Job Title: Freelance Design Manager
Client Location: Covent Garden, London (min. 3 days onsite)
Starting: ASAP
Salary/Pay Rate: £300 per day (Umbrella)
Hours: Full-time
Duration: initial 6-week booking
Our client is looking for an experienced Design Manager who will be responsible for overseeing the planning, execution and delivery of design projects, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and align with their brand identity and objectives. As the Design Manager, you will inspire and empower the design team to create compelling, innovative, and impactful design solutions that contribute positively to the success and growth of the institution.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in design, excellent management skills, and a passion for innovation. You will work closely with other departments such as marketing, learning, retail, and curatorial to ensure cohesive and effective design integration.
This role requires an ASAP start and will run for an initial 6 weeks. Our client operates on a hybrid model where you will be required to work from their Covent Garden office a minimum of 3 days a week, with flexibility for extra days. The role offers an Umbrella rate of £300 per day which will have to be through an FSCA Umbrella company from our PSL.
Key Accountabilities:
- Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of design projects within defined timelines and budgets. Manage a team of freelance designers, providing direction, guidance, and support to ensure the successful execution of design projects. Allocate resources effectively to meet project demands, including freelance hiring and budget control together with the Studio and Production Manager.
- Provide creative direction and input on design concepts, ensuring that they align with the brand identity, target audience, and project objectives. This may involve brainstorming sessions, concept development, and design reviews.
- Ensure the quality and consistency of design deliverables through thorough review and critique, by providing feedback to designers, conducting design audits, and implementing best practices.
- Foster a collaborative work environment where ideas are shared, feedback is encouraged, and communication flows freely between team members, clients, and stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the design team, including process optimisation, skills development, and the adoption of new tools and technologies to enhance value delivery.
- Identify potential risks and issues that may impact project delivery or client satisfaction, and implement mitigation strategies to address them proactively.
- Evaluate the performance of freelance designers against established goals and objectives, including factors such as creativity, attention to detail, adherence to brand guidelines, and overall effectiveness in meeting project objectives.
- Manage project budgets effectively, track expenses, and ensure that design projects are delivered within allocated financial constraints while ensuring the best possible value for the institution.
Skills and Knowledge:
- A strong creative vision and the ability to conceptualise and visualise design concepts that align with the Museum's objectives and brand identity.
- A solid understanding of branding principles and the ability to maintain brand consistency across all design assets is essential.
- Proficiency in industry-standard design software Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- A thorough understanding of brand identity elements such as logos, colours, typography, and brand guidelines is crucial for maintaining brand consistency across all design assets.
- Competent with both print and digital design processes, techniques, and best practices for the delivery of a wide range of design deliverables.
- Knowledge of budgeting principles and resource management techniques for effective resource allocation and budget control.
Experience:
- Proven experience of managing design teams, either as a team lead, senior designer, or in a similar role. Experience in mentoring and coaching junior designers is also valuable.
- Experience of working directly with clients, gathering requirements, presenting design concepts, and managing client relationships. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
- Experience of managing design projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, resource allocation, and timeline management.
- Experience of developing and implementing design strategies that align with organisational goals and priorities, with the ability to think strategically about design initiatives and their impact on the business.
- Combined experience of design expertise, project management skills, and industry knowledge is essential.
We’d love you to apply for this Design Manager role, so please submit your CV and portfolio today!
*This role is open for a limited time. Next steps will be shared with shortlisted candidates ASAP. Due to the high volume of applicants, we may be unable to reply to each applicant individually. If you have not received a response within 24 hours of your application, please assume that you have not been selected for progression to the next stage of the hiring process.
Client Description
Our client is a fascinating institution dedicated to preserving the history of transportation in London. it showcases a diverse collection of vintage vehicles, including iconic double-decker buses, historic underground trains, and trams. Through interactive exhibits and engaging displays, they offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of London's transportation system and its impact on the city's development.
Aquent is dedicated to improving inclusivity & is proudly an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from under-represented groups & are committed to providing support to applicants with disabilities. We aim to provide reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, to those with a medical condition, disability or neurodivergence.