Designer Manager- Innovation

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them.

The Designer Manager- Innovation will lead the Innovation branch of the Design Team, who drive new ideas by developing strategy and visual direction, inspiring and briefing a team of talented core freelance designers, while also sourcing and onboarding new external design talent.

They will be naturally creative, with a strong eye for design and the ability to translate ideas into successful products, that are delivered on time and to Jellycat standards. Working closely with the Senior Design Managers, they will help implement effective new processes, improve ways of working, manage timelines, and allocate resources effectively across the team. They will also play a key role in pushing innovation forward, bringing new insights, inspiration and direction

The role offers the opportunity to mentor and support team members, build strong relationships with designers, and contribute directly to launching multiple new designs and ranges.

You'll be;

• Leading, inspiring, and developing existing Design Team members.

• Taking responsibility for strategies that deliver relevant Design Team Goals.

• Coordinating and leading regular team meetings, sharing information with the Senior Design Managers.

• Managing critical path to ensure all collections and projects stay on schedule from direction to sign off.

• Overseeing artwork development process, ensuring designs meet Jellycat specifications and expectations

• Building robust onboarding, briefing and approval processes.

• Supporting allocation of resources, to ensure the right mix of skills and expertise is available to meet briefs.

• Continuing to grow the team by sourcing, onboarding and developing new freelance designers, ensuring the team has the resources it needs.

• Supporting the team on research, trend and visual inspiration, contributing insights and ideas that strengthen direction.

• Developing and managing invoicing and freelance design budgets.

• Handling essential team administration, including freelance contracts, letters of assignment, negotiating rates and managing payment structures.

• Providing insights and visibility on development timelines.

You'll have;

• Bachelor's degree in product design, illustration, or a related design field.

• Preferably 5+ years working as a designer, across a mix of product related projects.

• Direct management, or supervisory experience of a design team.

• Demonstrated experience in design & project delivery.

• Familiarity and strong interest in emerging design trends.

• Empowering and collaborative leadership style.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Adobe creative suite knowledge would be an advantage.