Global Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Global Design Manager

Company: Haleon

Location: Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Brand Management (GTM Operations Focus)

Date Posted: 2026-08-18

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in embedding design thinking within the Oral Health Commercial team, driving strategic and operational design excellence for Haleon's leading brands.

• It involves leading and supporting brand design and innovation projects, translating consumer and business insights into distinctive, memorable brand experiences.

• The position requires managing the end-to-end design process from concept ideation through to commercialization, ensuring cohesive brand language across all consumer touchpoints.

• Collaboration with marketing, cross-functional teams, and external design partners is essential to deliver impactful and culturally relevant brand experiences that strengthen consumer connection and drive business value.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Global Design Manager," has significant implications for Go-To-Market (GTM) operations by directly influencing brand strategy, packaging design, and the consumer experience. The emphasis on embedding design thinking, managing end-to-end projects, and ensuring cohesive brand language across touchpoints positions it as a critical function within the GTM operational framework, impacting how brands are perceived and delivered to market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Embed design thinking principles across Oral Health category marketing and branding, translating insights into strong creative direction and compelling design solutions.

• Lead external brand partners and internal cross-functional teams through the end-to-end design process, from ideation to commercialization, ensuring alignment on creative and business goals.

• Develop and champion the design vision and brand language for specific brands, notably Aquafresh, and provide support for Sensodyne and Pronamel.

• Ensure category-leading brand experiences are consistent and cohesive across all consumer and expert interactions, supported by comprehensive brand guidelines and storytelling principles.

• Demonstrate the value and ROI of design by transforming insights and consumer learning into high-impact outcomes that drive brand growth, increase demand, and strengthen brand equity.

• Manage and monitor design quality, consistency, and trends across multiple markets through regular checks, audits, and competitor reviews.

• Partner with stakeholders across Commercial, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Procurement to deliver technically feasible and commercially viable packaging solutions, including print trials and line trials.

• Ensure clear briefs and success criteria are defined for design projects, and that necessary information is provided by commercial teams for consumer-focused design outcomes.

• Lead 'Design to Artwork' packaging projects, acting as the primary design contact for global, operating unit (OU), and local teams, as well as brand partners and suppliers.

• Oversee the preparation and briefing of new 'Design Master Templates' to the Global Artwork Coordinator and Artwork Provider, ensuring validated design intent is applied to approved structural profiles.

• Support the Global Artwork Coordinator with design adaptation and roll-out of packaging projects, serving as a Design subject matter expert for Commercial leads and related functions.

• Lead print exploration during design development to ensure creative intent translates into technically feasible production, including attending press runs and ensuring adherence to approved print standards.

• Contribute to the broader Haleon design community of practice, sharing knowledge and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership and operational execution. The emphasis on managing the "Design to Artwork" process, liaising with artwork providers, print suppliers, and ensuring adherence to print standards, directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of GTM execution for packaging. This role is crucial for translating creative vision into tangible, market-ready products, underscoring its operational significance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Design, Marketing, Business). Experience:

• Strong track record in a creative lead, design manager, or similar role, ideally within premium Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) in an in-house design or brand function.

• Proven experience managing design budgets and demonstrating design value through ROI.

• Extensive understanding and practical experience of the design process and project management for global brands.

• Comprehensive knowledge of design, artwork production, and print processes. Required Skills:

• Deep understanding and expertise in Design Thinking, Brand Strategy, Brand Experience, and Innovation processes applied to product and packaging.

• Proficient in managing design budgets and demonstrating design value to drive investment based on ROI.

• Strong strategic thinking coupled with commercial acumen.

• Excellent design management and design leadership skills.

• High degree of organization, planning, and communication skills.

• Ability to adapt to situations and flexibility to consider solutions to challenges in a fast-paced, diverse, and dynamic environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills that build effective internal and external partnerships.

• Prioritization skills that drive teamwork and help meet scope of brand and project deliverables.

• Experience with connected commerce, brand identity, portfolio design systems, and digital design applications.

• Ability to translate consumer, expert, and cultural insights into compelling design solutions.

• Experience in managing external design partners across various disciplines (Visual Identity, 2D, 3D, Motion, Sonic). Preferred Skills:

• Experience with human-centric design methodology for inclusive, accessible, and sustainable product experiences.

