Job Description

Company Overview

Simply Brands is a fast-growing global B2B supplier of automotive, cycling, tools, home and lifestyle product ranges, with operations spanning the UK, USA, Germany, China, and Hong Kong. We design, source, and supply products for major international retailers, working closely with our Far East manufacturing partners. Our focus is on commercially strong, well-designed products that are easy to understand, easy to use, and clearly positioned at mass consumers.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Lead Designer / Design Manager to lead our in-house design team. This is a hands-on leadership role combining strategic brand thinking, day-to-day design delivery, and team management. You will be responsible for maintaining design quality across multiple brands, improving internal processes, and acting as a key interface between design, buying, product, and overseas suppliers.

The role suits an experienced designer who is commercially minded, confident managing people, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, globally expanding product-led environment.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Delivery

Lead the creative direction across packaging, branding, product graphics, instruction manuals, photography briefs, and marketing assets Ensure all design output is clear, consistent, on-brand, and fit for retail environments (supermarkets, automotive retailers, trade) Take ownership of key projects, particularly high-profile launches, and retail-critical artwork Balance creativity with commercial and production constraints Adapt designs for different regional retail requirements and market nuances

Team Management

Manage and develop a small in-house design team (multi-disciplined designers, artworker/admin support) Run regular 1-to-1s, workload planning, and performance reviews Provide clear briefs, constructive feedback, and mentorship Build accountability, ownership, and confidence within the team

Brand & Process Ownership

Own and evolve brand guidelines across multiple in-house brands and sub-brands Improve and maintain clear filing systems, artwork standards, and version control Implement efficient workflows for artwork sign-off, amends, and approvals Champion best practice in design process and documentation

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Buying, Product and Sales teams to ensure design team supports the business' commercial goals Work collaboratively with our US-based team at Simply Brands USA, coordinating design standards and supporting North American retail requirements Act as a key contact for overseas Asia-Pacific sourcing teams, ensuring briefs are clear and artwork is production-ready Confidently explain design decisions and direction to senior stakeholders and mass retail buyers

Supplier & Production Awareness

Prepare print-ready artwork and liaise with suppliers on technical requirements Understand packaging structures, print processes, and cost implications Review samples, pre-production proofs, and supplier visuals
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Skills & Experience

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Essential

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5+ years' experience in a commercial design role, ideally within FMCG, automotive, retail, or consumer products Strong packaging design experience (structural awareness a plus) Proven experience leading or mentoring designers Excellent Adobe Creative Suite skills (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) Strong understanding of retail design, hierarchy, and on-shelf impact Clear communicator with the ability to work across departments and cultures Ability to work effectively across time zones with international teams Highly organised, with strong attention to detail

Desirable

Experience working with Asia-Pacific suppliers or manufacturers 3D awareness or experience working closely with 3D designers Experience managing multiple brands and sub-brands Understanding of Amazon or e-commerce assets Experience improving internal processes or systems

Personal Attributes

Commercially minded and pragmatic Calm under pressure and comfortable handling competing priorities Confident but collaborative leadership style Clear decision-maker who takes ownership Approachable, fair, and supportive people manager

What We Offer

Competitive salary A senior, influential role within a growing product-led business Work within a fast-growing global company with international reach and ambition Opportunity to shape and lead the design function Exposure to global retail markets Collaborative, fast-moving environment with real impact 25 days leave plus an additional day (up to 30 days) for each full year of service. Your birthday off on us ! Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave Employee Discount Company Sick Pay Free fruit and drinks in the office
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 40,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking
Work Location: In person