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Creative Design Director Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

DESIGN DIRECTOR LOCATION: TORONTO (HYBRID)TEAM ... CREATIVE, SALT XC LOCATION: TORONTO (HYBRID) COMPANY OVERVIEW Salt is a North American marketing ...

... creative excellence, technical expertise, and strong client-facing capabilities. The role involves guiding the design process from concept through construction, ensuring that all work is executed to ...

... creative excellence, technical expertise, and strong client-facing capabilities. The role involves guiding the design process from concept through construction, ensuring that all work is executed to ...

Creative Lead

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$69K - CA$129K/yr

Support resourcing and team allocation in partnership with Creative Directors * Drive standardization through templates, design systems, and modular creative approaches * Champion data-informed ...

Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and design innovation * Support creative ... days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement ...

Direct and assist with the production of all drawings and deliverables throughout all phases of ... A vibrant and creative workspace, set alongside a team of positive, hardworking, and supportive ...

Direct and assist with the production of all drawings and deliverables throughout all phases of ... A vibrant and creative workspace, set alongside a team of positive, hardworking, and supportive ...

Creative Lead

North York, ON

CA$70K - CA$76K/yr

This is not a UX/UI or product design role--it's an opportunity to lead the evolution of a bold ... Director, Marketing & CX * Graphic Designer * External Partners * Manager, Content Strategy

Posted today

Associate Creative Director, Art Who We Are Looking For VML is seeking an Associate Creative ... Direct campaign asset creation from a visual perspective, overseeing art direction, design ...

Associate Creative Director, Art Who We Are Looking For VML is seeking an Associate Creative ... Direct campaign asset creation from a visual perspective, overseeing art direction, design ...

Research style and trend elements, under the guidance of the Design Director. * CAD Creation for ... Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign). Knowledge, Skills and ...

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Creative Design Director information

See Toronto, ON salary details

$23.9K

$95.9K

$181.3K

How much do creative design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative design director in Toronto, ON is $95,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,646.00 and $128,835.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creative design director?

A Creative Design Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the visual and creative direction of projects within an organization. They lead design teams, develop creative strategies, and ensure that all visual communications align with the brand’s identity and business goals. Creative Design Directors often collaborate with marketing, product development, and executive teams to deliver cohesive and innovative designs. They combine artistic vision with leadership skills to inspire teams and deliver impactful results.

How does a creative design director typically collaborate with other departments to deliver cohesive brand experiences?

Creative Design Directors frequently work cross-functionally, partnering closely with marketing, product, and development teams to ensure design concepts align with overall business objectives. This collaboration often involves participating in strategy meetings, providing creative direction during project kick-offs, and offering feedback throughout the production process. By fostering open communication and sharing visual guidelines, Creative Design Directors help maintain consistent branding and drive innovative solutions that meet both user needs and business goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a creative design director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Design Director, you need extensive experience in visual design, branding, and project management, typically backed by a degree in design or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and familiarity with digital asset management systems are essential. Exceptional leadership, collaboration, and communication skills help you inspire teams and articulate creative vision to stakeholders. These competencies ensure the delivery of innovative, cohesive design solutions that align with business goals and client needs.

What is the difference between Creative Design Director vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative Design DirectorGraphic Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire creative projects, manages teams, sets design visionCreates visual content, executes design tasks based on briefs
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic thinking, advanced design skillsStrong graphic skills, proficiency in design software
Work EnvironmentCreative agencies, corporate marketing teams, large design firmsDesign studios, marketing departments, freelance work
CredentialsTypically a degree in design, art, or related field; extensive experienceDegree or certification in graphic design or related field

The main difference between a Creative Design Director and a Graphic Designer lies in scope and leadership. The Creative Design Director leads creative teams, sets strategic vision, and manages large projects, while the Graphic Designer focuses on executing specific visual tasks. Both roles require strong design skills, but the director position involves more oversight and strategic planning.

Are creative design directors paid well?

Creative design directors typically earn high salaries due to their leadership role in overseeing design teams and projects. Compensation varies by industry, experience, and location but generally includes a base salary plus bonuses and benefits, reflecting the seniority of the position.

Is there a demand for creative design directors?

The demand for creative design directors remains strong across industries such as advertising, media, and technology, as companies seek innovative visual branding and user experiences. Employment opportunities often require strong leadership skills, proficiency in design tools, and a portfolio demonstrating strategic vision, with growth driven by digital transformation and branding efforts.

What does a creative design director do in design?

A creative design director leads the visual and conceptual aspects of design projects, overseeing creative teams to develop innovative concepts that align with brand goals. They review and approve designs, set creative standards, and collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure the final product meets strategic objectives. Strong leadership, communication skills, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite are essential in this role.

What qualifications do I need to be a creative design director?

A creative design director typically needs a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual arts, or a related field, along with extensive experience in design and creative leadership. Strong skills in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, excellent communication, and project management abilities are also essential, often complemented by a portfolio demonstrating leadership in successful projects.

What job categories do people searching Creative Design Director jobs in Toronto, ON look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Design Director jobs in Toronto, ON are:

Infographic showing various Creative Design Director job openings in Toronto, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,926 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Design Director

SALT XC

Toronto, ON • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

ROLE: DESIGN DIRECTOR
LOCATION: TORONTO (HYBRID)TEAM:
 CREATIVE, SALT XC 
LOCATION: TORONTO (HYBRID) 

COMPANY OVERVIEW 

Salt is a North American marketing agency that creates connected experiences through creative, digital & media innovation. 

