Overview
The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. The Army is a major part of the Ministry of Defence with an annual budget of over £10bn and around 12,000 Civil Servants located at over 300 locations supporting 110k regular and reserve soldiers. This Civil Service workforce is diverse, with functions spanning police, security, training, human resources, teaching, psychology, storekeeping, finance, project and programme management, and policy secretariat staff.
The British Army Design Studio, part of the Army Communications Branch in Andover, seeks a talented Design Studio Manager to oversee and drive the creative direction of a dynamic design team. This role aligns creative output with the Government Communication Service (GCS) standards and Army strategic objectives, shaping the Army’s brand identity and engaging internal and external audiences.
Ready to lead? Apply today and help shape the future of Army design.
Responsibilities
* Oversee the British Army Design Studio, leading a team of designers to deliver high‑quality visual communications that align with Army strategy and GCS guidelines.
* Set the creative direction, manage workflows, and ensure projects meet high standards of execution.
* Collaborate with military and civilian stakeholders to develop design solutions for recruitment, engagement campaigns, and public messaging.
* Maintain Army Brand integrity and ensure outputs communicate effectively with minimum standards including accessibility.
* Maintain specialist skills to current professional standards and manage resources to meet outputs.
* Develop and guard the Army Brand in partnership with the Brand Manager for Army HQs and Army Communications.
* Analyse customer requirements to develop viable design solutions for target audiences.
Qualifications and Skills
* QCF Level 5 or equivalent qualification in a graphics-related subject.
* Strong experience in managing teams, overseeing complex projects, and ensuring brand consistency.
* Experience in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated leadership in a creative and strategic role.
* Expert knowledge of graphic design, branding, and digital content creation.
* Proficiency in industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).
* Strong project management and operational planning skills with the ability to drive innovation while maintaining brand discipline.
* Desirable: prior experience in military communications or government creative roles; knowledge of Army branding, recruitment campaigns, and public engagement strategies; up-to-date understanding of design principles and trends.
Selection Process and Behaviours
* We will assess you against Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills using Success Profiles.
* Evidence of Leadership will be required on the application form and CV/statement; further assessment includes the following:
o Leadership
o Communicating & Influencing
o Managing a Quality Service
* Technical skills assessed: Advanced in M1 Origination, M3 Design for Print and Digital Content, and M4 Training Innovation.
* Portfolio of work may be requested at interview; framework document attached.
Benefits and Working Arrangements
* Salary of £36,530 with Civil Service Pension scheme contributions (£10,582 to the Defined Benefit Pension).
* Flexible working where possible; the Army supports a healthy work/life balance, with an expectation to be in the office at least 60% of the time (3 days a week).
* Other benefits: 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years, pension schemes, personal and professional development, opportunities for modern apprenticeships, Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced parental and adoption leave, volunteering leave, learning and development opportunities.
Security, Nationality and Civil Service Information
* Successful candidates must undergo criminal record checks and meet security requirements (security check level).
* Nationality requirements apply as outlined in the advert (UK, Irish, Commonwealth with right to work, EU/EEA/Swiss/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein with settled/pre-settled status or valid application under EUSS, or other eligible categories).
* The Civil Service Code applies; merit-based recruitment with fair competition; the Civil Service embraces diversity and equal opportunities, including Disability Confident Scheme (DCS).
* Note: The MOD does not sponsor skilled worker visas unless the role is business critical; this role does not meet that category.
* Outside interests declarations are required during the process; pre-employment checks will be carried out.
Additional Considerations
* The Department is conducting reviews of pay-related allowances; no relocation expenses are provided for this post.
* External interview travel costs are not reimbursed.
* Smoking policy: Defence-wide policy prohibits tobacco use on premises with some exemptions per local guidance.
Note: Text has been formatted for clarity and accessibility while preserving the original information and scope of the role.
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