Graphic Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Design Manager Company: ISP Central Location: India Job Type: Permanent Category: Marketing & Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-22 Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visual identity and brand governance for a global organization, ensuring all creative outputs are aligned with brand guidelines and marketing strategies.
• Drive creative design and campaign delivery across online and offline platforms, producing high-impact visual solutions from concept to execution.
• Spearhead digital innovation by supporting website design, creating impactful presentation assets, and exploring new design trends and technologies.
• Develop and manage a centralized asset library and Digital Asset Management (DAM) platform to support scalability and brand consistency across various markets.
• Foster collaboration with group, regional, and school-level marketing teams, as well as external agencies, to deliver integrated campaigns and elevate design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a central function within a global organization, implying a strategic oversight role in design operations, rather than purely execution. The emphasis on brand governance and driving visual identity across multiple regions suggests a need for strong process management and cross-functional alignment skills, typical of operations-focused roles within creative departments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Brand Governance & Strategy: Ensure all creative outputs strictly adhere to the group’s brand guidelines, tone of voice, and marketing strategy, acting as a guardian of brand identity and providing expert guidance on correct brand application to regional and school-level teams.
• Creative Design & Campaign Delivery: Produce high-impact, practical, and creative design solutions, managing the full lifecycle from concept to execution, including layouts, illustrations, logos, infographics, and multi-channel assets for campaigns and initiatives.
• Digital & Innovation: Support design conceptualization for digital platforms (websites, landing pages, microsites), create compelling visual assets for presentations and reports (infographics, decks, dashboards), and research/implement new design trends and technologies to enhance group-wide impact, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in all digital outputs.
• Systemisation & Asset Management: Develop, manage, and govern an asset library and the corporate Digital Asset Management (DAM) platform, curating and archiving visual assets to support scalability and efficient adaptation across markets.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with group, regional, and school-level marketing and communications teams, partner with copywriters and digital specialists, coordinate with external agencies and suppliers, and provide guidance or training to local designers to elevate design standards.
• Workflow, Reporting & Continuous Improvement: Manage design requests through a centralized workflow system, track and report on progress, output, and adoption rates, implement quality assurance processes, and schedule projects efficiently to meet multiple global and regional priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for process management, workflow optimization, and asset governance. Candidates should demonstrate experience in managing a pipeline of design requests, ensuring quality control, and leveraging systems like DAM. The role also involves a mentoring aspect, indicating a need for strong communication and leadership potential within the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or Higher Diploma in Graphic Design, Art/Design, Creative Multimedia, or an equivalent field, coupled with a demonstrable passion and talent for creative work.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of creating and implementing outstanding visuals, ideally gained within an advertising agency or an in-house creative department.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Highly proficient in industry-standard design software including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Creative Suite Expertise: Experience with photography, photo editing, videography, video editing, and post-production using tools like Adobe After Effects (AE), Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Digital & Print Design Acumen: A clear understanding of design principles across traditional marketing, digital marketing, social media, website design, corporate identity, advertisements, and multimedia design.
• Brand Consistency: Ability to ensure strict alignment of all creative outputs with brand guidelines, tone of voice, and marketing strategies.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinate with stakeholders, and deliver multi-channel assets within tight deadlines.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Attention to Detail: A keen eye for aesthetics, details, and a meticulous approach to ensure high-quality, error-free outputs.
• Organization & Efficiency: Well-organized, detail-oriented, and capable of thriving in a deadline-driven environment, managing requests through a centralized workflow system.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office Tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Skills:

• Video & Motion Graphics: Experience in designing and editing videos with basic motion graphics to support campaigns and storytelling.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience in developing, managing, or governing a DAM platform.
• Template Creation: Proven ability to create templates and standardized assets for efficient local adaptation.
• Accessibility Standards: Understanding and application of accessibility and inclusivity standards in digital design.
• International Experience: Fluency in languages like Spanish or Portuguese is a plus.
