Design Planner

Matthews International; South Witham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Design Planner to manage project timelines within their client's Design studio. This role involves project management, collaboration with teams, and delivering high-quality design outcomes. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented with strong organisational skills and project planning experience.

Qualifications

• Strong project planning and tracking skills.
• Professional appearance and proactive demeanor.
• Flexibility in duties as company needs change.

Responsibilities

• Manage critical path timelines for each packaging project.
• Coordinate with project managers and track project progress.
• Support post-implementation reviews and data collection.

Skills

Organisational skills

Data management

Communication skills

Attention to design details

Multitasking

Tools

Excel

Job description

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A full-time and demanding Design planning position where previous experience of project planning is key.

Based at our client’s head office, the successful candidate will work within the client’s busy Design studio and collaborate with M&S Food categories, SGK Account Management team, and M&S Project managers. It is preferable if the applicant has retail or Brand Design planning experience.

This role requires impeccable organisation, presentation, and communication skills, with experience in multitasking and ‘cradle to grave’ project management. A professional approach of the highest standards is essential. The role involves supporting the M&S Head of Packaging Design, SGK Design Manager, and Account Management teams in project planning, batching, and data management to provide workload visibility across all stakeholders in the M&S Design studio. Strong Excel skills are necessary.

As a Design Planner, your primary focus will be on ensuring project timelines are communicated and adhered to, while building strong relationships with the client. This is an excellent opportunity for someone detail-oriented with enthusiasm and determination to succeed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manage critical path timelines for each packaging project, ensuring milestones are met and risks are highlighted.
2. Collaborate with project managers to validate critical path timings, ensuring design success and alignment with project requirements.
3. Coordinate with other project management roles and categories to ensure all briefs and necessary elements are available on time.
4. Ensure design work is briefed into the studio and meet design requirements within critical timelines.
5. Identify, resolve, or escalate issues impacting project delivery to relevant managers.
6. Maintain accurate work-in-progress trackers and project folders.
7. Provide timely and accurate reporting on studio status, risks, and issues.
8. Attend briefings and ensure design routes are properly briefed and planned.
9. Organise and participate in weekly packaging meetings to review projects and discuss new briefs.
10. Coordinate with the Art Buying team for photography schedules and briefs.
11. Work with Product Developers to organise products and clear briefs for shoots.
12. Coordinate with copywriting to meet project timelines.
13. Manage outside suppliers to keep project timings on track.
14. Support post-implementation reviews and data collection to assess design effectiveness and identify improvements.

Team and Client Behaviours

• Maintain communication with category and suppliers, managing expectations and escalating issues appropriately.
• Prioritise work effectively and manage time to meet deadlines.
• Keep administrative duties up-to-date and inform managers when support is needed.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with key contacts and stakeholders.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude and support team members.
• Escalate issues when necessary and assist with team coverage during absences.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• Strong organisational skills and ability to multitask.
• Data management and administrative skills.
• Attention to design details and overall quality.
• Experience in project planning and tracking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexible, hardworking, and proactive.
• Professional appearance and approachable demeanor.

This list is not exhaustive; flexibility in duties is expected as company circumstances change. The company reserves the right to amend the job description in consultation with the employee.