Design Manager, Wellness

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Wellness

Company: Haleon

Location: Warren, NJ, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-23

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drives the end-to-end visual brand experience for a category portfolio by defining design vision and creative strategy.

• Develops and stewards distinctive brand assets, packaging principles, and visual languages for multiple brands.

• Orchestrates cohesive, emotionally resonant consumer and healthcare professional experiences across omnichannel environments.

• Acts as a strategic design partner influencing senior leaders in insights, R&D, marketing, digital, and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager, Wellness," the core responsibilities and required skills point towards a strategic Brand Design or Creative Director role focused on category-level brand expression and experience design, rather than a traditional operations management role. The "Operations" aspect comes into play through the management of brand systems, creative governance, and cross-functional orchestration to ensure consistent brand execution and business growth.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and evolution of category-wide visual brand strategies, identity systems, and design frameworks, ensuring each brand's distinctiveness and equity grows.

• Define and shape the creative direction for multiple brands within a category, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives and consumer insights.

• Create and steward new distinctive brand assets, packaging principles, experience guidelines, and visual languages that elevate brand relevance and differentiation.

• Design and direct end-to-end consumer and healthcare professional experiences across omnichannel environments, including packaging, digital, retail, and experiential platforms.

• Serve as the primary creative and design lead for category/product teams, fostering collaboration and elevating the creative bar internally and with external agency partners.

• Partner cross-functionally with insights, data strategy, R&D, marketing, technology, and product leaders to translate design vision into tangible brand experiences and innovations.

• Contribute to the ideation of new value propositions, innovation platforms, and experiential concepts by bringing external inspiration (cultural trends, design futures, human behavior) into Haleon.

• Define and enforce creative standards and brand rules that guide execution partners and agencies, ensuring consistent, intentional brand building across all touchpoints.

• Inspire a culture of design thinking, creativity, experimentation, and strategic craftsmanship across the broader organization.

• Mentor and guide designers, agencies, and cross-functional partners to elevate design quality and consumer centricity.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities emphasize strategic brand development and creative leadership. For operations professionals, this translates to managing brand systems, ensuring process adherence for brand consistency, and driving efficiency through well-defined design frameworks that streamline execution across various touchpoints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Industrial Design, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: 10+ years of experience as a Visual Designer, Creative Design Manager, or Design Lead in agency or client-side environments. Experience in FMCG/healthcare design leadership roles is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Branding, Design Systems, and Innovation Design.

• Strong proficiency in design thinking, human-centered design, and applying insights to creative strategy.

• Strategic and tactical knowledge of how Design drives brand equity, business value, and portfolio growth.

• Cross-disciplinary design experience including brand identity, structural packaging, digital, POS, advertising, and other relevant touchpoints.

• Proven track record in creating, launching, and scaling distinctive brand assets and complete visual systems.

• Strong design communication skills; ability to articulate creative decisions through consumer and business impact.

• Ability to influence, inspire, and lead through design with intellectual curiosity and hands-on capability when needed.

• Understanding of global design culture and modern design practices across industries.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing category-level budgets.

• Bonus for experience with 3D, CAD, motion graphics, or digital experience design tools beyond Adobe CC.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily focused on creative and strategic design competencies. For operations professionals, the transferable skills include system thinking, process development (for design systems), cross-functional project management, and driving efficiency through standardized creative frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, curated portfolio showcasing omnichannel brand system design and breakthrough creative work.

• Demonstrate experience in creating and evolving distinctive brand assets and complete visual systems from concept to execution.

• Illustrate a deep understanding of how design drives brand equity, business value, and portfolio growth through case studies.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in defining and stewarding brand identity systems and design frameworks.

• Provide examples of translating consumer insights and design thinking into actionable creative strategies.

• Demonstrate the ability to establish creative standards and brand rules that guide execution partners and agencies, ensuring consistency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is creative-centric, the emphasis on "Design Systems," "Brand Equity Growth," and "Creative Governance" implies a need for structured approaches akin to operations. A portfolio should highlight how systematic design thinking and process adherence led to successful outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $142,078 - $195,356 USD annually, plus bonus.

