Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Jellyfish

Location: Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Design Operations / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Up to 60% remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the end-to-end design process for client projects, ensuring accurate brief interpretation and high-quality execution within a global digital marketing agency.

• Drive the creation of impactful static and animated digital assets for social media and other platforms, leveraging advanced design software and AI tools.

• Foster innovation and contribute to the development of a global design community, promoting best practices in creative strategy and execution.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and Senior Design Capability Support to streamline workflows, optimize project onboarding, and ensure efficient delivery of creative solutions.

• Integrate cutting-edge AI platforms like Pencil Pro and generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to enhance design processes, generate data-driven creative assets, and achieve scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a global digital marketing agency and focuses on the operational aspects of design delivery. While the title is "Senior Design Manager," the core responsibilities heavily lean into the management and optimization of design processes and workflows, rather than purely people management or high-level strategic design leadership. The emphasis on AI integration (Pencil Pro, ChatGPT) and efficiency at scale suggests a strong connection to GTM operations and revenue enablement through optimized creative production.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the creation of a diverse range of digital and print design assets, with a specific focus on static and animated social media content.

• Utilize advanced design software, including Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), to produce high-quality, engaging visual assets.

• Apply and communicate interactive design principles to ensure user-friendly and impactful design outcomes across various digital touchpoints.

• Demonstrate proficiency in motion graphics and video editing using Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro for dynamic content creation.

• Effectively communicate technical possibilities and constraints to development teams by leveraging knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

• Proactively integrate the latest digital design trends and AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to enhance creative output and maintain a competitive edge.

• Leverage the AI platform Pencil Pro to streamline creative workflows, generate optimized designs based on data, and deliver client-specific insights.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to receive and develop project briefs, ensuring a clear understanding of scope, objectives, and timelines.

• Actively participate in project kick-off meetings, interrogating briefs to clarify requirements and mitigate potential miscommunication.

• Ensure accurate tracking of project scope, role allocation, and hours in systems like Financial Force for operational efficiency and financial management.

• Foster a proactive approach by seeking clarification and asking pertinent questions to ensure project clarity and success.

• Maintain clear and constructive communication with internal teams and external clients during project execution and feedback loops.

• Respond professionally to feedback, incorporating it into design iterations to meet client expectations and enhance project outcomes.

• Participate in collaborative activities and communication channels with the broader project and capability teams to foster knowledge sharing and collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and process oversight, characteristic of a senior individual contributor or a manager focused on operational efficiency within a creative team. The emphasis on tools like Financial Force and clear communication regarding scope/hours points towards a need for strong operational discipline and project management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While formal degrees are de-emphasized, a strong portfolio demonstrating mastery of design principles and software is paramount. Continuous learning and self-driven skill development are highly valued.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a senior design role, with a preference for experience within an agency or a similar fast-paced, client-centric environment. Proven ability to manage design projects from brief to completion.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in English for clear communication and collaboration.

• Expertise in design software: Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects).

• Strong command of design principles, typography, and layout creation for diverse channels.

• Solid understanding of digital design principles and their application across multiple platforms.

• Proficiency in motion graphics and video editing (Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro).

• Familiarity with interactive design principles for engaging user experiences.

• Ability to adapt and adhere to brand guidelines across various projects.

• Proven ability to combine speed, technique, and quality for high-volume asset production.

• Strong quality control (QC) skills for self-review and understanding of project workflows.

• Demonstrated ability to export and optimize assets according to platform specifications and best practices (file size, naming conventions).

• Capability to annotate files and provide supporting documentation as needed.

• Experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to facilitate communication with development teams. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools for design augmentation, such as ChatGPT and specifically Pencil Pro.

• Strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving skills, contributing to brainstorming and ideation.

• Experience in project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Financial Force).

• Knowledge of current digital design trends and emerging technologies.

• Ability to raise concerns and propose process improvements proactively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "skills, expertise and behavioural attributes over years of experience and traditional degrees" suggests that a strong, demonstrable portfolio and practical application of skills will be more critical than formal educational qualifications. The inclusion of HTML/CSS/JavaScript indicates a need for understanding technical feasibility, bridging the gap between design and development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of digital and print design assets, with a strong emphasis on static and animated social media content.

• Include examples demonstrating proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite, highlighting complex projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Present case studies that illustrate the application of interactive design principles and the creation of engaging user experiences.

• Feature projects showcasing motion graphics and video editing skills, demonstrating narrative flow and visual impact.

