Design Director

VML • Detroit, MI

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

VML Detroit is seeking an award-winning Design Director to serve as the visual lead across a major automotive account. In this role, you will elevate both big-picture brand storytelling and day-to-day creative output across all workstreams, including Brand, Retail, and Services. You will maintain graphic standards while pushing visual boundaries across global campaigns, retail communications, and digital touchpoints for an iconic American brand. You are a hands-on leader skilled in brand design, digital experiences, motion graphics, and next-gen AI video generation. Partnering closely with creative teams, you will oversee visual quality across all deliverables to ensure exceptional craft. You must bring strong presentation skills, a passion for mentoring, and hands-on experience building case studies, award submissions, and executive pitch decks.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7+ years specializing in visual design, brand design, and art direction within a progressive, top-tier creative agency or global design studio.
• An award-winning portfolio featuring iconic work and absolute mastery of craft, typography, brand identity systems, motion design, and digital experiences.
• Hands-on expertise in design applications (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects/motion software) and demonstrated experience using or directing next-gen AI image and video generation tools.
• Proven experience overseeing visual work across diverse brand touchpoints, including brand campaigns, retail, and financial services divisions.
• Demonstrated track record of upholding, evolving, and maintaining brand graphic standards across large-scale accounts.
• Proven ability to build and deliver compelling presentations, award show submissions, and case studies.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills to articulate design decisions clearly and confidently to executive clients and internal partners.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and mentorship abilities to inspire a multi-disciplinary creative department.

Nice To Haves

• Visual Master & Master Typographer: Exceptional eye for visual aesthetics, layout, grid systems, and typography. Sees design as a fundamental storytelling tool and has a proven track record of creating iconic visual work on a global scale. Fluent in static, interactive, and motion design, with an active mastery or deep exploration of emerging technologies like AI video generation.
• Hands-On Leader & Craft Obsessor: Rolls up sleeves and leads by example. Obsessed with the details, from pixel-perfect UI and motion keyframes to brand guidelines and production fidelity, ensuring that both high-profile campaign work and daily retail assets maintain an award-winning standard of craft.
• Inspiring Storyteller & Presenter: Excels at presenting design concepts, building persuasive pitch decks, and crafting compelling case studies that win awards and executive buy-in. Has an infectious passion for design that motivates creative teams to take risks, innovate, and produce career-defining work.

Responsibilities

• Lead design territories and set the visual benchmark for major brand campaigns from concept through final execution.
• Be directly hands-on in crafting visual languages, brand systems, advanced typography, motion graphics, and leveraging next-gen AI video generation tools to explore cutting-edge concepts.
• Oversee all creative output across various account workstreams (including Retail and Automotive Financial Services), ensuring strict adherence to graphic standards while continually elevating the overall look and feel.
• Partner closely with workstream leads to integrate visual storytelling seamlessly across every channel.
• Inspire the team to push creative boundaries, explore innovative visual techniques, and raise the bar on daily output.
• Lead the design of award show case studies, agency reels, and high-stakes executive presentations that showcase our best work on a global stage.
• Serve as a trusted visual design authority for internal leadership and senior client partners.
• Articulate complex design choices with authority and clarity, advocate for visual innovation, and champion design excellence across every brief.
• Assist with recruitment, portfolio screening, and mentoring senior and mid-level design talent.

Benefits

• Hybrid approach with teams in the office an average of four days a week.
• Equal opportunity employer.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of respect where everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed