Design Director

Job Title: Design Director

Location: Toronto (Hybrid, 3 days in office)

Department: Creative

Reports to: Creative Director

Position: Full time

Term: 4-6 Months

Type: Contract

About TTL

The Turn Lab is not your typical marketing agency. As consultancy-led problem solvers, we tackle unique challenges with a tailored blend of research, strategy, creative, media and technology. Think of us as a powerhouse marketing lab, fuelled by bold ideas, innovation and the grit that built us from the ground up. We’re ambitious and thrive in a fast-paced environment, always on the lookout for curious, passionate and solution-driven individuals to join our ranks.

Pride in our work? Absolutely. Excitement about tackling challenges head-on? Always. And if you’re looking to work for a purpose-driven organization that’s a certified B Corp and 100% carbon-neutral, well, we might just be the perfect fit. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer who values diversity, inclusion and a sense of humour – because let’s face it, if you’re not having fun while solving tough problems, what’s the point?

The Role

We’re looking for a Design Director to step in as a senior creative lead across a portfolio of large-scale brand projects. This is a high-impact contract role for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategic vision and hands-on craft. You’ll serve as the client-facing creative lead on multiple engagements, overseeing a team of four designers while driving the work from concept through delivery.

From brand redesigns to collateral systems, print brochures and digital media assets, you’ll be the person who sets the standard, keeps the team aligned and ensures every touchpoint is executed with precision and intention.

What You’ll Do

Client Leadership

• Serve as the primary creative point of contact for multiple large-scale brand clients throughout the contract.
• Lead client presentations, creative reviews and collaborative working sessions with confidence and clarity.
• Translate client briefs and business objectives into sharp, strategic creative direction.
• Manage client expectations and maintain strong working relationships across all accounts.

Design Direction & Brand

• Lead the brand redesign process for a key client, from discovery and concepting through to final brand system delivery.
• Establish and uphold visual standards, brand guidelines and design systems across all client work.
• Drive consistent, high-quality creative output across a diverse range of formats and deliverables.
• Bring a strong point of view to every project while remaining open to iteration and collaboration.

Team Oversight

• Oversee the work of a team of four designers, providing clear direction, constructive feedback and day-to-day support.
• Assign and prioritize work across the team to ensure projects are delivered on time and on brief.
• Foster a culture of craft and accountability within the team.
• Review and approve all design work before it goes to clients or internal stakeholders.

Design Execution

• Oversee and contribute to the production of brand collateral, logo design, printed brochures, and digital media assets.
• Develop scalable templates and design systems that support efficient, consistent execution.
• Roll up your sleeves when needed — this role requires both leadership and hands-on design capability.
• Ensure all deliverables meet the highest standard of craft, regardless of format or complexity.

Collaboration

• Work closely with copywriters, strategists, art directors and production teams throughout projects.
• Partner with the Creative Director to ensure visual direction is cohesive and high quality.

What You Bring

Experience & Portfolio

• 10+ years of professional design experience, with significant time spent in an agency or client-facing environment.
• A proven track record leading brand identity and redesign projects from end to end.
• Experience managing small creative teams and acting as a client lead.
• A portfolio that demonstrates strong brand systems, print design, digital design and visual thinking across a range of industries.

Technical Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Experience building and documenting comprehensive brand guidelines and design systems.
• Ability to build client-ready presentation decks
• Proficiency in Figma for design, layout and collaboration.
• Ability to work efficiently across both print and digital formats.

Working Style

• A confident, decisive creative leader who can articulate direction clearly to both clients and team members.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities across different client accounts.
• Collaborative and low-ego — just as comfortable contributing as you are directing.
• Solutions-oriented and resilient in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communicator with a natural ability to build trust with clients and internal teams alike.

Nice to Have

• Experience with UX/UI or experiential design.
• Familiarity with motion or video direction.
• Background working with clients in multiple sectors simultaneously.

What We Offer

• Competitive contract day rate, commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work model (3 in-office days/week) based in Toronto.
• A defined, high-impact contract with the potential for extension based on project needs.
• The opportunity to lead meaningful work across a diverse set of clients and brand challenges.
• A collaborative, ambitious team that values craft, clarity and good ideas.

Our Commitment
TTL is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities. If you require accommodations during the hiring process, just let us know.