7203 - Design Project Manager

BASIC FUNCTION:
Position’s function is to 1) be a business line expert for a “portfolio” of assigned businesses, able to provide proactive ideas/solutions to BPs to advance their businesses; 2) provide creative leadership, project management and strategic direction to assigned design and project teams to ensure they produce effective, brand-right concepts/design that enhance the customer experience and achieve BP’s objectives.1.Project Management: .Provide expert knowledge for an assigned “portfolio” of businesses––history, current challenges, objectives, competitive actions, current research findings and trends–-and be able to direct, inform and inspire the creative teams working those businesses.
Assist BPs, as necessary, in the writing of Creative Briefs that provide measurable goals, clear objectives, a single primary message and an effective strategy.
Partner with BPs and Creative Services colleagues to identify/determine objectives of an assignment and develop creative strategies/solutions that enhance the Discover brand and achieve the BP’s objectives.
Take ownership and manage projects from concept through execution. Ensure timelines are met. Present and “sell-through” concepts as necessary to BPs.
Obtain feedback to further refine creative to improve marketplace results.
Empower, challenge and inspire direct reports (and freelancers) to produce consistently effective work that elevates our messaging and our brands.
Ensure your team is thoroughly familiar with the Discover Card, Discover Network etc. brands (to be defined) and supports our brands in their creative work.
Be responsible for reviewing and approving concepts/design.
2. Knowledge Management and Problem SolvingEnsure CS Staff and team members are current on your assigned business lines’ product, market, audience, competition and recent results performance.
Possess and be able to apply a complete understanding of advertising and direct response principles, concepts, practices and standards.
Be a solution provider to your assigned business BPs, offering both proactive ideas to advance their business as well as recommendations to solve challenges.
Pursue opportunities to expand knowledge base by maintaining a strong collaborative relationship with BPs, Research and colleagues managing other business units.
Provide team members with research, competitive samples and other knowledge-building material to ensure team is highly-informed on macro and micro issues related to assigned businesses.
3. People DevelopmentClearly define what is expected of your direct reports–-their responsibilities, behavior/attendance/compliance standards and essential skill sets.
Comply with Performance Evaluation schedules and provide regular feedback to direct reports so they’re aware of their performance and know how to improve.
Interview job candidates and provide input on hiring and personnel decisions.
Be open and accessible to staff and engage them in discussions that can advance their knowledge, outlook, understanding and confidence.
Reinforce positive behavior and help engender a collaborative work environment where designers can be proud of their contributions.
Ensure your direct reports receive appropriate developmental training.
Manage direct reports (and others) to the task. Delegate to develop.
Provide direction/inspiration to your designers and direct design revisions without redesigning it yourself.
Communicate pertinent information to your team and CS staff regarding BPs and the Company at large to strengthen their understanding of the Firm’s business objectives.
Ensure Workflow Rep is informed of your team’s current resource availability.
Ensure your team meets all agreed-upon deadlines, follows procedures, collaborates with colleagues/BPs and follows through on project requirements.
Ensure your direct reports are current on their AMPS entry.
4. Planning & Process Improvement
Support your CS Management Team, your Design Management Team, assist in CS All Staff Meetings and assist in chairing weekly Design Team Meetings.
Together with CS Mngmt. Team, help identify and set policy for dept. best practices.
Identify/recommend process improvements for assigned line businesses.Participate in Dept. Creative Review to ensure development/delivery of effective, brand-right marketing communications.
Manage team to achieve defined goals and objectives, including planning and delegation of assignments and evaluation of performance.
Work with CS senior management team to plan service commitments/practices, operating procedures and process improvements.
REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED SKILLS:
Bachelor’s degree10 years experienceWord-processing*Graphics* Specify software: Microsoft Word
DESIRED SKILLS: