Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design

Company: EMJ

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Operations / Creative Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and operational execution of the design function to elevate the quality and consistency of digital medical content.

• Manage, coach, and develop a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

• Optimize design workflows, identify and remove bottlenecks, and implement efficient processes for timely project delivery.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration between Design, Marketing, Editorial, Client Services, and Sales to ensure seamless project execution and stakeholder alignment.

• Enhance resource planning and capacity management to support scalable and sustainable creative output, aligning with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within the design function, with a significant emphasis on both hands-on creative contribution (40%) and strategic operations management (60%). The focus on "digital medical content" and "scientific accuracy" indicates a specialized industry context within healthcare publishing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the design team, managing the Design Manager and ensuring efficient workflow execution.

• Develop and implement strategies to raise the quality, consistency, and scientific accuracy of EMJ’s digital medical content.

• Lead, coach, and develop the design team, fostering an environment of high performance, creativity, and professional development.

• Improve existing design workflows, identify and resolve bottlenecks, and implement best practices for project delivery timelines.

• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Editorial, Client Services, and Sales.

• Strengthen resource planning and capacity management to ensure the design team can scale sustainably and meet evolving business demands.

• Drive innovation within the design function, continuously exploring new methodologies, tools, and creative approaches to elevate EMJ’s products.

• Communicate clearly and reliably to provide visibility and build confidence in the creative function across the organization.

• Ensure brand consistency across all digital medical content outputs, adhering to established brand guidelines.

• Contribute to the commercial success of EMJ by driving time and cost efficiencies within the creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities clearly delineate a dual focus: creative excellence in digital medical content and robust design operations. The emphasis on "raising the quality and consistency," "improving workflows, removing bottlenecks," and "strengthening resource planning" points to a strong need for process optimization and operational efficiency within the design team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrable experience in design and operations are paramount. A degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience:

• 10+ years of hands-on design experience across digital, content production, and print mediums.

• Proven track record in design operations, with a strong emphasis on improving processes, workflows, tools, and team efficiency.

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

• Demonstrated success in managing large, complex projects from initial concept through to final delivery.

• Experience in influencing senior stakeholders and presenting effectively at a leadership level.

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

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

• Solid understanding of SEO principles and their impact on digital performance. Required Skills:

• Design Leadership: Ability to inspire, guide, and develop a creative team.

• Creative Direction: Vision to set and maintain high standards for creative output.

• Design Operations: Expertise in optimizing design processes, workflows, and resource allocation.

• Team Management & Coaching: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop design professionals.

• Strategic Planning: Capacity to develop and execute long-term design strategies aligned with business goals.

• Process Improvement: Skill in identifying inefficiencies and implementing effective workflow enhancements.

• Digital Content Production: Hands-on experience creating engaging digital content.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to collaborate effectively and influence across departments and with senior leadership.

• Project Management: Proficiency in managing complex projects from inception to completion.

• Brand Consistency: Understanding and implementation of brand guidelines across all creative assets.

Preferred Skills:

• Medical Publishing/Healthcare Industry Experience: Familiarity with the nuances of creating content for healthcare professionals.

• SEO Strategy Integration: Ability to integrate SEO best practices into design workflows.

• Advanced Workflow Tools: Proficiency with project management and workflow automation software relevant to design teams.

• Capacity Planning: Experience in forecasting and managing design team capacity for optimal output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "10+ years of hands-on design experience" coupled with a "strong background in design operations" indicates this role is for a seasoned professional capable of both strategic leadership and tactical execution. The mention of "scientific accuracy" and "digital medical content" suggests a preference for candidates with experience in regulated or technical content environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Creative Excellence Showcase: Demonstrate a range of high-quality digital and print design projects, highlighting creative problem-solving and visual communication skills.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Include specific examples of how you have improved design workflows, increased team efficiency, or optimized project delivery timelines. Quantify the impact where possible (e.g., reduced turnaround times, cost savings).

• Team Leadership & Development Examples: Showcase instances of leading, mentoring, or developing design teams, illustrating your approach to talent management and team building.

• Cross-functional Collaboration Evidence: Provide examples of successful collaboration with other departments (e.g., Marketing, Editorial, Sales) on complex projects, demonstrating your ability to manage diverse stakeholder needs.

• Operational Efficiency Metrics: If possible, include examples where you have implemented systems or processes that led to measurable improvements in resource planning, capacity management, or cost efficiencies within a design function.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for designing, documenting, and optimizing creative workflows, from brief inception to final delivery.

• System Implementation and Integration: Be ready to speak about experience with implementing or integrating design tools, project management software, or other systems to enhance team productivity and collaboration.

