Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Jellyfish

Location: Mumbai, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Design Management

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Professional Experience)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with flexible evening shift hours)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of designers in the production and adaptation of high-impact creative assets for global brands, focusing on static graphics, motion graphics, and digital content.

• Drive creative excellence and ensure brand consistency across various digital touchpoints, including social media and paid media campaigns, leveraging a deep understanding of platform best practices.

• Utilize and champion the integration of AI-driven design tools, such as Pencil Pro, to optimize workflows, enhance efficiency, and refine the content adaptation and localization process.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with project managers, creative directors, and experience networks to align creative strategies, ensure project briefs are met, and deliver exceptional client-ready work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager within a global digital marketing agency specializing in production and adaptation. The emphasis on AI tools like Pencil Pro indicates a forward-thinking approach to creative operations and workflow automation. The hybrid work arrangement with flexible evening shift hours suggests a need for adaptability and collaboration across different time zones, common in global operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and provide guidance to a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment to ensure high-quality output and professional development.

• Conduct regular check-ins with designers to offer constructive feedback, support skill growth, and address any creative or technical challenges they may encounter.

• Participate actively in project reviews with project teams, ensuring all creative deliverables align with client expectations, brand guidelines, and strategic objectives outlined in project briefs.

• Organize and facilitate weekly design huddles to foster team cohesion, share updates, discuss emerging design trends, and proactively resolve team-wide challenges.

• Collaborate closely with the Creative and Experience Network to define and agree upon overarching creative strategies, campaign goals, and best practices for asset production and adaptation.

• Oversee the end-to-end production of static and motion design assets, ensuring technical specifications and brand compliance for diverse digital channels.

• Implement and manage AI tools, such as Pencil Pro, to streamline design workflows, accelerate asset refinement, and enhance the efficiency of the content adaptation and localization process.

• Maintain hands-on proficiency and provide expertise in core design software, including Figma, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro, with Blender experience being a significant advantage.

• Partner with project managers and cross-functional creative teams to meticulously understand project briefs and ensure accurate and timely execution of creative requirements.

• Ensure all designed assets are optimized for various platforms, with a particular focus on social media and other digital touchpoints, maintaining unwavering brand consistency.

• Provide insightful and actionable feedback on design revisions, pushing creative boundaries while remaining firmly aligned with client needs and project scope.

• Manage the localization and adaptation of design assets for diverse international markets, ensuring cultural relevance and consistent brand messaging across global campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, technical design oversight, and strategic integration of new technologies like AI. The emphasis on "adaptation and localization" points towards a significant component of global GTM strategy execution, requiring an understanding of market-specific creative nuances.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Emphasis on skills, expertise, and behavioral attributes over traditional degrees or specific years of experience.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in design within an agency or brand environment, with a proven track record of working with well-known global brands and adapting content for multiple markets.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Proficiency in Design Software: Expert-level command of Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro).

• Motion Graphics & Video Editing: Strong experience in creating and editing motion graphics and video content.

• Digital & Social Media Asset Creation: Expertise in designing effective digital and social media assets tailored for global clients and platforms.

• Brand Consistency & Guidelines: Deep understanding of maintaining brand integrity and adhering to brand guidelines across diverse assets and markets.

• Content Adaptation & Localization: Experience in adapting and localizing creative content for different international markets.

• Visual Storytelling: Ability to translate complex ideas into simple, engaging, and visually compelling narratives.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Animation Tools: Experience with 3D animation software such as Blender.

• AI Design Tools: Familiarity and practical experience with AI-driven tools like Pencil Pro for workflow enhancement.

• Paid Media Design: Solid knowledge of design best practices for paid media campaigns.

• Trend Awareness: Proactive engagement with current design trends and technological innovations in the creative industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "skills, expertise and behavioural attributes over years of experience and traditional degrees" signals a modern hiring approach that values practical application and cultural fit. The mention of Blender as a bonus and Pencil Pro as a familiarity requirement indicates a need for candidates who are adaptable and open to learning cutting-edge tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing leadership in managing design projects from concept to completion, emphasizing team collaboration and project delivery.

• Include case studies that clearly illustrate successful adaptation and localization of creative assets for diverse global markets, highlighting strategic thinking and execution.

• Present examples of digital and social media campaigns where you played a key role in conceptualization and execution, detailing your contribution and the outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented design processes, workflow procedures, and best practices for team adherence and knowledge transfer.

• Illustrate your approach to managing creative feedback loops and revision processes to ensure efficiency and quality control.

