Production and Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Production and Design Manager

Company: The Energy Year

Location: Budapest, Hungary

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Date Posted: March 17, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role leads the creative direction and visual identity for a global energy media platform, focusing on high-impact design and brand consistency.

• Manages end-to-end production cycles for a variety of media, including digital campaigns, event materials, and comprehensive country reports.

• Requires advanced proficiency in design software and a strong understanding of print production processes to ensure quality and timely delivery.

• Involves significant project management and cross-functional collaboration to align visual assets with editorial and commercial objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges creative design with operational production management within the media and energy sectors. The "Production and Design Manager" title, combined with responsibilities like managing publication cycles and working with external suppliers, indicates a need for strong process orientation and project execution skills, typical of operations roles, albeit within a creative context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and visual identity of all corporate artworks, layouts, and branded digital materials to maintain a cohesive and compelling brand image.

• Develop and design all event-related collateral, including banners, backdrops, brochures, signage, presentations, and participant badges, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

• Conceptualize and design merchandise and branding assets that align with The Energy Year's overall brand strategy and marketing initiatives.

• Produce engaging digital campaign materials, such as social media graphics, email marketing visuals, and online advertisements, to support global marketing efforts.

• Evolve and maintain The Energy Year’s visual identity standards across all global markets, ensuring a consistent and professional brand presence.

• Lead the design and layout of The Energy Year’s country reports and major publications, ensuring aesthetic appeal and reader engagement.

• Manage the entire production cycle for reports, from initial concept and design through to final print-ready files, overseeing all stages of development.

• Coordinate effectively with editorial, commercial, and field teams to ensure seamless integration of design elements and timely delivery of all materials.

• Uphold and ensure consistency, accuracy, and the highest production quality across all publications and digital assets.

• Plan and manage complex production timelines, ensuring multiple project deadlines are met simultaneously without compromising quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative output and rigorous production management. The need to "manage the full production cycle," "coordinate with editorial, commercial and field teams," and "plan and manage production timelines" strongly suggests a need for operations-minded individuals who can translate creative vision into executed reality through structured processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a management role of this nature.

Experience:

• Proven experience in graphic design, creative direction, or production management, ideally within a media, publishing, or agency environment.

• Demonstrated experience managing the full production cycle of print and digital materials, from concept to final delivery.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, for creating high-quality design assets.

• Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in layout design, digital campaign creation, and event materials.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality across all design and production outputs.

• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and pressure, maintaining a high standard of work.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in motion graphics and video editing software such as After Effects and Premiere Pro is a significant advantage.

• Experience in the publishing industry, particularly with report and magazine layout.

• Familiarity with brand management principles and the ability to evolve a visual identity.

• Experience in designing and managing merchandise production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools, portfolio requirements, and project management skills are classic indicators for roles that blend creative execution with operational efficiency. The "manager" title and the need to coordinate across multiple teams suggest a mid-level to senior role requiring a blend of technical design skills and operational oversight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio is critical, demonstrating a strong track record in graphic design, creative direction, and production management.

• Showcase expertise in layout design for publications (e.g., reports, magazines) and digital campaign materials (social media, online ads).

• Include examples of event materials (banners, signage, presentations) and potentially merchandise design, highlighting visual identity application.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly requested for submission, candidates are expected to articulate their process for managing design projects from brief to execution.

• Be prepared to discuss how you plan and manage production timelines, coordinate with cross-functional teams (editorial, commercial, field), and ensure quality control throughout the production lifecycle.

• Articulate experience in managing print production workflows, including pre-press checks, vendor communication, and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For creative and production roles, the portfolio acts as a primary "process artifact." The expectation is to not just show finished work but to be able to explain the methodologies, tools, and project management techniques used to achieve those results. This aligns with operations' focus on documented processes and efficient workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Opportunity to shape the visual identity of a leading international energy media platform, offering significant creative impact.

• Exposure to high-level global energy stakeholders, providing unique networking and professional development opportunities.

• A dynamic and international working environment, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and diverse perspectives.