• Performance Measurement and Analysis: Demonstrate an understanding of how to track and analyze design team performance, project delivery metrics, and the impact of design on business objectives (e.g., content engagement, conversion rates).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of Design role with a significant operational component, a portfolio should not only showcase creative talent but also provide concrete evidence of process improvement, operational efficiency, and leadership capabilities. This is crucial for demonstrating the candidate's ability to manage the "60% team management, strategy, and process improvement" aspect of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum. This range is competitive for a Head of Design role in London with 10+ years of experience, particularly in a specialized industry like medical publishing where leadership and operational expertise are highly valued. The range reflects the blend of hands-on creative work and significant management/strategic responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellbeing: While not explicitly detailed, a company focused on healthcare professionals likely offers robust health insurance and wellness programs.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and potential certifications relevant to design and operations.

• Pension Scheme: Standard employer pension contributions are typically provided.

• Paid Time Off: Generous holiday allowance and public holidays.

• Collaborative Work Environment: Access to a supportive and values-driven team culture.

• Impactful Work: Opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization that elevates healthcare quality globally.

Working Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. This is a standard 40-hour work week, reflecting an on-site role with defined operational hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and aligns with industry benchmarks for senior design leadership roles in London. The benefits are inferred based on the company's industry and focus on employee development, as they are not explicitly listed in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Publishing / Healthcare Technology. EMJ's purpose is to "elevate the quality of healthcare globally" by providing free access to medical journals and lifelong learning opportunities for healthcare professionals. This positions them as a key player in the medical education technology sector.

Company Size: The LinkedIn data indicates EMJ has between 201-500 employees, classifying it as a medium-sized company. This size often allows for a balance of established processes and agile decision-making, providing opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: EMJ was founded in 2004, meaning it has over two decades of experience in the medical publishing and education space. This history suggests a stable organization with a developed understanding of its market and operational needs.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: Led by the Head of Design, who reports to the Creative Director. The Head of Design directly manages a Design Manager. This structure implies a hierarchical yet collaborative approach to design leadership.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The Head of Design will work closely with Marketing, Editorial, Client Services, and Sales teams, indicating a matrixed or integrated operational model where design is a critical component supporting broader business functions.

• Creative Function: The Head of Design is a central figure in the creative function, responsible for its output, efficiency, and strategic direction.

Methodology:

• Values-Driven Approach: EMJ emphasizes "Entire buy in," "Manage your own stuff," and "Going the extra mile," fostering a culture of loyalty, proactivity, responsibility, passion, and high performance.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's mission to provide "free and easy access to medical journals and lifelong learning opportunities" suggests a focus on accessibility and user engagement, which design plays a crucial role in optimizing.

• Process Optimization: The role explicitly calls for improving workflows, removing bottlenecks, and strengthening resource planning, indicating a strong focus on operational efficiency within the creative process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is heavily emphasized as "values-driven," with specific principles like "Entire buy in," "Manage your own stuff," and "Going the extra mile." This is a crucial aspect for candidates to understand, as it dictates how teams are expected to operate and collaborate. The company's mission in healthcare education provides a strong purpose that can motivate operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design function, specifically focused on operational excellence. It bridges the gap between hands-on creative execution and strategic operational management. The "Head of Design" title, coupled with responsibilities for team leadership, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration, places this role at a strategic level within the organization's creative operations.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design reports directly to the Creative Director. This implies a clear reporting line within the creative department, with opportunities for broader strategic input from the Creative Director. The Head of Design also directly manages a Design Manager, indicating a layered leadership structure within the design team itself.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design will have a significant impact on the organization's ability to deliver high-quality, scientifically accurate digital medical content efficiently. By improving workflows, enhancing team capacity, and fostering collaboration, this role directly contributes to the company's mission of elevating healthcare quality globally. The operational efficiency gains will translate into cost savings, faster time-to-market for content, and improved stakeholder satisfaction, all of which are critical for business success in the competitive medical publishing landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a more senior creative leadership role, such as Creative Director, or expand responsibilities into broader GTM operations or publishing strategy.

• Operational Specialization: Deepen expertise in design operations, workflow automation, and process optimization within a specialized industry, becoming a recognized authority in medical content production.

• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping the future of EMJ's digital content strategy and operational frameworks.

• Mentorship & Development: Continue to build and refine leadership and coaching skills by developing a high-performing team.

• Industry Impact: Contribute to a mission-driven organization, gaining satisfaction from improving healthcare education worldwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within design operations and leadership. The emphasis on "raising standards" and "driving innovation" suggests opportunities for significant strategic contribution and professional development beyond day-to-day management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based "onsite in our London/Moorgate office." This indicates a traditional office environment, suggesting a need for in-person collaboration, team presence, and adherence to office-based work norms.

