Manchester | Full time | 12 month fixed-term (maternity cover) contract, with potential opportunity to extend subject to business needs.
Placemarque is an award-winning wayfinding and placemaking consultancy based in central Manchester. We work across a range of sectors, including towns, cities, campus environments and visitor destinations.
It's not just the buildings that make a place work; it's the spaces between them.
Wayfinding is central to creating successful places that connect with people. We deliver strategic wayfinding, mapping, informational graphics and signage systems that are rooted in place, user experience and function.
We're looking for an experienced mid to senior level wayfinding designer to join our team on a maternity cover contract. This is a hands-on design role with responsibility for managing several workstreams, liaising with clients and coordinating outputs, supported by a small, experienced team. You'll be responsible for running a range of projects independently, from early concept through to delivery.
We aim to appoint before April.
The role
You’ll take on the day-to-day project management of wayfinding projects, bringing your skills and experience of strong design thinking and practical delivery. You’ll be trusted to manage programmes, coordinate task requirements and maintain design quality.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing wayfinding projects from inception to completion, including programmes, budgets and outputs
- Leading design development across strategy, detailed design, signage & visitor mapping graphics
- Producing clear, well-structured design reports, presentations and client facing material
- Liaising directly with clients, consultants, suppliers and stakeholders
- Directing and supporting junior designers where required
- Preparing concept visuals, artwork and detailed design information
- Leading site visits, consultation events, workshops and client meetings
- Contributing to bids, tenders and new project opportunities
- Managing your own workload and priorities across multiple projects
- Supporting general admin tasks, including timesheets and project logs
- Keeping directors updated on project progress
- Attending weekly design team meetings
About you
We're seeking a confident designer who understands how projects are delivered. Someone who is comfortable making decisions, presenting ideas and taking responsibility for quality and outcomes.
You'll ideally have:
- Significant professional experience in wayfinding, graphic design or environmental design
- Proven experience running projects independently
- Strong design, typographic and layout skills
- Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite on Mac
- Experience producing mapping, signage or information design systems
- An understanding of 3D modelling software such as SketchUp (beneficial but not required)
- Clear writing and verbal communication skills
- The ability to manage time, priorities and deadlines effectively
- Confidence working directly with clients and consultants
Experience in placemaking, urban design, transport, cultural or public realm projects is an advantage but not essential.
Location and working pattern
The role is based at our studio on Portland Street in Manchester and offers hybrid working, with flexibility for home working depending on project needs. Some UK travel will be required for site visits and meetings.
Salary
£36,000 - £45,000 per annum, depending on previous experience.
What we offer
- A fixed-term maternity cover role, full time in a small, experienced consultancy
- The opportunity to lead meaningful projects in real places
- Direct involvement with clients and decision makers
- A supportive, design-led working environment
- Hybrid working with flexibility for home working as projects allow
- 28 days paid holiday including bank holidays, plus discretionary 3 days paid over Christmas period
- Pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Travel card loan scheme
- Access to staff benefits platform