• Educational Sector Experience: Previous experience working within educational environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, AE, Premiere) is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase proficiency in these tools through their portfolio. The preference for DAM experience and template creation highlights the operational efficiency aspect of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Excellence: A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of high-quality design projects across both digital and print media, demonstrating creativity, technical skill, and brand alignment.
• Brand Governance Examples: Specific examples of how brand guidelines were applied and maintained across various campaigns or assets, illustrating adherence and strategic thinking.
• Process Workflow Demonstration: Case studies or examples that highlight the candidate's process for managing design projects from brief to delivery, including stakeholder coordination and timeline management.
• Adaptability & Scalability: Examples of how design assets were adapted for different platforms, formats, and regions, demonstrating an understanding of scalability and consistency.
• Impact & Results: Evidence of design work that achieved specific marketing objectives or had a measurable impact, supported by relevant metrics where possible.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Management: Ability to demonstrate understanding and experience with managing design requests and workflows through a centralized system, ensuring transparency, prioritization, and timely delivery.
• Asset Management Strategy: Showcase examples of how assets were organized, cataloged, and managed within an asset library or DAM system, emphasizing efficiency and accessibility.
• Quality Assurance Processes: Documentation or examples of implementing quality assurance measures for creative outputs before release, ensuring brand consistency and accuracy.
• Template Development & Rollout: Evidence of creating and implementing design templates for consistent brand application across multiple users or regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a candidate who not only possesses strong design skills but also understands the operational aspects of managing a creative function. Applicants should prepare a portfolio that not only showcases creative output but also demonstrates process efficiency, brand stewardship, and project management capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: In India, for a Graphic Design Manager with 3-5 years of experience, a competitive salary range would typically fall between ₹8,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 per annum, depending on the specific location within India, the company's compensation structure, and the candidate's exact experience and skill set.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and potentially their dependents.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays, likely aligning with Indian labor laws and company policy.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and access to design conferences to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Provident Fund & Gratuity: Standard retirement benefits as per Indian employment regulations.
• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Based on individual and organizational performance metrics.
• Employee Assistance Programs: Support services for employee well-being.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and company culture. The role is based in India, suggesting adherence to local working hour regulations and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for India are highly variable by city and company. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major Indian cities. Benefits will also vary significantly by employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Services (International Schools) Company Size: ISP (International Schools Partnership) is a large global organization. While the specific size of the central India team isn't detailed, the parent organization operates a significant network of schools, indicating a substantial corporate structure. Founded: The International Schools Partnership was founded in 2010. This relatively recent founding suggests a dynamic, potentially modern organizational culture driven by growth and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to a central team, likely within the Marketing or Communications department at the group level.
• The Graphic Design Manager will likely work closely with marketing specialists, content creators, and digital strategists at the group level.
• There will be significant collaboration with marketing and communication teams across various international schools and regional hubs.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creative in nature, the role emphasizes alignment with marketing strategy and measurable impact, suggesting a data-informed approach to design decisions.
• Process-Oriented Workflow: The mention of a centralized workflow system and asset management points to structured operational processes for design execution and delivery.
• Global Collaboration: The position requires effective collaboration across diverse geographical locations and teams, necessitating clear communication protocols and adaptability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a global education group means interacting with a diverse range of stakeholders and understanding different cultural nuances in communication and design preferences. The company's commitment to growth suggests opportunities for individuals who can adapt and contribute to evolving brand strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Managerial position within the creative operations spectrum. It requires not just design execution but also strategic input, brand stewardship, and process management. It sits above a junior designer and below a Head of Creative or Marketing Director.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Design Manager will report to a higher-level marketing or communications leader within the central ISP group. They will likely manage or mentor junior designers or external creative resources as needed, and collaborate extensively with marketing teams across different regions and schools.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Design Manager plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the visual identity of the entire ISP brand globally. Their work directly influences brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and the overall communication of the organization's value proposition. Effective brand governance and high-quality creative assets contribute to brand equity and market differentiation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Creative/Marketing Roles: Progression to roles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Lead within ISP or its constituent schools, with increased strategic responsibility.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like digital design, video production, motion graphics, or brand management.
