Design Director, Embedded Creative Studio (Remote)

🌍 Remote, USA 🎯 Full-time 🕐 Posted Recently

Job Description

Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Embedded Creative Studio

Company: OLIVER Agency - North America

Location: San Francisco, CA (Remote - North America)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: February 19, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Lead and elevate a high-output, AI-native creative studio embedded within a major B2B tech client's global brand team.
Drive creative excellence and operational rigor, ensuring flawless execution of campaigns, brand systems, and creative playbooks across various channels and formats at scale.
Act as a brand guardian, maintaining the client's exacting standards and vision across all deliverables, from flagship moments to localized assets.
Foster a culture of craft, innovation, and continuous learning within a multi-disciplinary creative team, leveraging cutting-edge GenAI technology.

Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid leadership and hands-on creative position, focusing on scaling creative output for a large B2B tech client through an embedded studio model. The emphasis on "AI-native" and "GenAI technology stack" indicates a forward-thinking approach to creative production, requiring a leader who can balance traditional design principles with emergent AI capabilities for efficiency and innovation. The "embedded" nature suggests deep integration with the client's internal team and operations.

Lead and Empower Creative Teams: Direct and mentor a multi-level team of creatives, developing their skills, sharpening their output, and fostering a culture of craft, excellence, and collaboration.
Hands-on Creative Contribution: Actively contribute to concepting, build on ideas, and execute creative work alongside the team, serving as both a strategic thinker and a doer.
Ensure Creative Quality and Brand Integrity: Manage, review, and audit all creative work to ensure it meets the client's exacting standards, acting as the final quality check before delivery.
Serve as Brand Guardian: Ensure all design collateral is authentic, on-brand, and faithfully adheres to the client's guidelines, voice, and vision across all regions, channels, and formats.
Drive Operational Efficiency and Scale: Organize and prioritize workloads effectively in a high-volume environment, staying nimble to adapt to shifting demands and increasing urgency, particularly in leveraging GenAI for scaling.
Client Service and Relationship Management: Partner closely with OLIVER Business Directors and client leadership to ensure seamless client service, manage timelines, and deliver an exceptional client experience.
Process Improvement and Capability Building: Facilitate continuous learning, manage knowledge sharing, and improve processes to level up team skills and enhance overall studio efficiency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work actively with account leads, client creative directors, producers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and seamless execution.

Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual focus on creative leadership and operational execution. The mention of "GenAI tech stack," "scaling their vision," and "future-state of global studio expansion" highlights the strategic importance of leveraging technology for efficiency and growth. The role requires a leader who can not only inspire but also actively participate in the creative process and manage complex client relationships within an embedded model.

Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Minimum of 10+ years of experience in design, with a significant portion in leadership roles (e.g., Art Director, Creative Director, Design Manager).
Proven track record of leading and mentoring creative teams, fostering high-performing environments, and elevating creative output.
Extensive experience managing creative projects from brief to final delivery, ensuring quality and brand consistency.
Experience working within an agency setting or in-house creative studio, ideally with large-scale B2B or tech clients.
Demonstrated experience with brand guardianship and maintaining strict brand guidelines.

Creative Direction & Leadership: Ability to set creative vision, inspire teams, and drive high-quality creative output.
Brand Guardianship: Deep understanding of brand identity systems, guidelines, and the ability to ensure consistent application.
Operational Rigor: Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize workloads, and ensure efficient delivery.
AI-Native Mindset & Discerning Eye: Aptitude for leveraging AI tools (GenAI) to enhance craft and accelerate delivery, coupled with impeccable creative judgment and taste.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively partner with internal teams, client leadership, and other stakeholders.
Quality Assurance: Proactive approach to reviewing and auditing creative work, identifying potential issues, and course-correcting before delivery.
Creative Execution: Willingness and ability to be hands-on in concepting and executing creative deliverables.

Fluency or strong curiosity in how AI can be leveraged in creative production.
Experience with B2B technology marketing or brands.
Familiarity with global brand rollouts and localization processes.
Experience managing remote or distributed creative teams.
Strong understanding of various creative formats (digital, social, print, video, etc.).