Benefits:

• Generous 401(k) plan.

• Tuition reimbursement program.

• 6 months paid parental leave.

• Comprehensive healthcare programs with company contributing the majority of medical coverage costs for employees and their families.

• Discretionary bonus based on key business performance.

• Other incentive and recognition programs.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The hybrid model requires 3 days in the Warren, NJ office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and aligns with industry benchmarks for senior design leadership roles in the specified region. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering strong support for work-life balance and professional development, which are key considerations for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). Haleon operates in resilient and growing categories with a portfolio of trusted brands.

Company Size: Large enterprise (likely 10,000+ employees globally, based on typical FMCG/Pharma structures). This size implies structured processes, potential for significant impact, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Haleon was formed as a standalone company in July 2022, spinning off from GSK. This recent formation suggests a dynamic, evolving culture focused on building its identity and driving ambitious growth.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the US Director of Design, indicating a clear reporting line within a dedicated design function.

• The Category Design Manager will likely lead or influence a team of designers and work closely with external agencies.

Methodology:

• Haleon emphasizes a "Win as One" strategy, putting purpose ("deliver better everyday health with humanity") at the heart of everything.

• The company culture is described as agile, performance-focused, and driven by deep human understanding and trusted science.

• Design methodology involves a strong focus on human-centered design, design thinking, and translating consumer insights into creative strategy and brand experiences.

Company Website: [Company URL not provided, but standard search would lead to Haleon.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: Haleon's recent spin-off suggests a company that is both established in its product portfolio and agile in its strategic direction. The emphasis on purpose, humanity, and human-centered design is crucial for candidates to understand and align with.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior individual contributor or a lead role within the design function, equivalent to a Director or Senior Manager level in other departments. It requires significant strategic influence and creative direction across multiple brands.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the US Director of Design. Will likely collaborate closely with Marketing Directors, Brand Managers, R&D leads, and Innovation teams within the Wellness category.

Operations Impact: The role's direct impact is on brand equity, consumer perception, market differentiation, and ultimately, business growth for the Wellness category. By shaping compelling brand experiences, the role influences consumer choice, loyalty, and sales performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of brand design, consumer experience, or category-specific design challenges within the health and wellness sector.

• Leadership: Advance to higher leadership roles within the Design organization, such as Head of Design for a larger business unit or global responsibility.

• Cross-Functional Expansion: Transition into broader brand strategy, marketing leadership, or innovation roles, leveraging a strong understanding of brand and consumer experience.

• Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior designers and influencing broader organizational design thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within a large, purpose-driven organization. The emphasis on strategic impact and cross-functional collaboration provides a strong foundation for career advancement in design leadership or related strategic marketing functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Warren, NJ, with a hybrid work model requiring 3 days per week in the office. This suggests a modern corporate office environment designed for collaboration.

Office Location(s): Warren, NJ, United States. This location is a key hub for Haleon's operations in the US.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model facilitates a blend of focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.

• Expect access to standard corporate design tools and technologies, with potential for specialized creative software.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams (marketing, R&D, insights) are integral to the role, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Work Schedule: Full-time, estimated 40 hours per week. The hybrid structure allows for flexibility within the week, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a common standard, offering a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility. Candidates should be prepared for a structured office environment that encourages team interaction and cross-functional engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their relevant work. This is a critical step.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the US Director of Design to assess strategic thinking, design philosophy, and leadership capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Marketing, R&D, and Insights to evaluate collaboration skills and ability to influence.

• Creative Challenge/Presentation: Potentially a design exercise or a presentation of a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating problem-solving, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to confirm cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate category-level brand system design and omnichannel experience.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the strategic thinking, the design process, the solution, and the measurable business impact (brand equity lift, consumer delight, business growth).

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Emphasize how you built or evolved design systems, brand guidelines, and asset libraries to ensure consistency and scalability.

• Showcase Omnichannel: Include examples that span packaging, digital, retail, or other relevant touchpoints to demonstrate end-to-end experience design.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy and approach to human-centered design.

