently, I believe that hyper-personalization in design is crucial. Understanding user data to create tailored experiences that resonate with individuals is transforming how brands communicate. Staying ahead of this trend means not only leveraging analytics but also being creative in how we visually represent diverse user journeys.

I consistently follow design blogs, attend workshops, and participate in design communities. Networking with other professionals allows me to exchange ideas and insights. Additionally, I keep an eye on competitor work and emerging technologies to ensure that my team remains innovative and relevant.

I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. I actively encourage feedback from both clients and team members, listening with an open mind. When receiving feedback, I analyze it critically and incorporate constructive points while also communicating the rationale for my design choices when needed.

In a recent campaign for a leading retail client, my team and I leveraged user data to create an engaging multi-channel experience that resulted in a significant increase in conversion rates. We focused on clean, visually appealing designs that adhered to brand guidelines while implementing strategic CTAs based on user navigation trends.

I believe in a participative leadership style where everyone’s input is valued. I strive to create an inclusive atmosphere that promotes creativity and collaboration while also ensuring that clear direction and accountability are established to help my team meet their goals effectively.

To ensure timely delivery, I implement project management tools to track progress and establish clear timelines. I set regular check-ins to assess workload and make adjustments as necessary. Encouraging open communication helps the team to stay aligned and address potential delays proactively.

I am excited about DEPT®’s commitment to innovation and creativity in design. The diverse client base and emphasis on professional development align with my goals of pushing creative boundaries while having an impactful influence in the industry. I admire DEPT®’s values toward sustainability and inclusivity, making it an ideal workplace.