Office Location(s): 88 Wood St, London, EC2V 7QR, United Kingdom. This central London location offers excellent accessibility via public transport, making it convenient for commuting professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggests an office designed to facilitate teamwork, with meeting rooms, shared spaces, and open-plan areas.

• Technology & Tools: As a design-focused role, expect access to modern design software, hardware, and relevant project management/workflow tools. The company's focus on digital content implies a robust IT infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: The on-site nature of the role allows for direct, face-to-face interaction with the design team, Creative Director, and other key stakeholders, fostering stronger working relationships and more spontaneous problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday schedule is typical for an on-site role. While the core hours are fixed, the emphasis on "Manage your own stuff" might imply some flexibility in how tasks are managed within those hours, as long as deadlines and operational needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a central London location is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared for a structured office environment that prioritizes in-person collaboration and adherence to established working hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• CV Review: Initial screening by the Recruitment team.

• Telephone Call: A preliminary discussion to assess initial fit and interest.

• Stage 1 Interview (Competencies): This interview will likely focus on assessing the candidate's practical skills, experience, and ability to perform the core responsibilities of the role. Expect questions related to design operations, team management, project delivery, and problem-solving.

• Stage 2 Interview (EMJ Values): This interview will focus on cultural fit, assessing how well the candidate aligns with EMJ's core values: "Entire buy in," "Manage your own stuff," and "Going the extra mile." Behavioral questions will be used to gauge proactivity, responsibility, loyalty, and performance orientation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Operational Impact: Beyond showcasing creative work, explicitly detail how your design projects or initiatives led to process improvements, efficiency gains, or cost savings. Use metrics to quantify these achievements.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio to clearly demonstrate your experience in digital content, print, team leadership, and design operations. Use distinct sections or case studies for each.

• Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to verbally walk interviewers through a complex project, explaining the workflow, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. This is critical for demonstrating your operational expertise.

• Leadership Examples: Include examples of how you've coached, mentored, or developed team members. Showcase your approach to team building and performance management.

• Tailor to EMJ: If possible, demonstrate an understanding of EMJ's mission and industry. Show how your design and operational philosophy aligns with their values and goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect hypothetical scenarios related to managing team conflicts, addressing project bottlenecks, or improving a specific design process. Prepare to outline your strategic and tactical approach.

• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline a process for a new type of digital medical content or propose improvements to an existing workflow. Focus on clarity, efficiency, and scalability.

• Values Alignment: Be ready to articulate how your personal work style and professional philosophy align with EMJ's stated values, using specific examples from your past experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process clearly differentiates between assessing technical/operational competencies and cultural alignment. Candidates should prepare distinct examples and narratives for each interview stage, focusing on both the "what" (skills and experience) and the "how" (approach and values).

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design software is essential. This typically includes:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are fundamental for digital and print content creation.
  • Figma/Sketch: Increasingly important for digital design, UI/UX work, and collaborative prototyping.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms used for publishing and managing digital content would be beneficial, especially if EMJ utilizes specific medical content platforms.

• Collaboration & Communication:

  • Slack/Microsoft Teams: For day-to-day team communication and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Zoom/Google Meet: For virtual meetings and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics: Understanding how to interpret website and content performance metrics is crucial, especially given the mention of SEO principles.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI could be advantageous for presenting performance data to stakeholders, though not explicitly mentioned.

• Project Management/Workflow Tools:

  • Asana, Trello, Jira, Monday.com: Essential for managing design projects, tracking tasks, and monitoring workflow progress. Experience with at least one of these is highly likely.
  • Workfront/Wrike: More enterprise-level solutions for creative workflow management, which might be relevant for a larger design operation.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a design tool, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms might be useful for understanding how design assets are utilized within broader marketing and client service initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of "digital medical content" and "SEO principles" implies a need for tools that support content creation, optimization, and performance tracking. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a given, but understanding project management and collaboration tools will be key to demonstrating operational capability.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Entire Buy In: Demonstrate unwavering commitment to EMJ's vision, values, and long-term goals. This means fully supporting strategic decisions and contributing positively to the team's efforts.

• Manage Your Own Stuff: Take proactive ownership of responsibilities, actions, and professional development. This involves being self-motivated, organized, and accountable for delivering results without constant supervision.

• Going the Extra Mile: Consistently strive for excellence in performance, going beyond basic expectations to achieve outstanding outcomes. This translates to a dedication to high-quality output, continuous improvement, and contributing to a team of "gold medal winners."

• Collaboration & Passion: Work effectively with others, fostering a positive and passionate environment. This means being a supportive team player, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a motivating workplace culture.

