Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Jellyfish

Location: Mumbai, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Up to 60% remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and support a team of designers in delivering high-quality static and motion graphics for global brands.

• Drive efficiency and innovation by leveraging generative AI tools, specifically Pencil Pro, within design production workflows.

• Ensure creative content is adapted and localized for diverse international markets, maintaining brand consistency and platform specifications.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with project managers and creative teams to translate design briefs into impactful visual assets.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, workflows, and the adoption of new design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities and experience level suggest a role that bridges individual contributor design work with team support and workflow optimization, rather than pure people management. The emphasis on supporting the team and leveraging AI tools indicates a focus on operational efficiency within the creative process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Support & Collaboration: Provide guidance and assistance to the design team on creative tasks, ensuring project timelines are met and quality standards are maintained.

• Project Insight & Review: Attend project reviews to understand creative briefs, client expectations, and the overall creative process, contributing to feedback and strategic alignment.

• Meeting Facilitation: Assist in organizing and participating in weekly design team meetings to ensure team alignment, address challenges, and foster a collaborative problem-solving environment.

• Content Adaptation & Localization: Support the adaptation and localization of creative assets to meet the specific requirements and cultural nuances of different global markets.

• Software Proficiency & Asset Creation: Utilize design software such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator), and potentially Premiere Pro for creating static and motion design assets.

• AI Tool Integration: Actively support the team in utilizing AI tools like Pencil Pro to streamline design production, enhance workflow efficiency, and explore new creative possibilities.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate closely with project managers and the broader creative team to ensure design briefs are clearly understood, interpreted, and executed effectively.

• Asset Development: Assist in the creation of both static and motion design assets, ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines and platform-specific technical requirements.

• Creative Contribution: Contribute innovative design ideas and visual concepts for social media, digital campaigns, and other marketing channels, aiming for engaging and memorable content.

• Asset Management & Delivery: Support the organization, versioning, and timely delivery of design assets, ensuring compliance with internal processes and client-specific naming conventions.

• Trend Awareness & Skill Development: Proactively learn and adapt to evolving design trends, industry best practices, and new technologies, bringing fresh perspectives to the team.

• Presentation Development: Assist in structuring and creating compelling presentation decks that clearly articulate design concepts and showcase work effectively for client reviews.

• Process Adherence: Ensure all design work is organized, versioned, and saved according to established internal processes and naming conventions relevant to client accounts.

• Feedback & Iteration: Provide constructive feedback and manage revisions on designs, learning from team members and client input to refine skills and improve output.

• Project Management Support: Assist project managers in tracking timelines, managing workloads, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution, team coordination, and process management. The emphasis on AI tools like Pencil Pro indicates a forward-thinking approach to creative operations and production efficiency, a key area for GTM and operations professionals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While traditional degrees are de-emphasized, a strong portfolio demonstrating design expertise and understanding of core principles is paramount.

Experience: 3+ years of design experience, preferably within a digital agency or a dynamic creative environment, with a track record of supporting creative projects.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator.

• Motion Graphics & Video: Proficiency in Adobe After Effects for motion graphics and animation.

• Design Principles: Strong understanding of fundamental design principles, including layout, composition, and typography.

• Brand Adherence: Ability to consistently apply and maintain brand guidelines across various creative assets.

• Social Media Optimization: Knowledge of best practices for designing assets optimized for various social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok).

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective teamwork and stakeholder interaction.

• Organization & Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain organized project files.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying design challenges and collaborating on practical, creative solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Design & Video Editing: Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing and advanced motion design techniques.

• 3D Animation: Familiarity with 3D animation tools such as Blender, particularly if the role involves advanced motion graphics.

• AI Design Tools: Experience or a strong interest in leveraging AI tools like Pencil Pro for design production and workflow enhancement.

• Beauty Brand Experience: Previous work with beauty brands, demonstrating an understanding of aesthetic preferences and market nuances in this sector.

• Client Relationship Management: Experience in developing client relationships and adding value to their business through design solutions.

