Head of Graphic Design

We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially minded Head of Graphic Design to lead and oversee our design department. This is a senior 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 [X] years of professional graphic design experience, with at least [X] 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 [industry-specific experience, if relevant]

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

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and our agent from Hiring People will be in touch. Is shortlisted, you may be asked to complete a short video interview. Please be sure to check YOUR JUNK/SPAM