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- Tasks: Lead design projects, ensuring creative vision meets operational execution.
- Company: The Spectator, the world's oldest weekly magazine with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, discounts, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of design in journalism.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a strong design background required.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. Founded in 1828, The Spectator is the world's oldest surviving weekly magazine and remains at the forefront of political and cultural commentary. Our design team plays a crucial role in bringing The Spectator to life across multiple platforms and formats from the weekly print magazine to marketing campaigns to large-scale events.
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager with a strong design background to lead and coordinate the workflow of The Spectator's design needs. This role requires someone who can bridge the gap between creative vision and operational execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time while maintaining our publication's high design standards.
You will be working with a team of four designers and in close partnership with the Art Director, who provides creative leadership and sets design standards, while you handle operational management, workflow, and team development.
Our design work
- Weekly print magazine: Our flagship publication featuring sophisticated layouts, commissioned bespoke illustrations and striking cover designs that have become iconic in British journalism.
- Digital: Responsive web design, a suite of email newsletters, and an app that engages our growing online readership. Plus social media assets that bring our journalism to a wider audience.
- Events & broadcast: Comprehensive design support for The Spectator’s growing portfolio of live events, including stage graphics, presentation materials, event signage, and branded environments. Assets for video content, podcast artwork, and broadcast graphics for our expanding digital media presence.
- Marketing and campaigns: Promotional materials, merchandise, subscriber communications, and integrated campaigns across print and digital channels.
- Commercial & partnerships: Bespoke design work for commercial clients, sponsored content, advertising features, and partnership initiatives that maintain editorial integrity while meeting commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Workflow management: Oversee and optimise the design team's project pipeline from concept to completion. Coordinate and prioritise assignments across multiple concurrent projects. Implement and maintain project management systems and workflows. Monitor project timelines and resource allocation. Facilitate communication between design team, editorial staff, and department stakeholders.
- Design coordination: Review design briefs and ensure creative requirements are clearly defined before being sent to design team. Conduct quality assurance checks on design deliverables. Provide constructive feedback using appropriate design terminology. Manage asset libraries and maintain brand consistency across publications.
- Team support: Schedule regular team meetings and project check-ins. Support designers in resolving technical and creative challenges. Track team capacity and manage workload distribution. Support designers in resolving operational challenges and removing blockers. Work with Art Director to assess creative performance and development needs.
Requirements
- Experience: Project management experience, preferably in publishing, media, or creative agency environment. Hands-on design experience or working directly within design teams. Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced environments.
- Technical skills: Proficient in Adobe InDesign with ability to provide technical support to team members. Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator). Familiarity with project management tools (Asana, Monday.com, Trello, or similar). Understanding of print and digital production processes and specifications.
- Design knowledge: Strong grasp of design principles: typography, layout, colour theory, composition. Fluency in design terminology and ability to communicate effectively with creative professionals. Understanding of print and digital design requirements and best practices. Knowledge of file formats, resolution requirements, and technical specifications. Experience with publication design and editorial workflows. Knowledge of web design principles and digital publishing platforms.
- Soft skills: Excellent organisational and time management abilities. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Problem-solving mindset with ability to anticipate and mitigate issues. Attention to detail while maintaining big-picture perspective. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Benefits
- Salary dependent on experience
- 5% Employer Contribution Pension Scheme
- All staff receive generous discounts at our Company restaurant, as well as free breakfast and fruit
- Cycle to work scheme
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Private Medical Insurance Schemes
Design Project Manager employer: The Spectator
Contact Detail:
The Spectator Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design and publishing world. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. Tailor it to showcase projects that align with The Spectator's style and needs. A strong portfolio can speak volumes about your capabilities and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching The Spectator’s design ethos and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their mission!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your hands-on design experience. We want to see how you've worked directly with design teams and managed projects in fast-paced environments. Don't hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure you articulate your project management experience and how it aligns with our needs. Use bullet points if it helps to keep things organised!
Tailor Your Application: Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for the Design Project Manager role. Reference our design work and how your background fits into what we do at The Spectator. Show us that you understand our brand and its values!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the necessary updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Spectator
✨Know Your Design Fundamentals
Brush up on your design principles like typography, layout, and colour theory. Be ready to discuss how these elements play a role in your project management approach, especially when coordinating with the design team.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Project Management Tools
Make sure you’re comfortable with tools like Asana, Monday.com, or Trello. During the interview, mention how you've used these platforms to streamline workflows and manage multiple projects effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've facilitated communication between creative teams and stakeholders. Highlight your ability to provide constructive feedback and resolve conflicts, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Mindset
Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will show your potential employer that you can anticipate issues and keep projects on track, even under pressure.
