Lead Graphics Designer

Job Description: Lead Graphic Designer – Materiality
Location: Gaydon, Warwickshire
Work Pattern: Hybrid (typically three days on-site)
Employment Type: Contract Roll Over (with potential extension)

Role Summary:
We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Lead Graphic Designer to define and deliver graphic strategies within our bespoke materiality and personalization projects. This role requires advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, strong aesthetic judgement, and proven experience in taking design concepts from client brief through to supplier-ready execution in a premium product environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and Execution:
• Translate client briefs into original 2D graphic artworks for product application, ensuring accurate interpretation into 3D and physical forms.
• Create precise technical artwork templates for supplier manufacture and manage artwork archiving in line with GDPR requirements.
• Oversee multiple design release cycles where refinements are required during the development process.

Client Engagement and Collaboration:
• Act as a primary design contact for clients, capturing their vision and translating it into feasible solutions.
• Work closely with Materiality Designers, Engineers, Design Quality, and suppliers to ensure design feasibility, manage sampling, and refine designs for production quality.
• Contribute actively to weekly design reviews, one-to-one updates, and senior-level presentations.

Strategy and Development:
• Lead the development of graphic strategies across embroidery, perforation, branding, and related applications.
• Establish and maintain a cohesive graphic style and visual language for both digital and physical presentation materials.
• Conduct trend research and competitor benchmarking to inform and strengthen design strategies.

Visual Communication:
• Produce impactful visual assets, including infographics, icons, and presentation templates, to communicate complex strategies to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Brand Design, Digital Design, and other disciplines to ensure consistency of visual language across projects.

Mentorship and Expertise:
• Share best practices in graphic design, mentoring and coaching team members on methods and processes.
• Act as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and support to colleagues where required.

Essential Skills and Experience:
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, with advanced skills in Photoshop and InDesign.
• A portfolio demonstrating originality, creativity, and strong aesthetic judgement.
• Proven experience managing projects from concept through to delivery, working autonomously to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage confidently with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Up-to-date knowledge of design trends, innovations, and industry best practice.

Desirable Skills:
• Proficiency in 3D visualization software such as VRED.
• Experience with video editing software such as Adobe After Effects or Final Cut Pro, and motion graphics.
• Ability to adapt quickly to evolving strategies and project requirements.
• Knowledge of automotive or other high-end product design sectors.