BMCA — Supervising Associate — General Design

Job Summary:

The Art Direction Specialist acts as a key contributor in operationalizing design strategies for print, document, and multimedia workstreams within the CSG function. With advanced knowledge in the same profile on both Indian and global scenario, the Art Direction Specialist will spearhead design and implementation of new and cutting-edge on-brand campaigns, both digital and print.

• Conceptualize and formulate creative themes, layout designs, and presentation approach
• Specify material details such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound
• Maintain a high level of knowledge on tools and resources used by the firm and constantly evaluate new technologies and tools for adaptation into the team’s workstream
• Guide the team with respect to conceptualization of creative infographics, mind maps, and frameworks in PowerPoint and Print
• Manage routine MS Office design projects from concept through production, effectively prioritize work, and balance multiple priorities simultaneously to meet client commitments and deadlines
• Interact with customer and get involved at the project inception stage to deliver customized solutions
• Confer with Creative, Art, Copy-writing, or Production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts, and to coordinate creative activities
• Present final layouts to clients for approval
• Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, presentation approaches, styles, and techniques
• Train and direct staff members who develop design concepts into art layouts or who prepare layouts for printing
• Work with other Creative Directors to develop design solutions
• Review illustrative material to determine if it conforms to the firm’s standards and specifications
• Provide direction on photo shoots and imagery whenever required
• Work with illustrators and team members to create custom illustrations or other graphic elements
• Develop and design innovative storyboards and layouts for client deliverables under all workstreams
• Leverage global exposure and experience to develop ‘top-of-the-line’ and cutting-edge contemporary designs
• Stay abreast of industry developments on latest devices and associated digital media needs
• Analyze competitor strategies in the domain
• Participate in the development and vision of the services strategy, their communication, and acceptance
• Define standards and best practices and ensure that leading practices are shared across the firm in relation to “state-of-the-art” practices in the Design community
• Guide and develop a team of design and creative professionals
• Maintain a high level of knowledge on tools and resources used by the firm and constantly evaluate new technologies and tools for adaptation into the team’s workstream
• Demonstrate proficiency in presentation, graphics, digital software tools, and equipment required of the position including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, InDesign, Photoshop, Flash, After Effects, Captivate, Acrobat, and Adobe Digital Publishing suites
• Influence clients to choose an effective solution within the firm’s guidelines
• Demonstrate an understanding of current and future visual trends with proactive understanding of western cultural development and modern influences
• Understand EY brand and guidelines and strictly adhere to the quality standards and procedures established by EY, including VI and branding guidelines
• Negotiate project deadlines to create timelines, determine project scope to define cost estimates, and schedule changes for client approval
• Be willing to travel and work at actual client sites as part of a project team providing design, conceptualization, and solutions pertaining to deliverables
• Demonstrate the value of team’s work by keeping the client up-to-date, and explaining issues, approaches, and solutions (i.e., managing expectations)
• Assemble the right team to achieve business goals in the work stream by creating the right mix of skills and the right conditions
• Help in recruiting, training, and developing teams of highly skilled people to craft innovative, value-added deliverables and services to support decision-making
• Enable and foster the culture of knowledge sharing among team members
• Interact effectively and positively in a fast-paced environment with a diverse staff, customers, colleagues and vendors, demonstrating tact and diplomacy
• Demonstrate skills in additional CSG disciplines to provide flexibility during peak times
• Help team members understand the broader picture of technical, ethical, and financial needs
• Assist the business development teams and act as a pursuit team member for major projects

Essential technical skill/tools requirement

• Proficiency in MS Office – PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Adobe Creative Suites
• Excellent presentation and communications skills (comprehension, reading, and writing) in English language
• Ability to clearly communicate complex messages to a variety of audiences including senior management
• Experience in similar role with strong customer focus
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Experience in business development and business relations
• Experience in managing multiple concurrent initiatives
• Strong track record of successful delivery and benefits realization
• Proven influencer and communicator with stakeholders at all levels
• Possess high standard of integrity and confidentiality
• Flexible to work in shifts and mirror time zones based on customer requirements and deliverables
• Knowledge of Adobe Digital Publishing Suites (desirable)

Key behavior

• Analytical/Decision-making skills :
  • Ability to analyze data including budgets and performance numbers that are essential for running projects independently
  • Ability to drive the decision to choose an effective design and deliverable solution within budget requirements
  • Ability to analyze customer needs beyond own responsibilities to understand the context of the work in progress

• Supervision responsibilities :
  • Leading creative projects along with associated people management and performance management responsibilities - may or may not be responsible for people outside the scope of a project
  • Ability to be a counselor/mentor for designers focusing on team’s skill development
  • Ability to be a change agent for new business processes and procedures in the domain