• Creative Direction Support: Ability to contribute to creative ideation and support broader creative direction initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "skills, expertise and behavioural attributes over years of experience and traditional degrees" suggests a modern hiring approach that values practical application and adaptability. This is a significant signal for candidates to focus their applications on demonstrable skills and project outcomes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Diverse Project Showcase: Include examples of static graphics, motion graphics, and digital content tailored for social media and other digital platforms.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Highlight projects where you improved design workflows, leveraged new tools (especially AI), or optimized asset production, detailing the process and impact.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Demonstrate your ability to work within and adapt existing brand guidelines for different markets and platforms.

• Software Proficiency Examples: Showcase work created using Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects, indicating the specific tools used for each piece.

• Localization Examples: If possible, include examples demonstrating adaptation of content for different regions or languages.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of understanding or contributing to efficient design workflows, including asset management and version control.

• AI Tool Integration Examples: Showcase how AI tools were used to enhance efficiency, speed up production, or unlock new creative possibilities in a project.

• Performance Metrics (if applicable): For past projects, illustrate how design choices contributed to measurable outcomes (e.g., engagement rates, conversion rates, brand recall), even if indirectly supported by your design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on supporting a team and leveraging AI, a portfolio that clearly articulates process improvements, efficiency gains, and the practical application of design tools (including AI) will be highly valued. Demonstrating how you contribute to the operational side of design is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 2-5 years of experience in Mumbai, India, the estimated salary range is ₹8,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 per annum. This estimate considers the hybrid work model, the company's global presence, and the specific responsibilities involving AI tools and team support.

Benefits:

• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme: Opportunity for additional compensation based on company and individual performance.

• Custom Work Environment: Hybrid work model allowing up to 60% remote work, providing flexibility.

• Provident Fund (PF) Contribution: Company contribution towards retirement benefits as per Indian regulations.

• Group Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for employees.

• Life Insurance Cover: Financial protection for employees and their families.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on common compensation structures for similar roles in Mumbai. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. The benefits package indicates a commitment to employee well-being and financial security, standard for established global agencies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Marketing & Advertising (specifically, a full-service global digital agency). Jellyfish operates within the dynamic Brandtech Group, emphasizing innovation and the integration of technology, including GenAI.

Company Size: Nearly 2,000 employees globally across 38 offices. This indicates a large, established organization with structured processes and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: The company's founding date isn't explicitly stated but its global presence and integration into Brandtech Group suggest it's a well-established entity. The company description emphasizes a forward-thinking, unconventional approach to marketing.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The role directly supports a team of designers, implying a collaborative structure where the manager assists, guides, and helps coordinate efforts.

• Reporting: Reports to a Director, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the creative department.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with Project Managers, the wider Creative Team, and potentially Data/Media teams, highlighting a matrixed organizational approach common in agencies.

Methodology:

• Integrated Approach: Combines strategy, creative, data, and media buying under one roof.

• Data-Driven Creativity: Emphasizes using data insights to deliver exceptional creative solutions.

• AI-First Mentality: Actively deploys GenAI tools like Pencil Pro to revolutionize creative production, distribution, and performance prediction.

• Global Reach, Local Relevance: Focuses on creating culturally relevant creativity that resonates across different markets.

Company Website: https://www.jellyfish.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Jellyfish's positioning as a "global digital agency" and part of the "Brandtech Group" signifies a focus on technology, data, and innovation. The explicit mention of GenAI and Pencil Pro is a strong indicator of the company's commitment to cutting-edge practices, which will be a significant part of the role's operational focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is positioned at a mid-level, bridging hands-on design execution with team support and operational process enhancement. It's an opportunity to develop leadership capabilities within a creative operations context.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Director, providing direct mentorship and guidance on career development within the creative department.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, contributing to the efficiency and quality of creative output for global brands. By optimizing workflows, leveraging AI, and ensuring content localization, the Design Manager directly influences client satisfaction, campaign effectiveness, and the agency's ability to scale its creative services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Progression to a more senior Design Manager or Creative Lead role, with greater responsibility for team direction and client strategy.

