Manager, Design in Alton

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support and opportunities that empower you to advance your career. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise.

Primary Purpose: The University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 41,000 students, we are home to the world's largest co-op education talent pipeline, game-changing research and technology, and an unmatched entrepreneurial culture.

The Manager, Design leads the day-to-day delivery of the design function within Waterloo's in-house Creative Studio. The role translates brand direction, studio priorities and approved briefs into coordinated design execution across print and digital formats. The role manages workflow, allocates resources, ensures quality and develops a team of designers to deliver accessible, high-quality creative work aligned to institutional priorities.

• Design Operations and Service Delivery: Leads the design team within the Creative Studio, accountable for day-to-day delivery, quality, and team effectiveness. Manages team resources and operations to achieve service objectives and maintain effective performance.
• Quality, Standards and Brand Alignment: Ensures all design outputs align with institutional visual identity, accessibility standards and quality expectations. Reviews team output and provides clear direction to maintain consistency and usability.
• Design Planning and Coordination: Translates approved briefs and studio priorities into structured workplans, timelines, and assignments. Partners with Project Managers and peer managers to coordinate workflow, priorities, resources, and delivery requirements.
• Stakeholder Support and Service Integration: Works with clients and internal partners to clarify requirements and support effective delivery. Manages relationships with internal clients and partners to support effective service delivery.
• Measurement, Continuous Improvement and Asset Practices: Drives improvements to templates, toolkits, workflows and production practices. Monitors workflow performance and team capacity trends to identify operational improvements.
• People Leadership: Leads, coaches, develops, and evaluates direct reports, ensuring clear expectations, accountability, and performance management. Establishes team priorities and supports effective resource utilization.

Required Qualifications:

• University degree or post-secondary diploma in graphic design, visual communication, digital design, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in graphic design, visual communication, digital design, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of experience supervising staff, coordinating workflow, or leading day-to-day delivery in an in-house, agency, or institutional design environment.
• Strong expertise in design execution, visual identity application, creative production, and quality assurance.
• Proficiency with design software, asset-management practices, file-preparation standards, and review workflows.

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. We encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized.