Design Lead
About the studio
This is a boutique, women-led branding studio in New York, founded in 2012. Over the past decade, the studio has guided organizations through defining moments such as IPOs, acquisitions, and market launches. The work directly reaches decision-makers.
About the role
You'll lead projects end-to-end—packaging, brand identity, space-tech, naming, and high-profile rebrands—while remaining hands-on in Figma. This role is designed to build a deliberate middle layer between art directors and the Creative Director, as the studio matures and its art directors outgrow pure individual contribution.
You'll manage a team of exceptional art directors who are strong makers but new to being managed, providing them with guidance and freeing creative leadership to focus on broader direction. The role emphasizes authorship: shaping creative direction, defending standards, and delivering work at speed. Turnarounds are measured in weeks, not months, with variety and direct client access ensuring sharp, honest outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Lead projects end-to-end, including packaging, brand identity, space-tech, naming, and high-profile rebrands.
- Stay hands-on with design tools like Figma.
- Manage and mentor a team of art directors, fostering their growth as individual contributors.
- Shape and defend creative direction while maintaining high standards and quick turnarounds.
Requirements
- Experience as a Senior Designer or Art Director at a small, excellent branding agency.
- Comfort with high pace and high volume, rather than long single-brand engagements.
- Strong craft and taste, with a portfolio demonstrating real brand identity work.
- CPG experience is a plus.
- Experience leading projects and readiness for formal responsibility over talented individual contributors.
Benefits
- Hybrid working: four days in-studio.
- Structured onboarding.
- Proven internal growth model.
14-person team.
Pay
$100,000 - $140,000