Design and Print Officer

Background

Tate’s vision is to serve as artistically adventurous and culturally inclusive art museums for the UK and the world. We deliver this through activities in our four galleries across the UK (Tate Liverpool, Tate St Ives, Tate Britain and Tate Modern), our digital platforms and collaborations with our national and international partners. At the heart of Tate is our collection of art, which includes British art from the 16th century to the present day, and international modern art from 1900 to the present day.

You can find further information about Tate on our website: www.tate.org.uk

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding Design and Print Officer to join the Tate Design Studio. You will play a key role in supporting the Design team and will work closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders. You will be assisting with the delivery of high-volume print and digital projects for departments across all Tate galleries, and will oversee the administration of the Design Studio.

About your team

The Tate Design Studio works across all of Tate. The Studio works to create intelligent, original, beautifully executed design that upholds Tate’s reputation as a leader in the visuals arts and helps us to attract, communicate with, and delight audiences.

The Design Studio is part of the Audiences Division which brings together Tate’s public facing teams to drive audience reach, reputation and revenue. The Studio manages design, print production and elements of digital production for all four Tate galleries and subsidiary companies, across a wide range of departments including Marketing, Membership, Curatorial, Visitor Communications, Development and Interpretation.

Design work includes every touch point with audiences – including advertising creative, digital design, exhibition design, Tate Etc. magazine and corporate publications, on-site signage, visitor resources, restaurant and café identities, corporate communications, and some commercial merchandise.

What you will do (Main Duties and Responsibilities)

Print Production and Project Management

• Support the Production Manager and the Design team with all aspects of print production, ensuring that Tate Design Studio is the first port of call for all of Tate’s graphic design and print needs.

• Liaise with external printers, reprographics and other suppliers to outline print and image reproduction specifications and to obtain quotes for jobs, using tenders when appropriate.

• Follow Tate purchasing procedures to obtain best value for money: cost up jobs with external suppliers, generate purchase orders, check invoices and process invoices on the electronic invoicing system.

• Work with the Studio Manager and Production Manager to manage and maintain production schedules, updating project details and project status, chasing progress and content as needed.

• Manage the Marketing Advert Specification Log. Working closely with the Marketing team and Studio Manager to ensure the log is up-to-date and assets are delivered on time and to correct specifications.

• Be responsible for setting up new project folders, reviewing and maintaining the Studio server and establishing best practice for file naming and folder structures.

• Brief printers and co-ordinate proofs (both printed and digital) and arrange and track all print deliveries. Booking in deliveries and contractors as required.

• Support with the sign-off process of design work, liaising with internal stakeholders and printers, and manging the approval process of FSC logos for printed materials.

• Support the studio with the roll-out of new proofing software, briefing templates and work-flow processes, working closely with teams across Tate.

Studio Administration

• Manage the Purchase Order and Invoice Log, maintaining accuracy in logging procedures, raising PO’s as required.

• Ensure the studio budget record is maintained and kept up to date, logging expenditure through the year and liaising with the Finance department to complete the end of year budgets.

• Approve invoices for payment in Tate’s finance system (Unit 4), checking departmental budget codes and checking costs against purchase orders.

• Ensure budgets are kept up to date and carry out monthly financial management reports.

• Carry out administrative tasks including ordering stationery, scheduling meetings, setting up team meetings, managing diaries, booking rooms, answering phones and taking messages for other staff when they are unavailable.

• Support the studio with IT requests and work closely with the IT Department to resolve IT issues.

• Coordinate software renewals and the purchase of new IT equipment as required.

• Develop and maintain the Studio Archive and paper sample library.

• Record and file all print produced by the department.

• Work with the Studio Manager to manage the department’s proofing software, researching new project management tools and developing a robust Studio sign-off/review process within the Studio.

• Assist with the induction of new starters, including but not limited to: setting-up network access, arranging the new starter pack and staff pass, tour of Tate Gallery and working areas etc.

What you will bring to the team

• Experience of working in a design and/ or print and production environment (or equivalent experience).

• Experience in a production and/ or project management support role.

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with a keen attention to detail in a fast-paced work environment.

• Experience overseeing design and production schedules and ability to manage a variety of projects simultaneously, often working to tight deadlines.

• Excellent financial management, procurement, and budget monitoring skills.

• Flexible approach, with the ability to work on own initiative to prioritise a varied workload, and balance competing demands to meet deadlines.

• Excellent computer skills and confidence using excel.

• Self-motivated with experience of working in a fast-paced creative environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to foster good internal and external working relationships with a range of colleagues and stakeholders.

• Proven ability to support, collaborate and work well with others to engender a sense of teamwork and common purpose.

• Positive and proactive approach, with the ability to problem solve.

• Ability to work under pressure, identifying problems and finding solutions.

• Understanding of the principles of equality and diversity and the ability to apply and promote these in practice at work.

• An interest in and commitment to the work of Tate.