Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design

Company: EMJ

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Management & Leadership / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-04-29

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creation of high-quality, scientifically accurate, and brand-consistent digital medical content through effective design leadership and creative strategy.

• Drive design operations by improving workflows, optimizing processes, and implementing efficient systems to ensure timely and high-standard project delivery.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Editorial, Client Services, and Sales teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with business objectives.

• Enhance the overall quality and consistency of EMJ's creative output, leveraging expertise in digital medical content, print design, and SEO principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid of hands-on design (approx. 40%) and leadership/strategy (approx. 60%), requiring a candidate who can both execute creatively and manage strategically. The emphasis on digital medical content and scientific accuracy positions this as a specialized design leadership role within a healthcare context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the design team, including managing and supporting the Design Manager and individual designers.

• Develop and implement efficient workflows, identify and remove bottlenecks, and ensure projects are delivered on time and to the highest possible standard.

• Drive innovation and continuously raise design standards across all EMJ products and digital medical content.

• Strengthen resource planning and capacity management to ensure scalable, sustainable, and efficient output from the design team.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships across Marketing, Editorial, Client Services, and Sales departments to ensure project success and alignment.

• Coach, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary design talent, helping the department become a best-in-class function.

• Ensure all creative output maintains scientific accuracy, adheres to brand guidelines, and supports digital performance through SEO principles.

• Present creative strategies and project updates to senior stakeholders, influencing decisions and communicating effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The focus on "digital medical content" and "scientific accuracy" implies a need for a designer with experience in regulated or highly technical fields, where precision and clarity are paramount. The role requires a balance between creative execution and robust process management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a Head of Design position. Relevant certifications in design leadership or operations may also be beneficial.

Experience: 10+ years of hands-on design experience across digital, content production, and print. Proven success in design operations, team leadership, and project management within fast-paced studio environments.

Required Skills:

• Extensive hands-on design experience (10+ years) in digital, content production, and print mediums.

• Strong background in design operations, with a proven track record of improving processes, workflows, tools, and team efficiency.

• Experience leading creative teams in fast-paced studio environments, demonstrating excellent organization and time management.

• Proven ability to deliver large, complex projects from concept through to completion.

• Confidence in working with senior stakeholders, influencing decisions, and presenting at a leadership level.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and coordinate multidisciplinary design talent.

• Commercial awareness, with experience driving time and cost efficiencies across creative output.

• Solid understanding of SEO principles and their application to digital design performance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the healthcare or medical publishing industry.

• Familiarity with specific digital medical content platforms or standards.

• Advanced knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) within a creative context.

• Experience with A/B testing and performance-driven design optimization.

• Proficiency in advanced design software suites beyond standard requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "10+ years of hands-on design experience" coupled with "design operations" and "team management" suggests a senior individual contributor transitioning into or already in a leadership role that requires both tactical execution and strategic oversight. The emphasis on "digital medical content" and "scientific accuracy" is a critical differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of leading design projects from concept to final delivery, showcasing the entire lifecycle.

• Case studies detailing process improvements, workflow optimizations, and efficiency gains implemented within previous roles.

• Visual evidence of high-quality digital content creation, including examples of complex digital medical content if possible.

• Projects that highlight collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Editorial, Sales) and successful stakeholder management.

• Examples of how design thinking and execution have directly contributed to business objectives, such as improved engagement, conversion rates, or brand perception.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or detailed explanations of methodologies used for workflow design and optimization within a creative team.

• Illustrate how you have implemented and managed processes for content production, ensuring quality and efficiency.

• Showcase experience in measuring and analyzing the performance of design processes and their impact on output.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on design operations and process improvement, the portfolio should not only showcase creative output but also the strategic thinking and operational discipline behind it. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the "how" and "why" behind their process implementations, not just the "what."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits package, crucial for a healthcare-focused organization.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, aligning with EMJ's value of "Gold Medal Winners."

• Access to company-provided training and resources to enhance design and leadership skills.

• Potential for participation in industry conferences or workshops related to design, digital media, or healthcare communications.

• Pension scheme contributions.

• Generous holiday allowance.

• Employee assistance programs.