• Team Leadership: Opportunities to build and lead a design team, manage larger-scale creative projects, and contribute more significantly to overarching marketing strategies.
• Cross-functional Movement: Potential to move into broader marketing management roles or operations management roles within the education sector, leveraging transferable skills in project management, process optimization, and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" title implies a career progression beyond individual contributor roles. Candidates showing leadership potential and an understanding of operational efficiency in creative workflows will be highly valued for future advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a professional office environment within ISP's central operations in India. Office Location(s): India. Specific city not mentioned, but likely a major metropolitan area supporting corporate operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace is expected to foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact with marketing, communications, and potentially other central support teams.
• Technology-Rich: Access to necessary design software, hardware, and digital asset management tools will be standard.
• Global Connectivity: While physically located in India, the role requires constant digital interaction with global teams, necessitating reliable communication tools and platforms.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours are expected, with a focus on meeting project deadlines. While the role is on-site, the global nature of the company might occasionally require flexibility for communication across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role in India, candidates should expect a typical corporate office setting. The emphasis on global collaboration means the work environment is digitally connected and potentially fast-paced, requiring adaptability to different communication styles and project demands from various regions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications and resumes, focusing on experience, qualifications, and portfolio relevance.
• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This may include a specific design challenge or case study related to brand application or campaign development.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the direct hiring manager to assess creative vision, leadership potential, collaboration skills, and fit with the team's operational needs.
• Cross-functional/Stakeholder Interviews: Potential interviews with marketing leaders from different regions or schools to evaluate collaboration and communication abilities.
• Final Round: May involve senior leadership or HR for final assessment of cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills (digital, print, video, branding) and demonstrate your ability to manage projects from start to finish.
• Highlight Process & Strategy: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, design decisions, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Emphasize how your work met the strategic objectives.
• Showcase Brand Governance: Include examples where you’ve applied or developed brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of brand consistency and stewardship.
• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, and how they contributed to the final output.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or results that show the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., engagement rates, campaign success, brand recognition).
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital presentation or a website.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Application Test: Be prepared for a task that requires you to apply existing brand guidelines to a new scenario or create assets for a specific campaign.
• Problem-Solving Scenario: Expect questions or tasks related to resolving design challenges, managing conflicting feedback, or optimizing design workflows.
• Time Management: Practice delivering design solutions or presentations within a given timeframe, simulating real-world project constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely scrutinize both creative output and operational capabilities. Candidates should prepare to speak to their process management skills, ability to work within brand frameworks, and collaborative approach, in addition to their design talent.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster graphics creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design, brochures, flyers, prospectuses, and multi-page documents.
• Video Editing Software:
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing and post-production.
  • Adobe After Effects (AE): For motion graphics and visual effects.
• Content Management Systems (CMS) / Website Design Support: Familiarity with platforms like WordPress or similar for understanding web design requirements.
• Canva: Mentioned as a tool, indicating a need for familiarity with accessible, template-driven design solutions, possibly for localized content creation.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Word for document creation, PowerPoint for presentations and reports, Excel for data organization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Understanding of web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform digital design decisions.
• Familiarity with reporting tools for tracking project progress and team output.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly specified, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms (like HubSpot, Marketo) can be beneficial for understanding how design assets integrate into broader marketing campaigns.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Platform: Governance and understanding of DAM systems for organizing and distributing visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is paramount. Experience with video editing tools and an understanding of DAM systems are highly valued. Familiarity with Canva suggests a need for versatility in design tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Begin with our children and students: A core principle focused on student success and well-being, translating to designs that are engaging, informative, and supportive of the educational mission.
• Treat everyone with care and respect: Fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.
• Operate effectively: Emphasizes efficiency, focus on priorities, and adherence to policies and procedures, critical for managing global design operations.
