Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Design Director, Brand Design image - Rise Careers
Job details

Design Director, Brand Design

Your career is an investment that grows over time!


Wealthsimple is on a mission to help everyone achieve financial freedom by reimagining what it means to manage your money. Using smart technology, we take financial services that are often confusing, opaque and expensive and make them transparent and low-cost for everyone. We’re the largest fintech company in Canada, with over 4 million users who trust us with more than $50 billion in assets.


Our teams ship often and make an impact with groundbreaking ideas. We're looking for talented people who keep it simple and value collaboration and humility as we continue to create inclusive and high-performing teams where people can be inspired to do their best work.


About the Brand Design Team 


As our Brand Design Director, you will define the visual identity and vision for Wealthsimple and lead a talented team of designers, animators, and producers to develop brand-defining work that let's the world know we set the standard for design and visuals, but never lack humanity


As the Design Director, Brand at Wealthsimple, you will be responsible for leading a team of diverse designers across multiple disciplines, including 3D, motion, and brand design. You will work closely with various teams, including Integrated & Marketing Operations, Art Direction, Editorial, and Copywriting, to ensure cohesive, high-quality design outputs that reflect Wealthsimple's unique brand and resonate with our audience.


This is a leadership role, but we are looking for someone who is capable of contributing at an individual designer level, with a strong portfolio that demonstrates exceptional design skills and strategic thinking. While you will lead and mentor a small, talented team, your primary impact will stem from your unparalleled design taste and hands-on contributions. We're looking for a seasoned designer who can transition between strategic leadership and design execution. You will work cross-functionally with teams to ensure alignment across all touchpoints of the Wealthsimple experience.


About the role:
  • Own and drive the design vision and direction for large-scale brand design initiatives, while ensuring quality and consistency across all projects
  • Champion Wealthsimple’s distinct brand identity, ensuring it is consistently represented across all touchpoints
  • Collaborate closely with marketing leadership to develop creative solutions that drive business and marketing objectives
  • Partner with cross-functional teams including Growth, Product Marketing, Communications, and Product Design to ensure design solutions align with company goals and maintain a cohesive experience
  • Balance strategic design leadership with hands-on execution, actively contributing to the creative process
  • Lead, mentor, and grow a small team of talented designers across various design disciplines
  • Advocate for design excellence, continuously pushing the team to innovate while maintaining high standards for design work
  • Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, and feedback-driven environment for your team, encouraging growth and the development of new skills
  • Provide clear and constructive feedback, both to team members and stakeholders, to ensure the quality and impact of design deliverables
  • Act as a key point of contact between the design team and other departments, effectively communicating design rationale and aligning with broader organizational goals


What You Bring
  • 8+ years of experience in design leadership, with a portfolio that showcases your design expertise across diverse disciplines (we’d love to see OOH campaigns, digital, photography, potentially 3D/motion)
  • Hands-On Creative Leadership: Beyond directing, you will actively contribute to the creative process, crafting exceptional work that resonates with our audience. This includes web design, digital campaigns, photography direction, and potentially 3D/motion work.
  • Strong understanding of Wealthsimple’s brand and visual identity, with the ability to uphold and evolve it as the company grows
  • Proven experience managing and mentoring a team of designers, with a focus on fostering their individual development and design craft
  • A strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into design solutions that delight users and achieve company goals.
  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience working with teams in marketing, editorial, product, and communications. You thrive in a collaborative environment and can build strong relationships with cross-functional teams.
  • Deep understanding of design tools and software, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite and Figma
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present and defend design decisions to both internal and external stakeholders. You can articulate design rationale effectively and present your ideas with confidence.
  • Experience in the financial services or tech industries is a plus, but not required
  • A passion for staying on top of design trends, innovation, and best practices.


Why Wealthsimple?

🤑 Competitive salary with top-tier health benefits and life insurance

📈 Retirement savings matching plan using Wealthsimple Work

🌴 20 vacation days per year and unlimited sick and mental health days

📚 Up to $1,500 per year towards wellness and professional development budgets respectively 

🛫 90 days away program: Employees can work internationally in eligible countries for up to 90 days per calendar year 

🌎 A wide variety of peer and company-led Employee Resource Groups (ie. Rainbow, Women of Wealthsimple, Black @ WS)

💖 Company-wide wellness days off scheduled throughout the year


We’re a remote-first team, with over 1,000 employees coast to coast in North America. Be a part of our Canadian success story and help shape the financial future of millions — join us!


