Associate Director, Design

(i.e.,) is currently looking for an Associate Director, Design to join the team and own the strategic and creative delivery of products across a variety of client engagements . This role is designed to be a visionary creative leader who blends high-level storytelling with deep digital craft to navigate a landscape being rapidly reshaped by Artificial Intelligence.

Research indicates that certain demographic groups, such as women, may be less inclined to apply for a role unless they meet all the job requirements. If you're interested in this role, we strongly encourage you to apply, as you might be just what we're looking for. 

Salary Banding: $190,000 - $210,000 Package (Inclusive of Superannuation)

About the opportunity

As an Associate Director in our Design discipline, you will have the opportunity to shape the creative north star for Australia's most successful businesses while mentoring the next generation of design talent . Your primary role is to oversee the creative excellence of our output and be responsible for the conceptual integrity of our digital products . An important part of your role is also to act as a strategic partner to our clients, using compelling storytelling to sell bold, innovative visions that drive genuine business transformation.

You will sit within a cross-functional team to support with: 

• Creative Vision: Defining and championing the creative direction of complex digital products from discovery through to delivery.
• AI Transformation: Leading the integration of generative AI and automated design tools to accelerate and unlock new levels of creative possibility.
• Commercial Storytelling: Crafting persuasive narratives that align executive stakeholders and "sell" the value of world-class design.
• Practice Leadership: Mentoring our design and content team to elevate their craft, storytelling abilities, and their ability to design for and with AI.
• Strategic Collaboration: Partnering cross functionally to ensure "the big idea" is technically viable and commercially impactful in an AI first world.
• Client Influence: Facilitating high-energy workshops that unlock client ambition and define long-term product strategy.
• Quality Advocacy: Ensuring every output, from a rapid prototype to a final interface, meets our high standards of craft and storytelling.

We value demonstrated experience in two or more of the following areas:

• High-End Digital Craft: A portfolio that showcases sophisticated aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail.
• AI Augmented Design: Proven experience using AI tools to enhance the design process or to ship products that feature core AI components.
• Consulting & Persuasion: Experience navigating the complexities of high-stakes agency or consultancy environments.

About You

We are looking for a creative leader who brings: 

• A mastery of the "craft" of creativity, with a background rooted in visual and interaction design.
• A forward-thinking perspective on how AI is transforming the design landscape and the ability to articulate this to clients with charisma and clarity
• A toolkit of storytelling techniques—from cinematic presentations to narrative-driven prototyping. 
• A collaborative spirit that thrives in fast-paced, cross-functional environments. 
• Proven experience leading large-scale design projects and managing senior client relationships. 
• A relentless curiosity for emerging tech and how it can be used to solve human problems.
• Strong initiative and the courage to challenge the status quo for the better. 
• A growth mindset, prioritising lifelong learning and structured innovation.

The Consultant We Value

We value talent who put our clients first - always - with humility, sharp intellect, and unwavering integrity. A servant leader at heart, they earn trust through action, respect privacy, and consistently leave things better than they found them. Fueled by a growth mindset and lifelong learning, they adapt with intention and evolve through structured innovation. They listen deeply, share openly, align swiftly, and go boldly. Analytical and curious, they lead with initiative, form strong points of view rooted in insight and innovation, and have the courage to challenge the status quo for the better. This is the consultant who not only delivers, but inspires.

Why Us?

(i.e.,), the Innovation and Experience company is a full service product consultancy accelerating growth for some of Australia's most successful businesses (a sample is on our website - take a look for some recent work). (i.e.,) employs 60+ people working in cross functional teams to innovate and deliver outcomes powered by a product mindset, design thinking and Agile delivery.

Work flexibility and work-life balance are core values within our DNA, and central to our success in creating ‘one (i.e.,)’. Each team member has opportunities to work on unique and exciting projects while developing their skills and shaping their career.

Some of our benefits include:

• Flexible work options
• Home technology set up with laptop and monitor
• Generous leave programs including 15 days life leave per year and paid parental leave
• A focus on growth and training - training days every quarter, a structured feedback and goal setting program and tailored learning and development experiences
• A work environment that aims to bring people together to celebrate both socially and culturally

Respectfully, we are not looking for any help from recruitment agencies with this role, and applications will need to address your experience/skill across the key performance areas.