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Lead Graphic Designer and Brand Manager

Temporary Contract (August 2025 - March 2026)

Heriot Watt University Dubai Campus

We are currently recruiting for a Lead Graphic Designer and Brand Manager with the Marketing Recruitment Admissions and Communications (MRAC) team. Reporting to the Head of Marketing in Dubai, you will be a guardian of Heriot-Watt's impactful University Brand externally and within the University. You will be responsible for managing the brand output and development of creative deliverables that support key student recruitment, reputation, marketing campaigns, events, online presence, social media, brand campaigns, and stakeholder engagement activities in areas such as Communications, Alumni & Development, Research and Enterprise, and the Office of The Principal. Your role includes managing creative requirements for the Dubai campus and supporting global creative initiatives. Two Graphic Designers will report to this role, so applicants must have leadership experience.

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Creative Lead: Use your creative judgment and communication skills to lead creative development for collateral for academic schools, help graphic designers maximize their output, review briefs, and set the creative direction, considering input from the Head of Marketing.
2. Traffic & Workflow Management: Maintain high levels of production and traffic management to ensure briefs are processed timely and within budget, using tools like Slack, MS Teams, and Trello.
3. Supplier Management: Lead external supplier agreements for media and print services, utilizing freelancers and external vendors when necessary.
4. Digital-First: Adopt a digital-first approach, continuously improving creative output with innovative digital solutions.
5. Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders at all levels, taking briefs and collaborating to deliver professional responses, building strong relationships with senior leaders.
6. Brand Stewardship & Management: Act as the key decision-maker on brand matters for Dubai, escalating to the Head of Marketing when necessary.
7. Global Coordination: Support projects delivered by Malaysia and UK teams, ensuring briefs meet local market needs.
8. Reporting: Provide regular reports on process efficiency and costs.
9. Customer Service Evaluation: Evaluate client satisfaction, gather feedback, and identify improvements to support the university's strategic goals.
10. Brand Guidelines & Quality Monitoring: Lead development of brand tone of voice and guidelines, ensuring consistency internally and externally.

Education Qualifications & Experience:

Essential

• At least 5 years experience in a graphic design or creative role with client delivery background
• Knowledge of video production/editing
• Proven success managing multiple projects for internal or external clients
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Experience managing a team of graphic/digital designers
• Experience with print delivery and services
• Exceptional communication skills to bridge operational and creative demands
• Experience developing and implementing brand guidelines
• Passion for brand building with commercial awareness
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat) on Mac
• Ability to work independently and in a team

Desirable

• Background in creative agencies or design studios
• Experience in Higher Education
• Knowledge of print production techniques
• Understanding of international cultures and the university's global reach

Heriot-Watt University Values

Founded in 1821, Heriot-Watt University is renowned for world-class teaching and research, especially in business and industry. We are Scotland's international university with a significant global presence, including campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, and the UK. Our community fosters innovation, leadership, and career success, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Our values include: Belong, Collaborate, Inspire, Celebrate. These guide our community and how we operate.

For full details and to apply, please submit your CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the criteria. Note: Applicants must have their own visa, as this is a temporary maternity cover contract. Shortlisted candidates may complete an online video interview, followed by in-person interviews at Dubai, including a presentation and a second interview with senior staff.

Heriot-Watt is committed to equality and diversity, ensuring merit-based employment and an inclusive environment. The appointment is contingent upon successful immigration and labor formalities.