Design Manager

The role:

Our client, a global FMCG company, is seeking a Design Manager who is a seasoned, idea-driven, and conceptual thinker with a proven ability to translate design strategies into creative solutions.

This role ensures cohesive experiences across the omni-channel landscape of a diverse brand portfolio, with expertise in content creation for both direct and indirect eCommerce sites, photography, product detail pages, and collateral.

Designers in this role are encouraged to explore new ideas, visualize concepts, and clearly communicate design intent through compelling solutions. The position uniquely combines strategic oversight with hands-on design, driving the creation of world-class digital designs that resonate with consumers, build lasting brand equity, and strengthen the overall portfolio. The ideal candidate is a proven team player with experience in retail, e-commerce, or direct-to-consumer markets.

Responsibilities:

1. Efficiently execute the visual articulation of brand strategy, ensuring alignment with brand initiatives, objectives, and goals through best-in-class design solutions.
2. Demonstrate integrity, maturity, and a solution-oriented approach to challenges.
3. Thrive in fast-paced environments, balancing speed with simplicity.
4. Display strong interpersonal skills, effectively connecting with employees at all levels across various functions and geographies.
5. Confidently present creative ideas to diverse audiences and advocate for design solutions.
6. Manage time effectively, prioritizing multiple projects simultaneously.
7. Lead brainstorming sessions with the design team to generate innovative ideas.
8. Present creative concepts to internal teams with well-reasoned recommendations and thoughtful rationale.
9. Stay informed about creative marketing trends and best practices.
10. Conceptualize, design, and execute omni-channel assets for digital channels, including websites and emails, with a mobile-first approach.
11. Evaluate creative briefs to ensure clarity and actionable direction; self-manage execution and recommend design approaches to the Creative Manager.
12. Apply brand style guide elements consistently, including logo, product branding, typography, packaging, photography, and activation materials.
13. Develop new brand standards as needed.
14. Prepare final assets for print production with high accuracy, efficiency, and replication.
15. Direct and lead brand and product photo/video shoots, including storyboarding, in consultation with the Creative Manager.
16. Collaborate with peers to share best design practices across the organization, and work with copywriters to create supporting graphics for various product/content experiences.
17. Mentor fellow designers through constructive critiques and knowledge sharing.
18. Make proactive recommendations to streamline and improve creative processes.

Experience:

1. Experience working in multiple languages; fluency in French or German preferred.
2. Degree in graphic design, art, or a related field.
3. 7+ years of experience in creative/graphic design, with expertise in executing digital commercial assets for eCommerce, including product images, email, websites, and social media.
4. Proven experience in creative development and execution for a brand.
5. Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Illustrator; experience with XD and After Effects preferred.
6. Highly detail-oriented with a passion for design and a deep understanding of industry trends and the marketplace.
7. Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including strong presentation skills.
8. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
9. Remains calm under pressure and escalates issues to leadership when necessary.
10. Pragmatic with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
11. Strong interpersonal skills, including:
1. Passion for a brand and the ability to drive consensus and foster creative collaboration.
2. Enthusiasm for working as a team player in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
3. Strong time management skills with flexibility to adapt within tight deadlines.