• If possible, include examples of how you've leveraged AI tools or technical knowledge (HTML/CSS/JS) to enhance design outcomes or streamline production.

• Demonstrate adherence to brand guidelines and the ability to adapt creative concepts across multiple formats and platforms. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of following established design processes, confidentiality protocols, and effective file organization standards.

• Examples of how you have interrogated briefs, asked clarifying questions, and ensured a thorough understanding of project scope and objectives.

• Demonstrations of efficient workflow management, including timely delivery of high-quality assets and effective quality control (QC) for your own work.

• Examples of asset optimization for various platforms, including adherence to technical specifications and best practices.

• Insights into how you have contributed to process improvements or raised concerns to enhance team efficiency and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on process and efficiency, the portfolio should not only showcase creative output but also the candidate's ability to manage and optimize the design workflow. Demonstrating how they've improved processes or handled complex project requirements will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £50,000 - £60,000 GBP annually.

Explanation of Estimate: This range is based on the provided salary data and aligns with senior-level design management positions in the UK, particularly within the digital marketing agency sector. The specific offering will depend on the candidate's demonstrated experience, skills, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Discretionary annual bonus scheme, providing an opportunity for additional financial reward based on company and individual performance.

• Custom Work Environment: Hybrid model allowing up to 60% remote work, coupled with flexible working hours between 8 am and 6:30 pm, offering significant work-life balance.

• Family Support: Generous leave policies including 14 weeks paid leave for primary caregivers and 4 weeks for secondary caregivers.

• Transition Support: £1000 (or equivalent) towards courses for returning primary caregivers to aid professional reintegration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, with flexibility offered between 8 am and 6:30 pm. The role implies a 40-hour work week, with the expectation of managing project timelines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided in GBP, reflecting the job posting's origin, but the location is Paris. This discrepancy suggests the role might be remote-first within France for a UK-based company, or that the salary is benchmarked against UK standards regardless of location. The benefits package is quite comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance and family support, which is attractive for senior professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Marketing & Technology. Jellyfish operates at the intersection of technology and creative services, empowering clients in their digital journey with data-driven strategies and innovative solutions.

Company Size: Jellyfish is a global agency with a significant presence, likely falling into the "large enterprise" category based on its global reach and diverse service offerings. This implies access to extensive resources, cross-functional teams, and structured career paths.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly provided, Jellyfish has established itself as a significant player in the digital marketing landscape, indicating a history of growth and adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The Creative and Experience capability is a core division, integrating Gen AI at its heart. This team comprises over 400 experts globally, including creative, experience, media, and data specialists.

• Within this, an "AI Studios" unit focuses on AI-enhanced content creation, and a "Creative Collective" emphasizes human-generated, culturally relevant social creative.

• The Senior Design Manager will likely work within a project-based team structure, collaborating with Project Managers, Senior Design Capability Support, and other creative specialists.

• Reporting lines would typically involve a Design Lead or Head of Creative, with cross-functional collaboration across marketing, technology, and client services teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: Emphasizes using data and AI (like Pencil Pro) to inform and optimize creative output, ensuring relevance and effectiveness at scale.

• Tech-Enabled Ideation: Combines human creativity with technological advancements for innovative solutions.

• Global Collaboration: Leverages a worldwide network of experts to deliver localized and culturally resonant campaigns across 150+ markets.

• Continuous Improvement: Focuses on embedding AI at the core, adapting to new technologies, and fostering a culture of learning and growth.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be forward-thinking, embracing technology (especially AI) and global collaboration. The emphasis on diverse perspectives and inclusive teams suggests an environment that values varied contributions. The structure within "Creative and Experience" indicates a specialized focus on merging creative output with technological innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a "Senior Design Manager," indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It involves significant responsibility for leading and managing design processes, ensuring quality and efficiency, and contributing to the development of the design community. It bridges hands-on design execution with operational oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Creative, or a similar senior creative operations role. They will collaborate closely with Project Managers and potentially have indirect oversight or mentorship responsibilities for junior designers.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue and business decisions by ensuring the efficient and high-quality production of creative assets that support client marketing campaigns. Effective process management, AI integration, and timely delivery contribute to client satisfaction, retention, and agency profitability. Streamlining workflows and enhancing creative output at scale directly supports the agency's ability to win and service more clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into roles with broader team management responsibilities, such as Creative Lead or Head of Design Operations, overseeing larger teams and more complex projects.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven design, motion graphics, or interactive experiences, potentially leading to specialized roles within the "Creative Collective" or "AI Studios."

• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining and scaling the agency's creative operations methodologies, potentially taking on roles focused on operational excellence and workflow optimization across the global organization.

• Client Strategy: Develop a deeper understanding of client business goals and how creative operations can strategically support them, potentially moving into roles with more direct client-facing strategic input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Design Manager" title, coupled with the emphasis on process, AI, and efficiency, suggests a career path that can lead into more strategic operational leadership within creative services, rather than purely artistic direction. The growth opportunities are framed around both leadership and specialized expertise, with a clear link to the agency's operational success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," with the flexibility to work remotely for up to 60% of the time. This implies a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work, likely centered around the Jellyfish London office, despite the job posting specifying Paris as the location.

Office Location(s): While the job posting lists Paris, France, the description also mentions a "hybrid position based out of our London office" and a salary in GBP. This suggests the role may be open to candidates based in or near London, or that Jellyfish has a significant presence in both cities with internal flexibility. For candidates in Paris, collaboration would primarily be remote, with potential travel to London for key meetings or team events.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages collaboration through a mix of in-person team days and remote work, fostering both focused individual work and team synergy.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), AI platforms (Pencil Pro, ChatGPT), and project management tools (Financial Force) is expected.

• Global Interaction: Opportunities to connect and collaborate with a global network of creative professionals, fostering diverse perspectives and cross-cultural teamwork.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are available between 8 am and 6:30 pm, supporting a balanced work schedule. The role requires effective time management to meet project deadlines and client expectations within a full-time capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The discrepancy between the listed Paris location and the mention of a London office, along with the GBP salary, is a key point. It's likely a remote-first role within France, but with potential expectations for occasional travel to London, or a role primarily based in London that is being advertised globally. Candidates should clarify this during the application process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio, focusing on relevant design experience, technical skills, and demonstrated process management capabilities.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Likely involves a hands-on design challenge or a portfolio review session where you'll present specific projects, discussing your approach, problem-solving, and use of tools. Expect questions on Figma, Adobe Suite, motion graphics, and potentially AI integration.

• Manager/Team Interview: Discussion around your experience in managing design workflows, collaborating with project managers, understanding briefs, and your approach to quality control and efficiency. Questions about your fit with the company culture and team dynamics will also be present.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic contributions, growth potential, and overall alignment with Jellyfish's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Don't just present final assets. Detail the brief, your thought process, the tools and techniques used (especially AI and Adobe Suite), challenges faced, and how you overcame them.

• Highlight Efficiency: Include examples where you've delivered high-quality work at scale or under tight deadlines. Quantify improvements if possible (e.g., "reduced production time by X%").

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate which projects were executed using Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and any AI tools like Pencil Pro or ChatGPT.

• Focus on Collaboration: If possible, include examples where you've effectively collaborated with project managers or developers.

• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio emphasizes social media content, static/animated designs, and any experience with interactive elements or video editing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Brief Interpretation: Be prepared to analyze a design brief, identify key requirements, and ask clarifying questions. Practice articulating your understanding of the scope and objectives.

• Workflow Simulation: Think about how you would structure the design process for a given project, considering timelines, resource allocation, and quality control checkpoints.

• AI Integration Strategy: Be ready to discuss how you would leverage tools like Pencil Pro or ChatGPT to enhance a specific design task or project workflow.

• Technical Communication: Practice explaining design decisions and technical requirements (e.g., HTML/CSS implications) to a non-design audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely scrutinize not only creative output but also the candidate's ability to manage the operational aspects of design delivery. A portfolio that clearly articulates process, efficiency gains, and technical understanding will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and asset creation. Expect to demonstrate proficiency in its advanced features.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and complex illustrations.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics, animation, and visual effects.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing and post-production.

• AI Platforms:

  • Pencil Pro: Specifically mentioned, indicating its central role in streamlining creative workflows and generating data-driven designs.
  • ChatGPT (or similar generative AI): For ideation, content generation, and enhancing the design process.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed as primary tools for this role, understanding how design assets perform is crucial. Familiarity with analytics platforms used for social media and digital campaigns would be beneficial for understanding design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• Financial Force: Mentioned for tracking project scope, roles, and hours, indicating its use for project management and financial oversight within the agency.

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript: Knowledge of these web technologies is required for effective communication with development teams and understanding technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific tools like Figma, the full Adobe Creative Suite, and particularly Pencil Pro, highlights the technical requirements. Proficiency in these is non-negotiable. The mention of HTML/CSS/JS points to a need for cross-functional understanding.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Diverse Perspectives & Inclusive Collaboration: Jellyfish actively seeks individuals who value and contribute to a diverse team environment, fostering an inclusive culture where unique contributions are welcomed.

• Innovation & Tech Integration: A strong emphasis on embracing new technologies, particularly AI, to drive innovation in creative processes and empower clients.

• Excellence & Growth: A commitment to delivering award-winning work, continuous learning, and personal/professional development for employees.

• Client-Centricity: Dedication to empowering clients along their digital journey with effective, data-driven strategies and influential storytelling.

• Efficiency & Scale: A drive to create, adapt, connect, and optimize content at scale, leveraging technology to meet global demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Global & Cross-functional: Teams are structured to leverage global talent and collaborate across various disciplines (creative, tech, media, data) to deliver end-to-end solutions.

• Process-Oriented: Clear workflows and communication channels are essential for managing complex projects and ensuring smooth onboarding and delivery, supported by tools like Financial Force.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to iterate on designs and improve project outcomes, fostering a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with a modern, tech-forward agency culture. The emphasis on collaboration and innovation, particularly with AI, suggests an environment where continuous learning and adaptability are highly prized.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed, Quality, and Scale: The primary challenge will be to consistently deliver high-quality, innovative design assets at scale, while adhering to tight project timelines and managing client expectations.

• AI Integration Complexity: Effectively integrating new AI tools like Pencil Pro and ChatGPT into existing workflows, ensuring they enhance rather than complicate the creative process, and training team members on their optimal use.

• Global Team Coordination: Managing design processes and ensuring consistent quality across a globally distributed team, navigating different time zones, cultural nuances, and skill levels.

• Evolving Digital Trends: Staying ahead of rapidly changing digital design trends, platform updates, and AI advancements to ensure creative output remains relevant and impactful.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & Future Technologies: Deepen expertise in generative AI and specialized design platforms like Pencil Pro, becoming a go-to resource for AI-driven creative solutions.

• Creative Operations Strategy: Develop a stronger understanding of how creative operations contribute to broader GTM strategies and revenue enablement, potentially leading to roles with more strategic input.

• Global Project Management: Gain experience managing complex, multi-market creative projects, honing skills in cross-cultural communication and global team leadership.

• Mentorship & Skill Sharing: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and share expertise within the global design community, contributing to the professional development of others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the operational demands of a global digital agency leveraging advanced technology. The growth opportunities are geared towards mastering these challenges and evolving into leadership or specialized roles within the creative operations domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a high-volume design request with tight deadlines. How did you prioritize tasks and ensure quality?" (Assesses workflow management, prioritization, and quality control.)

• "How would you integrate Pencil Pro or a similar AI tool into the design process for a social media campaign brief? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks?" (Evaluates understanding of AI tools and strategic application.)

• "Imagine a project brief is unclear or contradictory. What steps would you take to clarify requirements and ensure alignment with the project manager and client?" (Tests communication, problem-solving, and brief interrogation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Jellyfish's approach to embedding Gen AI into creative production?" (Assesses research and alignment with company values.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with project managers and developers, especially when working in a hybrid or remote environment?" (Gauges teamwork, communication, and adaptability.)

• "Describe a situation where you identified a process inefficiency and proposed an improvement. What was the outcome?" (Highlights proactive problem-solving and operational thinking.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy. Then, select 3-4 key projects that best showcase your skills in social media content, motion graphics, AI integration, and process management.

• Detail the Process: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative/technical solutions, the tools used (especially Figma, Adobe Suite, AI), and the final outcome. Quantify results where possible.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize how you managed your workflow, ensured quality, met deadlines, and communicated with stakeholders. If you improved a process, highlight that.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and how you handle feedback. Treat it as a collaborative discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent, but also strong operational discipline, strategic thinking regarding AI integration, and excellent communication skills essential for a Senior Design Manager role in a global agency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature social media content, static and animated designs, and any examples of AI tool integration (especially Pencil Pro or similar). Ensure case studies detail your process, problem-solving, and efficiency improvements.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience in senior design roles, proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, experience with motion graphics/video editing, and any knowledge of HTML/CSS/JavaScript. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on efficiency and quality.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to managing creative workflows, your understanding of AI's role in design, and your ability to collaborate effectively in a hybrid/global team. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Jellyfish's global capabilities, their focus on AI and data-driven creativity, and their commitment to diverse perspectives. Understand how this role contributes to their overall GTM and client service strategy.

⚠️ 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.