• Anticipate questions about how you translate consumer insights into creative strategy.

• Practice articulating the business impact of your design decisions clearly and concisely.

• Research Haleon's brands, particularly in the Wellness category, to understand their current positioning and potential opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to deeply articulate the strategy, process, and impact behind their presented work, focusing on how design drives business outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Adobe CC): Essential for graphic design, digital design, and potentially motion graphics. Proficiency is required.

• Design System Management Tools: Experience with platforms for creating, maintaining, and distributing design systems (e.g., Zeroheight, Figma's capabilities, or custom solutions).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how brand expression integrates with digital marketing and CRM strategies would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud. Beyond that, familiarity with design system management tools and the ability to leverage data for strategic design decisions are key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven: A strong commitment to Haleon's purpose of delivering better everyday health with humanity.

• Humanity & Inclusivity: Championing inclusive design that reflects diverse communities and fostering a culture where all employees feel they belong.

• Agile & Performance-Focused: Embracing an agile mindset, driving high performance, and focusing on delivering business outcomes.

• Curiosity & Experimentation: Encouraging curiosity, external inspiration, and creativity rooted in human insights, with a willingness to experiment.

• Collaboration & Empathy: Fostering strong collaboration across boundaries with empathy, clarity, and leadership maturity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with insights, R&D, marketing, digital, and innovation teams to bring designs to life.

• Agency Partnership: Inspiring and guiding external agency partners to achieve high creative standards.

• Design Leadership: Mentoring and guiding internal designers and cross-functional partners to elevate design quality.

• Influential Communication: Clearly articulating design rationale and impact to influence senior stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Haleon's emphasis on purpose, humanity, and inclusivity should be a central theme for candidates. The collaborative style requires strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively influence diverse stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Differentiation: Ensuring a cohesive category-wide visual identity while allowing individual brands to maintain their unique equity and appeal.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Influencing stakeholders across multiple departments and navigating established processes to drive design initiatives.

• Translating Human Insights into Tangible Design: Effectively bridging the gap between deep consumer understanding and innovative, executable design solutions.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Trends: Staying ahead of cultural shifts, design trends, and technological advancements to ensure brands remain relevant.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Strategy: Opportunities to refine strategic design thinking and category-level brand management.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal opportunities to hone leadership, mentorship, and stakeholder management skills.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with external design trends, conferences, and thought leaders to bring fresh perspectives into Haleon.

• Cross-Category/Brand Exposure: Potential to gain exposure to other categories or brands within Haleon's portfolio over time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in large CPG/healthcare companies, requiring strong strategic thinking, influencing skills, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals looking to advance their design leadership careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a category-wide design system. What were the key principles, challenges, and outcomes?" (Focus on process, scalability, and impact)

• "How do you balance maintaining a strong, consistent brand identity with the need for individual brand differentiation within a portfolio?" (Assess strategic approach to brand architecture and visual systems)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What about Haleon's purpose and brands resonates with you, and how would you bring that to life through design?" (Assess cultural alignment and brand understanding)

• "How do you approach influencing senior stakeholders who may not have a design background?" (Evaluate communication and influencing skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, present: Problem/Challenge -> Your Role -> Strategy/Insight -> Solution/Design -> Results/Impact.

• Visuals Matter: Use high-quality mockups and visuals to showcase your work.

• Concise Narration: Be articulate and to the point. Focus on the strategic "why" and the business "what," not just the aesthetic "how."

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, challenges encountered, and how you measured success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating strategic design thinking, demonstrating a clear process, quantifying impact, and showcasing an understanding of Haleon's purpose and brands. The portfolio is the primary tool to illustrate these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Haleon Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight category-level brand systems, omnichannel experiences, and FMCG/healthcare design examples. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your strategic thinking and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of experience in design leadership, specific achievements in branding, design systems, and innovation, and proficiency with Adobe CC and design thinking methodologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design philosophy, your approach to human-centered design, and how you translate insights into impactful creative strategies. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Haleon's mission, values, brands (especially in the Wellness category), and recent company news to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions tailored for a strategic design role. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.