Design Lead

Job Title : Design Lead

Location : Chennai

Role Overview

The Design Lead will be responsible for all static design at Sweet Karam Coffee. This role is execution-led, not idea-led. The person will work closely with the Brand Head, Product team, Content Lead and Founders to translate clear briefs into high-quality design output, while managing and guiding a team of designers. The focus is on consistency, speed, and quality, not creative experimentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Static Design Ownership
• Social media static posts and carousels
• Website, app, and CRM creatives
• Catalogue pages and product listing visuals
• Retail POSMs and quick commerce creatives
• Performance statics (as per briefs from Growth team)
• Expectation: Clean, brand-correct designs delivered on time with minimal rework.
• Brand Consistency & Design Governance
• Ensure all designs follow SKC's visual system
• Maintain consistency across platforms and formats
• Review and approve outputs before final release
• Push back on off-brand requests with clear reasoning
• Expectation: One strong, recognisable SKC look across all touchpoints.
• Cross-functional Coordination
• Work closely with:
• Brand Head for direction and priorities
• Product team for packaging inputs
• Content team for campaign requirements
• Growth team for performance static briefs
• Founders for final alignment
  

Expectation: Smooth coordination and fewer back-and-forth cycles.

• Team Management
• Lead and guide a team of 4–5 designers
• Assign work clearly with timelines
• Review designs for quality and brand fit
• Help designers improve execution skills
• Ensure work does not get stuck with one individual
• Expectation: A reliable, self-sufficient design team with steady output.
  
  

What This Role Is Not

• Not responsible for campaign ideation or brand storytelling
• Not responsible for copywriting or messaging
• Not a growth or performance strategy role
• This role is about executing well-defined ideas, not creating them.
  
  

Experience

Experience & Skills Required

• 6–8 years of experience in design
• Experience in FMCG, D2C, retail, or consumer brands preferred
• Hands-on experience with digital statics and packaging
• Prior experience managing or mentoring designers
  
  

Skills

• Strong packaging layout and hierarchy sense
• Good understanding of digital and print formats
• Comfortable working with brand guidelines
• Ability to handle multiple stakeholders calmly
• Clear communication and practical problem-solving