Associate Design Director • Mid-Level

Who you are

You have a strong background in design and a proven track record of leading creative teams — your experience allows you to approach every project with fresh eyes, avoiding familiar solutions and inspiring distinctive, effective work. You understand the principles of innovative digital communications, interface design, and interaction design, and you are adept at executing these principles in your projects. Your leadership style is collaborative, and you thrive in environments where you can mentor and inspire your colleagues to achieve their best work.

You possess excellent communication skills and can articulate your vision clearly to both your team and clients — this ability helps you build strong relationships and foster a culture of creativity and innovation. You are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and can adapt to changing project requirements while maintaining a focus on quality and impact. Your entrepreneurial spirit drives you to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of design.

What you'll do

As the Associate Design Director at AKQA, you will set the creative direction for projects from discovery to launch and beyond, ensuring ongoing optimization and quality. You will lead by example, inspiring your team to create world-class solutions that meet the needs of both Japanese and overseas markets. Your role will involve collaborating closely with client teams to deliver high-quality experiences that have a measurable impact on customer engagement and business outcomes.

You will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing innovative design strategies that align with client goals — your strategic thinking will guide the creative process and help your team navigate complex challenges. You will also play a key role in mentoring junior designers, providing guidance and support to help them grow in their careers. Your leadership will be crucial in fostering a collaborative environment where creativity can flourish.

What we offer

At AKQA, you will be part of a dynamic and globally-minded team that values creativity and innovation. We offer a supportive work environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact on the projects you work on. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, contributing to the creation of world-class digital experiences. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every requirement, as we value diverse perspectives and backgrounds.