Marketing Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marketing Design Manager

Company: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Location: Savannah, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-24T07:00:00

Experience Level: 6+ Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and execute customer-facing design solutions across digital experiences (UX/UI), advertisements, print, and physical spaces, driving brand consistency and strategic objectives.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a talented team of graphic and UX/UI designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

• Serve as a creative thought leader, conceiving and pitching innovative design concepts that align with business goals and global preferences.

• Balance essential team management responsibilities with hands-on design project involvement, ensuring high-quality deliverables on time.

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for design-related matters, effectively communicating requirements and collaborating with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Marketing Design Manager," the responsibilities and required skills indicate a significant operational component focused on managing design workflows, team resources, and project execution within the marketing department. This role bridges creative leadership with operational efficiency for design deliverables.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and execution of innovative design solutions for web (UX/UI), print, digital advertisements, email campaigns, and event support materials.

• Art direct photoshoots and collaborate closely with photographers, writers, and other creative professionals to realize comprehensive creative visions.

• Manage the daily operations of the design team, ensuring timely delivery of all creative assets while upholding stringent quality standards and brand guidelines.

• Conduct and actively participate in strategic planning and process improvement initiatives, representing the design team's perspective and needs.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal customers (Leadership, Sales, Customer Support) and external vendors, contractors, and partners regarding design requirements and project scope.

• Supervise and guide creative employees during campaigns and projects, fostering their professional development and ensuring project success.

• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of design elements into broader marketing and business initiatives.

• Communicate clear performance expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide constructive feedback and career advice to direct reports.

• Develop and evaluate comprehensive project plans and creative concepts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and budget constraints.

• Identify, establish, and enforce departmental policies and procedures to optimize workflow and maintain operational excellence within the design function.

• Establish and execute team objectives that directly support overarching organizational goals and marketing strategies.

• Train, coach, and mentor team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development within the design department.

• Contribute valuable input to annual budgeting initiatives, providing insights into resource needs and potential investments in creative tools and talent.

• Support management in recruiting and hiring processes, identifying and attracting top design talent to the organization.

• Oversee and support creative production schedules, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and equipment to meet project demands.

• Research and integrate new technologies and processes into the department, recommending advancements to Senior Management and justifying budget requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed list of responsibilities highlights a strong operational focus beyond pure creative direction. The emphasis on managing daily operations, enforcing policies, planning, budgeting, and supporting recruitment points to the manager's role in optimizing the design function's efficiency and effectiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field (e.g., Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, Fine Arts) is required.

• A Master's degree in a related field may be accepted to offset one year of experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of comprehensive creative development experience, encompassing areas such as print and digital advertising, collateral design, email and direct mail campaigns, magazine and website creative, and event support.

• Proven experience in managing professional-level employees or significant program management responsibilities is essential. Required Skills:

• Mastery of typography, color theory, illustration, and textural elements, with the ability to apply them strategically to achieve concept-driven design solutions.

• Technical expertise in industry-standard design software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

• Proficiency in Figma for UX/UI design and collaborative prototyping.

• Basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and modern web technologies to inform design decisions for digital platforms.

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, including performance evaluation and mentorship.

• Excellent customer service, communication (written and verbal), planning, time management, and organizational skills.

• Proven ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven atmosphere, adapting quickly to changing information and feedback.

• Passion for and practical application of design thinking methodologies.

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language fluently. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design for complex digital platforms.

• Art direction experience for photoshoots and video production.

• Familiarity with global design trends and preferences in the aerospace or luxury goods industry.

• Experience with marketing automation platforms and their design integration needs.

• Knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) as applied to creative projects.

• Budget management and forecasting experience for creative departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "technical expertise in PhotoShop, Illustrator, InDesign and Figma" and "basic understanding of HTML, CSS and modern web technologies" suggests the need for a manager who can not only direct but also understand the technical nuances of digital design execution and potentially contribute hands-on in complex situations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a breadth of creative work across digital (UX/UI, web assets, digital ads) and print media (brochures, collateral, campaigns).

• Include case studies that highlight the strategic thinking behind design solutions, detailing the problem, your approach, and the measurable impact.

• Showcase experience in managing design projects from concept to completion, emphasizing workflow efficiency and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Provide examples of how you have managed or contributed to the development of design systems or style guides to ensure brand consistency.

• Highlight your ability to articulate design choices and their alignment with business objectives and customer needs. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and implementing design workflows that enhance efficiency and collaboration within a creative team.

• Examples of how you have managed design production schedules, resource allocation, and vendor management to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.

• Documentation or examples of how you have established and enforced departmental policies and procedures related to creative asset management, brand compliance, and quality control.

