Design and Production Manager

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking an exceptional Design and Production Manager to oversee its creative identity and visual brand. The ideal candidate will be a senior designer with bold ideas and strong leadership skills, capable of inspiring a high-performing team. Responsibilities include leading design across digital and print channels, managing a creative team, and implementing brand guidelines. Applicants should have a degree in graphic design or equivalent experience, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and a passion for excellence in design.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior design role across print and digital.
• Experience leading and motivating a creative team.
• Confident presenting to senior leaders and advising non-specialist colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of high‑quality digital and print design that showcases the University.
• Manage, mentor and develop the Design and Production team.
• Oversee briefs, workflows and quality assurance.
• Champion and implement brand guidelines across the University.

Skills

Leadership skills

Attention to detail

Visual communication skills

Creative flair

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite

Knowledge of digital design best practices

Education

Degree-level qualification in graphic design or equivalent experience

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

Job description

Department Brand and Creative Marketing | Location Birmingham, West Midlands | Salary £44,131 to £51,182 per annum | Permanent | Full Time | Reference M125008 | Closing Date 21 December 2025

Role Overview

We’re looking for an exceptional Design and Production Manager to manage the creative identity and visual brand of our university.

As a senior designer with bold ideas and leadership skills, you will inspire a high‑performing team and deliver sector‑leading work across digital channels, print media, campaigns, events and more.

Main Activities and Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of high‑quality digital and print design that showcases the University.
• Manage, mentor and develop the Design and Production team.
• Oversee briefs, workflows and quality assurance to ensure timely, on‑brand delivery.
• Champion and implement brand and sub‑brand guidelines and toolkits across the University.
• Present creative concepts confidently to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Marketing, Recruitment and Communications on integrated outputs.
• Commission and direct photography and other creative services, as needed.
• Manage supplier relationships and approve proofs to maintain quality and consistency.
• Support key University activities, including student recruitment events and Clearing.
• Deputise for the Associate Director of Brand and Creative Marketing when needed.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Degree‑level qualification in graphic design or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in a senior design role across print and digital.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and good knowledge of MS Office.
• Understanding of digital design, including mobile best practice.
• Experience leading and motivating a creative team.
• High attention to detail, strong visual communication skills and creative flair.
• Confident presenting to senior leaders and advising non‑specialist colleagues.
• Experience directing photography and managing creative briefs.
• Proven ability to develop and implement brand guidelines.

Desirable

• Experience in the higher education sector.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices and procedures to promote equality in all aspects of our operations.

Contact

For more information or to book a consultation, please email: [e-mail]