Design Lead

Akcelo is an award-winning, independent brand experience agency founded in 2019, with 200+ staff across offices in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia. We build brands for the experience era with in‑house capabilities that span strategy, creativity, production, technology, and innovation – delivering unique experiences across the full customer journey.

As our North American presence continues to grow, our Vancouver team is looking for a Design Lead to bring bold ideas to life, elevate design craft, and help push the creative standard across everything we touch—from brand identity to campaigns, digital experiences, and activations.

About the Role

As Design Lead, you’ll be at the forefront of our creative work – guiding design projects from concept through execution and ensuring every output is both strategically grounded and visually exceptional. You’ll work closely with our Creative Directors, Copywriters, Strategists, and Producers to bring ideas to life across content, digital, social, experiential, and traditional platforms.

You’re someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, creatively ambitious environment. You bring strong design instincts, a sharp eye for craft, and the leadership to guide and mentor other designers. You’re hands‑on, solutions‑focused, and know how to bring energy and clarity to every brief.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Leadership & Execution

• Lead the design direction across key projects, ensuring a high level of conceptual thinking and executional craft
• Own visual storytelling across a wide range of outputs: brand identity, campaign design, social content, OOH, presentations, and experiential environments
• Collaborate closely with creative, strategy, and production teams to develop ideas and bring them to life with clarity and impact
• Champion fresh thinking, pushing the boundaries of traditional design solutions
• Level up the creative output and innovative approach to present to our global leading clients

Team & Project Guidance

• Provide day‑to‑day design leadership, helping guide the work of junior and mid‑weight designers
• Help shape and refine design processes to improve output and efficiency across the team
• Participate in creative reviews, offering constructive feedback that elevates the work
• Lead by example in setting a standard for design thinking, experimentation, and polish
• Drive thought leadership on design and motion craft in the office, pushing boundaries for what’s possible

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Contribute and lead creative presentations and confidently articulate design rationale to internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure work remains on‑brief, on‑brand, and on‑time—supporting the agency’s commitment to excellence and accountability
• Collaborate with producers and account leads to help scope design deliverables and estimate timing effectively
• Ability to present to senior level client stakeholders with confidence and strategic consideration to your designs

The Must‑Haves

• 8+ years of professional design experience, with proven leadership in a fast‑paced agency or studio environment
• A portfolio that demonstrates strong conceptual thinking, technical skill, and taste across brand, campaign, and digital design
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma; motion or 3D design skills are a bonus
• Deep knowledge of design systems, typography, composition, and layout across both digital and print formats
• Clear communicator with the ability to present ideas and feedback effectively
• Comfortable managing multiple projects and timelines while maintaining quality and attention to detail, working both independently and collaboratively, in a fast paced environment
• Passion for mentoring and growing junior talent within a collaborative, ego‑free team
• Curious, culturally aware, and always pushing to explore new trends, tools, and technologies with a deep understanding of the latest AI design tools

Benefits & Perks

• 4 weeks vacation + personal/sick days
• Global work exchange opportunities (Sydney, Vancouver, London, or remote)
• Team travel and collaboration across North America
• Opportunities for growth, recognition, and creative leadership

But Why Apply?

Over the last five years we smashed the ceilings created by established agencies and created some larger than life campaigns, innovative retail‑tech solutions, threw some epic events, and besides happy clients, we took home the B&T Emerging Agency of the Year, Mumbrella’s Experiential Agency of the Year, and a number of APAC Effies. And we are just getting started. You see, we believe in magic, and value the genuine, the experimental, the limitless, and the imaginative. We make, break and build things, without the fear of failure, and we share our time and our talents. If that is something that excites you too, we want to hear from you!

Our team works collaboratively in the office 4 days/week, work from anywhere Wednesdays, and travel within the US and Canada. We offer a competitive benefits package, including 4 weeks vacation, personal/sick days, and a global advantage where after your workplace anniversary, we provide opportunities to work for a week from our Sydney, Australia office; Vancouver, Canada office; or from wherever you want to tack on to your personal travel plans!

Akcelo is committed to nurturing, creating and building a diverse environment. We encourage all applications from diverse backgrounds, identities, beliefs and abilities to apply for this or any role with us. If you resonate with the above, send in your CV, and let’s explore this journey together!