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Design Manager (12 month FTC)

New Product Development in our Own Brand Stationery category has grown significantly over the past few years and we now want to take it to the next level. We have seen considerable growth in this area and our desire is to increase the volume and speed-to-market even more – with an emphasis on commercial and innovative design.

Reporting to the Head of NPD, we are looking to recruit a Design Manager- NPD & Packaging, to be responsible for the management of own brand product and packaging projects. This would suit a true visionary – somebody who is always thinking about the next great idea and driving positive change through its delivery. Although this is a senior management role requiring a strategic mind, a hands-on approach is essential.

This role will work closely with the Head of NPD and Buyers to ensure that the stationery strategy is delivered through design management, planning and delivery and that projects are in line with the creative direction of the Group Creative Director.

Main accountabilities and activities:

• Ensuring that all own brand design projects are in line with the stationery strategy, on-brand, market-leading, innovative, creative, commercial and customer focussed
• Develop detailed creative briefs that ensures the design output is aligned with the commercial team’s objectives
• Good commercial awareness of competitors through research online and competitor shopping
• Responsible for managing multiple projects through the studio following a critical path and liaising with

key stakeholders

• Manage your allocated budget for each project through tracking spend and informing the Head of NPD
• Attending briefings and presentations with Trading Controllers and Buyers and following the creative briefing process
• Ensuring that all creative work has appropriate input from Head of NPD and Group Creative Director
• Ensuring design integrity is followed through all projects through to final artworks
• Liaising with the Far East Office to oversee print production across all projects

Key Competencies/Qualifications/Skills:

• Grad calibre or equivalent with experience in the product or retail sector
• Preferably with a minimum of 3 years’ experience working on Product and Packaging for retail
• Highly organised skills and good communication across all areas
• Experienced in working in a fast-paced environment and able to stay calm under pressure
• A strong appreciation of design, branding and the creative process gained from either working for a design agency/consultancy or working in-house for retail
• Highly motivated and confident with the initiative to deliver a high volume of projects to brief, to deadline, within budget and to an extremely high level of creative excellence
• Commercially astute with a strong understanding of business
• The skills to see the ‘bigger picture’ with an ‘eagle eye’ on the detail
• Fully competent in using Excel and Microsoft Word and Mac experience would be a bonus not essential

What we can offer you:
Cash/Car allowance
Hybrid working model from home and in the office
25 days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
Finish at 4pm on a Friday
Competitive pension contribution
Staff discount card for stores and online

About Us

WHSmith has a remarkable heritage and we have occupied our place as the ‘Hub of the High Street’ and in our customers’ hearts for 230 years. Since 1792, we’ve grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust. Today, we have more than 1700 stores in over 30 countries across the globe, serving millions of customers every year, and you’ll find us at airports, railway stations, hospitals and on the high street.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and basis of disability. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.