We’re looking for a highly organised and experienced Managing Designer to lead our Artworking team and oversee the smooth delivery of artwork across a busy, fast-paced creative environment.
This is a key role for someone who understands the importance of accuracy, consistency and brilliant execution. You’ll manage and support a team of artworkers, ensuring projects are resourced effectively, delivered on time and completed to the highest standard. Working closely with Design, Editorial, Development, Production and Procurement, you’ll help ensure all files are print-ready, technically accurate and aligned with agreed processes.
If you’re ready to lead a talented Artworking team and help us deliver products that are creative, commercial and beautifully executed, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Duties
- Lead and manage the Artworking team, overseeing the day-to-day workload, priorities, schedules and performance of artworkers.
- Manage the delivery of artwork across multiple titles and projects, ensuring all work is completed accurately, efficiently and in line with agreed critical dates.
- Allocate artworkers clearly and effectively to projects, balancing capacity, skillset, deadlines and changing business priorities.
- Oversee the artwork process from design handover through to final production-ready files, ensuring all artwork is technically correct, print-ready and aligned with Curious Universe standards.
- Review, check and approve artwork and print-ready PDFs before files are uploaded or handed over to Production.
- Ensure all files meet agreed specifications, including cutter guides, bleed, pagination, colour settings, fonts, image resolution, licensing requirements and supplier or printer specifications.
- Monitor project schedules closely, flagging risks, late deliveries, capacity issues or quality concerns to the Creative Operations Director.
- Support the Creative Operations Director in developing, refining and embedding studio processes, artwork workflows and best practice.
- Ensure all Artworking team members follow agreed file management, server, naming and archiving procedures.
- Onboard new starters into studio systems, artwork processes, production requirements and internal ways of working.
- Mentor, support and develop artworkers, setting clear expectations, development goals and standards of performance.
- Encourage knowledge sharing across the Artworking team, helping to build technical capability, consistency and confidence.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and workflow across artwork and production delivery.
- Maintain a strong understanding of print, production and manufacturing processes, using this knowledge to guide artwork decisions and support problem-solving.
Key skills & experience
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in an artwork, studio, production or design delivery role within arts, crafts, toys, publishing, packaging, stationery or a similar commercial product environment.
- Demonstrable experience leading or managing artworkers, studio teams or production-focused creative teams.
- Strong technical artwork skills, with excellent knowledge of print-ready file preparation and production requirements.
- Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Strong understanding of print, production and manufacturing processes, with the ability to identify and resolve technical artwork issues.
- Proven experience managing multiple titles, product ranges or projects simultaneously within a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
- Excellent attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy, consistency and high-quality execution.
- Highly organised and calm under pressure, with the ability to plan effectively, prioritise competing demands and keep work moving through the studio.
- Strong workflow and project management skills, with the ability to adapt quickly to urgent or changing requirements.
- Confident reviewing, checking and approving artwork and production files.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments.
- Commercially aware, with the ability to balance creative ambition with schedules, budgets, manufacturing requirements and operational constraints.
- A supportive people manager who can motivate, mentor and develop a team.
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- Paid volunteer time
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Experience:
- artworker, studio, production or design delivery: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
