Design Jobs Board

Who We Are

Thomas.Matthews is a communication design studio committed to good design and sustainable practice. Since 1997 our work has brought together identity, architecture, information and human experience. Our studio collaborates with global corporations, architects and planners, museums, governments and world-changing NGOs to create a whole range of projects. We don’t have a uniform style, but there is a thread that runs through everything we create. Sustainability is always in mind, it’s not a ‘buzz word’ to us and we haven’t retro-fitted it onto our list of services. It’s been the foundation of our studio from the start and we’re always pushing to do better. We love being bold, and our work has an energy and a spirit that’s palpable. On a practical level our work spans strategy, branding, engagement, comms, campaigns, digital, environmental graphics, wayfinding and sustainability. We think success is best shared, so we’re part of the Useful Simple Trust (UST) a family of professional design and consultancy practices. Our 60+ talented and committed engineers, architects, designers and strategists work side-by-side creating positive outcomes for our changing environment.

Our four practices Expedition Engineering, Useful Projects, Useful Studio and Thomas Matthews share space, ideas and experience, and regularly collaborate on a range of high-profile projects in the UK and internationally. Our breadth of experience gives us a depth of inter-disciplinary thinking rarely found in the industry. As a Social Enterprise, B Corp™ and Employee Benefit Organisation we do things differently. Our people are highly motivated and committed and our structure means that our combined success is shared equitably. We share part of our profit and re-invest the remainder in research, social and environmental projects and initiatives. We know our work requires inquisitive minds and we invest significantly in our own learning and development to make sure we can help our clients explore new ideas and approaches.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a well organised, confident and ideas-driven individual to join our established and talented team of 10. You are a professional, self-sufficient project manager, initiating projects and taking responsibility for their delivery – in essence you will be scoping and managing projects, bringing people together and delivering great work. You’ll be working to directly support the creative director and to lead the development of our less experienced team members as well as working collaboratively the studio team and knitting into the processes of the wider organisation.

Our team is busy and focused. You will need to hit the ground running with creative energy, and be full of ideas and ready to try things. Thomas.Matthews has a long track record of delivering sustainable ideas and solutions, we would look for understanding of these principles coupled with an appetite to learn more. With ideally 5 years’ plus experience within a design environment, this role will suit someone who has lots to share and is looking for a shorter term contract where they can create impact at pace. Will undertake monthly reporting, invoicing and tracking of projects in collaboration with the Central Support team and CD. Aware of their own limits and happy to ask for advice or guidance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor all TM projects to make sure that they are achieving the aims agreed with the Senior Leadership and in line with the Trust ethos.
• Plan projects and determine future project resources and resolve possible conflicts.
• Develop and update individual project schedules, to include design phases (concept, detail & delivery) and deadlines, with dedicated project director / designer.
• Clearly brief project work.
• Client management on specific projects.
• Liaise with existing networks of suppliers and producers.
• Manage, in collaboration with designers, project production and delivery details – planning & logistics, co-ordinating suppliers, production estimates & costs, travel, deliveries & equipment and H&S risk assessments (RAMS).
• Drafting of fee proposals, and defining scope of services, and initial review of appointment documents.
• Lead resourcing and traffic of work across the studio with support from the senior team.
• Managing external consultant relationships on a peer-to-peer level.
• Manage sub-consultants and contractors as necessary.
• Represent the company externally when required, for example at meetings.
• Supervise and coach junior members of the team. You will line manage an Account Executive

Attributes:

• Project management qualification or equivalent 5 years’ plus experience of studio or project management in a design environment, and particularly experience relevant to our project range.
• A good understanding of the design and production process and knowledge of different types of production and materials.
• Ability to deliver a variety of design projects from small print jobs to large scale events or architectural projects e.g. signage & wayfinding.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate at different levels both internally and externally – a positive “can do” attitude, confident and outgoing.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, and good presentation skills.
• A creative and pragmatic outlook on problem solving.
• A good team player, flexible and understanding of others needs.
• Internal team programming management.
• Financial acuity and management.
• Capable of working effectively with Trust project management software (Rapport).
• Able to work well directly with clients, suppliers and team members alike.
• Comfortable and experienced with planning software and Microsoft programmes.

Essential Requirements

• An inherently organised person with a drive to support others to deliver the best work possible.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive approach
• Team player, we encourage our people to work together
• Good sense of humour
• Passionate about building a better future

What we offer

• Competitive salary & group pension plan
• 25 day’s holiday entitlement plus 8 bank holidays
• Supported route to chartership with enhanced L+D opportunities
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Flexible working including 9-day fortnight scheme
• Private medical insurance with access to WeCare 24/7 GP access
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to work scheme

This vacancy closes on 31st January 2022. Please submit your covering letter and CV as part of your application online.
Should your application be shortlisted for interview, you will be contacted within 10 days of the closing date. Due to the volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates may be contacted. This application may require applicants to respond to a few selection criteria to demonstrate suitable competencies and experience against the role. In addition, a form of assessment or presentation following the first interview may be requested. Any reasonable adjustments required will be met. If you have any queries regarding the vacancy or the application process, please contact Chin Cheung chin@thomasmatthews.com

Useful Simple Trust is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Grade: Grade 5
Hours: Full Time (part time considered)
Contract Type: 9–12 months Fixed Term Contract
Closes: 31ˢᵗ January 2022