Freelance Creative Project Manager (Umbrella)

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Freelance Design Manager to lead innovative design projects that align with the Museum's brand identity. In this dynamic role, you will oversee a team of freelance designers, ensuring high-quality deliverables while managing project budgets and timelines. You'll collaborate with various departments to integrate effective design solutions that enhance the Museum's objectives. If you're passionate about design and have a strong management background, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing design teams and projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design projects, manage budgets, and ensure successful execution.
• Provide creative direction and support to freelance designers.

Skills

Creative Vision

Effective Communication

Problem-Solving

Branding Principles

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

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Client:

Aquent

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

4a83d07f3e4d

Job Views:

8

Posted:

26.04.2025

Expiry Date:

10.06.2025

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Job Description:

Overview

Placement Type:

Temporary

Compensation:

Start Date:

09 Sep, 2024

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a Freelance Design Manager to work with our client

The Design Manager will be responsible for overseeing the planning, execution and delivery of design projects, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and align with the Museum’s brand identity and objectives.

They will inspire and empower the design team to create compelling, innovative, and impactful design solutions that contribute positively to the success and growth of the Museum.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in design, excellent management skills, and a passion for innovation. They will work closely with other departments such as marketing, learning, retail, and curatorial to ensure cohesive and effective design integration.

Key accountabilities

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of design projects within defined timelines and budgets.
• Manage a team of freelance designers, providing direction, guidance, and support to ensure the successful execution of design projects.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet project demands, including freelance hiring and budget control together with the Studio and Production Manager.
• Provide creative direction and input on design concepts, ensuring that they align with the brand identity, target audience, and project objectives. This may involve brainstorming sessions, concept development, and design reviews.
• Ensure the quality and consistency of design deliverables through thorough review and critique, by providing feedback to designers, conducting design audits, and implementing best practices.
• Foster a collaborative work environment where ideas are shared, feedback is encouraged, and communication flows freely between team members, clients, and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the design team, including process optimisation, skills development, and the adoption of new tools and technologies to enhance value delivery.
• Identify potential risks and issues that may impact project delivery or client satisfaction, and implement mitigation strategies to address them proactively.
• Evaluate the performance of freelance designers against established goals and objectives, including factors such as creativity, attention to detail, adherence to brand guidelines, and overall effectiveness in meeting project objectives.
• Manage project budgets effectively, track expenses, and ensure that design projects are delivered within allocated financial constraints, while ensuring the best possible value for the Museum.

Job Description

• Oversee design projects, manage budgets, and ensure the successful execution of projects c. £160-£200K per annum This role will manage freelance designers, together with the Studio & Production Manager. Currently, we do not have permanent designers in the team but we use a mix of 5-6 freelance designers depending on work load.
• Solutions meet their expectations and align with overall business objectives, through client presentations, negotiations, and ongoing communication.
• Work closely with the Studio and Production Manager on a daily basis to ensure efficient scheduling of work and best production solutions are sourced.
• Collaborate with internal champions and advocates who understand the value of design to gain support for design initiatives and secure resources for their team.

Skills and knowledge

• A strong creative vision and the ability to conceptualise and visualise design concepts that align with the Museum’s objectives and brand identity.
• Effective communication skills – crucial for conveying design concepts, providing feedback, and collaborating with team members, clients, and stakeholders.
• Problem-solving – capable of identifying challenges, analysing root causes, and developing creative solutions to address them effectively.
• A solid understanding of branding principles and the ability to maintain brand consistency across all design assets is essential.
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities may shift and new challenges may arise.
• Strong attention to detail – crucial for ensuring the quality and accuracy of design deliverables, as well as adherence to brand guidelines and project requirements.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Thorough understanding of brand identity elements such as logos, colours, typography, and brand guidelines, crucial for maintaining brand consistency across all design assets.
• Competent with both print and digital design processes, techniques, and best practices for the delivery of a wide range of design deliverables.

Experience

• Proven experience of managing design teams, either as a team lead, senior designer, or in a similar role.
• Experience in mentoring and coaching junior designers is also valuable.
• Experience of working directly with clients, gathering requirements, presenting design concepts, and managing client relationships.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Experience of managing design projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, resource allocation, and timeline management.
• Experience of developing and implementing design strategies that align with organisational goals and priorities, with the ability to think strategically about design initiatives and their impact on the business.
• Combined experience of design expertise, project management skills, and industry knowledge is essential.

This role is open for a limited time only shortlisted applicants will be contacted asap