Managing Consultant, Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Managing Consultant, Graphic Designer

Company: ERM

Location: New Delhi, India; Bengaluru, India

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Consulting / Environmental & Sustainability

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 8-10 years professional experience, 2+ years management experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative direction and visual execution of sustainability communications for global clients, translating complex ESG topics into impactful visual experiences.

• Drive the design and delivery of high-quality creative assets across print, digital platforms, branding systems, reporting, web, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

• Serve as a strategic creative advisor, building trusted relationships with internal teams and clients, and confidently presenting design concepts and recommendations.

• Mentor and develop a small team of graphic designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning, performance management, and career growth.

• Innovate by integrating emerging design trends, digital best practices, and AI-enabled approaches into creative processes and client solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within ERM's Marketing & Communications Agency (MCA), a specialized unit focused on translating complex sustainability efforts into compelling narratives. The emphasis is on leveraging design to enhance client impact, stakeholder engagement, and the scalability of ERM's global delivery model, indicating a strategic, client-facing, and leadership-oriented graphic design position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide art direction and creative leadership to graphic designers on client sustainability communications, encompassing reports, websites, campaigns, identity systems, digital dashboards, infographics, video, and animation.

• Consult directly with clients and internal teams to devise creative and engaging strategies for leveraging communications, particularly in the digital space.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with both internal stakeholders and external clients.

• Conduct research and report on emerging design trends to the broader design team and ERM’s Visual Communication Design technical community.

• Act as a People Leader for a team of one to two graphic designers, managing task allocation, providing mentorship, conducting performance reviews, and supporting career development goals.

• Lead recruiting and onboarding initiatives for new design talent, including reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and facilitating the onboarding process.

• Present design work, articulate strategic insights, and answer questions effectively during client calls and internal reviews.

• Assist the design team in establishing and managing client design project schedules, ensuring timely and efficient delivery.

• Oversee the consistent application of existing design rules and processes within the design team to maintain brand integrity and quality.

• Collaborate with the Head of Design and EMEA Lead on design sales and promotion, including identifying opportunities, developing estimates, contributing to proposals, and maintaining the quality of ERM MCA’s design portfolio and business development materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design leadership, client advisory, team management, and business development support, indicating a senior role with significant strategic input and team oversight within a specialized marketing and communications agency context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Experience:

• 8-10 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for agency or consulting environment experience.

• 2+ years of experience in a people leadership role, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management. Required Skills:

• Exceptional portfolio showcasing a breadth of work in print, interactive design, and branding systems.

• Proven experience in multi-page document and editorial layout design (e.g., annual reports, sustainability reports, books, brochures, magazines).

• Superior understanding of typography, color theory, and page layout principles.

• Meticulous attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to quality control and file hygiene.

• Strong client communication and presentation skills, with the ability to lead design-focused discussions and articulate strategic recommendations.

• Ability to communicate complex sustainability and ESG information to diverse internal and external stakeholder audiences.

• Excellent interpersonal, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

• Proficiency in Mac OS and the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel).

• Solid understanding of UX/UI design principles for digital experiences.

• Knowledge of CSS and HTML for web design applications.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Highly creative mindset with the ability to balance innovation with client brand standards and project requirements.

• Willingness to work extended hours when necessary to meet project deadlines.

• Openness to feedback, collaboration, and constructive critique from colleagues.

• Ability to handle conflict and manage difficult conversations professionally, both internally and externally.

• Commitment to integrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) principles into leadership practices. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with environmental, social, or economic aspects of sustainability.

• Experience in consulting, marketing, or advertising, specifically serving large corporate clients.

• Practical experience integrating AI into business tasks and design processes.

• Experience in estimating design and marketing budgets.

• Understanding of digital accessibility standards for websites and PDFs.

• Experience with Webflow for website development.

• Experience in video and animation production.

• Illustration talent.

• Photo retouching capabilities.

• Experience with print management and professional printing file preparation.

• Knowledge of 3D rendering.

• Social media content design experience for major platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a senior-level graphic designer with strong leadership and client-facing capabilities. The inclusion of sustainability knowledge, consulting experience, and emerging technologies like AI points towards a role that bridges creative expertise with strategic business understanding within a niche consulting domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating expertise in print, digital, and branding design, with a clear emphasis on translating complex information into accessible visuals.

• Include case studies of multi-page document design (e.g., sustainability reports, annual reports, brochures), highlighting layout, typography, and storytelling through visuals.

• Present examples of UX/UI design for digital platforms, demonstrating an understanding of user experience and interface design principles.

• Feature branding system development, including logo design, brand guidelines, and application across various touchpoints.

• Demonstrate proficiency in data visualization and infographic design, showing the ability to simplify complex data into clear and compelling visual narratives. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept development through to final execution and quality assurance.

• Articulate your approach to managing multiple design projects simultaneously, including prioritization, time management, and stakeholder communication strategies.

• Detail your experience with quality control measures, file management best practices (file hygiene), and ensuring brand consistency across all deliverables.

• Provide examples of how you have mentored or guided junior designers, showcasing your approach to team development and workflow optimization within a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only exhibit technical design skills but also demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and the ability to manage complex projects and client relationships within the sustainability consulting space. The emphasis on process documentation underscores the need for a structured and methodical approach to design execution and team management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location (New Delhi, India; Bengaluru, India), experience level (8-10 years professional, 2+ years management), and the specialized nature of the role within a global consulting firm, the estimated salary range is ₹15,00,000 - ₹25,00,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Managing Consultant/Senior Graphic Designer roles in major Indian metropolitan areas, considering the demand for specialized creative and leadership skills in the consulting and sustainability sectors.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization, and often includes dental and vision care.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to provident funds or similar retirement savings schemes as per Indian labor laws.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, certifications, and conference attendance to enhance design and leadership skills.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Global Mobility Opportunities: Potential for international assignments or collaboration with global teams.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, the role may require extended hours to meet project deadlines, client demands, or during peak business periods, as noted in the requirements. Flexibility may be offered in terms of scheduling, but on-site presence is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on aggregated data from reputable Indian job boards and salary comparison websites, adjusted for the seniority and specialized skills required. Benefits are standard for a multinational consulting firm operating in India.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Environmental and Sustainability Consulting. ERM is a global leader in this sector, advising organizations on complex environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges. The Marketing & Communications Agency (MCA) specifically focuses on translating these complex sustainability efforts into clear, compelling stories for clients.

Company Size: ERM is a large global organization with over 50 years of experience and a significant number of employees worldwide. The Consulting Delivery Hub (CDH) in India is a key part of this global model, indicating a robust operational structure and a large employee base across different regions.

Founded: ERM was founded over 50 years ago, signifying a long-standing history and deep expertise in the sustainability consulting space. This longevity suggests a stable, well-established organization with a strong track record.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the Consulting Delivery Hub (CDH) in India, which supports global client projects.

• Within the CDH, the individual will be part of the ERM Marketing & Communications Agency (MCA).

• The Managing Consultant will directly lead a small team of 1-2 graphic designers.

• Collaboration will occur with consultants, creative specialists, and client stakeholders across various regions. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Storytelling: ERM MCA leverages data and ERM's technical expertise to create communications that build brand value and accelerate sustainability outcomes.

• Strategic Creative Execution: Combining market insights with creative execution to deliver impactful communications.

• Global Delivery Model: The CDH emphasizes scalable, high-quality delivery, ensuring consistency and efficiency across global projects.

• Continuous Improvement: The role is expected to contribute to the enhancement of design standards, processes, and capabilities.

Company Website: https://www.erm.com/marketingcommunications/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely to be professional, collaborative, and focused on delivering high-impact solutions for clients in the sustainability space. The emphasis on global collaboration and a structured delivery model suggests a well-organized and process-oriented environment. The MCA adds a strong creative and strategic communications dimension.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Managing Consultant," which typically signifies a senior-level position requiring significant experience, leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex projects and teams. Within the graphic design and consulting field, this title implies a blend of senior technical expertise and managerial responsibility. It's a step above a senior designer, involving strategic input, team leadership, and business development contributions.

Reporting Structure: The Managing Consultant will report to a senior leader within the ERM Marketing & Communications Agency (MCA), likely the Head of Design or a Director overseeing the CDH's creative services. They will directly manage a small team of 1-2 graphic designers.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's impact is critical in translating complex sustainability and ESG concepts into clear, compelling, and persuasive visual communications. This directly influences client perception, stakeholder engagement, brand value, and the overall success of ERM's global sustainability projects. The role is key to ensuring the consistency and quality of visual output across ERM's global delivery model.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into roles with larger team management responsibilities, such as Design Lead or Head of Design within the MCA or CDH.

• Strategic Consulting: Develop deeper expertise in sustainability communications strategy, advising clients on their ESG narrative and visual branding.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in areas like digital design, branding systems, data visualization, or AI-driven creative solutions.

