At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative team, manage design projects, and ensure high-quality output.
- Company: Dynamic design firm in Hamilton with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team and make a real impact in the design world.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design while leading a talented team in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in graphic design, with leadership experience and a strong portfolio.
Location: Hamilton
Job Type: Full Time Permanent (Mon – Friday 07:00 – 15.45)
Salary: £35k – 38k DoE
Reports To: General Manager
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially minded Head of Graphic Design to lead and oversee our design department. This is a key leadership role requiring a balance of creative excellence, operational management and client-facing expertise. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a team of designers, overseeing workflow and job allocation, ensuring high-quality design output and maintaining strong relationships with clients. You will also play a hands-on role in design production and print setup, while coordinating closely with production and administrative teams to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and to the highest standard.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of graphic designers of varying experience levels
- Conduct regular performance reviews, training, and professional development planning
- Foster a collaborative, creative and high-performance team culture
- Set clear expectations, workflows and quality standards for the department
- Job & Workflow Management
- Oversee all incoming design projects from brief through to final delivery
- Allocate jobs effectively based on team capacity, skillset and deadlines
- Monitor project progress and ensure all deadlines are consistently met
- Implement and improve workflow systems and processes to maximise efficiency
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Act as a senior point of contact for key clients
- Conduct client consultations to understand requirements, objectives and constraints
- Translate client briefs into clear, actionable design tasks
- Manage expectations and provide expert guidance on design solutions and production feasibility
- Creative Direction & Design Execution
- Provide creative leadership and ensure all output meets brand and quality standards
- Contribute hands-on to design work where required, particularly on complex or high-value projects
- Review and approve all major design work before release
- Print Production & Technical Oversight
- Prepare and oversee artwork for print production, ensuring accuracy and technical compliance
- Set up print-ready files, including colour management, bleed and formatting requirements
- Liaise closely with production teams to ensure smooth transition from design to print
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to design and print processes
- Cross-Department Collaboration
- Work closely with production and administrative teams to align priorities and schedules
- Ensure clear communication between departments to avoid delays or errors
- Contribute to overall operational planning and continuous improvement initiatives
- Problem Solving & Quality Control
- Identify and resolve design, workflow or production challenges proactively
- Maintain strict quality control processes across all design output
- Ensure all deliverables meet both client expectations and internal standards
Required Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years of professional graphic design experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial role
- Proven experience managing a design team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality design across print and/or digital media
- Extensive knowledge of print production processes and artwork setup
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, etc.)
- Excellent organisational and project management skills
- Strong client-facing and communication abilities
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
- Commercial awareness and ability to balance creativity with business objectives
Desirable Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Graphic Design or a related field
- Experience in automotive design preferable but not essential
- Knowledge of workflow/project management systems
- Experience implementing or improving design processes and systems
Key Attributes
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
- Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
- High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Excellent time management and prioritisation skills
- Calm and effective under pressure
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to lead and shape a growing design department
- Collaborative and dynamic working environment
- Career progression opportunities
Head of Graphic Design in Hamilton employer: CubeWraps
Join our vibrant team in Hamilton as the Head of Graphic Design, where you will not only lead a talented group of designers but also enjoy a collaborative and dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and ample opportunities for career progression, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Graphic Design in Hamilton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at local design events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your projects and the impact they had.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its design style. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Graphic Design in Hamilton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creative Flair:When you're putting together your application, make sure to showcase your unique design style. Include a portfolio that highlights your best work and demonstrates your ability to lead a team while delivering high-quality designs.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Graphic Design role. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:While we love creativity, clarity is key in your written application. Make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the point. Highlight your leadership experience and how you've managed projects effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CubeWraps
✨Know Your Design Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can talk confidently about your portfolio. Highlight specific projects that showcase your leadership and creative skills, especially those that align with the company's needs. Be ready to discuss your design process and how you overcame challenges in past projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring and developing designers, and how you foster a collaborative environment. This will show that you’re not just a great designer but also a strong leader.
✨Understand the Company’s Brand and Clients
Research the company’s brand identity and their key clients. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain and enhance their brand through design. Showing that you understand their market and client expectations will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of print production processes and Adobe Creative Suite. Expect questions about technical aspects of design and be prepared to discuss how you ensure quality control in your work. This will demonstrate your expertise and attention to detail.