Enhancement Note: The "AI-Native Mindset" is a critical differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they integrate AI tools into their creative process, focusing on augmentation rather than replacement of human craft. The role requires not just creative vision but also the operational acumen to manage a high-volume, embedded studio serving a major client like ServiceNow.

Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

A strong portfolio showcasing a range of high-quality creative work, demonstrating leadership in concept development, execution, and brand consistency.
Examples of projects that highlight the ability to scale creative assets across different regions, channels, and formats.
Case studies or project examples that illustrate experience in managing creative teams, driving quality, and ensuring brand guardianship.
Demonstrations of how you have improved creative processes, workflow efficiency, or team capabilities.

Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for managing creative workflows, from brief intake to final delivery.
Demonstrate experience in establishing and maintaining quality assurance processes for creative output.
Ability to articulate how you would implement and optimize processes within an embedded studio, particularly leveraging AI tools for efficiency and scale.
Examples of how you have documented or improved creative processes to enhance team performance and client satisfaction.

Enhancement Note: The portfolio should not only showcase creative talent but also the candidate's ability to lead, manage, and optimize creative operations. Given the "AI-native" aspect, portfolios that demonstrate innovative uses of technology to achieve creative goals or improve efficiency will be highly valued. The focus is on demonstrating how work gets done, not just the final output.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The job description mentions that the listed salary is only one component of the total compensation package, implying additional benefits are provided.
While specific benefits are not detailed, standard offerings for a role at this level and company type often include:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.
Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Professional development opportunities and training.
Potential for performance-based bonuses or equity.

40 hours per week. The role is described as a "high-volume environment" requiring flexibility and the ability to organize and prioritize workloads effectively, especially around tight deadlines.

Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and aligns with senior creative leadership roles in major North American markets. The mention of "total compensation package" suggests a comprehensive benefits structure. The "high-volume environment" and need for nimbleness imply that while the standard work week is 40 hours, there may be expectations for occasional extended hours to meet client demands.

Team & Company Context

Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising / Creative Services / Technology (leveraging AI)

Company Size: OLIVER is part of The Brandtech Group, which partners with over 300 clients in 40+ countries. While OLIVER's specific size isn't stated, The Brandtech Group's global reach indicates a significant and growing organization. The embedded studio model suggests a dedicated team operating closely with the client.

Founded: OLIVER was established in 2004.

The role leads an "embedded, ai-native creative studio" for ServiceNow, operating as a "seamless extension of the client's internal global brand team."
The team is multi-disciplinary, comprising creatives whose skills will be developed and directed by the Design Director.
The Design Director will partner closely with the OLIVER Business Director, indicating a dual leadership structure within the embedded studio.

AI-Velocity & Craft: The studio's core methodology is the combination of advanced AI technology for speed and efficiency with high creative craft and quality.
Scalability: A key focus is on scaling creative vision and production to meet the needs of a global B2B tech brand.
Embedded Model: Operations are designed to function as an integral part of the client's internal team, ensuring deep understanding and seamless integration.
Data-Driven Creativity: While not explicitly stated, the partnership with a tech company like ServiceNow and the use of AI suggests an approach that values data insights to inform creative strategy and execution.

Company Website: https://oliver.agency/

Enhancement Note: OLIVER's unique model of building in-house agencies aims to bring creativity and efficiency closer to the brand. The integration with The Brandtech Group emphasizes a forward-looking approach, particularly with AI. The embedded studio concept for a major client like ServiceNow suggests a high-stakes, fast-paced environment where operational excellence is as critical as creative output.

Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or Head of Creative within an embedded studio. It requires a blend of creative vision, team management, operational oversight, and client relationship skills.

The Design Director will likely report to an OLIVER Business Director or equivalent senior leader within the OLIVER/Brandtech Group structure responsible for the client account.
They will directly manage a team of creatives (designers, potentially copywriters, art directors, etc.).

The Design Director's impact is centered on scaling creative production for a leading B2B tech brand, directly influencing brand perception, campaign effectiveness, and marketing efficiency.
By ensuring quality and speed, they contribute to the client's ability to execute global marketing initiatives effectively and efficiently.

Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a broader leadership role within OLIVER or The Brandtech Group, overseeing multiple embedded studios or expanding the scope of the current studio.
Strategic Influence: Opportunity to influence the strategic direction of creative production for a major global brand and shape the future of AI-driven creative services.
Skill Development: Deepen expertise in AI-driven creative tools, B2B tech marketing, and managing high-performance, distributed creative teams.
Cross-Organizational Learning: Gain insights from working within a large client organization (ServiceNow) and a global agency network (The Brandtech Group).

Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career advancement by leading a critical, high-visibility embedded studio for a major tech client. The emphasis on AI and scalability positions the candidate at the forefront of evolving creative operations. Growth potential is likely tied to successful client delivery and the expansion of OLIVER's embedded studio model.

Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position within North America. While the core team operates remotely, occasional travel may be required. The "embedded" nature means the team functions as an extension of the client's internal structure, suggesting a collaborative and integrated work style despite the physical distance.

Office Location(s):

Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, the role demands strong collaboration, requiring effective use of digital communication and project management tools to maintain seamless team and client interaction.
Technology Focus: The team will utilize a "GenAI tech stack," implying a modern, digitally-driven workspace equipped with relevant software and platforms for creative production, collaboration, and project management.
Integration: The work environment is characterized by deep integration with the client's internal brand team, requiring agility and responsiveness.

Standard 40 hours per week, but the "high-volume environment" and "flex with the pace" requirements suggest that adaptability and willingness to work outside standard hours may be necessary to meet deadlines and client demands.

Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role necessitates strong self-discipline and excellent digital communication skills. The "embedded" aspect means the candidate must be adept at integrating into a client's culture and workflows, even remotely. The emphasis on AI tools suggests a forward-thinking, technology-centric work environment.

Application & Portfolio Review Process

Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the candidate's resume and portfolio, focusing on leadership experience, creative quality, and AI integration.
Creative Leadership Interview: Discussion focused on leadership philosophy, team management style, creative vision, and experience driving quality in a high-volume environment.
Portfolio Review & Case Study: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, potentially including a presentation of specific case studies demonstrating their ability to lead creative teams, manage brands, and leverage technology (AI) for scale and efficiency.
Client/Stakeholder Simulation: May involve scenarios or discussions simulating interaction with client leadership or internal stakeholders to assess collaboration and client service skills.
Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership from OLIVER/The Brandtech Group to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and long-term potential.

Showcase Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, mentoring creatives, and driving the overall creative direction.
Highlight Brand Guardianship: Provide examples of how you've maintained brand integrity across diverse projects and channels.
Demonstrate AI Integration: If possible, include projects where you've experimented with or implemented AI tools to enhance creative output or workflow efficiency. Explain the rationale and the impact.
Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the success of your work – e.g., increased efficiency, campaign performance, scale of production.
Focus on Process: Be prepared to discuss your creative process, quality assurance methods, and how you manage team workflows.

Candidates may be asked to present a creative strategy for a hypothetical campaign or solve a problem related to scaling creative output for a B2B tech brand.
Be ready to discuss how you would approach building and leading an "AI-native" creative studio.
Prepare to articulate your vision for maintaining creative excellence while maximizing speed and volume.

Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily weigh the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their leadership philosophy and operational approach. Demonstrating a clear understanding of how to integrate AI into creative workflows while upholding craft and brand standards will be crucial.

Tools & Technology Stack

Creative Suite: Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro) is standard.
Prototyping/Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD are likely used for design and collaboration.
AI & GenAI Tools: Specific tools are not named but will be central to the workflow. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with generative AI platforms for image creation, text generation, ideation, or asset adaptation.
Project Management: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for workflow management and task tracking.
Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for daily communication.
Digital Asset Management (DAM): Systems for storing, organizing, and retrieving creative assets.

Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) to understand campaign performance and inform creative.

While not a direct CRM role, understanding how creative assets feed into marketing automation platforms and CRM systems is beneficial.

Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard creative software is assumed. The critical differentiator will be the candidate's practical experience and strategic thinking regarding the integration of AI and GenAI tools into the creative production pipeline. This is a core requirement for the "AI-native" aspect of the studio.

