Head of Graphics and Print

Job description

Job responsibilities

OperationalThe Head of Graphics and Print is responsible to the Head of Service for effective delivery of the graphics and print services.Manage and lead the graphic design, medical illustration and digital printing teams within the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB).Ensure the specialist graphic design and printing services are maintained to the highest standards, within Cardiff and Vale UHB.Be an experienced graphic designer and / or print manager and maintain expertise and competence as a specialist in the fields of graphic design, print and medical illustration.Together with the Senior Reprographics Technician, and Senior Graphic Designers ensure the efficient and effective production of printed material for the UHB.Monitor methods of working and maintenance of equipment for efficient use of materials in all areas of responsibility and ensure the cost-effective use of all UHB resources.

Has a wide understanding of current developments in design, communications, print, digital imaging (including understanding web and screen requirements) multimedia and associated technologies.Deputises for the Head of Service when appropriate.Is actively involved in the development of new services and contributes to the development of operational strategies to achieve the objectives of the directorate and service needs.Maintain professional lead and comply with UHB standards in services offered.Manage all staff in the graphics and print sections, including assigning and reviewing work, appraisal, CPD and disciplinary processes.Procure equipment as required to ensure the smooth running of the service.Responsible for identifying development requirements and opportunities within the design and print section of Medical Illustration Leads the introduction of innovative working practices to reflect service and user needs e.g. patient interactive information using web technologies, 2D & 3D animation, etc.Consults with service users to advise on complex design and/or print solutions after analysing and comparing a range of complex design and production options, considering the possible conflicting demands of customers brief/budget/deadline.Manages equipment maintenance and repair, and service contracts.Manages the Health and Safety and COSHH for the Graphics and Print sections.

CommunicationMaintain effective lines of communication throughout the graphics and print sections and across the wider Medical Illustration service.Organise the team working and supervise the work of the graphics and reprographics staff.Works with the Head of Service and other team managers in the strategic planning and future development of the service and participates in the business planning process.Liaises with Procurement, suppliers and contractors to ensure quality, value and timeliness in the completion and delivery of work.Give presentations to senior managers and staff groups as required.

AdministrationProvide the Head of Service with statistical information about the graphics and print services.Ensure that accurate work records are kept for the graphics and print teams and contribute to the auditing of these records.Is familiar with and complies with all policies and practices relating to the development of clinical documentation, patient information, and corporate and business documents.Contributes to the design and implementation of policies relating to patient information in liaison with Head of Service and others to improve working practices and services.

Supervision and TrainingManages staff within the graphics and reprographics units, including assigning and reviewing work.Undertake appraisal and performance reviews, for staff within the graphics and reprographics units as well planning and implementing staff development as appropriate to the roles.Provides advice and instruction on graphic design and communication issues (consent, copyright, discrimination) on a 1:1 basis as well as to groups of individuals.Demonstrates own area of working techniques to new employees, Trainee Clinical Photographers and work experience students.Designs and implements an induction programme for all new employees.Supports work experience and student development.Identify training needs within the section and, in discussion with the Head of Service, organises in-house or external training based on the identified needs.

Financial ResourcesManages a cost-efficient graphic design and print service within the constraints of the devolved budget of the section, determined by the Head of Service.Accountable to the Head of Service for budget control and financial record keeping.Assesses and manages client requirements, prepares specifications, and issues accurate quotations for design and print projects.Approves requisitions for orders and approves leave.Audits financial data when required.Contributes to the services income generation budget both through cross-charging where appropriate, and ensuring that all work of the section is accounted for.Decides when to outsource work to other agencies, including printers, through competitive pricing, and good value for the Health Board.

Human ResourcesManages absence, disciplinary/grievance and employee relation issues with the support of the HR Department.Deals with staff issues / interpersonal issues on a daily basis.Manages annual and interim appraisals of all staff in the graphics and print sections, and acts accordingly on what is discussed and needed to meet the individual and services developments.Leads the recruitment and selection process, acting as a panel member during the interview process in collaboration with the Head of Service.Ensure that a positive, open and constructive employee relations atmosphere operates within the service.

