Design Operations Manager
Location: Hampshire - Ideally 5 days a week in office
Salary: 45,000 - 50,000
Employment: Permanent / Full-time
About the Brand
The brand is a globally recognised FMCG business with a strong heritage and reputation for crafting premium products.
Design plays a central role in shaping how the brand connects with consumers - from packaging to storytelling, every detail reflects a dedication to excellence and brand integrity. The creative function is well-resourced and highly valued, with exciting plans to evolve its ways of working and strengthen collaboration across global teams.
The Role
The brand is seeking an experienced Design Operations Manager to oversee and optimise the creative workflow within its internal design function.
Reporting to the Head of Design, this role will be responsible for coordinating the end-to-end management of design projects - ensuring briefs are accurate, priorities are clear, resources are efficiently allocated, and deadlines are met.
Acting as the bridge between internal stakeholders, designers, agencies, and freelancers, the Design Operations Manager will bring structure, clarity, and leadership to the creative process, enabling the team to deliver best-in-class work consistently.
This is a pivotal role requiring a confident communicator with emotional intelligence, gravitas, and the ability to influence and manage multiple stakeholders - including senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee the full lifecycle of design projects, from brief intake to final delivery, ensuring efficient workflow and resource allocation.
* Manage and prioritise incoming requests from multiple departments, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with business objectives.
* Lead and mentor a design team comprising Senior Designers, an Artworker, and a Studio Coordinator, as well as a pool of freelance and agency partners.
* Act as the central liaison between internal stakeholders and the design function, setting clear expectations and timelines.
* Maintain visibility of all active projects, identifying potential bottlenecks and driving proactive solutions.
* Ensure the creative team is working to brand and strategic standards, balancing quality with speed and efficiency.
* Champion process improvements and operational best practice to strengthen the design function.
* Foster a positive, collaborative studio culture that encourages creativity and accountability.
The Ideal Candidate
* Experienced project or studio manager with a background in FMCG, packaging, or design agency environments.
* Strong understanding of design processes, from concept to production, ideally having previously worked as a designer or artworker before moving into project management.
* Proven experience managing multiple projects, stakeholders, and creative resources in a fast-paced setting.
* Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage and push back when required.
* Emotionally intelligent, diplomatic, and able to navigate complex internal dynamics with professionalism.
* Organised, proactive, and solutions-focused, with a natural ability to bring structure and calm to busy environments.
* A strong sense of ownership and accountability, with a genuine passion for design and brand storytelling.