Design Manager | Job in West Sussex

In the dynamic and creative environment of our organization we are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Design Manager to lead our design team and shape the visual identity of our projects. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional with a passion for design a keen eye for detail, and a proven track record in managing successful design initiatives.

*Responsibilities: *

• *Leadership:

Guide and inspire our design team, fostering an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

• *Project Management:

Oversee the design phase of various projects, ensuring that all designs are executed to the highest standards and meet project requirements.

• *Design Strategy:

Develop and implement a comprehensive design strategy that aligns with our organization's objectives and resonates with our target audience.

• *Collaboration:

Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, marketing, and sales, to ensure design decisions are informed by their insights and feedback.

• *Quality Assurance:

Ensure the delivery of high-quality designs that not only meet but exceed expectations in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience.

• *Process Improvement:

Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement changes to increase efficiency and productivity within the design team.

*Requirements: *

• *Professional Experience:

A minimum of 7 years' experience in a Design Management role, preferably in the South East region or similar environment.

• *Education:

A Bachelor's degree in Design, Graphic Design, or a related field. Advanced degrees and relevant certifications are a plus.

• *Skills:

Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management skills; proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma); understanding of UX/UI principles; ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• *Portfolio:

A strong portfolio demonstrating your design leadership and the successful execution of design projects is essential. If you are a creative leader with a passion for design and a desire to make a significant impact on our organization's visual identity we would love to hear from you. Join our team and help shape the future of design in the South East region!

Career Opportunities

*Career Opportunities: Design Manager *

Join our dynamic and innovative team as a Design Manager! This role offers a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of design within our organization. In this position, you will lead and manage the design function across multiple disciplines including product, UX/UI, branding, and visual communications. You'll be responsible for driving the design vision, setting strategic direction, and guiding the execution of designs that deliver exceptional user experiences. Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement design strategies that align with business objectives and market trends.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary design team, providing coaching, mentoring, and career development opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure designs are feasible, effective, and on schedule.
• Establish design best practices, guidelines, and standards that maintain consistency across all touchpoints.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and competitive analysis to inform design decisions.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning within the design team. Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proven leadership experience in a design management role within the technology industry.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in product, UX/UI, branding, and visual communications design.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate design decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.
• Knowledge of design tools such as Sketch, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing requirements.
• A passion for innovation and a commitment to delivering high-quality user experiences. If you're excited about the opportunity to shape the future of design we'd love to hear from you! Apply today to join our team and make an impact in the technology industry. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Professional Skills

In this role as a Design Manager, you will be expected to leverage your extensive design leadership experience to drive innovation and excellence in our team. The following skills are essential for success in this position:

*Strategic Thinking

• : Ability to develop and implement effective design strategies that align with the overall business objectives of the organization. You should possess a strong understanding of market trends, user behavior, and competitive landscape to make informed decisions.

• *Team Management

• : Lead, mentor, and motivate our diverse design team to deliver high-quality designs that meet project requirements and timelines. You will be responsible for fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to share their ideas and grow professionally.

• *Design Leadership

• : Demonstrate strong design leadership by providing clear direction, setting high standards, and ensuring consistent execution of design principles across all projects. Your role will involve guiding the team in creating intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing designs that resonate with our audience.

• *Communication

• : Excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role. You will be expected to articulate complex design concepts effectively to various stakeholders, including team members, clients, and executives.

• *Project Management

• : Proficient in project management principles, you will oversee multiple design projects concurrently, managing resources, timelines, and budgets to ensure on-time delivery and high-quality results.

• *Technical Proficiency

• : Familiarity with modern design tools such as Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and InVision is essential. You should be comfortable working in a digital environment and able to provide guidance on best practices for design production.

• *Problem-Solving

• : Ability to analyze complex problems, develop creative solutions, and make data-driven decisions to drive the success of our design initiatives. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results.

• *Collaboration

• : Ability to collaborate effectively with other departments (Product Management, Engineering, Marketing) to ensure alignment on design objectives and seamless execution of projects. You should be able to communicate your design vision clearly and work collaboratively to achieve it.

• *Continuous Learning and Improvement

• : Commitment to staying updated with the latest design trends, technologies, and best practices. This will allow you to continually improve our design output and help the team grow professionally. By joining our team as a Design Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our products and shape the future of our organization. We look forward to your application if you believe you possess the skills, passion, and creativity required for this exciting role.

Applicant Requirements

Thank you for your interest in the Design Manager position with our organization. In this role, you will be an integral part of our design team, responsible for leading and executing design projects that align with our company's vision and values.

*Qualifications *

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, or related field
• Proven experience (minimum 7 years) in a Design Management role within the architecture, product design, or interior design industry
• Strong understanding of design principles, trends, and methodologies
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant design software
• Excellent leadership and team management skills with a proven ability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written with the ability to clearly articulate complex design concepts to stakeholders
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate design solutions for functionality, aesthetics, and feasibility
• Ability to travel as needed for site visits, client meetings, or team collaboration sessions
• Passion for design and a commitment to staying current with industry trends and advancements

*Responsibilities *

• Lead and manage the design process from concept through execution, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop design solutions that meet client needs and align with company vision and values
• Present design concepts to clients and internal stakeholders, effectively communicating design intent and rationale
• Provide technical guidance and support to the design team, ensuring designs are feasible from a functional and aesthetic perspective
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle
• Work closely with project managers to ensure smooth coordination between design and construction phases
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of our design processes and methodologies, staying current with industry trends and advancements We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We look forward to receiving your application. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and portfolio showcasing your design work and experience.