• Show evidence of contributing to process planning and strategic initiatives, demonstrating an understanding of how design operations integrate with broader marketing goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role, the portfolio should not just showcase individual design talent but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, teams, and projects effectively. The emphasis should be on demonstrating operational excellence in a creative context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the mid-to-senior level experience (6+ years), management responsibilities, and the industry (aerospace/manufacturing), a competitive salary range for a Marketing Design Manager in Savannah, GA, would typically fall between $90,000 and $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Savannah, the specialized skills required (UX/UI, Adobe Suite, Figma, management), and the industry benchmarks for similar roles.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Relocation assistance may be available. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, with a First Shift schedule.

• While the role is on-site, flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team management, though core business hours will require consistent on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimates based on industry data for similar roles and locations. Specific compensation details will be provided by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation during the hiring process. The inclusion of "None" for Percentage of Travel suggests a focus on local operations and team management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing & Services. Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, servicing, and supporting of business jet aircraft. This industry demands precision, innovation, and a commitment to quality and safety.

Company Size: Gulfstream is a large, established corporation, a subsidiary of General Dynamics. This implies a structured environment with established processes, resources, and opportunities for career advancement within a global organization.

Founded: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has a long history, tracing its roots back to the 1950s, establishing it as a reputable and stable entity in the aviation sector. This longevity suggests a culture that values experience, reliability, and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Marketing Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of graphic designers and UX/UI designers, forming a core creative unit within the broader marketing department.

• Reporting structure typically involves the Manager reporting to a Director or VP of Marketing or Communications, with direct reports being the creative team members.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close partnerships with Marketing strategists, product marketing teams, sales teams, engineering, customer support, and potentially external agencies or vendors. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Design decisions are expected to be informed by market research, customer feedback, and performance analytics from digital campaigns and web experiences. The manager will need to guide the team in leveraging these insights.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on establishing efficient design processes, managing project pipelines, and optimizing resource allocation to meet demanding production schedules.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploring and implementing tools and technologies that streamline design production, improve collaboration, and enhance overall team efficiency.

Company Website: http://www.gulfstream.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within the aerospace industry means a strong emphasis on brand integrity, precision, and a sophisticated customer base. The design manager will need to ensure all creative output reflects Gulfstream's premium positioning and commitment to excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level. It requires not only seasoned design expertise but also the capability to lead, manage, and develop a team. The "Manager" title signifies responsibility for operational execution, team performance, and contribution to strategic planning within the design function.

Reporting Structure: The Marketing Design Manager will report to a higher-level marketing executive (e.g., Director of Marketing, VP of Marketing) and will directly manage a team of graphic and UX/UI designers. This structure offers exposure to senior leadership and opportunities to influence marketing strategy from a creative operations perspective.

Operations Impact: The design team's output directly influences Gulfstream's brand perception, customer engagement across digital and print channels, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. The manager's role is critical in ensuring that design operations support sales objectives, enhance customer experience, and maintain the premium image of the Gulfstream brand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential to advance into higher management roles within marketing or communications, overseeing larger teams or broader operational functions.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to play a more significant role in shaping marketing strategy and brand direction through data-driven design insights and operational improvements.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in emerging design technologies, management best practices, and industry trends through internal programs, external training, and conference participation.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as UX/UI strategy, brand system development, or digital transformation within marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on balancing team management with hands-on design suggests a growth path that allows for continued creative engagement while developing leadership acumen, a common trajectory for effective design managers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based at Gulfstream's Savannah facility. The work environment is expected to be professional and corporate, typical of a large aerospace company.

Office Location(s): Savannah, Georgia (31401). This location is Gulfstream's corporate headquarters, housing significant design, engineering, and manufacturing operations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork among the design staff and facilitate interaction with other marketing and corporate departments.

• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially specialized equipment for creative production will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, cross-functional teams, and leadership will be frequent, supporting a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere. Work Schedule:

• The role is designated as Full-time with a First Shift schedule.

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, requiring consistent on-site presence to manage the team and operations effectively. While core hours are expected, some flexibility might be available depending on project demands and departmental policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role is crucial for effective team management, collaboration, and oversight of physical asset creation (e.g., print materials, event setups), which are key components of the job description.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or VP of Marketing) focusing on your management philosophy, team leadership experience, and strategic approach to design operations.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, detailing specific projects, their role, design process, challenges overcome, and measurable results. Expect questions on how you managed projects, led teams, and handled feedback.

• Cross-functional/Team Interviews: Interviews with potential peers, direct reports, or stakeholders from other departments (e.g., Marketing, Sales) to assess collaboration skills and cross-functional understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your management capabilities, strategic thinking, and impact on business objectives, not just aesthetic skill. Include examples of digital (UX/UI, web) and print work.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the design process, your leadership role, any challenges faced, and the quantifiable results (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, cost savings).

• Highlight Management Experience: Showcase projects where you led a team, managed resources, or influenced process improvements. Explain your approach to mentorship and performance management.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Be prepared to discuss how you ensure brand consistency and how your designs align with Gulfstream's premium image and strategic goals.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and your understanding of HTML/CSS.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a potential design challenge or a scenario-based question related to managing a design team, handling a difficult stakeholder, or resolving a production bottleneck.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a new campaign or redesign a specific digital asset, focusing on your process, research methods, and team collaboration.