Working Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. This is a full-time, on-site role, indicating a standard 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Head of Design role in London with 10+ years of experience, particularly in a specialized industry. The benefits are expected to align with standard UK corporate offerings, with a strong emphasis on professional growth given the company's stated values.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare / Medical Publishing / Digital Content. EMJ's focus on elevating healthcare quality globally through medical journals and lifelong learning places it at the intersection of healthtech, publishing, and education.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the existence of a dedicated careers site and multiple departments (Marketing, Editorial, Client Services, Sales, Design) suggests a medium-to-large enterprise, likely exceeding 200 employees.

Founded: EMJ's purpose-driven mission and emphasis on long-term goals suggest an established organization with a strong vision. The provided company description and values point to a culture that prioritizes growth, ownership, and excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely includes a Design Manager reporting to the Head of Design, with additional designers specializing in digital, content, and potentially print.

• The Head of Design reports directly to the Creative Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the creative function.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for SEO understanding and measuring design impact.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to the role's responsibilities.

• Automation and efficiency practices are expected to be implemented to improve output and reduce bottlenecks.

• A focus on continuous improvement and raising standards is a core tenet of the company's values.

Company Website: https://careers.emjreviews.com, https://www.emjreviews.com

📝 Enhancement Note: EMJ's culture is explicitly values-driven, emphasizing "Entire buy in," "Manage your own stuff," and "Going the extra mile." This translates to a proactive, loyal, and high-achieving work environment. For operations professionals, this means expecting a culture that rewards initiative, ownership, and a commitment to excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, Head of Design, responsible for a critical function within the organization. It sits at a strategic level, influencing creative output and operational efficiency for the entire company's digital content.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design reports to the Creative Director, indicating a clear path for creative leadership progression. They will also manage a Design Manager and the broader design team.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design has a direct impact on the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of EMJ's digital medical content, which is central to its mission of elevating healthcare globally. Their work influences brand perception, user engagement, and the overall success of publishing projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to further develop strategic leadership skills, manage larger teams, and take on broader creative responsibilities within EMJ or its parent organization.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in medical content design, healthcare communications, and digital publishing within a specialized industry.

• Process Innovation: Lead significant process improvements and system implementations, potentially contributing to operational excellence beyond the design function.

• Mentorship: Grow through mentoring junior designers and managers, developing coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a significant opportunity to shape a key function within a mission-driven company. Growth is likely tied to demonstrating leadership excellence, driving measurable improvements in design operations, and contributing to EMJ's strategic goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in a London/Moorgate office. This suggests a traditional office setting designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): 88 Wood St, London, EC2V 7QR, United Kingdom. This is a prime business district location, likely offering excellent transport links and a professional working environment.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be fast-paced and collaborative, requiring close interaction with multiple departments.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology will be provided to support hands-on design work and team management.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with design team members, the Creative Director, and stakeholders from other departments will be frequent.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Mon-Fri) are expected, with the possibility of occasional flexibility required for critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in central London implies a professional, potentially corporate, environment. The emphasis on collaboration suggests an open-plan or studio-like setup, designed to encourage cross-functional interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• CV Review: Initial screening by the Recruitment team.

• Telephone Call: A preliminary discussion to assess fit and basic qualifications.

• Stage 1 Interview (Competencies): Focus on technical skills, design operations experience, project management capabilities, and problem-solving approaches.

• Stage 2 Interview (Values): Assessment of cultural fit, alignment with EMJ's core values (Entire buy in, Manage your own stuff, Going the extra mile), and leadership philosophy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Emphasis: Showcase projects that highlight not just aesthetic quality but also strategic thinking, process improvement, and impact on business goals.

• Design Operations Focus: Include detailed case studies on workflow optimization, efficiency gains, and team management strategies.

• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, present metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your design initiatives and process improvements (e.g., time saved, cost reduction, engagement increase).

• Leadership Examples: Include examples of how you've mentored, coached, and developed design talent.

• Company Alignment: Tailor your presentation to show how your experience and approach align with EMJ's mission and values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges or case studies that assess your ability to handle complex projects, solve design problems under pressure, and articulate your thought process.

• Practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your experience in a clear, concise, and compelling manner, focusing on your leadership and operational contributions.