• Familiarity with market trends and competitor analysis in the CPG and Oral Health sectors.

• Experience in managing print exploration and attending press runs to ensure quality adherence.

• Knowledge of design systems and their application across global brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative expertise and operational project management. The requirement for "extensive understanding and practical experience of the design process and project management for global brands" and "comprehensive knowledge of design, artwork production and print processes" directly points to the operational execution aspects of this role, crucial for GTM.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of end-to-end design project management, from initial brief to final commercialization, highlighting strategic thinking and problem-solving.

• Include case studies demonstrating how design thinking was applied to translate consumer insights into tangible brand experiences and drive business value.

• Present examples of brand strategy development and brand language implementation across various touchpoints, particularly packaging.

• Provide evidence of managing design budgets and demonstrating ROI through specific project outcomes.

• Demonstrate experience with design systems and their application to maintain brand consistency across global portfolios. Process Documentation:

• Documented processes for managing design projects from ideation to artwork production, including brief setting, stakeholder alignment, and timeline management.

• Examples of workflow optimization for 'Design to Artwork' processes, demonstrating efficiency gains and quality control measures.

• Methodologies for ensuring design consistency and quality across multiple markets and print suppliers.

• Processes for integrating consumer insights and market trends into the design development cycle.

• Protocols for collaborating with cross-functional teams (R&D, QSC, Procurement) and external partners to ensure technical feasibility and commercial viability of designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with such direct impact on product delivery and brand representation in the market, a portfolio demonstrating process management is critical. It should highlight not just creative output but the operational rigor behind it, showcasing an ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and timelines efficiently, which is a core GTM operations requirement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Global Design Manager role with 5-10 years of experience in the UK, specifically within the CPG sector, the estimated annual salary range is £60,000 - £85,000. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, its global scope, and the specific industry expertise required. Benefits:

• Competitive Salary and Bonus Scheme

• Pension Scheme with Company Contributions

• Comprehensive Health Insurance (including medical, dental, and vision)

• Generous Annual Leave Allowance with options to purchase additional days

• Life Assurance and Income Protection

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for confidential support

• Opportunities for Professional Development, Training, and Certifications

• Discounts on Haleon products

• Flexible working arrangements (where applicable, though this role is on-site)

• Commitment to employee well-being and a supportive work environment Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 37.5 to 40 hours per week.

• While the role is primarily on-site, Haleon often promotes a culture that supports work-life balance, with potential for some flexibility in daily hours where operational needs permit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for a Global Design Manager in a major UK city within the CPG industry, considering the specified experience level and the responsibilities outlined. Benefits are standard for large, reputable organizations like Haleon, with a focus on employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Healthcare / Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) - specifically Oral Health. Haleon is a global leader in consumer health, with a purpose-driven mission to deliver better everyday health with humanity.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This indicates a structured environment with established processes, global reach, and significant resources.

Founded: Haleon was formed in 2022 as a demerger from GSK, though its heritage brands have a much longer history. This means it benefits from established brand equity and market presence while operating with a renewed, agile focus.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Global Design Director for Gum & Family Oral Health, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design function.

• Collaboration is expected with Marketing teams, Global Artwork Coordinators, external design partners (across various disciplines), and internal functions like R&D, QSC, and Procurement.

• The position is part of a broader design community of practice, fostering knowledge sharing and collective development. Methodology:

• Design Thinking: A core methodology to translate business, consumer, expert, and cultural insights into creative direction and design solutions.

• Human-Centric Design: Emphasis on creating inclusive, accessible, and sustainable brand and product experiences.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing consumer insights, data, and learning to inform design outcomes and demonstrate ROI.

• Agile and Iterative Processes: Navigating ambiguity and employing a test-and-learn approach for creative development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working seamlessly with diverse teams to achieve shared creative and business goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Haleon's positioning as a purpose-driven, world-class consumer health company with a strong portfolio of trusted brands is key. The "Win as One" strategy and agile, performance-focused culture suggest an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and efficiency – all critical for effective GTM operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Managerial/Director-level role within the Design function, specifically G7 (Grade 7), indicating significant responsibility and impact. It sits within the Global Design team, focusing on a critical product category.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Global Design Director, providing a clear line of sight to senior leadership within the design organization. This structure allows for direct mentorship and influence on strategic design initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Global Design Manager directly influences how Haleon's Oral Health brands are perceived and experienced by consumers worldwide. By ensuring cohesive brand language, distinctive packaging, and innovative consumer experiences, this role significantly impacts brand equity, consumer engagement, market penetration, and ultimately, revenue growth. Effective design execution is a critical component of successful GTM strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design disciplines or product categories within Oral Health.

