Group head - design

Location: Bengaluru (on-site) Please note: This is an on-site role. We are not considering remote or hybrid applications for this position. The role requires close collaboration with the design team and other departments to ensure quality and timely delivery of work. About The Leaf The Leaf is a creative agency working across branding, social media, content, design, film and digital experiences. We partner with startups, challenger brands and established businesses to build brands that create impact. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a Design Group Head who can lead the design function with a strong focus on quality, accountability and execution. The Role We are looking for a Design Group Head to lead the design team and be responsible for the overall quality and delivery of creative work across the agency. This role requires someone who can balance creative excellence with operational rigour. The ideal candidate will be hands-on when required, capable of managing a team, solving problems proactively and ensuring work is delivered on time without compromising on quality. More than a strong designer, we are looking for someone who takes ownership and has a genuine stake in the success of the team, the clients and the agency. Key Responsibilities Creative Leadership Maintain and elevate the quality of creative output across all brands and projects. Guide teams through concept development, campaign ideation and execution. Review work regularly and provide constructive feedback. Ensure all creative output aligns with client objectives and brand strategy. Team Management Lead, mentor and develop the design team. Conduct regular reviews and support individual growth plans. Build a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Identify resource gaps and support hiring and team development when required. Delivery & Operations Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines. Work closely with Client Services, Copy, Social Media and Production teams to ensure smooth execution. Anticipate bottlenecks and resolve issues before they impact delivery. Drive better planning, prioritisation and workflow management across the team. Quality Control Act as the final quality check for key deliverables. Ensure consistency in design standards, visual language and brand application. Maintain high attention to detail across all outputs. Process & Systems Strengthen internal design processes and ways of working. Improve efficiency without compromising creative standards. Help build systems that enable the team to scale effectively. Requirements 7+ years of experience in a creative, branding or advertising agency environment. Previous experience managing and leading a design team. Strong portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and high-quality creative work. Excellent understanding of branding, digital design, social media and campaign development. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. What We Are Looking For Someone who takes ownership instead of waiting for direction. Someone who is invested in outcomes, not just deliverables. Someone who can hold teams accountable while creating a positive and supportive culture. Someone who understands that quality and timelines are equally important. Someone who can think commercially and understand the larger business impact of creative work. Someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved when needed. Evaluation CriteriaCandidates will be evaluated on: Creative and strategic thinking Leadership and people management capabilities Ownership and accountability Ability to manage quality and timelines Problem-solving and decision-making skills Portfolio and body of work Why Join The LeafThis is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing agency and help shape the future of the design function. You will have the autonomy to build teams, improve systems, influence creative standards and make a meaningful impact on the agency's growth. .