Our mission is to "Earn the World's Attention," and Salt is built to find, develop, execute, and amplify the ideas that matter to our clients' audiences. We are structured to do what's right for our clients - connecting perspectives, operating across mediums, and ensuring meaningful, effective creative solutions. 

We live the values in our name. "Salt of the Earth" reflects how we work: collaborative, humble, and hard-working. We believe talent and culture create great work - so we're looking for people who are as smart as they are kind. 

ROLE OVERVIEW 

As a Design Director at SALT XC, you are an expert craftsperson and emerging creative leader who drives design excellence across digital, social, experiential, and brand-led projects. You combine hands-on design mastery with the ability to guide others, owning key workstreams and ensuring the quality, clarity, and consistency of every creative output. 

You translate strategy into thoughtful visual solutions, elevate concepts through refined execution, and collaborate closely with Creative Directors, Strategists, and cross-functional partners. You are a trusted partner in bringing creative ideas to life - ensuring design systems, brand standards, and visual storytelling are executed at the highest level. 

This role is ideal for someone who is ready to step into larger leadership responsibilities while still deeply connected to craft and creation. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

Brand-Aware Design Systems & Execution 

  • Develop and refine brand-aligned design systems that support consistency and creative impact across channels. 
  • Translate brand guidelines into scalable frameworks, toolkits, and templates for use by the broader creative team. 
  • Lead day-to-day design execution for key projects, ensuring outputs meet creative expectations, brand standards, and production-ready requirements. 
  • Provide guidance and feedback to Designers and Senior Designers; support quality control across visual deliverables. 
  • Collaborate with Associate Design Directors and Creative Directors to evolve visual approaches, design processes, and creative methodologies. 

Presentation & Stakeholder Communication 

  • Present design work and visual rationale with confidence to internal teams and client stakeholders. 
  • Lead internal reviews for assigned workstreams, offering clear, actionable feedback rooted in design principles and strategic objectives. 
  • Work collaboratively across Account, Strategy, Production, and Creative to ensure alignment on objectives, timelines, and deliverables. 
  • Support strong communication channels between creative and client teams, reinforcing clarity of vision and consistent expectations. 

Strategic Design Thinking 

  • Transform insights, briefs, and brand positioning into breakthrough design concepts that drive connection and engagement. 
  • Contribute to ideation sessions, bringing fresh visual thinking while staying connected to audience, brand, and business goals. 
  • Partner with Strategy and Creative leadership to ensure design thinking is integrated early in concept development. 
  • Encourage a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and problem-solving within the design team. 

Visual Craft & Attention to Detail 

  • Set a high bar for design craft, acting as a go-to expert in typography, layout, composition, motion, and visual storytelling. 
  • Maintain hands-on involvement in high-impact deliverables that require elevated design precision. 
  • Ensure files and deliverables are production-ready, accurate, and optimized for digital, print, and experiential outputs. 
  • Stay immersed in design innovation, AI tools, production techniques, and industry trends to introduce new thinking to the team. 

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS 

  • 10+ years of professional design experience in digital, social, brand, and/or experiential design. 
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, design excellence, and multi-channel versatility. 
  • Proven ability to take ownership of design execution with precision, creativity, and strategic alignment. 
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); familiarity with motion or AI-driven tools is an asset. 
  • Strong communicator with experience presenting creative to clients and internal stakeholders. 
  • Experience mentoring or guiding junior designers, with an interest in growing leadership skills. 
  • Post-secondary degree or diploma in Graphic, Communication, Packaging, or related design field preferred. 

PERKS & BENEFITS THAT SET US APART  

We don't just talk about balance, growth, and culture, we build for it:  

  • Work-Life Flexibility: Hybrid setup, up to 28 paid days off, winter holiday shutdowns, and dog-friendly office vibes.  
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Health, dental, and vision plans, plus Salt Bucks to spend on what matters to you-wellness, RRSPs, or extra time off.  
  • Growth-Driven Culture: Dedicated Salt Days, top-tier learning access, and formal leadership development.  
  • Celebration-First Mentality: Legendary team trips, seasonal socials, and Salt Swag that reps your squad.  
  • Real Rewards: Referral and new business bonuses, exclusive lifestyle perks, and personalized wellness options.  
  • Culture of Belonging: DEI programs, active ERGs, and a workplace where every voice counts.  

WHAT WE STAND FOR  

  • Salt of the Earth: We lead with humility, honesty, and heart-always.  
  • Do What's Right: No shortcuts. We choose integrity over ease, every time.  
  • Earn Your Salt: We roll up our sleeves, chase results, and celebrate the journey.  
  • Make Things Better: We're solution-seekers, always pushing for smarter ways forward.  
  • Seek Different Perspectives: Diversity fuels our thinking. Inclusion drives our impact.  

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $100,000-$125,000. Individual compensation within this range is determined based on job-related factors such as experience, skills, level of responsibility, internal equity, and business needs. This range represents the expected base salary for this role and does not include other elements of SALT's total rewards program. 
Salt XC is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting and retaining the most qualified employees regardless of race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age or disability.