About the role
Lead the creative and technical design function for an established New Zealand signage business. This is a hands-on senior position for someone who understands that great signage needs to do more than look good. It needs to meet the client brief, work within brand requirements, be commercially practical, and ultimately be manufacturable and installable. You'll lead design quality and workflow while working closely with Sales, Project Management, Production, Fabrication and Installation teams to turn concepts into finished signage solutions.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the design function across signage and visual communication projects
- Develop concepts and oversee detailed design, artwork and production-ready files
- Review design work for accuracy, quality and production readiness
- Translate client briefs and brand guidelines into practical signage solutions
- Ensure designs consider manufacturing methods, materials, fabrication and installation requirements
- Coordinate priorities, workloads and deadlines across the design function
- Mentor and support other designers
- Work closely with Sales, Project Managers, Production, Fabrication and Installation
- Participate in design reviews, project planning and problem-solving
- Support client presentations and design discussions where required
About you
- Strong senior-level design experience, preferably within signage, visual communications, large-format graphics or a related manufacturing environment
- Excellent understanding of taking a design from client brief through to production-ready artwork
- Strong Adobe Creative Suite capability, particularly Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop
- Understanding of signage materials, fabrication methods, production processes and installation considerations
- Strong attention to detail and artwork accuracy
- Confidence reviewing and checking work before release to production
- Ability to manage multiple projects, changing priorities and deadlines
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills
- Experience mentoring, supporting or leading other designers
- Practical, solutions-focused approach to design challenges
About us
ARA Sign On is an established New Zealand signage business. We're looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, enjoys solving technical and creative challenges, and understands the importance of getting the details right before a job reaches production.