Design and Innovation Director

Our client is a leading online platform transforming gifting with premium arrangements and a curated selection of gifts, including chocolates, cakes, and perfumes. Operating across 36 cities in the MENA region and the UK, they ensure same-day delivery with a refrigerated fleet, guaranteeing freshness and quality for every occasion.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a visionary Design and Innovation Director to lead creative excellence and innovation in product development within the gifting industry. This pivotal leadership role is designed to drive brand differentiation, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices across product lines. The Director will play a critical part in shaping the companys strategic objectives, including revenue growth, enhanced customer experiences, and embedding eco-friendly practices in product design and packaging.

This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, fostering innovation, and ensuring the alignment of design strategies with business goals. The ideal candidate will be an inspiring leader with a passion for creativity and sustainability, ready to make a significant impact on the company's market position and reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute innovative design strategies that align with business objectives, enhancing customer engagement and brand identity.
• Product Development: Lead the design and development of physical products, ensuring high standards of quality and market relevance.
• Sustainability: Drive eco-friendly practices in design and packaging to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations.
• Collaboration: Partner with category, marketing, and e-commerce teams to integrate design solutions that elevate the customer journey.
• Process Optimization: Establish and refine design processes to improve operational efficiency and support growth.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and inspire the creative team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Leadership Experience: Proven ability to lead design strategies that achieve market differentiation and operational excellence.
• Technical Expertise: At least 8 years of experience in design and innovation roles, a strong portfolio showcasing innovative product designs and packaging solutions, and proficiency in design tools and software are required.
• Sustainability Focus: Demonstrated experience in integrating eco-friendly practices into design and production processes.
• Creative Vision: A passion for innovation and customer-centric design, with a deep understanding of market trends.
• Industry Knowledge:Experience in the gifting, e-commerce, or retail industries is highly preferred.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to manage cross-departmental collaboration and articulate design concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• English Fluency: Strong verbal and written English skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. 

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Housing, transportation, and healthcare support.
• Generous annual leave policy.
• Leadership opportunities to drive innovation.
• Collaborative and supportive culture.
• Creative and innovative work environment.
• Flexible policies for work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional growth.