We are looking for an experienced Studio Lead and Senior Designer to join our fast-growing Studio and manage a small team of talented designers and content creators. You will play a pivotal role in leading our design capability, looking at how we can grow the business by delivering both creative and commercial results.
You will work across a variety of retained and project-based clients across our Edinburgh and London offices, including Whyte & Mackay, ScottishPower, Virgin Hotels, Scottish Government, Etihad Airlines, Tefal, Grosvenor Casinos, FT Group, Travelodge, and Merlin Entertainments.
You will have a passion for finding new ways to make culture-shaping, thumb-stopping content & activations that have the power to get people talking.
You will be responsible for leading and managing a small studio team, guiding them in executing creative strategies and delivering exceptional design solutions to our clients. This role requires a blend of planning, leadership and commercial skills, creative vision, and technical proficiency.
You will report to the MD, Social & Influencer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Functional head of the studio team taking a proactive role in growing the business both creatively and commercially.
- Working closely with the Stripe Social leadership team to refine the overarching proposition for Stripe Studio outlining areas of potential growth and opportunity aligned with current client needs.
- Responsibility for ensuring the studio team delivers on commercial business objectives and client satisfaction in terms of output and delivery.
- Creative & Design Expertise:
- Collaborate closely with internal teams to understand project requirements and translate them into compelling visual concepts.
- Provide creative direction and strategic insight ensuring alignment with client objectives and brand guidelines.
- Conceptualise innovative design solutions and layouts for various platforms, including reports, tenders, new business proposals, pitch presentations, branded merchandise, and social media.
- Lead the design process from concept to execution, utilising industry-leading software tools and technologies to produce high-quality designs.
- Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in digital design, incorporating innovative techniques to enhance user engagement and experience and sharing these with the wider team.
- Develop wireframes, prototypes, and mock-ups to communicate design concepts effectively and gather feedback from stakeholders.
- Develop creative assets for social media platforms, including graphics, animations, and video content, to support marketing campaigns and brand awareness efforts.
- Collaborate with the social media team to develop content calendars, ensuring alignment with brand messaging and campaign objectives.
- Mentor and coach content teams and junior designers, providing guidance on design principles, industry standards, and project management best practices.
- Manage workload distribution and project timelines for the studio team, ensuring deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging creativity, innovation, and continuous learning among team members.
- Relationship Management:
- Cultivate strong relationships with internal clients, serving as a trusted advisor and creative partner throughout the project lifecycle.
- Present design concepts and recommendations, articulating the rationale behind creative decisions and addressing any feedback or concerns.
- Proactively identify opportunities for upselling additional services or expanding the scope of existing projects to drive business growth.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, or a related field.
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in a design role, preferably within an agency or digital marketing environment.
- Proven track record of effective people management and commercial leadership of a design function.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing and other relevant design tools.
- Mastery of Adobe After Effects is crucial for creating motion graphics, visual effects, animations, typography, and text animation.
- Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of digital design projects, with a focus on social media content and digital marketing campaigns.
- Microsoft Office Suite: While not specifically design-focused, proficiency in software like PowerPoint is a valued skill for creating presentations, proposals, and other documents related to design projects.
- Experience using workflow tools like for project management and team collaboration making full use of workflows, task tracking, and communication tools.
- Commercial understanding and drive with an entrepreneurial flair to grow.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative concepts and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and clients.
- Proven leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team to deliver exceptional results under tight deadlines.
- Knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies in digital design and social media marketing.
- Detail-oriented approach with a keen eye for visual aesthetics and brand consistency.
We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package that focuses on what matters to you - health and well-being, personal finances, professional development, and a healthy work/life balance:
- Hybrid and Flexible Working - we are currently hybrid working with two mandatory in-office days a week.
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave and shared parental leave options.
- A pension plan with employer contributions.
- Subsidised private healthcare with employee contribution.
- Personal learning plans, coaching, and mentoring to support you on your career path.
- Generous annual leave entitlement including Christmas and birthday off and work from anywhere for up to 4 weeks of the year.
- An annual profit-related bonus.
Apply now
Interested in this role? Apply now by following the link below.
We're Stripe; a PR, social, content, and influencer agency. With offices in Edinburgh and London, we cover the length and breadth of the UK, creating work that breaks boundaries, delivers results, and gets people talking.