Digital Design Manager

Additional Lengths
Full-time£43k-48k/year (GBP)United Kingdom

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Design Manager

Company: Additional Lengths

Location: United Kingdom (Hybrid/Remote considered, ideally North-based)

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design Operations / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: March 19, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with remote/hybrid options for candidates further afield)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Spearhead the digital design aesthetic for a leading UK hair extension specialist, influencing brand presentation across web, social media, CRM, and performance marketing channels.

  • Own the end-to-end digital creative output, managing workflow, stakeholder collaboration, and ensuring design supports the growth of digital channels.

  • Drive innovation by integrating AI and new digital technologies into the team's processes and creative output.

  • Produce high-quality, consistent digital assets for both business-as-usual (BAU) activities and impactful campaign moments.

  • Focus on customer experience, commercial awareness, and brand consistency in all design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Digital Design Manager," the responsibilities and focus on workflow, stakeholder collaboration, performance marketing assets, and driving technological adoption (AI) strongly indicate a role that intersects with Marketing Operations and potentially Revenue Operations by ensuring creative assets directly support commercial goals and efficient go-to-market strategies. The emphasis on digital channels and performance marketing suggests a need for design that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also conversion-driven.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Champion and maintain the digital design aesthetic for Additional Lengths and Remi Cachet brands across all digital touchpoints.

  • Oversee the digital creative workflow, managing projects from brief to final asset delivery.

  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, product, and e-commerce, to understand their design needs and ensure brand consistency.

  • Create high-quality digital assets for web, social media, email marketing (CRM), paid advertising (performance marketing), and other digital campaigns.

  • Scope creative briefs, providing clear direction and requirements for design projects.

  • Lead project discussions, offering creative solutions and strategic insights to stakeholders.

  • Drive the adoption and integration of AI and emerging digital technologies to enhance design processes and output.

  • Ensure all digital design work aligns with customer experience best practices and contributes to key performance indicators (KPIs).

  • Maintain brand consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across all digital platforms.

  • Continuously seek opportunities to innovate and improve creative standards and operational efficiency within the design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for "scoping briefs," "leading project discussions," and "evolving how the team works by driving forward the use of AI and new digital technologies" points to a role with significant operational oversight within the creative function, requiring strategic thinking beyond pure design execution. This aligns with operations roles that focus on process improvement and technology adoption.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Marketing, or a related field is preferred, though equivalent practical experience will be strongly considered.

Experience:

  • 5-10 years of professional experience in digital design, with a proven track record in a similar managerial or lead role.

  • Demonstrable experience in managing design workflows and delivering a high volume of digital assets.

Required Skills:

  • Digital Design Mastery: Exceptional proficiency in creating digital assets for web, social media, CRM, and performance marketing campaigns.

  • Creative Workflow Management: Proven ability to manage design projects from inception to completion, overseeing workflow and stakeholder communication.

  • Brand Stewardship: Strong understanding of brand consistency, guidelines, and maintaining a cohesive brand identity across digital platforms.

  • Customer Experience (CX) Focus: A keen understanding of how design impacts user experience and conversion rates.

  • Proficiency in Design Software: Expert knowledge of industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Sketch, or similar.

  • Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and solutions-driven approach to identifying and resolving design and workflow challenges.

  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving business environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Preferred Skills:

  • Hair/Beauty Industry Experience: Prior experience working within the hair or beauty sector is highly desirable.

  • AI & Emerging Tech Integration: Familiarity with AI tools and new digital technologies relevant to design and marketing automation.

  • Performance Marketing Analytics: Understanding of design's impact on performance marketing metrics and A/B testing.

  • CRM/Email Marketing Design: Experience designing effective email campaigns and CRM assets.

  • Web Design Principles: Knowledge of UX/UI principles and best practices for web design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "customer experience," "performance," and "brand impact" alongside "workflow management" and "AI integration" suggests that candidates with a strong understanding of how design directly contributes to commercial objectives and operational efficiency will be highly valued. This goes beyond traditional design roles into a more strategically operational function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Digital Asset Showcase: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a wide range of high-quality digital assets created for web, social media, CRM, and performance marketing campaigns.

  • Workflow Management Examples: Evidence of how you've managed design projects, including examples of brief interpretation, stakeholder engagement, and workflow optimization.

  • Brand Consistency Examples: Clear demonstrations of maintaining brand integrity across diverse digital platforms and campaigns.