• Detail methods for tracking design project progress, resource allocation, and ensuring on-time delivery of assets, particularly in a global, cross-market context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display design quality but also leadership capabilities, process management, and strategic thinking, especially concerning global adaptation and the integration of new technologies like AI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific range is not provided, for a Senior Design Manager role in Mumbai, India, with 5+ years of experience in a global digital marketing agency, the estimated annual salary typically falls between ₹12,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 INR. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific skills, experience depth, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme: Eligibility for an annual bonus, reflecting company performance and individual contribution.

• Flexible Evening Shift Hours: Opportunity to work flexible hours, accommodating evening shifts, which can aid in global team collaboration.

• Provident Fund (PF): Company contribution towards retirement benefits through Provident Fund.

• Group Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance cover for employees.

• Life Insurance Cover: Provision of life insurance cover for employees.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexible evening shift hours available to support global operations and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior design management roles in Mumbai, considering the specified experience level and the nature of a global digital marketing agency. The benefits package is typical for corporate roles in India, with the "flexible evening shift hours" being a key operational feature for this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Marketing & Advertising (Global Digital Marketing Agency). Jellyfish operates at the intersection of technology, media, and data, offering a unique environment for professionals.

Company Size: With a global presence and likely significant employee numbers (specific size not provided), Jellyfish offers the resources and reach of a large agency while striving to maintain a collaborative and inclusive culture.

Founded: Jellyfish was founded in 2005. This history suggests a mature organization with established processes and a solid understanding of the digital landscape.

Team Structure:

• The design team is led by a Design Director, with the Senior Design Manager reporting to them. The Senior Design Manager, in turn, leads a team of designers focused on production and adaptation.

• The structure emphasizes collaboration within the design team and with other departments like project management, creative strategy, and the broader "Experience Network."

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: As a digital marketing agency, Jellyfish likely employs data analysis to inform creative strategies and measure campaign effectiveness.

• Workflow Optimization: A strong focus on improving processes, particularly through the use of AI tools like Pencil Pro, to enhance efficiency in content production and adaptation.

• Agile & Collaborative Practices: The mention of "huddles," "collaboration," and "diverse perspectives" suggests an agile and team-oriented approach to project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Jellyfish's positioning as a "global digital marketing agency" implies a fast-paced, client-centric environment. The emphasis on "diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration" is a core cultural tenet, suggesting a workplace that values varied backgrounds and encourages open communication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level management position within the creative operations function of a global agency. It requires not only strong technical design skills but also leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage teams and processes effectively. The scope includes overseeing production, localization, and the adoption of new technologies.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager reports to the Design Director. This indicates a clear hierarchy within the design department, with opportunities for mentorship from a more senior leader.

Operations Impact: The role significantly impacts client success by ensuring the delivery of high-quality, on-brand creative assets that meet market-specific needs. Efficient workflow management and the effective use of AI tools contribute directly to project profitability and client satisfaction by reducing production times and costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Design Director: Potential career progression to a Design Director role, overseeing larger creative teams or specific functional areas.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like AI-driven design, motion graphics, or global content strategy.

• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training and development programs offered by Jellyfish to enhance management and strategic capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to move into broader creative operations or GTM strategy roles within the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a critical bridge between creative execution and operational efficiency. Growth paths likely involve increasing leadership scope, strategic influence, or specialization in emerging areas of digital marketing and creative technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. This suggests a modern, flexible approach to workspace management.

Office Location(s): Based in Mumbai, India, with potential for global interaction due to the nature of the agency. The specific office address in Mumbai is not detailed, but the remote status indicates that candidates may not need to be in a specific office daily.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on team huddles, collaboration, and diverse perspectives points to an environment where teamwork and idea-sharing are encouraged.

• Technology-Rich: Expect access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Suite, Figma) and potentially advanced AI tools. The hybrid model implies robust remote work infrastructure.

• Global Interaction: The role involves working with teams and clients across different time zones, fostering an environment of continuous learning and adaptation.

Work Schedule: Flexible evening shift hours are available, suggesting a need to align with global client needs or team members in different regions. This flexibility is a key aspect of the work environment, catering to operational demands and employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid setup with flexible evening hours is designed to facilitate global collaboration and accommodate diverse employee needs. This environment is likely fast-paced and requires strong self-discipline and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, leadership experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focusing on leadership style, team management experience, creative process, and understanding of global content adaptation.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: In-depth review of the candidate's portfolio, potentially including a practical design exercise or case study presentation demonstrating problem-solving and creative execution.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interview: Interaction with potential peers or stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, cultural fit, and ability to integrate with the broader team.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader (e.g., Design Director) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and final offer negotiation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase projects where you led a team, managed workflows, and guided creative output.

• Demonstrate Global Adaptation: Include specific examples of how you've adapted content for different markets, explaining the strategic rationale and challenges overcome.

• Showcase AI Integration: If possible, include examples of how you've used AI or innovative tools to improve design processes or outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., efficiency gains, engagement improvements, brand consistency adherence).

