Lead Designer / Design Lead

Who We Are

Archetype UK is a passionate group of more than 80 PR, content, digital, design and web development specialists united by a shared commitment and belief that our work has a positive impact on the world we live in.

We are part of Archetype, 600 curious and creative individuals in 20 cities around the world. We are self-motivated communicators who are unafraid to break new ground with strategy, creative, and communications. Whilst our presence is global, our local market knowledge drives how we think, operate and deliver in-market, because our clients sit at the heart of everything we do. We celebrate ambition, curiosity and kindness.

Setting the standard for the next generation of global agencies, Archetype partners with category creators and industry leaders to build the world’s most magnetic brands. Brands people are attracted to. Brands with a unique position. Brands that effect change.

Role Overview:

We are looking for an ambitious Lead Designer / Design Lead with strong design fundamentals, a sharp eye for detail and working knowledge of AI and how to utilise as part of their day-to-day creative workflow - an important part of the role. This is a senior, hands-on role focused first on excellent design work, creative ownership and client impact, with a clear opportunity to grow into broader design leadership as the team develops.

This role will be joining a Design team of 3 and wider Digital team of 11.

Salary: £50k - £55k

As Lead Designer at Archetype, you will:

• Work closely with a team of three designers, contributing to a strong creative culture and helping the team do its best work.

• Remain close to the work yourself: shaping concepts, solving design problems, giving thoughtful direction and executing design across a range of client and agency projects.

• Take on increasing responsibility for mentoring, giving feedback and shaping how the team works

• Have real ownership and influence, working closely with clients and colleagues to turn complex B2B technology challenges into clear, compelling and high-quality design

• Help define what AI-native design looks like in an agency environment; an active interest in AI tools and emerging creative technology, who is willing to test new approaches, develop useful workflows and help the team use AI to improve speed, quality, experimentation and creative output

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience across the design tool kit such as Figma AI, ChatGPT, Codex, creative plugins and emerging design technologies

As Lead Designer at Archetype, you will bring:

• Exceptional portfolio demonstrating outstanding design craft, creative judgement, a clear point of view and attention to detail.

• A clear interest in B2B, technology, digital marketing or agency work.

• Strong creative judgement, curiosity and a practical understanding of how design gets delivered, with the confidence to move between strategy, execution, feedback and client conversations.

• Genuine enthusiasm for AI and emerging creative tools

• Curiosity in how design creates value for clients and the wider business, and willing to contribute to pitches, workshops or new opportunities as your confidence grows.

• A track record of taking ownership of design projects from concept through to delivery.

• Strong experience delivering high-quality design work in an agency, consultancy or in-house environment.

• Confidence in presenting design work, explaining rationale and responding to senior client feedback.

• Experience working across multiple formats and channels, with the ability to move from strategic thinking to detailed execution.

• Strong working knowledge of Figma and relevant Adobe Creative Cloud tools.

• A clear understanding of how design supports brand, marketing and commercial objectives.

• A proactive, self-starting attitude and the ability to create momentum without needing every step defined

How We Recruit At Archetype:

We embrace and celebrate diversity of every kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. All our candidates will undergo a series of Zoom interviews, both the process and our expectations will be explained in the initial screening call.

Important note: We are not accepting CVs from agencies at this time.