Graphic Design Lead in London

We are looking for a talented and ambitious Design Lead with a strong background in conceptual creativity, graphic design and a deep understanding of the NTS brand to join our Art Department. Founded in 2011, NTS provides curious minds with a home for bold, diverse and discerning music discovery. Today, we’re a global platform and creative ecosystem — broadcasting from around the world and collaborating with some of the most exciting names in music, fashion, arts and culture.

This role is central to shaping and evolving the visual identity of NTS across all platforms from radio and content to events, brand partnerships and social. You will work closely with the Creative Director to develop forward‑thinking creative ideas, lead a small design team and ensure our output remains culturally credible, distinctive and true to the NTS brand ethos.

About you

You are a highly creative and strategic designer with a deep passion for music (both past and present), culture and visual storytelling. You have a strong conceptual mindset paired with excellent execution and thrive in a fast‑moving, collaborative environment. You will have the ability to translate NTS’s ethos into exciting and characterful visuals to elevate our output across both commercial and non‑commercial projects.

You will be responsible for shaping and safeguarding the visual language of NTS across all platforms — including radio series, branded partnerships, events, video and social assets. You’ll work closely alongside the Creative Director to brainstorm and find innovative creative solutions. You will lead a small design team and collaborate across all the different departments in the business. You will balance conceptual thinking with hands‑on execution, ensuring the work remains culturally credible and distinctly NTS.

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguard, develop and maintain NTS’s visual identity across all platforms.
• Translate music programming, marketing and commercial partnerships into strong, culturally relevant visual concepts.
• Pro‑actively lead design direction for brand campaigns and internal initiatives.
• Work closely with the Creative Director to push creative boundaries while maintaining brand consistency.
• Lead, manage and mentor the design team (in‑house and freelance).
• Oversee workflows, resources, timelines and creative quality control, with check‑ins with the Creative Director.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback and maintain high production standards across digital and print.
• Commission and collaborate with external creatives including photographers, illustrators, motion designers and printers.
• Develop mockups and decks for pitches and creative feedback.
• Ensure all commercial output maintains NTS’s cultural integrity and visual identity.
• Oversee asset delivery across brand campaigns including social, OOH, digital and print.
• Lead creative delivery for event graphics, merchandise, signage and print roll‑outs.
• Confidently present creative work to clients and partners.

Must Have

• 7+ years experience in design within music, media, culture, fashion or related industries.
• 5+ years + experience working directly with clients and commercial partners on campaigns for globally recognised brands.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development, visual design systems and commercial campaign roll‑outs.
• Proven experience leading projects end‑to‑end, from brief through to final delivery.
• Experience managing designers and freelance creatives.
• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Keynote (motion and/or 3D experience is a bonus).
• Exceptional typography, layout and brand development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple live projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Deep knowledge and passion for music (past and present) — essential.
• Strong editorial instinct and broad cultural reference base beyond social media.
• Confident communicator, able to clearly articulate and defend creative thinking.
• Collaborative, proactive, detail‑oriented and highly organised.

Benefits / Returns

This is a permanent full‑time position based in London. Monday, Friday WFH and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday work in the Dalston HQ. Flexible start time 9am‑5pm / 9:30am‑5:30pm / 10am‑6pm. 23 days holiday per year.