Creative & Strategic Standards
· You exhibit mastery over the core tenants of your craft; design systems, typography, art direction and graphic design. You are constantly curious and eager to advance your skills and that of the team
· You have a strong portfolio showcasing distinctive, high-quality work with clear strategic intent
· With input from the Design Director and Creative Director, you take the lead—demonstrating exceptional creativity, intellect, and strategic thinking. You approach problem-solving with confidence, effectiveness, and a keen eye for detail
· You have a great understanding of the client’s strategic needs and the objectives set by the Client Services & Strategy team. Beyond the brief, you proactively identify key strategic design insights that sharpen your creative approach
· You think in terms of the “big idea,” while ensuring exceptional execution. With a strong grasp of brand identity within a broader brand world, you conceptualise and deliver innovative design thinking for both global and local clients
· Curious and forward-thinking, you seek out new ways to evolve brands—staying ahead of trends, insights, and emerging engagement strategies. You understand how brands connect
with consumers across the full brand experience and translate that understanding into groundbreaking work
· As a confident and articulate communicator, you represent Elmwood and its creative excellence. You are able to clearly express complex ideas and boil down your design decisions to easily understandable and compelling language
Client & Team Relationships
· You are able to establish and nurture strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and industry networks, to drive collaboration and long-term success
· You are always staying abreast of current trends and are working to build a trusted network of expert creatives—illustrators, photographers, printers, and more —to elevate project outcomes with the right talent and inspire the team with new ideas and approaches
· You demonstrate confidence in negotiation and communication, effectively engaging with both peers and clients to align expectations and achieve the best results
· Can deliver compelling presentations, articulating conceptual ideas with clarity and impact to inspire both internal teams and clients
· You excel in both collaborative team settings, fully understanding your roles and responsibilities,
while also working independently with the guidance of the Design Director
· You are involved in mentoring junior team members and play a key role in next generation of talent, partnering with colleges to shape the future of talent within the agency
· Collaboration with other departments, such as strategy and client services, is a priority for you, ensuring that creative strategies align with and actively support our broader business goals