• Practice articulating your design rationale and operational strategies concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their design work but also their operational leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to drive results through their team.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign are explicitly required. Expect extensive use for all forms of creative production.

• Figma: Essential for UX/UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency is a must.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint are standard for documentation, reporting, and presentations. PowerPoint will be key for presenting creative concepts and portfolio reviews.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics would be beneficial for understanding user behavior on digital platforms and informing UX/UI design decisions.

• Marketing Performance Dashboards: Experience with tools that aggregate marketing campaign performance data to assess the impact of design elements.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira for managing design workflows, task assignments, and tracking project progress.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): Understanding how marketing designs integrate with CRM data and customer journeys.

• Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo): Familiarity with designing assets for email campaigns and landing pages within these platforms.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving digital assets efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, along with a basic understanding of HTML/CSS, indicates the core technical requirements. Proficiency in project management and analytics tools will enhance a candidate's operational effectiveness in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Precision: Reflecting Gulfstream's commitment to high-quality aircraft, the design team is expected to deliver flawless creative output that upholds the brand's reputation.

• Innovation & Creativity: A drive to push creative boundaries while staying within strategic and brand frameworks, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and fresh ideas.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within the design team and across various departments to achieve shared goals. Open communication and mutual support are key.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the end-user (customer) in mind, ensuring that all creative solutions are user-centric, engaging, and meet their needs and expectations.

• Efficiency & Accountability: A commitment to meeting deadlines, managing resources effectively, and taking ownership of deliverables and team performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires proactive engagement with marketing strategists, sales teams, product managers, and other departments to ensure design efforts are aligned with business objectives.

• Feedback-Driven: An open environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine designs and processes. The manager will foster this by providing and receiving feedback effectively.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, new techniques, and insights to foster collective growth and maintain a high standard of creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry (aerospace) and premium brand positioning will heavily influence the team's culture, emphasizing professionalism, attention to detail, and a results-oriented approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Management & Hands-on Design: Effectively dividing time and focus between leading the team, strategic planning, and contributing to hands-on design work can be demanding.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Channels: Ensuring a unified brand message and visual identity across digital, print, and physical spaces requires rigorous oversight and clear guidelines.

• Managing Creative Team Dynamics: Fostering creativity while ensuring adherence to deadlines, processes, and corporate standards can present unique management challenges.

• Adapting to Evolving Design Technologies & Trends: Staying current with the rapid pace of change in design software, UX/UI best practices, and digital marketing trends requires continuous learning and adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, or explore new design tools and technologies.

• Leadership & Management Workshops: Access to internal or external programs focused on developing management skills, team building, and strategic leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Webinars: Participation in events related to marketing design, UX/UI, and brand management to stay abreast of industry best practices and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Gulfstream or participate in mentoring junior designers, enhancing leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, essential for a manager in a dynamic creative operations role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a design strategy for a new Gulfstream product launch, considering both digital and print collateral?" (Focus on your process, research, team involvement, and alignment with marketing goals.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance a team member's creative vision with strict brand guidelines or business objectives. How did you manage it?" (Assess your ability to guide creativity operationally.)

• "How do you measure the success of design initiatives within a marketing campaign? What metrics are most important to you?" (Focus on ROI, engagement, conversion rates, and brand impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and its brand positioning? How would your design approach reflect this?" (Show research into the company's premium status and target audience.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and productive environment within a design team, especially when managing both junior and senior designers?" (Highlight your leadership philosophy and team-building strategies.)

• "How do you ensure that design operations effectively support broader marketing and business objectives?" (Demonstrate understanding of the operational link between design and business outcomes.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the business objective, your role, the challenge, your creative/operational solution, the tools/processes used, and the measurable results.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs and your team's work (e.g., increase in engagement, lead generation, cost savings).

• Highlight Management Actions: For team-led projects, explain your role in directing, mentoring, and managing the workflow, not just the final design outcome.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss your technical proficiency with the required software and your understanding of web technologies.

• Showcase Adaptability: Present examples where you successfully adapted designs based on feedback, market changes, or project constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their management style, operational approach to design, and ability to translate creative vision into tangible business results, aligning with Gulfstream's corporate values and industry demands.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Marketing Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Gulfstream Careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in managing creative teams, executing multi-channel design projects (digital and print), and proficiency in required software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma). Emphasize operational aspects like workflow management, project planning, and performance evaluation.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a strong portfolio that showcases your best work, with an emphasis on case studies demonstrating strategic thinking, project management, team leadership, and measurable results. Include examples relevant to digital (UX/UI) and print collateral.

• Research Gulfstream: Thoroughly research Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, its brand, its products, and its market position. Understand their commitment to quality and innovation, and consider how your design philosophy aligns with their corporate values.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clearly articulating your process, leadership approach, and the impact of your work. Be ready to answer behavioral and situational questions related to management and creative problem-solving.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation during the application and interview process.