Design Director

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

DEPT® is looking for a Design Director in Toronto to lead the creative direction across client projects within the Global Studios team. You will set conceptual strategy, guide the creative process from concept to delivery, mentor the design group, and represent the agency in client meetings and industry events while supporting new business efforts. The role requires 7+ years in a creative leadership role, a strong record of award-winning work, exceptional branding and communication skills, and mastery of Figma, Adobe CS, InDesign and Illustrator, plus AI tools and design automation. To apply, submit a portfolio that demonstrates cross-channel impact, leadership and measurable outcomes, align your narrative with DEPT values, and highlight collaboration, growth potential, and any DEI, accessibility, or sustainability work.

Toronto, hybrid

This role is part of our Global Studios team. We create emotive yet conversion-focused ideas, products and campaigns at scale and speed. Our specialty is hyper-personalised, digital communications that change perceptions, shape new behaviours, and shift market share for our clients.

JOB PURPOSE

The Design Director will be responsible for leading the creative direction on client projects, ensuring they meet and exceed expectations. This role involves setting the conceptual strategy, guiding the creative process, and ensuring the final work aligns with brand standards and industry best practices. The Design Director will also lead the design team and collaborate closely with clients.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead the creative strategy and execution across client projects, ensuring work meets high standards and aligns with client objectives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients to deliver creative solutions, guiding them from concept to final delivery.
• Mentor and develop the design team, ensuring they maintain high creative standards and pushing them toward excellence.
• Act as an ambassador for the agency, representing its values and work at client meetings and industry events.
• Contribute to new business development, pitches, and strengthening client relationships.
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices, sharing knowledge with the team and contributing to the agency’s creative evolution.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• 7+ years of experience in a creative leadership role with a proven track record of producing high-quality, award-winning work.
• Strong creativity, leadership, and mentoring skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Expertise in branding, marketing, and design tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe CS).
• A strategic mindset with the ability to deliver innovative solutions that meet client needs.
• A strong digital portfolio demonstrating your design and creative leadership expertise.
• Proficient in print design (we use Adobe InDesign and Illustrator).
• Competence of Figma, Adobe CS, AI tools (i.e. Weavy, Google AI Studio, Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT, Claude) and all other relevant software.
• Helps lead in the development and application of design systems and cross-channel creative templates that drive scalable, consistent, and measurable creative performance. 
• Employs Creative Automation practices, leveraging technology to reduce manual production effort, increase operational efficiency, and unlock greater focus on strategic and transformative creative work. 

WE OFFER

• A flexible, hybrid/remote working policy
• An excellent salary based on experience and equal pay policies
• Mental health support, and company sick pay scheme.
• 15 days paid holiday annually (plus Public Holidays).
• Refreshments are provided in the office all week
• Enhanced family friendly policies to support new parents.
• Social and Cultural Events, plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues through organised activities and celebrations.
• Inspirational Talks, bringing the outside in with regular guest speakers and events.
• Learning and Development, supporting your growth with continuous opportunities to learn and advance.
• Buddy Programme: You will be paired with a ‘Buddy’ to help you through your first weeks’ at DEPT®.
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021 and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Awesome clients. Whether big or small, local or global — at DEPT® you’ll get the opportunity to work with clients of all sizes and across all industries. And we celebrate all of our successes together!
• The opportunity for possibility. We want to enable you to do what you do best and help you develop your skills further with training, development and certifications.
• Global annual DEPT® Cares Month in which employees come together and donate their skills to support local charities.

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $90,000 – $105,000 CAD. Salary is based on relevant experience, expertise, and organizational impact.

AI Disclosure: At DEPT®, we use AI-assisted technology (Metaview) to capture notes and summarize interview conversations, so our interviewers can stay fully focused. Using the AI is optional, just let us know if you’d prefer it not be used.

This posting reflects an existing vacancy at DEPT®.

WHY DEPT®?

We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA.

We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter.

At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION 

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.