Graphic Designer and Team Lead, Senior at Booz Allen Hamilton

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer and Team Lead, Senior Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Location: Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative Operations / Design Leadership Date Posted: August 13, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (10+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and mentor a team of graphic designers to produce high-impact visual communication products for a critical client, translating complex intelligence data into clear, compelling graphics.
Spearhead the conceptualization and creation of diverse graphic-based products, including infographics, cartographic products, and data visualizations, to enhance analytic understanding and convey complex ideas.
Apply advanced graphic design principles and cutting-edge multimedia technologies to develop engaging and interactive visualizations that meet client requirements and support mission-critical decision making.
Collaborate across commands and with internal teams to advance graphic design solutions, identify new opportunities, and implement innovative strategies that align with customer needs and operational objectives.
Drive the delivery of advanced graphic solutions by guiding and partnering with the design team and client in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, ensuring quality and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer and Team Lead," its core functions and the required experience with "Intelligence Production" and "data visualizations" position it within a specialized segment of creative operations, closely aligned with government and defense sectors. The emphasis on leading a team and driving strategic visual communication efforts elevates this beyond a standard design role into a leadership position within a specialized operations function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of graphic-based products, including infographics, cartographic products, data visualizations, and briefing materials, tailored to support mission-critical decision-making.
Lead, mentor, and manage a team of graphic designers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment to ensure the highest quality output and professional development.
Translate complex intelligence data, analytical findings, and abstract concepts into clear, compelling, and easily understandable visual narratives.
Advise clients on the most effective visual communication strategies and solutions to meet their specific mission requirements and objectives.
Recommend and implement cutting-edge multimedia technologies and interactive design techniques to enhance the impact and engagement of visual products.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including analysts and technical experts, to gather requirements, refine concepts, and ensure the accuracy and relevance of visual content.
Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables for graphic design initiatives, ensuring timely and successful completion within client expectations.
Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in graphic design, data visualization, and intelligence production to continuously improve service offerings.
Provide expert guidance and feedback to team members, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and skill enhancement within the design team.
Maintain a high level of quality control and adherence to brand guidelines and client-specific standards across all produced visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities extend beyond standard graphic design to encompass leadership, client advisory, and strategic application of visual communication within a sensitive intelligence context. This requires a strong understanding of data synthesis, visualization best practices, and the ability to manage creative teams effectively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field. Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a significant portion focused on intelligence production or complex data visualization.

Required Skills:

Proven expertise in graphic design principles, visual communication, and layout.
Advanced proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
Strong command of Microsoft PowerPoint for creating professional briefing materials and presentations.
Demonstrated experience in Intelligence Production as a primary job function, understanding the unique requirements and sensitivities of this domain.
Ability to create compelling data visualizations, infographics, and cartographic products that effectively communicate complex information.
Experience in leading and mentoring design teams, providing direction, feedback, and fostering professional growth.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and client-facing skills to effectively capture requirements and present solutions.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, demanding environment, with a focus on deadlines and quality.
Willingness and ability to work in a 24/7 operational environment, adapting to shifting demands and priorities.
Must possess a TS/SCI security clearance.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with MapPublisher for advanced cartographic design.
Proficiency in interactive design tools and techniques for creating dynamic visualizations.
Experience working within a Combatant Command or similar high-level military/intelligence organization.
Familiarity with other design and visualization software that complements the Adobe Suite.
Understanding of user experience (UX) principles as applied to data visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Intelligence Production as a primary job function" and the TS/SCI clearance are critical differentiators, suggesting a need for candidates with experience in government contracting or defense sectors. The "nice to have" skills point towards a specialized niche within graphic design that requires technical depth in cartography and interactivity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of professional graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on intelligence production, data visualization, and complex information design.
Specific examples demonstrating proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and Microsoft PowerPoint, highlighting the application of these tools to create sophisticated visual products.
Case studies detailing the process of translating complex data or abstract concepts into clear, actionable graphics, including any challenges faced and solutions implemented.
Visuals of infographics, cartographic products, and interactive data visualizations that illustrate an understanding of audience, purpose, and effective information hierarchy.
Examples of leadership or team collaboration in design projects, if available, to demonstrate team lead capabilities.

Process Documentation:

Demonstrations of workflow design and optimization for graphic production pipelines, particularly within a government or intelligence context.
Evidence of implementing and managing design processes that ensure quality, accuracy, and adherence to strict client requirements and security protocols.
Examples of how performance metrics or client feedback were used to refine design processes and improve overall efficiency and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Intelligence Production" and the need to translate "complex intelligence data" implies that the portfolio should not only showcase aesthetic quality but also functional clarity, accuracy, and the ability to convey sensitive information effectively and securely.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $86,800.00 - $198,000.00 (annualized USD)

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance coverage.
Robust financial and retirement planning benefits, including retirement savings plans.
Generous paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
Tuition assistance programs to support further education and skill acquisition.
Work-life programs designed to promote employee well-being and balance.
Dependent care support and resources.
Recognition awards program for exceptional performance and demonstration of company values.