• Global Collaboration: Increased involvement in high-profile international projects and collaboration with diverse global teams.

• Business Development: Contribute more significantly to proposal development, client pitches, and growing the MCA's service offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Managing Consultant" title, coupled with team leadership and client-facing responsibilities, positions this role for significant growth within ERM's specialized MCA unit and the broader global consulting network. The career path likely involves deepening strategic influence and expanding leadership scope.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a professional office environment. Given ERM's global presence and focus on collaboration, the office is likely to be modern, well-equipped, and designed to foster both individual work and team collaboration.

Office Location(s): The role is available in New Delhi and Bengaluru, India. These are major metropolitan hubs, offering access to talent, resources, and a vibrant professional community. Accessibility to these offices will depend on individual commute arrangements.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment will likely include meeting rooms, project spaces, and common areas conducive to team brainstorming and client presentations.

• Technology & Tools: Access to high-performance workstations, reliable internet, and the necessary software licenses (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.) will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with fellow designers, consultants, project managers, and potentially clients, either in person or through virtual collaboration tools. The environment encourages open communication and feedback exchange.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. However, the fast-paced nature of consulting and client demands may necessitate working extended hours or being available outside of core business hours, particularly for global project coordination or urgent client requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct client interaction, which are often crucial for creative leadership roles in consulting. The availability in major Indian cities provides logistical advantages.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on resume and portfolio. Candidates with strong portfolios and relevant experience will be shortlisted.

• Technical/Creative Assessment: This may involve a design challenge or a detailed portfolio review session with senior designers or creative leads. Expect to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you translate complex briefs into visual solutions.

• Leadership & Behavioral Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and team leads to assess people leadership skills, stakeholder management abilities, communication style, and cultural fit within ERM and the MCA. Questions will likely focus on team management, conflict resolution, and mentoring experiences.

• Client/Stakeholder Simulation: Potential for a scenario-based interview or presentation where you demonstrate how you would consult with a client on a design brief or present a creative concept.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and overall fit for the Managing Consultant role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your expertise in sustainability communications, multi-page design, branding, and digital platforms.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your design process, the challenges faced, and the measurable impact or outcome achieved. Use storytelling to guide the reviewer.

• Showcase Leadership: If possible, include examples of projects where you provided art direction or managed other designers.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and an understanding of UX/UI principles.

• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically and ensure high-quality visuals. Be prepared to present it smoothly and answer detailed questions about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Brief Interpretation: Practice analyzing complex briefs, identifying key objectives, target audiences, and constraints.

• Concept Development: Be ready to brainstorm and articulate creative concepts quickly, explaining the strategic rationale behind them.

• Sustainability Context: Familiarize yourself with common sustainability topics, reporting frameworks (like GRI, SASB), and how visual communication can enhance ESG messaging.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively, anticipating potential client questions or objections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a holistic assessment, evaluating not just design skills but also leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively within a consulting environment. A strong, well-articulated portfolio is the cornerstone of the application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design and layout. Proficiency expected in:

  • Adobe InDesign: For multi-page document design, editorial layouts, and reports.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, infographics, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For presentations, client pitches, and internal communications.
  • Word: For document creation and collaboration.
  • Excel: For data handling and potentially basic chart creation that might be passed to designers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for the designer, understanding how design impacts digital analytics is beneficial. Familiarity with how design elements are tracked in web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) for user engagement on digital platforms would be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Webflow: Mentioned as a preferred skill, indicating potential use for client website development or internal prototyping.

• CSS & HTML: Knowledge required for understanding web design principles and potentially basic implementation or collaboration with web developers.

Other Relevant Tools:

• UX/UI Design Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD would be beneficial for understanding digital design workflows, even if not the primary tool used.

• AI Tools: An emerging requirement, suggesting the exploration and integration of AI tools for design ideation, content generation, or workflow enhancement.

• Video/Animation Software: Potentially Adobe After Effects or similar, depending on specific project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. The mention of CSS, HTML, UX/UI, and AI indicates a forward-looking approach to design, requiring the ability to contribute to and understand digital design and emerging technologies within the sustainability communications context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus & Impact: A strong emphasis on delivering tangible value and meaningful impact for clients through effective sustainability communications. Decisions and creative output are geared towards client success and advancing sustainability goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to high standards in design execution, attention to detail, and the overall quality of deliverables. This is crucial for maintaining ERM's reputation and client trust.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across diverse teams (designers, consultants, project managers) and geographies, valuing input and fostering a supportive environment.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the exploration of new design trends, technologies (like AI), and methodologies to enhance creative processes and client solutions.

• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding ethical standards in communications, avoiding greenwashing, and ensuring accuracy and clarity in all client-facing materials.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B): Actively integrating DEI&B principles into leadership, team interactions, and creative output, fostering an inclusive environment for all.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with environmental consultants, ESG specialists, and project managers to translate technical information into accessible visuals. This requires strong communication and the ability to understand diverse perspectives.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine creative work and processes. Open dialogue and collaboration are key.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, new techniques, and insights within the design team and the broader ERM technical communities.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and regular communication with internal teams and clients to manage expectations, provide updates, and ensure alignment throughout project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values both deep expertise in sustainability and creative excellence, underpinned by a collaborative and client-centric approach. The explicit mention of DEI&B highlights ERM's commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Technical Information: The primary challenge is to take intricate environmental, social, and governance data and concepts and render them into clear, compelling, and visually engaging communications that resonate with diverse audiences.

• Balancing Creative Innovation with Brand Standards: Effectively balancing highly creative solutions with strict client brand guidelines and ERM's own corporate identity, ensuring both distinctiveness and adherence.

• Managing Global Stakeholder Expectations: Coordinating with clients and internal teams across different time zones and cultural contexts, managing diverse feedback and requirements.

• Integrating Emerging Technologies: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating new design tools, AI capabilities, and digital trends into workflows without compromising quality or efficiency.

• Leading a Small Team: Developing effective people leadership skills to mentor, motivate, and manage performance for junior designers, fostering a productive and collaborative team dynamic.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sustainability Expertise: Deepen knowledge of ESG principles, reporting frameworks, and global sustainability challenges through project work and internal ERM resources.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Access to training and workshops on cutting-edge design software, AI-driven design tools, UX/UI best practices, and motion graphics.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Opportunities for formal training in people management, performance coaching, conflict resolution, and strategic leadership.

• Client Engagement & Business Development: Gain experience in client consultation, proposal development, and contributing to the growth of ERM MCA's service offerings.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in relevant industry conferences, webinars, and networking events to stay current with design and sustainability trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to blend creative passion with a mission-driven industry, providing substantial growth in both technical design and strategic leadership within the sustainability consulting landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex sustainability report brief and translating it into a compelling visual narrative. What are the key stages you follow?" (Focus on your structured approach, research, concept development, and stakeholder engagement).

• "How do you approach mentoring and developing junior designers? Can you provide an example of a time you helped a team member improve their skills or overcome a challenge?" (Highlight your leadership style, coaching methods, and focus on growth).

• "Imagine a client is resistant to a design concept you strongly believe in. How would you approach persuading them while maintaining a collaborative relationship?" (Demonstrate your communication, negotiation, and client management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about ERM and specifically our Marketing & Communications Agency (MCA) within the sustainability consulting space?" (Research ERM's mission, recent projects, and the MCA's value proposition).

• "How do you ensure diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) are integrated into your leadership and creative processes?" (Showcase your understanding of DEI&B principles and how you apply them).

• "How would you measure the success of a design project for a client's sustainability communications?" (Focus on metrics beyond aesthetics, such as engagement, clarity, impact on brand perception, and achievement of client objectives). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling is Key: For each project, craft a narrative. Start with the client's challenge, explain your strategic approach and creative solution, and conclude with the impact or results.

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Clearly delineate your role, especially if you provided art direction or managed others. Showcase how you collaborated with internal teams and clients.

• Showcase Technical Versatility: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of digital design principles (UX/UI, HTML/CSS).

• Address Sustainability Context: Be prepared to discuss how your design choices specifically enhanced the communication of sustainability messages or ESG data.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, software techniques, file management, and print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, leadership acumen, and a genuine understanding of the sustainability sector. Your portfolio is your primary tool; be ready to discuss it in depth.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Managing Consultant, Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the ERM careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 8-10 years of graphic design experience, emphasizing agency/consulting background, leadership roles (2+ years), and specific achievements in sustainability communications, multi-page design, and branding. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most impactful projects that showcase your skills in print, digital, branding, and translating complex information. Prepare to discuss your process, challenges, and results for each. Ensure it highlights your leadership and client communication capabilities.

• Prepare for Design Challenges & Interviews: Practice articulating your design process, leadership approach, and how you would handle client consultations and team management. Research ERM and the MCA to understand their mission and values.

• Network (Optional but Recommended): If possible, connect with current ERM employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and the role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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