Project Manager (Graphic Design and Print Production)

PROJECT MANAGER - Graphic Design and Print Production

At Imagine Learning Studios, our mission is to inspire aha! moments in students around the world. Previously known as Twig Education, our acquisition in 2021 by the largest digital curriculum provider in the US, Imagine Learning, allows us to invest more in our products and push ahead with our ambitious plans to expand even further. Together, we support educators in transforming the learning experience for young people with our innovative digital resources.

In our new chapter as Imagine Learning Studios, we continue to provide comprehensive and engaging multimedia learning experiences for students across a range of disciplines, including science, mathematics, English language, arts… and more! While our products have reached far and wide, we haven’t stopped growing – and we can’t wait to welcome more talented and passionate people into our team.

Want to come work with us? Our office is located in the heart of Glasgow’s bustling West End, where our story first began. Become part of a team where you can cuddle our friendly office dogs (you can meet them here!) and where your contributions are valued. We’re proud of the culture we’ve built, from regular social hangouts to monthly payday drinks celebrations, join our team and help us transform the world of education!

Sounds good, right? Take a sneak peak at just some of the work we do by watching this video.

Salary: circa 45,000

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract

Contract duration: 12 months

Location: Glasgow with Hybrid

Start date: January 2024

Summary Description

The IL Studio Graphic Design and Print Production team work with print and digital educational products from across the Imagine Learning family. Their fresh and innovative approach to graphic design and publishing is a key factor in creating best in class learning experiences which are exciting, engaging and effective, and stand out from the crowd.

We are looking for a Project Manager with proven Graphic Design and Print Production experience to work with us in delivering our busy road map for 2024.

The Project Manager (Design) will be responsible for planning projects and resourcing in the Design team for a number of outcomes: developing new products, improving processes, print production and branding. The PM will work closely with the Head of Design (Print) and the Head of Project Management as well as other areas of the business.

As such, the PM (Design) needs to have the ability to work efficiently on varied project strands with different workflows, timelines and outputs, investigating, understanding and documenting the dependencies between them in order to bring them all to delivery on time and on budget.

Their responsibility is to guide and support the Design team throughout the designated projects, ensuring objectives are identified and scheduled, resources aligned, budget approved and communication is seamless - in order to deliver projects successfully. As important is a dedication to getting the best out of the team, supporting them to develop professionally and deliver their creative best.

Essential Job Functions

A project is typically divided into five different phases: initiation, planning, execution, and closure. Throughout the project lifecycle the PM is responsible for:

• Capturing requirements in order to define the scope of the project.
• Identifying the constituent workstreams, workflows and dependencies between the two so a clear workflow can be presented to the stakeholders involved.
• Documenting the work breakdown structure(s) in order to inform the project plan and identify resource and budget needs.
• Planning a project’s resourcing based on the project plan and desired outcomes in order to inform business decision making.
• Creating and maintaining agreed project documentation, systems and templates in order to adhere to agreed standards of Project Governance.
• Delivering an agreed communication plan covering meeting cadence and management, appropriate comms channels in order to facilitate smooth running of the project.
• Documenting Team roles and responsibilities so there is clear understanding of roles, responsibilities (RACI).
• Managing project resources (including teams and workers) in order to hit deadlines within budget.
• Documenting project progress against deliverables and budget in order to ascertain project health.
• Assessing risks, troubleshooting and identifying solutions in order to keep the project on track in terms of budget, schedule and quality. Escalating issues where necessary in a timely fashion.
• Reporting on Project Health and progress, risk, decisions and change to relevant stakeholders in a clear, timely and appropriate manner in order to align understanding across all stakeholders, and mitigate risk.
• Perform other responsibilities within the scope of expertise.

Qualifications

5+ years experience in Graphic Design and Print Production

Specialised knowledge of a function, trade or craft acquired through advanced formal training. BTEC National Certificate / ONC level or A-levels or Scottish

Technical Skills

Thorough understanding of graphic design, typesetting and print production workflows

Demonstrable experience in use of project management software and processes (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet, Monday etc.)

Excellent competency of relevant office software eg Gsuite, Office

Advanced use of spreadsheets for project management purposes.

Competencies

Project Management – The ability to translate objectives into practical and achievable actions by prioritising, planning, organising and managing resources within and across functional boundaries in order to manage a multi-disciplinary project.

Communication – The ability to speak clearly and effectively, listening to and involving others. The ability to convey a message, verbally or in writing, to both individuals and groups and actively listen to the responses.

Teamwork and Team Orientation – The ability to work together with others in harmony, and to work with and support others as part of a team, both within and across functions, and understand the need to work together with others to create a favourable environment of cooperation and mutual responsibility. Team Working is about being able to work cooperatively, across cultures and organisational boundaries, to achieve shared goals.

Decision Making – The ability to make timely and considered decisions, and accurate judgements, and taking responsibility for the outcome. The ability to take a balanced view, to recognise priorities and to weigh-up different options to reach logical conclusions and decide on a plan of action.

Flexibility – The ability to be willing and able to adapt to changes, often at short-notice. Flexibility is the ability to adapt to and work with a variety of situations, individuals and groups. It is about being able to think on your feet, and not being disconcerted or stopped by the unexpected.

Commitment to Achieve - The tendency to act in a self-directed way by taking action before being directed or forced by events, and to seize opportunities, seek in-depth information and do significantly more than is required.

Financial Awareness – The ability to show an understanding of financial management and the ability to prepare, plan and work within budgetary guidelines. Understands the importance of managing the bottom line and of managing finances.​

What can we do for you?

We know what our staff are looking for when it comes to workplace perks. At Imagine Learning Studios, you can enjoy benefits such as having flexible hybrid working options, a relaxed culture where hard work is recognised, plus a generous holiday allowance (to name just a few!) Take a look at what else is in it for you:

• Competitive salaries
• Get moving with the Cycle to Work scheme (and enjoy discounts on shopping, travel and fitness!)
• Receive cashback on dental and optical with our Health Shield Cash Plan
• Great holiday allowance including your birthday off (and the chance to buy an additional 10 days holiday a year)
• Work in an attractive part of Glasgow, with close access to a nearby park, cafes and restaurants
• Collaborate with creative and open-minded people in an environment where you can develop your skills and knowledge

Equal opportunities statement

Imagine Learning Studios is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Think we’re the right fit for you?

Please note this contract is for an immediate start and we will be interviewing suitable candidates on a rolling basis ahead of the close date.

If you’re interested in a role that offers fulfilment and diversity, then please complete the Online Application Form, attaching a CV and cover letter that demonstrates the extent to which your skills, abilities and experience meet the requirements of this role.

Please note, applications which do not include both a CV and covering letter will not be considered.