Working Hours: Full-time employment, with the requirement to work in a 24/7 environment, suggesting potential for shift work or on-call responsibilities as needed. Booz Allen Hamilton operates with a hybrid work model, allowing for flexibility between remote work and on-site collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The broad salary range reflects the senior level of the role, potential for specialized skills (like interactive design or cartography), and the significant responsibility associated with leading a team and working with classified information. The 24/7 environment likely means flexibility in working hours and potential for non-standard schedules.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense & Government Services, Management Consulting Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees), indicating a stable, resource-rich environment with significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Founded: 1914, Booz Allen Hamilton is a long-standing and reputable firm with a deep history in consulting and technology solutions for government and commercial clients.

Team Structure:

The role implies leadership over a team of graphic designers, suggesting a dedicated design unit within a larger project or department.
The team likely operates within a matrixed structure, collaborating closely with intelligence analysts, project managers, and potentially other creative or technical specialists.
Reporting structure would typically be to a project lead, program manager, or department head responsible for delivering client solutions.

Methodology:

Data-driven approach to visual communication, focusing on translating complex data into clear and actionable insights through design.
Emphasis on client collaboration and consultative engagement to understand needs and deliver tailored solutions.
Commitment to quality, accuracy, and security in all deliverables, especially within the intelligence domain.
Adoption of modern design tools and technologies to enhance creative output and efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Booz Allen Hamilton's culture is deeply rooted in public service and mission-driven work, particularly within the defense and national security sectors. This means an emphasis on integrity, expertise, collaboration, and delivering tangible impact for clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Team Lead / Managerial. This role signifies a progression from individual contributor to team leadership, with responsibility for guiding strategy, mentoring junior staff, and managing client relationships within the design function.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer and Team Lead would likely report to a Program Manager, Project Director, or a higher-level creative/operations lead within Booz Allen Hamilton's client-facing delivery teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the client's ability to understand and act upon complex intelligence information. High-quality, clear visual communication can significantly improve decision-making speed and accuracy, directly contributing to mission success and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into larger team leadership roles, program management, or specialized design leadership positions within the firm.
Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced data visualization, interactive design, or cartographic production, becoming a subject matter expert.
Client Engagement: Develop strong client relationship management skills and a deeper understanding of client needs and strategic objectives.
Cross-functional Experience: Gain exposure to various facets of government contracting and intelligence operations, broadening professional capabilities.
Professional Development: Access to Booz Allen Hamilton's extensive training programs, certifications, and conferences to enhance design and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a candidate in a creative operations or design leadership track, this role offers a significant opportunity to lead a specialized team within a prestigious consulting firm, directly impacting high-stakes government missions. Growth potential is strong, particularly for those who excel in both creative output and team management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Employees will periodically work from a Booz Allen or client site facility. This suggests a need for flexibility and comfort working both independently and collaboratively in a professional office setting. Office Location(s): RAF Molesworth, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. This specific location points to a direct client engagement, likely within a military or government facility.

Workspace Context:

The workspace will likely be collaborative, involving close interaction with the design team and potentially other project stakeholders.
Access to necessary design hardware, software, and secure network infrastructure will be provided to support the creation of classified and sensitive visual products.
The environment is expected to be professional, fast-paced, and mission-oriented, requiring a high degree of focus and attention to detail.

Work Schedule: While the role is full-time, the mention of a 24/7 environment indicates that work hours may be flexible or require coverage outside of standard business hours, depending on client needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a military facility like RAF Molesworth implies adherence to specific security protocols, access procedures, and potentially a more structured work environment compared to a typical corporate office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, including experience, clearance, and interest in the role.
Technical/Skills Interview: Expect an interview focused on graphic design skills, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, experience with data visualization, and understanding of intelligence production workflows. Be prepared to discuss your design process and problem-solving approach.
Portfolio Review: A crucial part of the process will involve a detailed review of your portfolio. Be ready to walk through specific projects, explain your role, design choices, and the impact of your work.
Team Lead/Leadership Interview: This interview will assess your leadership style, experience mentoring teams, ability to manage projects, and how you handle team dynamics and client interactions.
Situational/Behavioral Interview: Questions will likely focus on how you handle pressure, meet deadlines, resolve conflicts, and adapt to challenging situations, particularly within a sensitive or high-stakes environment.
Client/Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager or a key client representative to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with the team's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this role, focusing on data visualization, infographics, and intelligence-related design.
Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (including tools used), the challenges encountered, your solutions, and the measurable impact or outcome.
Highlight Leadership: If possible, include examples demonstrating your leadership, mentorship, or project management capabilities.
Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint, and any specialized tools like MapPublisher.
Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you approach complex data, your understanding of intelligence production, and how you manage client expectations.