Read our Culture Manual and learn more about how we work.


DEI Statement

At Wealthsimple, we are building products for a diverse world and we need a diverse team to do that successfully. We strongly encourage applications from everyone regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. 


Accessibility Statement

Wealthsimple provides an accessible candidate experience. If you need any accommodations or adjustments throughout the interview process and beyond, please let us know, and we will work with you to provide the necessary support and make reasonable accommodations to facilitate your participation. We are continuously working to improve our accessibility practices and welcome any feedback or suggestions on how we can better accommodate candidates with accessibility needs.

Wealthsimple Glassdoor Company Review
3.7 Glassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star icon Glassdoor star icon Glassdoor star icon
Wealthsimple DE&I Review
No rating Glassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star icon
CEO of Wealthsimple
Wealthsimple CEO photo
Michael Katchen
Approve of CEO

Average salary estimate

$125000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$100000K
$150000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Design Director, Brand Design, Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple is on the lookout for a passionate Design Director, Brand Design to join our vibrant team in Toronto, Ontario. If you're someone who thrives on creating compelling visual experiences and fostering an innovative design culture, this role might be just for you! As the Design Director, you'll lead a diverse team of talented designers, animators, and producers to define, enhance, and communicate our brand's visual identity. You'll be at the forefront of groundbreaking projects, ensuring that our design work resonates with over 4 million users while championing Wealthsimple’s mission of simplifying financial services. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. In this role, you'll work closely with multiple teams including marketing, product design, and editorial to align our design outputs with business goals and to maintain a cohesive visual language. We value hands-on leadership, so you should come ready to roll up your sleeves and engage in the creative process alongside your team. With over 8 years of design leadership experience, you’ll bring a portfolio that showcases your diverse expertise across various design disciplines. If you’re not just looking to guide but to innovate and inspire, this is your opportunity to shape the future of brand design at Wealthsimple while cultivating an inclusive, driven environment for your team to thrive in. If you're excited to grow your career, impact a community of users, and work for a company that champions well-being and professional development, join us!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Design Director, Brand Design Role at Wealthsimple
What are the responsibilities of the Design Director, Brand Design at Wealthsimple?

As the Design Director, Brand Design at Wealthsimple, you will oversee the strategic vision and direction for large-scale brand initiatives. This includes guiding a talented team of designers in producing high-quality design outputs that align with our brand identity. You'll collaborate closely with marketing teams to create innovative solutions that meet business objectives while maintaining cohesion across design touchpoints. Additionally, you'll provide mentorship and growth opportunities for your team, ensuring they excel in their craft.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications are required for the Design Director, Brand Design role at Wealthsimple?

Candidates for the Design Director, Brand Design position at Wealthsimple should have a minimum of 8 years of design leadership experience, with a solid portfolio showcasing diverse disciplines. This includes strong hands-on creative leadership skills and proven experience managing a team of designers. A deep understanding of design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is essential, along with excellent communication skills to articulate design rationale effectively. Experience in the financial services or tech industries is advantageous but not necessary.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What does a typical day look like for the Design Director, Brand Design at Wealthsimple?

A typical day for the Design Director, Brand Design at Wealthsimple involves a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on design work. You might start your day collaborating with your design team to brainstorm creative concepts for an upcoming campaign and then move into meetings with product and marketing teams to ensure design consistency across projects. The role also includes providing feedback on design deliverables and fostering an inclusive environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How does the Design Director, Brand Design contribute to the company culture at Wealthsimple?

The Design Director, Brand Design plays a crucial role in shaping the company culture at Wealthsimple by advocating for design excellence while maintaining a collaborative and supportive environment. By promoting feedback-driven practices, encouraging innovation, and mentoring designers, you help nurture a culture where creativity thrives. At Wealthsimple, we prioritize team growth and inclusivity, something that you'll champion in this leadership role.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What growth opportunities are available for the Design Director, Brand Design at Wealthsimple?

Wealthsimple is committed to the growth and development of its employees. As a Design Director, you'll have access to professional development budgets and wellness programs to enhance your skills. Moreover, you will lead a talented team, allowing for opportunities to foster their growth while simultaneously enhancing your leadership capabilities. Wealthsimple's remote-first approach also encourages flexible work environments, supporting a strong work-life balance.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Design Director, Brand Design
Can you describe your design leadership style as a Design Director?

