📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head of Design – Brand Creative
🔹 Company: eBay
🔹 Location: Austin, Texas, United States (with remote flexibility)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Design
🔹 Date Posted: August 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading and managing the creative development process for U.S. brand marketing across multiple verticals.
- Overseeing a team of designers and ACDs, providing mentorship and support.
- Collaborating with various departments to align creative work with strategic business goals.
- Guiding the development of coordinated campaigns across brand awareness, social, editorial, CRM, performance marketing, and experiential activations.
- Elevating design thinking throughout the organization and fostering a collaborative team environment.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and creative leader who can balance brand building with data-driven optimization, with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative, customer-first creative across channels and categories.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and manage the end-to-end creative development process for U.S. brand marketing, across verticals such as Fashion, Collectibles, Luxury, Electronics, and beyond.
✅ Set the creative vision and design standards across the team, ensuring consistency, excellence, taste, brand and creative strategy, and innovation across all customer touchpoints.
✅ Oversee a team of designers and ACDs, providing mentorship, feedback, and support to help each vertical bring its brand to life with impact and clarity.
✅ Collaborate closely with Marketing, Merchandising, Category Management, Product, and Executive partners to align creative work with strategic business goals.
✅ Guide the development of coordinated campaigns that span brand awareness, social, editorial, CRM, performance marketing, and experiential activations.
✅ Act as the primary design leader for internal and external agency relationships, ensuring strong briefing, strategic alignment, and creative quality across all workstreams.
✅ Shape and evolve brand expression across media formats including digital video, display, paid and organic social, email, landing pages, and events.
✅ Elevate design thinking throughout the organization, instilling a culture of craft, curiosity, and customer-centered storytelling.
✅ Monitor performance insights, category trends, and customer feedback to inform design strategy and creative evolution.
✅ Represent the Creative team in senior-level conversations and cross-functional planning; help define future team structure, hiring needs, and growth areas.
✅ Foster a team environment that is both professional and collaborative. Shape stewards of the brand through your leadership, ensuring that our partners experience consistent, confident communication and constructive creative dialogue across all engagements.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of category-specific storytelling, with a focus on fashion, collectibles, sneakers, and luxury. The ideal candidate will have experience leading multi-disciplinary or design teams across campaign development, brand storytelling, and performance content.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Design, Art Direction, Communication, or related field preferred.
Experience: 10+ years of creative leadership experience, including at least 4 years in a senior design or ACD/CD-level role, ideally within e-commerce, lifestyle, fashion, or tech.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary or design teams across campaign development, brand storytelling, and performance content.
- Expertise in visual and verbal brand systems, with a strong point of view on how design and copy come together to form cohesive creative experiences.
- Demonstrated success managing creative agencies, freelancers, and in-house teams from concept through final production.
- Ability to lead, encourage, and grow high-performing creative talent with empathy and clarity.
- Sharp creative instincts with the ability to balance brand building with data-driven optimization.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and partner management skills, including experience influencing senior leadership.
Preferred Skills:
- Proficiency in category-specific storytelling, with a focus on fashion, collectibles, sneakers, and luxury.
- Experience working with diverse teams and stakeholders across multiple time zones.
- Fluency in multiple languages (Spanish, Mandarin, etc.) a plus.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a compelling portfolio that showcases innovative, customer-first creative across channels and categories. They should also be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $123,600 - $198,100 USD per year
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
- Parental Leave
- Target Bonus and Restricted Stock Units (as applicable)
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and remote work options available.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. The total compensation package may also include other elements, such as a target bonus and restricted stock units (as applicable) in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: eBay operates in the e-commerce, retail, and internet technology sectors, connecting millions of sellers and buyers worldwide.
Company Size: eBay has 10,001+ employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
Founded: eBay was founded in 1995 and has since grown into a global leader in online marketplaces.
Company Description:
- eBay is a global e-commerce leader that connects millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world.
- Their platform empowers enthusiasts to grow and thrive, creating waves of change for customers, the company, communities, and the planet.
- eBay fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, with a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Company Specialties:
- E-commerce Platform
- Retail Technology
- Internet Services
- Marketplace Operations
Company Website: ebayinc.com
ASSUMPTION: eBay's large employee base and global presence offer applicants diverse opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the VP of Brand Creative.
Reporting Structure: The Head of Design – Brand Creative will oversee a team of designers and ACDs, collaborating with various departments such as Marketing, Merchandising, Category Management, Product, and Executive partners.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site with remote flexibility, allowing for a blend of in-office and remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to lead and grow the brand creative team, expanding the role's impact and influence within the organization.
- Opportunities to work on high-visibility campaigns and projects, showcasing creative leadership and strategic thinking.