• Operations Specialization: Development of expertise in creative operations, workflow optimization, and AI tool integration within creative production.

• Client Management: Enhanced skills in client interaction, presentation, and relationship building through exposure to global brands.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in motion graphics, video editing, and potentially 3D animation, as well as advanced AI applications.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Gaining broader experience in digital marketing strategy, data analysis, and media planning through collaboration with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique blend of creative craft and operational oversight, making it an attractive path for individuals looking to move beyond pure design execution into roles that influence process and team productivity. The emphasis on AI is a key differentiator for future career growth in the creative industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is situated within a global digital agency that offers a hybrid work environment. This suggests a modern office space designed for collaboration, creativity, and client meetings, complemented by remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Based in Mumbai, India, with the ability to work remotely for up to 60% of the time. This implies access to a physical office for team collaboration, client presentations, and in-person meetings, while allowing for remote flexibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are likely equipped with collaborative zones, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated creative studios to foster teamwork and idea generation.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to industry-standard design software and hardware, including AI tools like Pencil Pro, is expected.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design team members, project managers, and senior leadership, both in-person and virtually.

Work Schedule: A full-time schedule with a hybrid arrangement, allowing employees to balance office-based collaboration with remote work, supporting a flexible and productive work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment, offering flexibility. Operations professionals often value environments that support efficient work practices, and the combination of office collaboration and remote autonomy aligns with this.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience alignment, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Potential for a practical design exercise or case study focusing on static/motion graphics, AI tool application, or localization challenges relevant to global brands.

• Manager/Director Interview: Discussion of experience, team support approach, understanding of design processes, and leadership potential. Emphasis on how you leverage tools and collaborate.

• Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with project managers or other team leads to assess collaboration style and ability to integrate design into broader project workflows.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, cultural alignment, and overall fit within Jellyfish's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Detail your thought process, challenges overcome, and how you used tools (especially AI) to achieve results.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback demonstrating the effectiveness of your designs or process improvements.

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly demonstrate how you've used AI tools like Pencil Pro to enhance efficiency, creativity, or production workflows.

• Tailor to Jellyfish: Research Jellyfish's work, client base, and emphasis on AI. Showcase projects that align with their style and capabilities.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., motion graphics, AI-assisted design).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any design challenge, focusing on objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Embrace AI: Be prepared to discuss how you would leverage AI tools to speed up production, generate ideas, or optimize the output.

• Focus on Efficiency: Demonstrate an understanding of efficient workflows and how to deliver high-quality work within potential time constraints.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your design decisions, tool choices, and collaborative approach clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only design talent but also your ability to manage workflows, collaborate effectively, and embrace innovative technologies like AI, crucial for operations-focused roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX design.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and graphic design.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics, animation, and visual effects.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing and post-production.

• AI Design Tools:

  • Pencil Pro: Specifically mentioned as a key tool for streamlining design production, workflow efficiency, and generative AI applications.

  • Other Generative AI Platforms: Familiarity with broader AI tools for content generation or ideation is a plus. Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed for this role, an understanding of how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., engagement, click-through rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with social media analytics platforms would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how creative assets integrate into broader marketing automation and CRM workflows can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is standard, but the explicit mention of Pencil Pro and other AI tools is a critical differentiator. Candidates who can demonstrate practical experience or a strong understanding of leveraging AI in design production will have a significant advantage. This highlights the operational aspect of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding client needs, building relationships, and delivering value through design solutions.

• Team Collaboration: Emphasis on working together, valuing diverse contributions, and achieving common goals collectively.

• Problem Solving: A proactive approach to identifying issues and collaborating to find practical, efficient solutions.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies (like AI) and design trends to stay ahead and deliver cutting-edge creative work.

• Efficiency & Organization: A commitment to organized workflows, timely delivery, and effective asset management.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Project Managers, the wider Creative Team, and potentially Data/Media specialists to ensure cohesive campaign execution.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in design quality and process.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, insights on new tools, and learnings from projects among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of client focus, teamwork, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset, all crucial for operational success in a fast