Systems and EquipmentAccurate generation and updating of departmental records via a complex networked database. Analyses system data and contributes to the continuing development of same on a daily basis.Excellent knowledge of a wide range of specialist medical illustration software, including, but not limited to - Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Character Animate and FileMaker.Good working knowledge of a wide range of general software Office Suite.Responsible for managing stock levels and the ordering of consumables and equipment.

Decisions and JudgementsIs the lead professional responsible for the operational management of graphics (design and print) section of the service, meeting weekly with the Head of Service to discuss strategic direction of section.Accountable for the day to day planning of staff allocation to meet graphic design and print demands in the regular work bases used by the service.Monitors workload of self and other team members, modifying schedules at short notice to allow for the unexpected (e.g. urgent requests), and staff absences.Responsible for the safe use of highly specialised computer and print/print finishing equipment.Liaises with relevant departments and committees to ensure patient-targeted materials such as leaflets and brochures, conform to their strict guidelines.Responsible for the evaluation, selection and validation of new equipment.Formulates plans and policies for the section and advises the Head of Service of the potential impact of technological or organisational change.

Physical Demands of the JobDaily requirement to sit/stand for substantially long periods working on computer.Daily requirement for long periods of concentration on detailed design work with frequent unpredictable interruptions.The role requires multi-tasking and prioritization of work with frequent interruptions from phone calls, technical enquiries and urgent requests causing abandonment of current task.Responsible for the communication to staff on their performanceRequirement to move supplies and print orders as required.

KnowledgeDemonstrable knowledge and experience of workflows.Implement and ensure adherence to Cardiff and Vale UHB policies on patient information, consent, confidentiality, data protection, house style and archiving. The post holder will also need to be aware of and comply with similar policies when working with other organizations.Detailed knowledge of corporate branding and accessibility requirements, including experience of working within such guidelines.Acts within the law at all times, with particular care and attention to copyright, confidentiality, data protection, disability discrimination and safeguarding legislation.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in graphic design / media or equivalent level of knowledge. Specialist courses or evidence of self-study in specialist techniques & software.eg. 3D animation in the medical field.

Desirable

• Post-graduate Certificate in Medical Illustration, MSc in Medical Illustration or related post-graduate qualification. Relevant qualification management / teaching.

Experience

Essential

• Significant post-qualification experience as a practising graphic designer. Experience in supervising / managing people and organisation of a service, including training and personal staff development.

Desirable

• Experience in managing a medical illustration section / department or design studio.

Skills

Essential

• Demonstrate excellent managerial and organisational skills. Demonstrate an excellent level of creativity in the interpretation of client briefs. Demonstrate an excellent level of computing skills. Demonstrate a high level of skill in a specialist area of graphic design, medical art, pre-press and digital print. Demonstrate an excellent level of computer literacy particularly with graphic design packages and image manipulation software including: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, Adobe After Effects. Demonstrate an understanding of 3D animation and latest technological advances in the graphics field. Demonstrate an excellent level of knowledge and understanding of pre-press and print processes.

Desirable

• Demonstrate a high level of skills in teaching and training. Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy, physiology and surgical procedures.

Special Knowledge

Essential

• Demonstrate a high level of knowledge of current trends in the medical illustration profession. Demonstrate an expert understanding of the special requirements of communicating scientific, technical and medical information to both experts and patients. Demonstrate a high level of detailed knowledge of appropriate legislation surrounding copyright and data protection. Detailed knowledge of corporate branding and experience of working within such guidelines. Demonstrable in-depth knowledge of digital printing and workflow systems.

Desirable

• Understanding of process and work-flow management tools and practice. Demonstrate knowledge of other specialties within the profession; video, photography etc.

Personal Qualities (demonstrable)

Essential

• Ability to communicate with staff at all levels. Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills, ability to organise self, others and service workload. Ability to use initiative and be innovative and creative. Ability to work under own initiative and as a member of a team.

Desirable

• Active involvement in a professional body. Active pursuit of personal and professional expertise through Continuing Professional Development.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Address

University Hospital of Wales

Heath Park

Cardiff

CF14 4XW

Employer's website

https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)