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your approach, your team's role, the challenges, and the results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing creative teams, handling difficult feedback, and driving innovation.

• Anticipate questions about your experience with global brands, localization strategies, and the integration of AI in design workflows.

• Practice articulating your creative philosophy and how you stay updated with design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will heavily scrutinize leadership, strategic thinking, and practical application of skills, especially in global and AI-driven contexts. The portfolio is a critical component for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: For collaborative interface design, prototyping, and design system management.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • After Effects: For motion graphics, animation, and visual effects.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and graphic design.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, illustrations, and logo design.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing and post-production.

• AI Design Tools: Familiarity with tools like Pencil Pro for workflow refinement and asset production.

• Blender: (Bonus) For 3D modeling, animation, and rendering.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed, expect to work with analytics to understand content performance, potentially using tools integrated with social media platforms or digital advertising suites.

CRM & Automation: Not directly mentioned, but understanding how creative assets integrate with marketing automation platforms or CRM systems for campaign deployment might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is table stakes. The explicit mention of Pencil Pro highlights a specific need for candidates comfortable with AI-driven design tools, suggesting a focus on efficiency and modernizing creative workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Diverse Perspectives & Inclusive Collaboration: Jellyfish actively seeks and values contributions from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where all voices are heard.

• Innovation & Challenging the Status Quo: The company encourages employees to push boundaries, reinvent strategies, and explore new approaches in media activation and storytelling.

• Growth & Fulfillment: A commitment to employee development, ensuring that professional growth and personal fulfillment go hand in hand.

• Client-Centricity & Excellence: A dedication to empowering clients through innovative solutions and delivering high-quality creative work that meets and exceeds expectations.

• Adaptability & Efficiency: Embracing new technologies like AI and optimizing workflows to deliver results efficiently in a dynamic digital landscape.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with various teams (creative, project management, media, data) to achieve unified goals.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to foster continuous improvement within the team and on projects.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and learnings, particularly regarding new tools and techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of creative dynamism, operational efficiency, and a strong emphasis on people development and inclusivity. This is crucial for a global agency that needs to balance diverse market needs with consistent service delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Teams & Time Zones: Coordinating design efforts across different regions and time zones requires strong communication, organization, and cultural sensitivity.

• Integrating AI Tools Effectively: Successfully implementing and scaling AI tools like Pencil Pro requires careful planning, team training, and ongoing evaluation to maximize benefits without compromising creative quality.

• Balancing Creative Excellence with Production Efficiency: Meeting tight deadlines and high volumes for global clients while maintaining creative integrity and brand consistency is a constant challenge.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends & Technologies: The digital landscape evolves rapidly; continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, platforms, and creative approaches is essential.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & Automation Specialization: Opportunities to become an expert in leveraging AI for creative production and workflow automation.

• Global Campaign Strategy: Gaining deeper insight into international marketing strategies and the nuances of global content adaptation.

• Leadership and Management Training: Jellyfish likely offers programs to enhance leadership skills, strategic planning, and team development capabilities.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay current with the latest in design and digital marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to operating in a global digital marketing environment, particularly with the integration of new technologies. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with addressing these challenges and advancing within the creative operations field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a design team through a significant workflow change, such as the introduction of AI tools. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure adoption and success?" (Focus on change management, team motivation, and process optimization.)

• "How do you approach ensuring brand consistency across multiple markets and platforms, especially when adapting content? Can you walk us through a specific example from your portfolio?" (Focus on global strategy, attention to detail, and practical execution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what excites you most about Jellyfish's approach to digital marketing and creative production?" (Demonstrate understanding of their industry position and values.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within your design team, particularly in a hybrid work setting?" (Align with Jellyfish's stated cultural values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by showcasing your leadership journey. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the team's contribution, the process followed, the tools used, challenges faced, and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Adaptation: Select case studies that specifically demonstrate your experience in adapting and localizing creative assets for different global markets. Explain the strategic considerations for each market.

• Showcase AI/Process Improvement: If you have examples of using AI tools or implementing process improvements, present them clearly, detailing the before-and-after impact.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice presenting your work concisely, using visuals effectively, and being prepared to answer detailed questions about your process and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing leadership, strategic thinking, adaptability, and a strong understanding of global creative operations, with a specific emphasis on how you leverage technology and manage teams in a dynamic agency environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience in team leadership, global content adaptation, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any experience with AI design tools like Pencil Pro.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates achievements related to managing design teams, improving creative workflows, and delivering high-quality digital assets for global brands. Use keywords found in the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, creative process, and how you manage global projects. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that align with the role's responsibilities, especially regarding localization and AI integration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Jellyfish, its clients, its work, and its stated company culture. Understand their position in the digital marketing landscape and how your skills can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.