Design Lead Job Description

ARTHOUSE Unlimited – Role description and personal specification

Role: Design Lead     Location: Godalming, Surrey     Reports to: CEO/Artistic Director       Hours: 37.5

ARTHOUSE Unlimited is sustained by sales of uniquely beautiful, engaging, and fun products.

It is essential products created are considered of the highest quality in artistry and materials. This role requires you to actualise the vision, a combination of the Artistic Directors vision and the artists creations, ensuring and keeping true to the integrity of the artwork and charity at every stage.

The vision of the product is considered within the wider market, shelf impact for customers and longevity of the brand. Understanding the Charity’s history to market and future concepts is essential to this role which is a continual learning process.

The position also plays a vital role in liaising and communicating with the wider team on design aspects, potential future collaborations, and other activity within the design team.

Key responsibilities

  • To actualise product design & visions with the Artistic Director.
  • Adapt the artists artworks into designs for products and packaging whilst maintaining the artistic integrity of the works, vision, and brand.
  • Layout product packaging design samples incorporating brand identity and standard information.
  • Check proofs and samples for quality / accuracy and communicate with printers/suppliers.
  • Create comprehensive catalogues of all artworks. Ensuring all physical artwork and design is stored safely.
  • Direct and support the Inclusion team with scanning, stitching artwork together and saving electronically in a methodical manner.
  • Consider with team artworks suited to licensing and other opportunities.
  • Work closely with Creative Director and others selling artworks for collaborations and commissions, nurturing relationships with design buyers.
  • Compile product overviews for marketing use – this includes info on the origin of the artwork, the artist and the unique qualities being presented in the work.
  • Regularly communicate product development roadmaps and liaise with marketing on launch plans.
  • Collaborate with Marketing on product displays and how best to showcase new ranges.
  • Update inclusion team on progress of designs and products going to market.
  • Liaise with the procurement team on product development aspects.
  • Work as part of a team to cover annual leave/sickness and be involved in aspects of exhibitions and trade fairs when needed.

Skills and qualifications

Art/Design Degree or equivalent in relevant discipline - Essential

Comprehensive knowledge of Adobe Suite - Essential

Understanding & experience of printing and manufacturing processes - Essential

Excellent written & verbal communication skills - Essential

Knowledge & experience in product development - Essential

Experience in project & people management - Essential

CAD knowledge - Desirable

Being open and understanding to the Charities ethos, potential growth and overall inclusive programme for people who require a high level of support and are susceptible to social exclusion, is essential to being part of the ARTHOUSE Unlimited team.