Design Jobs Board

The Studio

A reputable agency is seeking to grow its newly opened London studio. As a B Corp certified strategic creative agency with over 30 years of experience, it specializes in Brands, Places, and Environments. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the Founder, CEO, and senior management team.

The Opportunity

The agency seeks an ambitious and strategic person to grow and manage the London business. The focus sector of growth for the London studio is the built environment sector, focusing on delivering projects of the following scopes:

• Place brand strategy
• Place brand identity 
• Property Marketing including collateral such as publications, tenant pitch decks & printed material, etc
• Wayfinding strategy
• Wayfinding design
• Environmental graphics 
• Display suite design 

The main responsibilities for this role will include:

• Leadership and Strategic Oversight:
  Lead the London office, setting strategic goals that align with the global mission. Manage local operations to ensure productivity and excellence in delivery.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the London market to drive growth and enhance our market presence.
• Client Relationship Management:
  Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients in the region, ensuring their branding and design needs are met with the highest standards of creativity and efficiency.
• Project Management:
  Oversee multiple projects from conception to delivery, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and exceed client expectations.
• Team Development and Management:
  Lead, inspire, and manage a diverse team of creative professionals. Foster a collaborative and motivating environment that encourages innovation and excellence.
• Financial Management:
  Manage the office budget, financial planning, and resource allocation to maximise profitability while maintaining creative quality.
• Business Development

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will need a minimum of 10 years of experience working in the design industry, either as a Client Service Director, Business Development Manager, Strategist, or in senior management, and has delivered projects in the built environment sector. As this sector is the agency’s main area of focus, the candidate will need to have an advanced understanding of the property sector specifically in the realms of commercial property development, residential property, public realm, master planning, the phases of construction, and the parties involved in delivering large scale property projects. 

The ideal candidate should possess strong entrepreneurial skills to grow and manage the business, overseeing projects as they advance. They must be willing to attend events outside regular working hours for professional development and networking. Additionally, the role requires flexibility for travel as needed, depending on the location of potential business opportunities. Financial incentives will be offered for meeting revenue targets.

Essential Skills and Qualities:

• Proven Creativity and Innovation:
  Demonstrable ability to lead creative processes and deliver innovative design solutions that effectively communicate client brands.
• Strategic Thinker:
  Experience in strategic planning and execution with a clear understanding of the branding and design industry.
• Strong Business Acumen:
  Knowledge of business operations with a track-record of successful office management and growth.
• Exceptional Communication:
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of engaging and influencing clients and stakeholders at all levels.
• Advanced Client Management Skills:
  Proven ability in handling client relationships and delivering client-focused solutions based on customer needs.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Strong grasp of current design software and technologies with the ability to oversee technical project elements.
• Effective Project Management:
  Solid organisational skills, including attention to detail and multitasking capabilities.
• Adaptability and Learning Agility:
  Openness to change and the ability to manage complexities in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership and Integrity:
  Strong leadership skills with a commitment to ethical practice and team support.

Educational and Professional Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a management role, within the design or branding industry.
• A portfolio demonstrating previous successes in design and brand management.