Team Culture & Values

Ambitious to succeed: A drive for achieving ambitious goals and delivering impactful results.
Imaginative: A commitment to pushing creative boundaries and exploring innovative solutions, especially with AI.
Inspirational: Fostering an environment that motivates teams to produce groundbreaking work.
Always learning and listening: Embracing continuous learning, staying curious about new technologies (AI), and actively seeking feedback.
Results-focused: Prioritizing the delivery of measurable outcomes and exceeding expectations.
Actively pro-inclusive and anti-racist: Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.

Seamless Integration: The embedded model requires a highly collaborative style, functioning as an extension of the client team.
Cross-functional Partnership: Working closely with account managers, client leadership, producers, and project managers to ensure alignment and smooth execution.
Constructive Feedback: Openness to giving and receiving feedback to continuously improve creative quality and processes.
Agile and Responsive: Adapting quickly to client needs and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize ambition, innovation, and a results-oriented approach, balanced with a strong commitment to learning, inclusivity, and collaboration. The "AI-Native" and "Imaginative" values directly tie into the core methodology of the studio.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Balancing AI and Craft: Effectively integrating GenAI tools to accelerate production without compromising creative quality or brand authenticity.
Scaling Creative Output: Meeting the high-volume demands of a global B2B tech leader while maintaining meticulous quality control.
Managing Remote Teams: Ensuring cohesive team dynamics, effective collaboration, and consistent output from a distributed creative team.
Client Integration: Deeply embedding the studio within the client's structure and culture while maintaining OLIVER's operational standards.
Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying ahead of the curve with AI advancements and adapting the studio's processes accordingly.

AI in Creative Production: Becoming a leader in the application of AI for creative services, with hands-on experience in cutting-edge tools.
B2B Tech Marketing: Gaining deep expertise in the marketing and branding strategies of a leading global technology company.
Embedded Studio Operations: Developing skills in managing and scaling bespoke in-house agencies.
Leadership Development: Opportunities for advanced leadership training and mentorship within The Brandtech Group.
Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry events or conferences focused on creative technology, AI, and marketing.

Enhancement Note: The primary challenge revolves around the innovative integration of AI into a creative workflow that serves a major client. Success in this role offers significant growth by positioning the candidate as a leader in the next wave of creative production.

Interview Preparation

"How would you build and lead an 'AI-native' creative studio that balances speed with exceptional craft?"
"Describe your approach to ensuring brand consistency across a high volume of creative assets for a global brand like ServiceNow."
"How do you manage and motivate a multi-disciplinary creative team, especially in a remote setting?"
"Walk us through your process for leading creative reviews and ensuring quality from brief to delivery."

"What do you know about OLIVER's embedded studio model and The Brandtech Group's focus on AI?"
"How do you align with OLIVER's values of being Ambitious, Imaginative, Inspirational, Always learning, Results-focused, and Pro-inclusive?"

Focus on Leadership: Clearly articulate your role and impact in each project, emphasizing team leadership and strategic decision-making.
Showcase Process: Explain your creative process, including how you managed challenges, collaborated with stakeholders, and ensured quality.
Highlight AI Integration (if applicable): If you have relevant examples, demonstrate how you've used technology or AI to achieve specific outcomes. Discuss the benefits and any learnings.
Quantify Results: Use data and metrics to support the success of your projects, demonstrating ROI or efficiency gains.
Brand Consistency: Provide examples that clearly show your ability to adhere to and elevate brand standards.

Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss both your creative vision and your operational capabilities. Demonstrating a proactive, problem-solving mindset and a clear understanding of how to leverage AI for scalable, high-quality creative output will be key to success.

Application Steps

Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
Tailor your Resume: Highlight leadership experience, creative direction, team management, brand guardianship, and any experience with AI/GenAI tools or high-volume creative production. Quantify achievements where possible.
Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your best creative leadership work. Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage teams, drive quality, maintain brand consistency, and ideally, leverage technology for efficiency. Be ready to discuss your process and impact.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Review common interview questions related to creative leadership, team management, operational processes, and AI integration in creative workflows. Practice articulating your approach with specific examples.
Research OLIVER and ServiceNow: Understand OLIVER's unique embedded studio model and The Brandtech Group's focus on AI. Research ServiceNow's brand and marketing efforts to demonstrate your understanding of their business and audience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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