- Chance to develop and mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of growth and learning.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the creative vision for one of the world's most iconic marketplaces, driving cohesive storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences and reflects the outstanding culture of each vertical.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: eBay's headquarters is located in San Jose, CA, with additional offices in Austin, TX, and other global locations. This role is based in Austin, TX, with remote flexibility.
Office Location(s): 2025 Hamilton Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125, US (headquarters); Austin, TX (role-specific office)
Geographic Context:
- Austin, TX, is known for its vibrant tech industry, diverse culture, and high quality of life.
- The city offers a lower cost of living compared to other major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York.
- Austin's central time zone allows for easier collaboration with both East and West Coast teams.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and remote work options available. The role may require occasional travel for meetings and events.
ASSUMPTION: eBay's flexible work arrangements and remote options allow employees to balance their personal and professional lives more effectively.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the eBay Careers website.
- Phone or video screen with the HR team to discuss qualifications and fit for the role.
- In-depth design challenge or case study presentation, followed by a panel interview with key stakeholders.
- Final round interview with the VP of Brand Creative or another senior leader.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio review and creative problem-solving skills.
- Strategic thinking and understanding of brand storytelling across multiple verticals.
- Communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate creative vision and rationale.
- Cultural fit and alignment with eBay's values and mission.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare a compelling portfolio showcasing your creative leadership, brand storytelling, and campaign development work.
- Research eBay's brand, values, and recent campaigns to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its creative direction.
- Practice presenting your design process and thought process, as well as your ability to receive and incorporate feedback.
ATS Keywords: Creative Leadership, Brand Storytelling, Design Strategy, Team Management, Campaign Development, Visual Design, Communication, Mentorship, Collaboration, Performance Marketing, Customer Engagement, Agency Management, Data-Driven Optimization, Customer-Centered Storytelling, Creative Quality, Brand Expression
ASSUMPTION: eBay's application process is designed to assess candidates' creative problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit, ensuring the best possible match for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)
- Sketch or Figma
- Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word)
- Project management tools (Asana, JIRA, etc.)
- Analytics and reporting tools (Google Analytics, Tableau, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required. eBay provides training and resources to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed in their roles.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Obsessed: We put our customers first in all that we do.
- Inclusive: We foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes belonging.
- Innovative: We embrace change and continuous learning to drive progress.
- Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals and support each other's success.
- Integrity: We act with honesty and integrity in all our interactions.
Work Style:
- eBay values a blend of on-site and remote work, fostering a flexible and collaborative work environment.
- The company encourages open communication, active listening, and constructive feedback.
- eBay's culture is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on results and continuous improvement.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with eBay's customer-obsessed approach, and how have you demonstrated this in previous roles?
- How do you foster an inclusive environment and promote belonging within your teams?
- How do you balance brand building with data-driven optimization, and can you provide examples of your approach?
ASSUMPTION: eBay's culture is built on a foundation of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration, with a strong focus on customer-centric design and strategic thinking.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team of designers and ACDs across multiple verticals, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.
- Balancing brand building with data-driven optimization, necessitating a strategic and analytical approach to creative decision-making.
- Working with diverse teams and stakeholders across multiple time zones, demanding exceptional communication and project management skills.
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in brand storytelling and creative development, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and can be mitigated with strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other senior design roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to lead brand-defining creative for one of the world's most iconic marketplaces.
- eBay's global presence and diverse verticals provide a broader canvas for creative expression and impact compared to more niche or specialized roles.
- This role offers a clear career path for growth and development within the organization, with opportunities to lead and expand the brand creative team.
ASSUMPTION: This role is distinct from other senior design positions due to its focus on brand storytelling across multiple verticals and the opportunity to shape the creative vision for a global e-commerce platform.
📝 Sample Projects
- Reimagining eBay's brand expression across digital video, display, paid and organic social, email, landing pages, and events to elevate customer engagement and drive business growth.
- Developing a cohesive visual and verbal brand system that unifies eBay's diverse verticals and resonates with global audiences.
- Collaborating with external agencies and in-house teams to execute high-visibility campaigns for major events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or other seasonal promotions.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and creative challenges faced by the Head of Design – Brand Creative, requiring a strong portfolio and proven track record in brand storytelling, campaign development, and performance content.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the creative vision for eBay's brand, and how this role will contribute to its evolution?
- How does the brand creative team collaborate with other departments, such as Marketing, Merchandising, and Product, to ensure cohesive storytelling across all customer touchpoints?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does eBay support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in creative leadership roles?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the brand creative team, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the role, eBay's brand, and the organization's creative direction, as well as their ability to drive strategic and creative impact in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the eBay Careers website.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your strategic thinking, creative leadership, and brand storytelling expertise.
- Prepare a compelling portfolio showcasing your creative leadership, brand storytelling, and campaign development work, with a focus on fashion, collectibles, sneakers, and luxury categories.
- Research eBay's brand, values, and recent campaigns to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its creative direction, and to inform your application materials.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