• Competitive compensation package, reflecting the role's responsibilities and the candidate's experience.

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, typically requiring 40 hours per week, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and manage production timelines across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for Budapest and the specified experience level. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, portfolio, and the company's internal compensation structure. The provided benefits align with typical offerings for roles in international companies focused on high-impact work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Communications, with a specialization in the global energy sector. This niche focus requires an understanding of industry trends, key players, and the specific communication needs of energy stakeholders.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, "leading international media and communications company" suggests a medium to large-sized organization with established operations and global reach. The need for a Production & Design Manager implies a dedicated creative and production department or function within the company.

Founded: The Energy Year was founded in 2015, indicating a relatively young but established company that has grown to become a significant international player in its niche. This suggests a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a broader editorial, marketing, or content creation department.

• The Production & Design Manager will collaborate closely with editorial teams (content creation), commercial teams (client relations, advertising), and field teams (researchers, interviewers).

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a data-driven and insight-led approach, connecting industry leaders with decision-makers through high-level interviews and strategic publications.

• Design and production processes are expected to be methodical, ensuring brand consistency, accuracy, and timely delivery of high-quality outputs.

• Collaboration is key, requiring effective communication and project management to align varied team inputs into unified outputs.

Company Website: https://theenergyyear.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on the energy sector and its media/communications nature points to a professional, deadline-driven environment. The "Production and Design Manager" role here is not purely creative; it's deeply integrated into the operational delivery of their core product – publications and media content.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a management level, likely mid-career, with 2-5 years of relevant experience. It requires a blend of hands-on design skills and managerial oversight of production processes, making it a critical operational function within the creative output of the company.

Reporting Structure: The manager will likely report to a senior member of the editorial, marketing, or content department, such as a Content Director or Head of Creative. They will also manage external suppliers and coordinate with internal teams across different departments.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the perception and quality of The Energy Year's brand and publications. Effective visual identity and high-quality production are crucial for credibility and engagement with high-level energy stakeholders, directly influencing the company's success in connecting leaders and decision-makers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in energy sector media, publication design, or digital campaign strategy.

• Leadership: Progress to a Creative Director or Head of Production role, managing larger teams and broader creative strategies.

• Broader Operations: Transition into a more general operations or project management role within the media/publishing industry, leveraging strong process management skills.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn advanced design techniques, explore new production technologies, and enhance project management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "manager" title and the scope of responsibilities suggest a role with significant autonomy and impact, offering clear pathways for career progression within a specialized media company. The blend of creative and operational skills makes this a valuable position for developing a well-rounded professional profile.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Budapest, Hungary. This implies a traditional office setting where collaborative work, in-person meetings, and access to physical production resources (if any) are facilitated.

Office Location(s): Budapest, Hungary. This location offers a vibrant European capital environment with access to a skilled talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, requiring close interaction with editorial, commercial, and field teams to ensure seamless project execution.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware is a given. The company likely provides a robust technological environment to support creative and production workflows.

• Opportunities for team collaboration and knowledge sharing are high, essential for maintaining brand consistency and managing complex production schedules.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility often required during peak production periods or for international coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in Budapest suggests an environment that values in-person collaboration and direct team synergy, which can be particularly beneficial for complex creative and production projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience, design skills, and alignment with the company's aesthetic.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A detailed walkthrough of the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, production challenges, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions about managing timelines, working with suppliers, and ensuring brand consistency.

• Manager/Team Interview: Discussion about experience in production management, project coordination, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership potential. Questions may focus on how candidates handle tight deadlines and complex stakeholder requirements.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and long-term vision for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase projects that best represent your skills in layout, digital campaigns, event materials, and publication design. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Highlight Process: For each project, be ready to explain your design process, the tools used, challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs (e.g., engagement rates for digital campaigns, successful event material execution).

• Brand Consistency: Emphasize how you maintained or evolved brand identity across different projects.

