Design Operations Manager

The Spectator; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading political commentary magazine in London is seeking an experienced Project Manager to coordinate the workflow of their design team. The ideal candidate must have project management experience in a publishing or creative environment and strong design skills. Responsibilities include overseeing project timelines, managing team capacity, and ensuring high design standards. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Generous discounts at Company restaurant

Free breakfast and fruit

Cycle to work scheme

Interest free season ticket loan

Private Medical Insurance Schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in publishing, media, or creative agency.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects.
• Understanding of print and digital production processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimise the design team's project pipeline.
• Coordinate and prioritise assignments across projects.
• Monitor project timelines and resource allocation.

Skills

Project management experience

Hands-on design experience

Fluent in design terminology

Excellent organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Creative Suite

Project management tools

Job description

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Founded in 1828, The Spectator is the world's oldest surviving weekly magazine and remains at the forefront of political and cultural commentary. Our design team plays a crucial role in bringing The Spectator to life across multiple platforms and formats from the weekly print magazine to marketing campaigns to largescale events.

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager with a strong design background to lead and coordinate the workflow of The Spectator's design needs. This role requires someone who can bridge the gap between creative vision and operational execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time while maintaining our publication's high design standards.

You'll be working with a team of four designers and in close partnership with the Art Director, who provides creative leadership and sets design standards, while you handle operational management, workflow, and team development.

Our design work

• Weekly print magazine: Our flagship publication featuring sophisticated layouts, commissioned bespoke illustrations and striking cover designs that have become iconic in British journalism.
• Digital: Responsive web design, a suite of email newsletters, and an app that engages our growing online readership. Plus social media assets that bring our journalism to a wider audience.
• Events & broadcast: Comprehensive design support for The Spectator’s growing portfolio of live events, including stage graphics, presentation materials, event signage, and branded environments. Assets for video content, podcast artwork, and broadcast graphics for our expanding digital media presence.
• Marketing and campaigns: Promotional materials, merchandise, subscriber communications, and integrated campaigns across print and digital channels.
• Commercial & partnerships: Bespoke design work for commercial clients, sponsored content, advertising features, and partnership initiatives that maintain editorial integrity while meeting commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Workflow management

• Oversee and optimise the design team's project pipeline from concept to completion.
• Coordinate and prioritise assignments across multiple concurrent projects.
• Implement and maintain project management systems and workflows.
• Monitor project timelines and resource allocation.
• Facilitate communication between design team, editorial staff, and department stakeholders.

Design coordination

• Review design briefs and ensure creative requirements are clearly defined before being sent to design team.
• Conduct quality assurance checks on design deliverables.
• Provide constructive feedback using appropriate design terminology.
• Manage asset libraries and maintain brand consistency across publications.

Team support

• Schedule regular team meetings and project check-ins.
• Support designers in resolving technical and creative challenges.
• Track team capacity and manage workload distribution.
• Support designers in resolving operational challenges and removing blockers.
• Work with Art Director to assess creative performance and development needs.

Requirements

Experience

• Project management experience, preferably in publishing, media, or creative agency environment.
• Hands‑on design experience or working directly within design teams.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously in fast‑paced environments.

Technical skills

• Proficient in Adobe InDesign with ability to provide technical support to team members.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Familiarity with project management tools (Asana, Monday.com, Trello, or similar).
• Understanding of print and digital production processes and specifications.

Design knowledge

• Strong grasp of design principles: typography, layout, colour theory, composition.
• Fluency in design terminology and ability to communicate effectively with creative professionals.
• Understanding of print and digital design requirements and best practices.
• Knowledge of file formats, resolution requirements, and technical specifications.
• Experience with publication design and editorial workflows.
• Knowledge of web design principles and digital publishing platforms.

Soft skills

• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem‑solving mindset with ability to anticipate and mitigate issues.
• Attention to detail while maintaining big‑picture perspective.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Benefits

• Salary dependent on experience
• 5% Employer Contribution Pension Scheme
• All staff receive generous discounts at our Company restaurant, as well as free breakfast and fruit
• Cycle to work scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Private Medical Insurance Schemes