Organization Info

*Job Title: *

Design Manager

*About Us *

We are a dynamic and innovative organization committed to creating outstanding design solutions that inspire, delight, and serve our clients. Our team is comprised of passionate professionals who thrive on collaborating, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of design. We value creativity, integrity, and excellence and are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can grow professionally while making meaningful contributions to society.

*Our Vision *

Our vision is to be recognized as a leading design organization that consistently delivers exceptional work, challenges convention, and makes a positive impact on the world around us. We strive for excellence in every project we undertake, and our commitment to quality is matched only by our dedication to customer satisfaction.

*Our Values *

• *Innovation:

We believe that progress comes from challenging the status quo and exploring new ideas. Our team is constantly seeking out novel approaches to design and problem-solving.

• *Collaboration:

We know that great things are achieved through teamwork and open communication. We value diverse perspectives and encourage collaboration at every level of our organization.

• *Integrity:

We uphold the highest standards of honesty, trustworthiness, and fairness in all our dealings, both internally and externally.

• *Excellence:

We are committed to delivering work that exceeds expectations and consistently meets or surpasses industry benchmarks for quality and creativity.

• *Community:

We believe in using our talents and resources to make a positive impact on the communities where we live and work. We strive to create designs that enhance the lives of people, promote sustainability, and contribute to the common good.

*Why Join Us? *

• Work on exciting and challenging design projects with a talented team.
• Contribute to our mission of making a positive impact through design.
• Enjoy a supportive work environment that values creativity, collaboration, and growth.
• Benefit from opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Make a difference in the lives of people by creating exceptional design solutions.

Purpose of Role

As a Design Manager at our organization, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity and design direction that resonates with our diverse audience across South East. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to create innovative, user-centric designs that effectively communicate our brand's values and objectives.

*Key Responsibilities: *

• Lead a team of designers in executing projects from concept to completion while fostering an environment conducive to creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Work closely with product managers, UX/UI designers, engineers, and other stakeholders to understand project requirements, set design goals, and establish timelines that align with business objectives.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the competitive landscape, design trends, and user needs in South East, ensuring our designs remain relevant and effective.
• Establish processes and guidelines to ensure consistency in visual design across all touchpoints while encouraging creativity and innovation within your team.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop brand guidelines, style guides, and collateral that support the overall brand strategy.
• Conduct regular design reviews, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate open dialogue between team members to improve design quality and increase efficiency.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and tools that can enhance design capabilities and help meet evolving user expectations in the digital landscape.
• Contribute to a positive work culture by promoting collaboration, mentoring junior designers, and inspiring your team to deliver exceptional design solutions. By joining our team as a Design Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on our organization's success while working with a passionate, creative, and innovative group of professionals. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and are eager to help shape the future of design in South East we encourage you to apply for this exciting role.

Employee Perks

Welcome aboard! We're thrilled that you've joined our dynamic design team as a Design Manager. Here's a brief overview of the benefits we offer to make your experience with us even more rewarding:

*Competitive Salary and Bonus Structure

• : Your hard work is valued, and we want to ensure you're compensated fairly for it. You'll receive a competitive salary, as well as a bonus structure that recognizes your contributions to our team's success.

• *Comprehensive Health Benefits

• : Taking care of your health is essential, which is why we offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans. We also provide mental health support resources to help you maintain balance in all areas of life.

• *Flexible Working Hours

• : We understand the importance of work-life harmony. Our flexible working hours policy allows you to create a schedule that works best for you while ensuring our team's collective objectives are met.

• *Professional Development Opportunities

• : To help you grow within our organization we offer opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development. From workshops and seminars to mentorship programs we're committed to your personal and professional growth.

• *Collaborative Work Environment

• : Our team thrives on collaboration and creativity. You'll be working with a diverse group of talented professionals who are passionate about design. Regular team-building activities help foster camaraderie and open communication.

• *Generous Time Off Policy

• : To ensure you have time to recharge we offer a generous vacation policy and flexible holiday schedules. We believe in the importance of taking time off to relax, travel, and spend quality time with loved ones.

• *Equipment and Tools

• : You'll be equipped with the latest design software, hardware, and tools to ensure you can deliver your best work. Our team members also have access to dedicated design spaces for collaborative projects.

• *Wellness Programs

• : To promote a healthy lifestyle we offer wellness programs such as gym membership discounts, on-site fitness classes, and healthy snack options in our office kitchen.

• *Employee Recognition Program

• : We believe in recognizing the hard work and dedication of our team members. Our employee recognition program offers rewards for exceptional performance, innovative ideas, and contributions to our organization's success. We hope these perks make your journey with us even more enjoyable and fulfilling. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way! 🤝