When asked about your design leadership style, emphasize your commitment to collaborative growth and mentorship. Include specific strategies you use to empower your team, such as regular feedback sessions and fostering an inclusive environment. Share examples that reflect your adaptability in transitioning between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you ensure design quality and consistency across various projects?

To ensure design quality and consistency, I advocate establishing clear guidelines and standards for design work. Highlight how you would implement regular review meetings to align with stakeholders and maintain an open line of communication within your team, ensuring all project deliverables reflect the brand’s identity and values.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you share an example of a challenging design project you led?

When sharing a challenging design project, choose one that highlights your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Discuss the challenges encountered, your approach, and the ultimate impact of your design on business goals, demonstrating your capacity for critical thinking under pressure.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you balance strategic design leadership with hands-on involvement?

To balance strategic design leadership with hands-on involvement, I prioritize understanding project requirements while maintaining a direct role in the creative process. Explain how you navigate strategic discussions while actively contributing to design work, showcasing your adaptability and passion for design excellence.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What experience do you have collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Discuss your experiences collaborating with various teams such as marketing, product, and editorial. Share specific examples of projects where you successfully aligned design solutions with company goals, highlighting the importance of communication and partnership in achieving cohesive results.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you handle constructive criticism of your design work?

When asked about handling criticism, explain that you view it as an opportunity for growth. Outline your approach in accepting feedback graciously, analyzing it for constructive elements, and using it to further enhance your work. This reflects emotional intelligence and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What design trends do you find most impactful currently?

Discuss current design trends that you find inspiring and impactful, showing your awareness of the design landscape. Explain how you keep up-to-date with trends through research, following industry leaders, and how you think they influence user experience within your projects.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you mentor your design team?

Detail your mentoring strategy, focusing on individual growth and skill development. Share how you provide constructive feedback, create opportunities for team members to lead projects, and encourage continuous learning and collaboration within your design team.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What software and tools do you prefer in your design process?

Mention your proficiency with core design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. Discuss any additional software you use to streamline your workflow and enhance team collaboration, reinforcing your capability of leveraging technology to improve design outputs.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Why do you want to work at Wealthsimple as the Design Director, Brand Design?

Express your alignment with Wealthsimple’s mission of making financial services inclusive and accessible. Discuss your passion for design innovation that resonates with users, and how this role provides the perfect environment for you to lead a team that can truly impact people's financial journeys.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 7 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 12 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Advansys Remote No location specified
Posted 9 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
2K Remote Novato, California, United States
Posted 7 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 4 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 5 days ago

To democratize financial financial services and make it accessible to everybody, regardless of age or net worth.

182 jobs
MATCH
VIEW MATCH
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, remote
DATE POSTED
March 28, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!
LATEST ACTIVITY
Photo of the Rise User
20 people applied to Lead Audio Designer at Hasbro
Photo of the Rise User
33 people applied to Photographer at Reformation
Photo of the Rise User
127 people applied to Associate 3D Artist at Mapbox
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Akron just viewed Grad Intern - No Work Experience at Walmart
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Race & Sportsbook Office Manager at Westgate Resorts
S
Someone from OH, Akron just viewed Client Service Representative at Shine Productions
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Technical Support Specialist at Samsara
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Canton just viewed Full Stack Web Developer at Abnormal Security
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Canton just viewed Frontend Engineer, UX at Chainlink Labs
R
Someone from OH, Toledo just viewed Global Marketing Intern at Reebok International, Ltd
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Toledo just viewed Intern, Corporate Communications at E.L.F. BEAUTY
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Immigration - E2 Visa at Upwork
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dayton just viewed Senior Director - Brand & Marketing Content at Cielo
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Scheduling Coordinator at Window Nation
T
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Power BI Developer - Remote at Two95 International Inc.
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dayton just viewed Front Desk Clerk at Marriott International
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Hilliard just viewed Junior Digital Analyst at Jellyfish
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Hilliard just viewed Junior Digital Data Analyst at AECOM
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Data Analyst/R Programmer at Peet's
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Grandview Heights just viewed Service Drive Greeter at Jeff Wyler Automotive Family
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Washington Court House just viewed Administration and Clerical at Walmart