We are looking for an experienced Studio Lead and Senior Designer to join our fast-growing Studio and manage a small team of talented designers and content creators. You will play a pivotal role in leading our design capability, looking at how we can grow the business by delivering both creative and commercial results.

You will work across a variety of retained and project-based clients across our Edinburgh and London offices, Whyte & Mackay, ScottishPower, Virgin Hotels, Scottish Government, Etihad Airlines, Tefal, Grosvenor Casinos, FT Group, Travelodge and Merlin Entertainments.

You will have a passion for finding new ways to make culture-shaping, thumb-stopping content & activations that have the power to get people talking.

You will be responsible for leading and managing a small studio team, guiding them in executing creative strategies and delivering exceptional design solutions to our clients. This role requires a blend of planning, leadership and commercial skills, creative vision and technical proficiency.

You will report in the MD, Social & Influencer.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Studio Lead
   • Functional head of the studio team taking a proactive role in growing the business both creatively and commercially.
   • Working closely with the Stripe Social leadership team refine the overarching proposition for Stripe Studio outlining areas of potential growth and opportunity aligned with current talent client need.
   • Responsibility for ensuring the studio team deliver on commercial business objectives and client satisfaction in terms of output and delivery.

2. Creative & Design Expertise
   • Collaborate closely with internal teams to understand project requirements and translate them into compelling visual concepts.
   • Provide creative direction and strategic insight ensuring alignment with client objectives and brand guidelines.
   • Conceptualise innovative design solutions and layouts for various platforms, including reports, tenders, new business proposals, pitch presentations, branded merchandise, and social media.
   • Lead the design process from concept to execution, utilising industry-leading software tools and technologies to produce high-quality designs.
   • Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in digital design, incorporating innovative techniques to enhance user engagement and experience and sharing these with the wider team.
   • Develop wireframes, prototypes, and mock-ups to communicate design concepts effectively and gather feedback from stakeholders.
   • Develop creative assets for social media platforms, including graphics, animations, and video content, to support marketing campaigns and brand awareness efforts.
   • Collaborate with the social media team to develop content calendars, ensuring alignment with brand messaging and campaign objectives.

       3.   Team Leadership:

3. • Mentor and coach content teams and junior designers, providing guidance on design principles, industry standards, and project management best practices.
   • Manage workload distribution and project timelines for the studio team, ensuring deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
   • Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging creativity, innovation, and continuous learning among team members.
4. Relationship Management:
   • Cultivate strong relationships with internal clients, serving as a trusted advisor and creative partner throughout the project lifecycle.
   • Present design concepts and recommendations, articulating the rationale behind creative decisions and addressing any feedback or concerns.
   • Proactively identify opportunities for upselling additional services or expanding the scope of existing projects to drive business growth.

1. • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, or a related field.
   • Minimum of 6 years of experience in a design role, preferably within an agency or digital marketing environment.
   • Proven track record of effective people management and commercial leadership of a design function.
   • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing and other relevant design tools.
   • Mastery of Adobe After Effects is crucial for creating motion graphics, visual effects, animations, typography, and text animation.
   • Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of digital design projects, with a focus on social media content, and digital marketing campaigns.
   • Microsoft Office Suite: While not specifically design-focused, proficiency in software like PowerPoint, is a valued skill for creating presentations, proposals, and other documents related to design projects.
   • Experience of using workflow tools like Monday.com for project management and team collaboration making full use of workflows, task tracking, and communication tools.
   • Commercial understand and drive with an entrepreneurial flair to grow.
   • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative concepts and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and clients.
   • Proven leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team to deliver exceptional results under tight deadlines.
   • Knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies in digital design and social media marketing.
   • Detail-oriented approach with a keen eye for visual aesthetics and brand consistency.

We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package that focuses on what matters to you – health and well-being, personal finances, professional development, and a healthy work/life balance:

• Hybrid and Flexible Working - we are currently hybrid working with two mandatory in-office days a week
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave and shared parental leave options
• A pension plan with employer contributions 
• Subsidised private healthcare with employee contribution
• Personal learning plans, coaching and mentoring to support you on your career path
• Generous annual leave entitlement including Christmas and birthday off and work from anywhere for up to 4 weeks of the year
• An annual profit related bonus 

Join Our Team:

If you are passionate about leveraging design to create impactful communication strategies and are excited about the opportunity to lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced agency environment, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to be part of our collaborative and innovative team.