Graphic Design Manager in Manchester

As the Graphic Design Manager, you will oversee the graphic design team’s daily operations, ensuring the efficient execution of creative projects while maintaining a high standard of design excellence. You will also continue to be hands-on, creating impactful designs for digital, print, and marketing materials. The role requires a strong blend of creative leadership and practical design skills, with the ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, mentor team members, and communicate effectively across departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Leadership
  • Create innovative and engaging graphic designs for all marketing materials, social media, lookbooks, packaging, OOH, website content, and all other brand assets.
  • Lead by example through hands-on involvement in the design process, contributing to the conceptualization and execution of key creative projects.
  • Work closely with Head of Creative to ensure that all designs align with the brand's visual identity and seasonal collections, maintaining a consistent and on-brand look across all platforms.
• Team Management
  • Manage and mentor the team of graphic designers, providing guidance, feedback, and development opportunities to help them grow their skills.
  • Lead design reviews, offering constructive feedback while encouraging creativity and innovation within the team.
  • Coordinate and delegate design tasks based on team members' strengths and project priorities.
  • Develop and manage the design team’s workflow, ensuring deadlines are met and projects are delivered on time.
  • Foster a collaborative and positive team environment, encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing.
  • Advocate for team skills development by identifying relevant training and courses that will enhance and grow the team's capabilities.
• Project & Workflow Management
  • Manage and assign team tasks across multiple projects and the BAU to-do list, prioritizing duties and managing expectations across the wider business.
  • Maintain an organized and efficient system for asset storage and archiving for easy access by all departments (e-commerce, marketing, PR, etc.) – including formalising folder, files and asset naming conventions.
  • Collaborate with other departments to consolidate all graphic deliverables and project requirements, align on priorities, and facilitate seamless communication.
  • Oversee multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring they are executed on time.
  • Maintain clear and consistent communication with stakeholders, providing updates and managing expectations regarding project timelines and progress.
  • Establish and implement design processes and best practices to improve efficiency and maintain high-quality outputs.
• Creative Strategy
  • Work closely with the Head of Creative and any other relevant senior leaders to develop creative strategies and visual campaigns that align with the brand's objectives and market trends.
  • Stay up-to-date with design trends, fashion industry developments, and technological advancements, integrating fresh ideas and concepts into the design team’s work.
  • Lead brainstorming sessions, ensuring the team’s creative output aligns with the brand's vision and target audience.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Proven experience (5+ years) in graphic design.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and other relevant design software.
• Excellent portfolio showcasing diverse design work, with a focus on fashion, retail, or lifestyle projects.
• Exceptional design skills, with a deep understanding of typography, composition, color theory, and branding.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities, with experience managing a team and collaborating with cross-functional departments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• In-depth understanding of digital and print design processes, including e-commerce, social media, and all other marketing collateral.

Benefits

• Business-wide bonus structure
• Regular in-office wellness events
• Private Medical Insurance
• Flexible workplace (3 days a week in our Manchester office)
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Day off on your Birthday
• 50% staff discount