• Production Expertise: Be prepared to discuss your experience with print production, vendor management, and ensuring final output quality.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates may be given a short design or production-related task to assess their skills under timed conditions. This could involve designing a social media graphic, laying out a sample page, or outlining a production plan for a specific publication.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to managing multiple concurrent projects and what strategies you employ to meet demanding deadlines.

• Think about how you would maintain brand consistency for The Energy Year across various media types.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio walkthrough and potential design challenges underscores the creative and technical demands of this role. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their operational approach to creative execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is mandatory.

  • InDesign: For layout and publication design.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Motion Graphics/Video Editing (Preferred):

  • After Effects: For creating animated graphics and visual effects.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing and post-production.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as primary requirements for this role, as it's not directly client-facing or sales-operations focused. However, familiarity with project management or task management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) is likely, given the emphasis on project and production management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is a deep technical skill set in Adobe Creative Suite. The mention of After Effects and Premiere Pro as a plus indicates a desire for advanced multimedia capabilities, which is increasingly common in modern media production roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to high-quality design and accurate, error-free production is paramount.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Meeting deadlines and managing production workflows effectively is crucial for the company's operational success.

• Collaboration & Communication: Working seamlessly with diverse internal teams and external suppliers to achieve shared goals.

• Creativity & Innovation: Continuously evolving visual identity and design approaches to keep content engaging and relevant.

• Brand Stewardship: Acting as a guardian of The Energy Year's visual identity and ensuring its consistent application globally.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration is key, requiring proactive communication and partnership with editorial, commercial, and field teams.

• A style that embraces feedback and iterative design processes is valuable.

• Effective management of external vendor relationships, ensuring clear briefs, timely delivery, and quality control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed values highlight a blend of creative excellence and operational rigor necessary for a media production environment. This role requires someone who can be both an artist and an efficient process manager.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Juggling the production of various materials (reports, digital campaigns, event collateral) simultaneously, often under tight time constraints.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified visual identity across a wide range of global outputs and media types.

• Coordinating Global Teams: Working effectively with teams located in different regions, potentially across different time zones, to gather input and deliver assets.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Production Realities: Ensuring that creative ambitions are met within practical production timelines and budgets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software: Opportunity to master new features within the Adobe Creative Suite or explore related design and production software.

• Industry Knowledge: Deepen understanding of the global energy sector through exposure to its content and stakeholders.

• Project Management Skills: Enhance skills in managing complex production workflows, vendor relationships, and cross-functional project teams.

• Creative Direction: Develop a stronger strategic vision for brand identity and visual storytelling in a specialized industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges outlined are typical for production management roles in fast-paced media environments, emphasizing the need for strong organizational and problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and strategic development within the company's niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing the production of a complex publication, from initial brief to final print-ready files." (Focus on workflow, timelines, stakeholder communication, and quality control).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across diverse media, such as digital ads, event banners, and print reports?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and application strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Energy Year and our work in the energy sector?" (Research the company's recent publications, events, and mission).

• "How do you approach collaboration with editorial and commercial teams who may have different priorities?" (Demonstrate your ability to facilitate communication and find common ground).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (publications, digital, events) or by demonstrating a complete project lifecycle.

• Narrative: For each key project, tell a story: the objective, your role, the creative and production process, challenges, solutions, and the final result.

• Visuals: Ensure high-quality visuals of your work. If presenting digital assets, consider short, impactful videos or interactive mockups.

• Metrics: If possible, include quantifiable results or positive feedback related to your projects.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant examples for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, rigorous process management, and effective communication skills, all tailored to the context of media production in the energy sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your CV and portfolio through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio selection and presentation to highlight experience most relevant to The Energy Year's needs: publication design, digital campaigns, and event materials. Ensure it showcases both creative flair and production management capabilities.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience in graphic design, production management, and project coordination. Use keywords such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "print production," "layout design," "digital campaigns," and "project management." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your process, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet deadlines. Be ready to discuss your experience with print vendors and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Energy Year, its publications, its mission within the energy sector, and its target audience. Understand their current visual branding and identify areas where your skills can add value.

⚠️ 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.