  • Performance Impact Case Studies: Examples of design work that directly contributed to measurable business outcomes, such as increased conversion rates, engagement, or ROI.

  • Innovation & Technology Integration: Showcase any projects where you've integrated AI or new digital technologies to improve design processes or deliverables.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of documented design workflows, highlighting how you've streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and managed project timelines.

  • Implementation & Automation: Illustrate how you've implemented new design tools or automated repetitive tasks within the design process.

  • Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrate how you've measured the effectiveness of design work (e.g., A/B testing results, engagement metrics) and used data to inform future design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with operations-adjacent responsibilities, a portfolio that highlights not just creative output but also the process behind it – optimization, efficiency, and demonstrable impact – will be crucial. This means showcasing case studies that detail the problem, your solution (design and process), and the measurable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Approximately £43,000 to £48,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Benefits:

  • Health & Wellbeing:

    • Private health insurance through Vitality.
    • Healthcare cash plan for everyday medical costs.
    • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for confidential wellbeing and mental health support.
    • Enhanced family leave and occupational sick pay.
  • Financial Security:

    • Enhanced pension scheme with salary sacrifice options.
    • Death in service cover (four times salary).
    • Company-wide bonus scheme recognizing shared success.
  • Work-Life Balance & Perks:

    • 25 days' annual leave plus public bank holidays.
    • Paid volunteering days each year.
    • 40% staff discount on Additional Lengths products.
    • 20% staff discount on third-party brands.
  • Professional Growth:

    • Exciting career development opportunities within a fast-growing, award-winning business.

    • Collaborative and innovative culture fostering creativity and professional growth. Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours (likely 40 hours per week, based on typical industry standards and the "40" AI-derived value), with hybrid and remote flexibility offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for a Digital Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK, particularly in a hybrid/remote capacity. The comprehensive benefits package, including health, financial, and lifestyle perks, reflects a company that values employee wellbeing and retention, aligning with B Corp principles and "Sunday Times Best Places to Work" recognition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce / Retail (Hair Extensions & Beauty Products)

Company Size: The company has stated its team has "more than doubled in size over the recent years" and achieved "over £20+ million in revenue last year." This indicates a rapidly scaling mid-sized company, likely in the range of 50-250 employees, with significant growth trajectory.

Founded: Over 22 years ago.

Team Structure:

  • Creative Team: Small but "mighty," suggesting a close-knit, agile unit.

  • Reporting: Reports into the Head of Creative.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Key partners include teams across the business, specifically marketing, sales, product, and e-commerce. This implies a highly collaborative environment where design is integrated into broader business functions.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on "customer experience, performance and brand impact" suggests design decisions are informed by data and analytics.

  • Process Optimization: A focus on "workflow," "scoping briefs," and "evolving how the team works" indicates a commitment to efficient and effective operational processes within the creative function.

  • Innovation & Technology: Explicit drive to "drive forward the use of AI and new digital technologies."

  • Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability: As a certified B Corp, ethical practices and social/environmental responsibility are core to the company's ethos.

Company Website: additionallengths.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's B Corp certification and recognition as one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work are significant indicators of a positive, purpose-driven culture. For an operations-focused role, understanding this culture is key, as it likely values efficiency, transparency, and employee wellbeing, which can influence how processes are designed and implemented.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Manager" level, indicating a significant step up from a senior designer. It involves not just execution but also strategic oversight, team collaboration, workflow management, and technological innovation. It sits at the intersection of creative leadership and operational efficiency within the marketing/GTM function.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Creative, indicating a clear line of management and strategic direction. The role will likely manage junior designers or external resources and collaborate extensively with other department heads.

Operations Impact: The Digital Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the company's revenue growth and brand perception. By shaping the digital aesthetic and ensuring effective asset creation for web, social, CRM, and performance marketing, this role directly influences customer acquisition, engagement, conversion rates, and brand loyalty. Their work supports the commercial objectives of both the direct-to-consumer (additionallengths.com) and professional (Remi Cachet) brands.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Development: Opportunity to grow into a Head of Creative role or expand responsibilities within a rapidly growing company.

  • Strategic Influence: Develop expertise in integrating AI and new technologies, potentially leading to specialized roles in digital innovation.

  • Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain deep experience in marketing operations, e-commerce, and GTM strategies by working closely with various departments.

  • Industry Specialization: Deepen knowledge and impact within the booming hair and beauty sector.

  • Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to further optimize creative operations and workflow efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a blend of creative leadership and operational management. For candidates looking to move into more strategic operations roles, this position provides a strong foundation in managing creative output that directly impacts business performance, coupled with exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid model, with a primary HQ in Stockton-on-Tees. This suggests a modern office setup designed for collaboration, with potential for both individual focused work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): HQ in Stockton-on-Tees, UK. Remote/hybrid options are available for candidates further afield, indicating flexibility and a focus on talent over strict location.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: As part of a "small (but mighty) creative team" and working closely with other departments, expect a dynamic and collaborative workspace.

  • Technology-Rich: The emphasis on AI and new digital technologies suggests access to modern software, hardware, and potentially innovative tools.

  • Agile & Fast-Paced: The company's rapid growth and recognition as a "Best Place to Work" imply an energetic, adaptable, and forward-thinking environment.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours. However, the hybrid and remote flexibility suggests an understanding of work-life balance and the need for adaptable schedules to accommodate project demands and personal needs, which is common in operations-focused roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and emphasis on flexibility suggest a modern work environment that values output and collaboration over rigid in-office presence. This is conducive to operations roles that often require deep focus but also strong inter-departmental communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  1. Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.

  2. Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deep dive into your portfolio with the Head of Creative and potentially other senior team members. Expect questions about your design process, how you've managed projects, your experience with specific tools, and your approach to problem-solving.

  3. Stakeholder/Cross-Functional Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from marketing, e-commerce, or sales to assess collaboration skills, understanding of business needs, and ability to translate commercial objectives into design solutions.

  4. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or CEO to discuss strategic vision, cultural alignment, and overall fit within the company's growth trajectory.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight Process & Impact: Beyond showcasing aesthetically pleasing work, emphasize the "why" and "how." Detail the brief, your creative process, the tools used, the challenges faced, and most importantly, the measurable results (e.g., increased conversion rates, engagement metrics, ROI).

  • Showcase Workflow Management: Include examples of projects where you managed the entire lifecycle, demonstrating your ability to handle multiple tasks, collaborate with stakeholders, and meet deadlines.

  • Demonstrate Digital Versatility: Ensure your portfolio covers the breadth of required assets: web banners, social media graphics, email templates, performance marketing ads, etc.

  • Address AI/Tech Integration: If you have experience with AI tools in design or other emerging technologies, dedicate a section or case study to this.

  • Tailor to Additional Lengths: Research the company's current digital presence and brand identity. Highlight work that aligns with their aesthetic and commercial goals.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Challenge: Be prepared for a practical design exercise. This could involve creating a set of assets for a specific campaign or revamping an existing digital touchpoint. Focus on speed, quality, and aligning with brand guidelines and commercial objectives.

  • Process/Workflow Scenario: You might be asked to outline how you would manage a complex project with competing priorities or how you would implement a new design tool or AI integration.

  • Strategic Questions: Prepare to discuss your vision for digital design at Additional Lengths, how you'd measure success, and how you'd foster innovation within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the operations-adjacent nature of this role, interviewers will likely probe deeper into your project management, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities. Focus on demonstrating how your design leadership contributes to efficient operations and drives tangible business results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are standard.

  • Prototyping/UI Tools: Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for web and interactive design.

  • Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for workflow and task management.

  • Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams for internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web Analytics: Google Analytics (or similar) to understand website performance and user behaviour.

  • Social Media Analytics: Platform-specific insights (Facebook Insights, Instagram Analytics, etc.) and potentially third-party tools.

  • CRM Analytics: Understanding of metrics within CRM platforms for email and campaign performance.

  • Data Visualization: Potentially tools like Tableau or Power BI for presenting performance data if integrated into reporting.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Platforms: Experience with platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, or similar for email and customer journey design.

  • Marketing Automation: Tools like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, or HubSpot for designing and executing email campaigns.

  • Integration Tools: Awareness of how design assets integrate into broader marketing automation workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design software is a given. However, for this role, demonstrating familiarity with project management tools, analytics platforms, and CRM/marketing automation systems will be crucial, as it directly relates to the operational aspects of ensuring design supports business objectives and efficient campaign execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality output and attention to detail in all design work.

  • Customer-Centricity: Prioritizing the customer experience and designing with the end-user in mind.

  • Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies (like AI) and evolving ways of working to stay ahead.