• Anticipate questions about your leadership style, how you manage conflict, foster collaboration, and drive innovation within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The two-stage interview process, with one focused on competencies and the other on values, suggests EMJ is looking for both skilled professionals and individuals who align with their culture. Candidates should prepare specific examples demonstrating their operational expertise and adherence to EMJ's core values.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is a standard expectation. Proficiency in tools for digital content creation, potentially including web design/prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Project Management: Experience with project management software such as Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar tools for workflow tracking and team management.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for day-to-day communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand digital performance and inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design integrates with CRM and marketing automation platforms could be beneficial for cross-functional alignment.

• Experience with any content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems used by EMJ.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Head of Design in a digital content environment would be expected to be proficient in industry-standard design software and have experience with project management and collaboration platforms. Familiarity with analytics to inform design is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Entire Buy In: Demonstrating loyalty to EMJ's vision, values, and long-term goals, approaching work with a positive and passionate attitude.

• Manage Your Own Stuff: Taking proactive ownership of responsibilities, actions, and professional growth, contributing to an inspiring and proud work environment.

• Going the Extra Mile: Consistently delivering best performance, fostering a team of "gold medal winners" that is exceptional and hard-working.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively building and maintaining strong relationships with Marketing, Editorial, Client Services, and Sales to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Process-Oriented: Encouraging a culture where processes are reviewed, optimized, and adhered to for maximum efficiency and quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where team members share insights, best practices, and collaborate on solutions to drive collective improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are deeply ingrained and expected to be demonstrated in daily work and leadership. Candidates should be ready to articulate how they embody these values, particularly "Manage your own stuff" in terms of taking initiative and "Going the extra mile" in delivering exceptional results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Hands-On Design with Management: Effectively dividing time and focus between creative execution (40%) and team leadership/strategic oversight (60%) will be a primary challenge.

• Driving Change Management: Implementing new workflows, processes, or technologies within an established team requires strong change management skills and stakeholder buy-in.

• Maintaining Scientific Accuracy: Ensuring all digital medical content is not only creatively excellent but also scientifically precise and compliant, especially in a fast-paced environment.

• Scalable Output: Meeting increasing demands for high-quality content while ensuring the design team's capacity and resources are managed sustainably.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Training: Formal and informal opportunities to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and people management skills.

• Industry Insights: Staying abreast of evolving trends in digital design, medical communications, and publishing through industry resources and potential conference attendance.

• Process Improvement Expertise: Developing deeper expertise in operational efficiency, workflow automation, and design operations best practices.

• Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship initiatives to foster talent development within EMJ.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the hybrid nature of the role and the specific demands of the medical content industry. Overcoming these challenges will be key to success and will provide significant opportunities for professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to improving design workflows and increasing team efficiency. Can you provide a specific example of a process you implemented and its impact?" (Focus on design operations and quantifiable results.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency and scientific accuracy across diverse digital medical content projects, especially when working with multiple stakeholders?" (Highlight your understanding of compliance and cross-functional collaboration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody EMJ's values of 'Entire buy in,' 'Manage your own stuff,' and 'Going the extra mile' in your professional life?" (Prepare specific anecdotes that demonstrate these values.)

• "How would you foster collaboration between the design team and departments like Marketing, Editorial, and Sales?" (Focus on communication strategies and shared goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Operational Impact: For each relevant project, clearly articulate the problem, your operational solution (process/workflow), the execution, and the measurable results (efficiency, quality, cost savings, etc.).

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a compelling narrative about your leadership journey, your problem-solving skills, and your impact on previous organizations.

• Demonstrate Balance: Show examples of both high-quality creative output and well-managed, efficient processes.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for interactive discussions about your portfolio, inviting questions about your decision-making process and operational choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples of their design operations expertise, leadership style, and how they align with EMJ's unique values. The interview will likely assess both technical proficiency and cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the EMJ careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature examples of design operations improvements, workflow optimization, and team leadership. Include case studies with clear problem statements, implemented solutions, and quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to highlight your 10+ years of experience in design leadership, design operations, and digital content production. Use keywords from the job description such as "workflow optimization," "team management," "digital medical content," and "stakeholder management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), with a strong emphasis on the 'Action' and 'Result' related to operational improvements and leadership. Prepare to discuss EMJ's values and how you embody them.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review EMJ's mission, values, and products. Understand their commitment to "elevating healthcare globally" and their "Gold Medal Winner" ethos to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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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