• Leadership: Progress to Global Design Director or similar senior leadership roles, potentially managing larger teams or broader portfolios.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Transition into senior marketing, brand management, or product innovation roles, leveraging deep understanding of consumer-facing elements.

• Global Exposure: Gain extensive experience managing global projects, working with diverse markets, and navigating international supply chains and regulatory landscapes.

• Skill Development: Opportunities for continuous learning in design trends, digital innovation, sustainability, and advanced project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique path for operations professionals to influence GTM strategy through the lens of brand and design. The growth trajectory emphasizes strategic impact, leadership, and continuous learning within the consumer health sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Haleon's Weybridge location, which is likely a modern office facility designed for collaboration and productivity. As an on-site role, it fosters direct interaction and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom. This location offers a base within a significant business hub in the UK, providing access to talent and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is expected to facilitate interaction with marketing, design, and cross-functional teams, encouraging brainstorming and problem-solving.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and communication platforms necessary for global collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to engage with colleagues, participate in team meetings, and contribute to a shared design culture. The on-site nature promotes spontaneous collaboration and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: Primarily standard business hours, Monday to Friday, with a focus on delivering on project deadlines. While on-site, the company culture may support some flexibility in start/end times to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity, provided operational requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for design development, stakeholder alignment, and creative problem-solving, which are crucial for efficient GTM operations that require close coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will review your application and CV to assess basic qualifications and fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the Global Design Director or Hiring Manager to delve deeper into your experience, design philosophy, project management skills, and strategic thinking.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a curated selection of their work, focusing on key projects that demonstrate their expertise in brand strategy, design thinking, project management, and ROI demonstration. This is a critical stage to showcase practical application of skills.

4. Cross-Functional/Team Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from marketing, R&D, or other relevant functions to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate design within broader GTM efforts.

5. Final Interview/Assessment: Potentially a case study or a final discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your end-to-end design management experience, impact on business objectives, and understanding of GTM.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the design thinking/strategic approach, key decisions made, challenges overcome, and measurable outcomes (ROI, brand growth, consumer engagement).

• Showcase Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams and external partners to achieve objectives.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the business value and ROI of your design contributions.

• Brand Consistency: If possible, show examples of how you maintained or evolved brand consistency across different touchpoints and markets.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you handle conflicting priorities, and your approach to managing budgets and timelines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Focus: Prepare to analyze a design challenge or brief, outlining your strategic approach, creative direction, execution plan, and expected outcomes.

• Process Mapping: Be ready to discuss or map out a design process, highlighting efficiency improvements or critical control points.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would align diverse stakeholders (marketing, legal, R&D, suppliers) around a design vision and execution plan.

• Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate an understanding of how design contributes to commercial success, including market trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscapes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review are heavily geared towards assessing not just creative talent but also the operational rigor and strategic thinking required to manage complex global design projects effectively within a GTM context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is standard. Experience with 3D rendering software (e.g., Keyshot, Blender) may be beneficial for packaging visualization.

• Project Management: Tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira for managing project timelines, tasks, and workflows.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack for real-time communication and team coordination.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Systems for organizing and distributing design assets globally.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Research Tools: For gathering consumer insights and trend analysis.

• Brand Performance Dashboards: Familiarity with how design impact is measured and reported.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design assets are utilized within marketing automation platforms or integrated into digital commerce experiences would be advantageous.

• Familiarity with systems that manage artwork workflows and approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design software is a given, but understanding how these tools integrate with project management and collaboration platforms is key for operational efficiency. The ability to work with systems that manage global asset distribution and artwork approval processes is directly relevant to GTM execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Humanity & Purpose: A strong commitment to the company's purpose of delivering better everyday health with humanity, reflected in inclusive and accessible design.

• Agile & Performance-Focused: Embracing a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a focus on delivering results efficiently and effectively.