  • Collaboration & Ownership: Working effectively with teams across the business and taking responsibility for outcomes.

  • Impact & Results: Focusing on how design contributes to commercial success and measurable business goals.

  • Ethical & Purpose-Driven: Aligning with the company's B Corp values of social and environmental responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work closely with marketing, sales, and e-commerce teams, acting as a bridge between creative output and business objectives.

  • Proactive Communication: Engaging stakeholders early and often to ensure briefs are clear and expectations are met.

  • Feedback-Driven Improvement: Open to constructive feedback to refine designs and processes.

  • Team-Oriented: While a self-starter, the role emphasizes being part of a "small (but mighty) creative team" and contributing to collective success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's B Corp status and "Best Places to Work" recognition suggest a culture that values purpose, employee wellbeing, and collaborative growth. Candidates who can demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly in how they approach teamwork and problem-solving, will be well-received.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creativity with Commercial Demands: Ensuring innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs also meet strict performance metrics and brand guidelines.

  • Pace of a Fast-Growing Business: Consistently delivering high-quality output under pressure and adapting quickly to evolving business needs.

  • Integrating New Technologies: Effectively adopting and leveraging AI and other emerging digital tools to enhance workflow and creativity.

  • Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing feedback from diverse teams with potentially varying priorities.

  • Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified brand look and feel across a growing number of digital touchpoints and campaigns.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI & Digital Innovation: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in applying AI to creative workflows and digital marketing.

  • Strategic Marketing Operations: Gain deeper insights into how creative assets drive revenue through performance marketing and CRM.

  • Leadership Mentorship: Learning from the Head of Creative and other senior leaders within a growing organization.

  • Industry Exposure: Deepen expertise in the dynamic hair and beauty e-commerce sector.

  • Process Optimization: Lead initiatives to refine and improve creative operations, potentially setting new standards for the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a fantastic opportunity for growth beyond traditional design management. The focus on technology integration and direct impact on commercial performance makes it a strong stepping stone for careers in marketing operations, GTM strategy, or even broader operational leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How would you approach designing a new digital campaign for our Remi Cachet professional brand, considering both brand aesthetic and lead generation goals?" (Focus on process, stakeholder input, and KPI alignment).

  • "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach based on performance data or customer feedback. What was the outcome?" (Demonstrates data-driven decision-making and adaptability).

  • "How do you stay current with digital design trends and emerging technologies like AI, and how would you propose integrating them into our workflow?" (Highlights proactivity and innovation).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about Additional Lengths' mission and its position as a B Corp?" (Shows research and alignment with company values).

  • "How do you foster collaboration within a creative team and with cross-functional departments?" (Evaluates teamwork and communication style).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Narrative-Driven Case Studies: For each key project, tell a story: the challenge, your role, your process, the tools/tech used, the solution, and the quantifiable results.

  • Highlight Operations: Explicitly point out instances where you optimized workflows, managed stakeholders effectively, or used data to drive design decisions.

  • Showcase Versatility: Ensure a balanced representation of web, social, CRM, and performance marketing assets.

  • Address AI Integration: If applicable, present a specific example of how you've used AI or new tech in a design project.

  • Be Prepared for Live Critiques: Have a few key pieces ready for potential live editing or discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to discuss not just what you designed, but how you designed it and why it was effective from both a creative and a commercial/operational standpoint. Your ability to articulate your process, manage projects, and link design to business outcomes will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Design Manager position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the HiBob careers portal.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize keywords related to digital design management, workflow optimization, stakeholder collaboration, performance marketing, CRM, AI integration, and any experience in the hair/beauty sector. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Increased campaign engagement by X% through strategic design improvements").

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant work. Prioritize case studies that demonstrate your process, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable impact. Ensure it clearly showcases your ability to create assets for web, social, CRM, and performance marketing.

  • Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience and portfolio highlights, focusing on how your skills align with the role's responsibilities, particularly the blend of creative leadership and operational efficiency.

  • Research Additional Lengths: Understand their brands (Additional Lengths, Remi Cachet), their B Corp status, their commitment to ethical sourcing, and their recent growth. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

The ideal candidate is an experienced, hands-on, digitally-native designer who is commercially aware and focused on customer experience and performance, preferably with experience in the hair or beauty industry. They must be proactive, comfortable working at pace in a fast-growing business, adaptable to change, and possess a high level of ownership.