Challenge Preparation:

Design Challenge: You might be given a hypothetical scenario or a sample dataset and asked to create a visualization or infographic within a set timeframe. Focus on clarity, accuracy, and efficient use of design principles.
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific design challenge, manage a difficult client request, or resolve a conflict within your team.
Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and design concepts clearly and concisely, as you may need to present your work during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior and leadership nature of the role, expect a rigorous interview process that heavily scrutinizes both technical design skills and leadership capabilities, with a strong emphasis on practical application and demonstrated impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required for Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. These are the core tools for creating sophisticated graphic assets.
Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for creating briefing materials, presentations, and integrating graphics into client deliverables. Advanced skills in animation and slide design are beneficial.
MapPublisher: Preferred skill, indicating a need for advanced cartographic design capabilities.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not explicitly stated, experience with data visualization tools that integrate with analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) would be advantageous for understanding and presenting complex data.
Tools for project management and team collaboration (e.g., Asana, Jira, Microsoft Teams) are likely utilized within the team.

CRM & Automation:

Booz Allen Hamilton likely uses robust CRM systems for client management and project tracking, though direct use by this role might be limited to project-specific data input or reporting.
Automation in design might refer to template utilization, scripting within Adobe tools, or workflow automation for repetitive tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint, coupled with the preferred MapPublisher, highlights a specialized need for high-fidelity, precision graphic design within a government context. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate deep expertise in these core tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the client's mission objectives through impactful visual communication.
Excellence: Striving for the highest quality, accuracy, and creativity in all design outputs.
Collaboration: Working effectively with team members, analysts, and clients to achieve shared goals.
Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards, especially when handling sensitive and classified information.
Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to changing client needs, project requirements, and operate within a 24/7 environment.

Collaboration Style:

Team-Oriented: Encourages a collaborative environment where designers share ideas, provide constructive feedback, and support each other's work.
Client-Centric: Prioritizes understanding and meeting client requirements through open communication and responsive service.
Cross-Functional Integration: Works closely with analysts and other subject matter experts to ensure the accuracy and relevance of visual content.
Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Senior designers are expected to mentor junior team members and foster a culture of continuous learning and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values at Booz Allen Hamilton, particularly in client-facing roles supporting government missions, emphasize a blend of professional excellence, integrity, and a strong sense of duty to the client's objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Translating Complexity: The primary challenge will be effectively translating highly complex or abstract intelligence data into clear, accurate, and compelling visual formats for diverse audiences.
24/7 Environment: Adapting to and performing effectively within a 24/7 operational environment, which may involve non-standard working hours or on-call responsibilities.
Security Protocols: Adhering to strict security protocols and clearance requirements associated with handling classified information.
Client Demands: Managing evolving client requirements and tight deadlines in a high-stakes environment.
Team Leadership: Effectively leading and motivating a team of designers, potentially with diverse skill sets and working styles, to maintain high performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Visualization Techniques: Opportunities to master cutting-edge data visualization tools and methodologies.
Intelligence Domain Expertise: Deepening understanding of intelligence analysis processes and information requirements.
Leadership Training: Access to Booz Allen Hamilton's comprehensive leadership development programs.
Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant design, visualization, and intelligence community conferences.
Mentorship: Learning from experienced leaders and subject matter experts within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to blend creative talent with critical mission support, offering substantial professional growth in both design leadership and specialized intelligence visualization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Design Strategy: "How would you approach designing a comprehensive infographic to explain the findings of a complex intelligence assessment to senior decision-makers?" Focus on your process, data interpretation, and visual hierarchy.
Leadership Approach: "Describe your experience leading a design team. How do you motivate your team, handle underperformance, and foster a collaborative environment?" Be ready with examples.
Problem-Solving: "Imagine a situation where a client provides conflicting requirements for a visualization. How would you navigate this to ensure a successful outcome?" Demonstrate your communication and problem-solving skills.
Client Management: "How do you ensure client satisfaction when delivering visual products, especially when dealing with sensitive or classified information?" Highlight your client-facing skills and understanding of client needs.

Company & Culture Questions:

Mission Alignment: "Why are you interested in working with Booz Allen Hamilton and supporting intelligence missions?" Connect your passion for design with the company's mission.
Team Dynamics: "What is your preferred team collaboration style, and how do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?"
Adaptability: "How do you handle pressure and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structured Walkthrough: Prepare a 10-15 minute presentation of your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that align with the job description.
Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate the success or impact of your design work.
Explain Your Process: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design choices – your thought process for data interpretation, layout, color, and typography.
Leadership Examples: If you have team lead experience, weave in examples of how you guided or mentored others within your portfolio projects.
Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques you used for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design expertise but also leadership acumen, strategic thinking, and a clear understanding of the intelligence domain and Booz Allen Hamilton's mission-driven culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Booz Allen Hamilton careers portal.
Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to specifically highlight your experience with intelligence production, complex data visualization, leadership, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint. Select your most relevant work samples.
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, leadership responsibilities, and any specific achievements related to improving visual communication or team efficiency. Use keywords from the job description.
Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, leadership experiences, and how you handle complex design challenges. Be ready to articulate your understanding of the company's mission and values.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Booz Allen Hamilton's work in the defense and intelligence sectors, their commitment to innovation, and their company culture. Understand the importance of their client partnerships.

⚠️ 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.

Graphic Designer and Team Lead, Senior