Design and Creative Manager

The University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Design & Creative Manager to join their Campus Services Marketing team in Birmingham. This full-time, permanent position offers a starting salary between £36,636 and £46,049 with potential progression. Key responsibilities include delivering innovative design solutions, leading project content creation, and ensuring compliance with brand guidelines. Candidates should possess a degree in a related field, high proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, and strong project management skills. A variety of benefits, including generous holidays and flexible working, are offered.

Benefits

40 days paid holiday

Occupational sick pay

Pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Subsidised child-care

Qualifications

• Degree level in a relevant area or equivalent practical experience in graphic design, digital and media.
• High proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office/PowerPoint.
• Strong understanding of graphic design and digital standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver innovative creative solutions within budget and applying best practices.
• Lead content creation for strategic projects and manage design projects.
• Advise on design aspects and ensure compliance with brand guidelines.

Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency

Graphic design knowledge

Project and budget management

Strong communication skills

Line-management experience

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience

Tools

Adobe After Effects

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Acrobat

CMS experience

Microsoft Office/PowerPoint

Job description

Design & Creative Manager Campus Services

Grade 7 – University of Birmingham – Birmingham, England, UK

Full time, permanent, starting salary 36,636 to 46,049 with potential progression to 48,822. UK travel may be required.

Our Offer to You

People are at the heart of what we do. The University of Birmingham is proud to be a leading global institution that attracts talented people from across the city and beyond. We provide all staff with development opportunities and a generous benefits package including 40 days paid holiday, one day for volunteering, occupational sick pay and a pension scheme. We also offer flexible working arrangements and subsidised child‑care.

Background

Campus Services (CS) employs over 900 staff and supports student, staff and visitor experience through sporting facilities, food and beverage, cleaning, security, hotel operations, day nurseries, transport and more. CS is a highly commercial organisation with an ambitious strategy to grow our service profile across Birmingham and Dubai campuses.

Role Summary

The Design and Creative Manager sits within the Campus Services Marketing team, delivering innovative solutions in creative design, digital media and print. The role combines strong creative vision with leadership, problem solving and communication skills, and is instrumental in the marketing team’s achievements.

Main Duties

• Deliver original, highly innovative creative solutions within budget, interpreting briefs, researching audiences, generating concepts, applying UI/UX best practice, story‑boarding and writing copy.
• Lead content creation for strategic projects, including pitch presentations for new business.
• Advise on all design aspects, scope projects, select equipment and software, and improve production processes.
• Manage the graphic design and creative function, overseeing projects from initiation to delivery.
• Champion learning and development for the design team and support direct reports in career growth.
• Accountable for all design materials, sign‑off on creative campaign output and ensure compliance with brand guidelines.
• Support the Head of Marketing & Communications in decision making and collaborate with the Digital Marketing Manager.
• Communicate confidently with internal teams and clients, leading briefing and feedback meetings.
• Ensure accessibility, copyright, intellectual property and web standards compliance for all media assets.
• Identify innovation opportunities through horizon scanning and present recommendations to the Head of Marketing & Communications.
• Build relationships across the University and external contacts to support marketing objectives.
• Represent Campus Services Marketing at committees and meetings, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Support the University’s sustainability agenda through resource‑efficient practices.
• Perform other duties commensurate with the grade.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Degree level in a relevant area or equivalent practical experience in graphic design, digital and media.
• High proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (After Effects, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Acrobat) and Microsoft Office/PowerPoint.
• Strong understanding of graphic design, typography and digital standards.
• Experience with CMS, publishing web content and applying UX/UI best practices.
• Knowledge of WCAG accessibility regulations (AA level).
• Basic animation, film and photography skills desirable.
• Excellent project and budget management skills.
• Line‑management experience and ability to manage conflicting priorities.
• Strong communication skills, able to convey complex ideas clearly.
• Self‑motivated, resourceful, flexible and detail‑focused with high brand standards.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proactive research and implementation of new services.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a can‑do attitude.
• Knowledge of Equality Act 2010 and commitment to inclusive practice.

Dimensions

Roles at this level require a broad understanding of an administrative or professional field, the ability to plan and develop services, lead projects and manage teams. Responsibilities include recruiting, developing staff and coordinating activities across departments and external bodies where appropriate.

Informal enquiries: Daniel Robbins – [e-mail]