• Are financially responsible: Requires a mindful approach to resource allocation and project execution, ensuring design work is impactful and cost-effective.
• Learn continuously: Encourages professional development, staying updated with design trends, tools, and best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Works closely with marketing, communications, and potentially IT teams across different regions and schools to ensure cohesive brand messaging and campaign execution.
• Proactive Communication: Open communication channels are essential for managing feedback, coordinating projects, and providing design guidance.
• Mentorship & Support: The role involves guiding and potentially training regional/local designers, fostering a culture of shared learning and development.
• Stakeholder Management: Requires building strong relationships with various stakeholders to understand their needs and deliver effective design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values and leadership competencies deeply influence the work environment. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly regarding student focus, continuous learning, effective operations, and collaborative spirit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Brand Consistency: Maintaining a consistent and high-quality brand visual identity across a diverse network of international schools with varying local market nuances.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the design needs and feedback from numerous groups (group leadership, regional marketing, individual schools) can be complex.
• Rapidly Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with new design tools, technologies (like AI in design), and visual aesthetics while adhering to established brand guidelines.
• Workflow Optimization: Efficiently managing a high volume of design requests from various sources and ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality.
• Adapting to Digital Innovations: Integrating new digital platforms and technologies into the design process, including considerations for accessibility and user experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in specific Adobe Suite applications or explore emerging design software and AI tools.
• Brand Strategy Workshops: Involvement in discussions and projects related to the evolution of the ISP brand, enhancing strategic design thinking.
• Cross-Cultural Design Exposure: Gaining experience working with diverse markets and understanding how design needs vary globally.
• Project Management Skills: Developing enhanced project management capabilities through managing complex, multi-regional design initiatives.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Opportunities to hone leadership and mentoring skills by guiding junior designers or local content owners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to impact a global brand's visual narrative. Candidates who are proactive in addressing challenges and committed to continuous learning will find ample room for professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you ensure brand consistency across 50+ international schools while allowing for local adaptation of marketing materials?" (Focus on asset management, template systems, and brand governance processes).
• "Describe your process for managing a high-volume design request pipeline, prioritizing tasks, and communicating timelines to stakeholders." (Highlight workflow management, project prioritization, and stakeholder communication strategies).
• "Walk us through a complex design project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a detailed case study focusing on problem-solving, creative execution, and stakeholder management).
• "How do you stay updated with the latest design trends and technologies, and how would you integrate them into our global brand strategy?" (Discuss continuous learning, research methods, and potential applications of new tools).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What are your thoughts on ISP's current visual identity, and how do you see it evolving?" (Research ISP's branding and be prepared to offer informed opinions).
• "How do you embody our core values, such as 'Begin with our children and students' or 'Operate effectively,' in your design work?" (Prepare examples that align your experience with the company's stated principles).
• "Describe your ideal collaboration style when working with marketing teams from different regions." (Focus on communication, feedback integration, and building relationships).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear beginning (challenge/brief), middle (your process, solutions, tools used), and end (results/impact).
• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate the "why" and "how" behind your design decisions. This demonstrates strategic thinking beyond just aesthetics.
• Highlight Operational Efficiency: If possible, showcase examples of template creation, asset library organization, or workflow improvements you've implemented.
• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and discuss your design philosophy. Make it interactive rather than a passive presentation.
• Quantify Success: Where possible, use data or metrics to back up the effectiveness of your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to perform a practical design task under timed conditions, likely involving adapting existing assets or creating new ones based on a brief that tests your understanding of brand guidelines and creative execution.
• Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely, justifying your decisions based on strategy, brand, and audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strong operational acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage processes and stakeholders effectively within a global context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Jobvite link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating brand governance, multi-channel campaign delivery, and effective asset management. Include examples of template creation and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), video editing skills, and any experience with DAM systems or managing design workflows. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you manage projects and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you embody ISP's core values and leadership competencies.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research the International Schools Partnership (ISP), its global network, mission, and values. Understand their brand communication and current marketing efforts to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.