Managing Designer 

Purpose of the Role

To lead the day-to-day delivery of artwork across the Artworking team, ensuring projects are planned, resourced and completed accurately, efficiently and to agreed schedules. The role is responsible for overseeing artworkers and studio workflows from design handover through to final production-ready files, ensuring all output is technically accurate, commercially appropriate, consistent and delivered to Curious Universe standards. The Managing Designer will act as a key link between Design, Editorial, Development, Production and Procurement, supporting smooth project delivery and ensuring artwork is created in line with agreed briefs, technical requirements, manufacturing considerations and critical deadlines. This role requires strong people management, excellent attention to detail, a solid understanding of print and production processes, and the ability to manage a high-volume workload across multiple titles and product ranges. The postholder will support the development of studio processes, maintain best practice across artwork, file management and quality control, and mentor the Artworking team to ensure continued growth, consistency and high performance. 

Main Responsibilities

• 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.
• Work closely with Design, Editorial, Development, Procurement and Production teams to ensure smooth collaboration and early resolution of technical, manufacturing or safety considerations.
• Maintain strong quality control across the Artworking team, ensuring artwork is accurate, consistent, error-free and delivered on time.
• 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.
  
• Liaise with freelancers, agencies or external artwork support where required, helping to brief, review and manage external contributors.
  
• Ensure presentation materials, sales assets and supporting production files are accurate, high-quality and delivered to schedule where required.
  
• Maintain awareness of relevant products, markets and competitors, particularly within arts and crafts, toys, publishing, stationery and licensed product.
  
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies, studio procedures, file management standards and internal training systems.
  
• Proactively escalate issues or concerns to the Creative Operations Director, bringing clear information and suggested solutions where possible.
  

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 Design, Editorial, Production, Procurement and Development.
  
• 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.
  
• Confident, proactive and solution-focused.
  
• Honest, reliable and committed to high standards.
  
• A positive team player who enjoys working in a fast-changing environment.
  

This role is based in our office in Bath.  

Apply for the role here