• Collaboration & Unity: Working "as one" across teams and functions to achieve shared goals, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Constantly seeking new ways to enhance brand and product experiences, drive growth, and improve processes.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high standards in all aspects of work, building trust with consumers and colleagues.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with marketing, R&D, supply chain, and procurement to ensure design solutions are strategically aligned, technically feasible, and commercially viable.

• External Partnership Management: Building strong relationships with external design agencies and suppliers, guiding them effectively to deliver on brand vision.

• Feedback Culture: Open to providing and receiving constructive feedback to refine creative direction and improve processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in the design community of practice to share insights, best practices, and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Haleon's culture emphasizes purpose, agility, and collaboration. For a Global Design Manager, this means being a proactive team player who can navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and drive initiatives forward efficiently, aligning with the operational demands of bringing products to market.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Consistency with Local Relevance: Ensuring a unified brand identity while adapting designs to meet diverse cultural nuances and market needs.

• Managing Multiple Priorities and Deadlines: Juggling numerous projects across different brands and stages of development in a fast-paced environment.

• Translating Complex Insights into Simple, Compelling Designs: Effectively communicating intricate consumer needs and business objectives through visual and multi-sensory brand experiences.

• Demonstrating Design ROI: Quantifying the business impact of design initiatives to secure continued investment and strategic buy-in.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working effectively in a dynamic market and organizational landscape, adapting to evolving strategies and requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Strategy: Deepen understanding of brand architecture, portfolio management, and design systems.

• Sustainability & Accessibility Design: Gaining expertise in designing for environmental impact and inclusivity.

• Digital & Connected Commerce Design: Expanding skills in designing for e-commerce, digital interfaces, and emerging technologies.

• Global Project Leadership: Developing stronger capabilities in managing international teams, supply chains, and cross-cultural communication.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending events focused on design innovation, CPG trends, and brand strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong operational and strategic skills, such as prioritization, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making, all critical for success in a GTM operations context. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise and expanding strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you embedded design thinking into a product development or marketing strategy. What was the outcome?" (Focus on process, insights, and impact)

• "How do you ensure design consistency across global markets while allowing for local adaptation?" (Highlight your approach to brand guidelines and stakeholder management)

• "Walk me through a project where you had to manage a design budget and demonstrate ROI. What metrics did you use, and what was the result?" (Prepare a specific case study with quantifiable results)

• "How do you approach translating complex consumer insights into actionable design briefs for external partners?" (Demonstrate your briefing and communication skills) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Haleon's purpose and its Oral Health brands?" (Research Haleon's mission, brands, and recent initiatives)

• "How would you contribute to Haleon's 'Win as One' strategy through design?" (Connect your skills to their strategic priorities)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, agile environment. How do you manage competing priorities?" (Showcase your resilience and organizational skills)

• "How do you foster collaboration with cross-functional teams that may have different priorities?" (Emphasize your stakeholder management and communication approach) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by theme (e.g., Brand Strategy, Packaging Innovation, Design Management) or by project complexity.

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a compelling story: the challenge, your role, the strategic approach, the execution, and the measurable impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals, but don't let them overshadow your narrative. Ensure they clearly illustrate your design decisions and outcomes.

• Data Integration: Weave in metrics and ROI data seamlessly to showcase the business impact of your work.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful projects and insights. Prepare to go deeper on specific areas if asked.

• Alignment: Frame your work in the context of Haleon's business objectives and the GTM strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions requires not only showcasing design expertise but also demonstrating a strong understanding of business strategy, operational execution, and stakeholder management—key attributes for success in a role impacting GTM.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Global Design Manager position at Haleon:

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

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in CPG, global brand management, design thinking, project management, and demonstrating ROI. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Design Thinking," "Brand Strategy," "Packaging Design," "Project Management," and "CPG."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end design management capabilities, strategic thinking, and measurable business impact. Prepare a concise narrative for each, focusing on process, collaboration, and outcomes.

• Research Haleon: Understand their mission, values, key brands (especially within Oral Health), and recent business strategies (like "Win as One"). This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Prepare for the Interview: Practice articulating your experience with specific examples related to the responsibilities and requirements outlined in this job description, focusing on how your design leadership contributes to GTM success.

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

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