Gift Design Manager (Part‑time, Fixed‑term)

About the role

The Design Manager leads and develops the Gifts Design Team, ensuring a high‑performing, collaborative and creatively ambitious environment. The role provides day‑to‑day leadership, supports creative excellence, manages workflow, and develops the team’s capability to deliver outstanding work that advances the Gifts strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Line‑manage, coach and develop the Gifts Design Team, handling recruitment, onboarding and capacity reviews.
• Oversee part‑time workflow planning, resource allocation and brief prioritisation to eliminate project blockers.
• Manage creative administration including budgets up to £1,500, design proofing and copyright/licensing approvals.
• Build relationships with local Poole artists, source fresh talent and drive community‑focused collaborative projects.
• Uphold design excellence across all gift outputs, provide creative direction when needed and contribute hands‑on design work.

Required profile

• Proven track record in line management, coaching creative teams and nurturing talent in a fast‑paced design environment.
• Exceptional organisational skills with experience balancing design schedules, part‑time capacity and collaborating with operational leads.
• Strong visual design eye, capable of maintaining brand standards and providing constructive feedback.
• Passion for local arts outreach, commissioning talent and managing creative partnerships.
• Comfort managing small project budgets, basic HR admin and navigating copyright/licensing agreements.

What we offer

• £48,000‑£58,000 annual salary (pro‑rata), 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• 6 months of full pay for parental leave, enhanced paternity leave and a bonus scheme.
• Day off for weekday birthdays, holiday purchase scheme and 50% discount on Lush products and spa treatments.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted rail and bus season tickets, employee assistance programme.
• Flexible working arrangements, employee‑ownership share, wellbeing & mindfulness sessions and diverse community networks.