• Data-Driven Excellence: While not a stated value, the nature of medical content and digital performance implies an underlying expectation for data-informed decision-making and a focus on measurable impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Emphasize a collaborative approach that breaks down silos between Design, Marketing, Editorial, Client Services, and Sales. Be adept at communicating design needs and integrating feedback from diverse stakeholders.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Foster a culture where feedback on workflows and processes is welcomed and acted upon, driving continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encourage an environment where best practices, design techniques, and operational insights are shared freely within the team and across departments.

• Proactive Problem Solving: Approach challenges as opportunities for collaborative solutions, rather than simply identifying problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values are central to its culture and should heavily influence how candidates approach their work and interactions. The "manage your own stuff" and "going the extra mile" principles are particularly relevant for a leadership role requiring autonomy and high performance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Demands: Effectively manage the 40% hands-on design and 60% management/operations split, ensuring both creative quality and operational efficiency are met without compromise.

• Driving Change Management: Implement new workflows, processes, or tools across a team and potentially cross-functionally, requiring strong change management and communication skills.

• Maintaining Scientific Accuracy: Ensure that design output, while creative, adheres strictly to scientific accuracy and regulatory requirements within the medical publishing context.

• Scaling Resources: Effectively plan and manage design resources to meet increasing demands for digital content without sacrificing quality or burning out the team.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Navigating the needs and priorities of multiple departments (Marketing, Editorial, Client Services, Sales) to ensure cohesive project execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Operations: Deepen expertise in leveraging technology and process methodologies to optimize creative production pipelines.

• Leadership Development: Enhance skills in strategic leadership, team building, and talent management within a values-driven organization.

• Medical Publishing Industry Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare publishing landscape, content strategy, and the role of design in medical education.

• Cross-functional Strategy: Develop a broader understanding of go-to-market strategies by working closely with Sales, Marketing, and Client Services.

• Innovation in Content Delivery: Explore and implement new methods for delivering engaging and effective digital medical content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity of the role, requiring a blend of creative acumen, operational rigor, and strong interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a path for significant professional development in leadership and specialized industry knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you significantly improved a design workflow. What was the process, what were the results, and what was your role?" Prepare a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answer focusing on quantifiable improvements in efficiency, turnaround time, or cost.

• "How do you balance hands-on design work with team management and strategic planning? Walk us through your typical week or month." Be ready to articulate your time management strategies and how you prioritize tasks across different responsibility areas.

• "Imagine a key project is falling behind schedule due to bottlenecks in the design process. How would you identify the issues and what steps would you take to get it back on track?" Demonstrate your problem-solving approach, focusing on root cause analysis and collaborative solutions.

• "How do you ensure brand consistency and scientific accuracy across all design outputs, especially when working with multiple stakeholders?" Discuss your methods for establishing guidelines, implementing review processes, and managing feedback. Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do EMJ's values of 'Entire buy in,' 'Manage your own stuff,' and 'Going the extra mile' resonate with your own work philosophy? Provide examples." Research the values thoroughly and prepare specific anecdotes that demonstrate your alignment.

• "Describe your experience collaborating with Editorial, Marketing, and Sales teams. How do you build strong working relationships and manage differing priorities?" Highlight your communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

• "What is your philosophy on coaching and developing a design team? How do you foster a high-performing and motivated team environment?" Discuss your approach to mentorship, feedback, and talent development. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Operational Impact: When presenting case studies, clearly articulate the operational challenges, your proposed process solutions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., time saved, cost reduced, quality improved).

• Demonstrate Leadership: For team-based projects, highlight your role in guiding the team, managing resources, and ensuring successful execution.

• Explain Your Process: Be prepared to detail the specific steps and tools you used in your workflow, from initial brief to final delivery and review.

• Quantify Results: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the tangible impact of your work and operational improvements.

• Connect to EMJ's Mission: Briefly explain how your past work or approach aligns with EMJ's mission to elevate healthcare quality and their values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also strong operational leadership, process thinking, and alignment with EMJ's specific values. The portfolio is a key tool to substantiate these claims.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link: Ensure all required fields are completed accurately and a compelling cover letter is included, if optional.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select case studies that best showcase your hands-on design skills, proven success in design operations and process improvement, and leadership capabilities. Prioritize examples with quantifiable results.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to design leadership, operations, workflow optimization, team management, and the medical publishing industry. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Value-Based Questions: Reflect on your professional experiences and how they align with EMJ’s core values: "Entire buy in," "Manage your own stuff," and "Going the extra mile." Be ready to provide specific examples.

• Research EMJ: Familiarize yourself with EMJ's mission, products, and company culture. Understand their role in global healthcare education and how design contributes to their 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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