Steve williamson cv june 2014 highres

Page 1

- WORK W ANTED DE SIGN MAN AGER

> 15 years expe aspects of rience of all de productio sign and n > Manage r of h performin igh g teams > Comme rcial s business a kills and c > Leaders umen hip > Proven fina > Skilled c ncial track record om > Broad, h municator igh quality portfolio > Conside rable expe rience in public sec tor comm unication s


Testimonials “The prospectus arrived and it is fabulous! A really professional and first class publication. Thank you so much for all of your advice, guidance and hard work. It’s been a pleasure.”

Head Teacher

’s trustee “At the s a it w meeting the us that o im n a uge un h a were banners We are s. succes ill be d and w e t h lig de more e m u so giving yo ork for our e w creativ ent.” v e t x ne

Trust Chairman

“The portfolio looks amazing. The design makes it look very fresh and uncluttered, considering that we had to squeeze it all in to a limited number of pages.”

Project Co-ordinator

r “Thank you all fo (last e th h wit us helping int minute) design, pr of and distribution count We . ts fle our lea have ourselves lucky to d an s your willingnes ly on commitment to re is re su es pr e th en wh on.”

Head of Communications

“I just want to thank you for the work you’ve put into the leaflet. Everyone is impressed. It’s been a very positive experience and I’m grateful for your help, talent and patience.”

Children’s Home Manager

“The sales representative really did like the work and did go on about its visual impact. No doubt she sees a lot of artwork and yours particularly impressed.”

Event Co-ordinator

“Thank you for the presentation. I have not seen the committee so complimentary - ever. The Report was very well received, with Councillors commenting favourably.”

Cabinet Manager

g “Many of our youn here le op pe handicapped in d te es er are int have graphic design. We ing been collect and various examples is let ok bo ur yo our definitely one of s.” ite favour

Charity Director


Steve Williamson

01923 238551 07792 200407 steve_williamson_employment@yahoo.co.uk 5 Neal Street Watford Hertfordshire WD18 0AX

Professional Overview (Design Manager/Head of Design) p p p p p p p p p

Many years experience of all aspects of graphic design team management and production of a broad range of high quality products Manager of high performing teams Commercial skills and business acumen Strategic insight Strong leadership qualities Proven financial track record Skilled communicator Broad, high quality portfolio Considerable experience in public sector communications

Professional Objective I want to lead, challenge and be challenged in a new design management position. I want to apply my substantial experience of managing design teams in high pressure environments. I insist on the very highest standards and would want to work for an organisation that adopts the same principles.

Current role Head of Design - the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham I’m currently employed as Head of Design for two west London local authorities - the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF). I act as RBKC and LBHF’s lead on creative services, providing innovative visual solutions to the full range of council communications and marketing challenges. I combine creative talent with business acumen to manage a commercially competitive, full-service creative agency across both councils, taking lead responsibility for the staff, budgets and quality control processes of the service. I provide strategic direction in the management of all business aspects of the design service, bringing in new business and managing budgets to ensure income exceeds costs. I manage the production of all designed material, from providing initial advice to commercial and shared service clients, through editorial, design, print, production and distribution, commissioning external services where needed. I act as chief brand guardian for both councils and I ensure that the separate and sovereign corporate identities of both organisations are adhered to at every level and across every platform. I identify conflicts between council policy and the client’s wishes, and negotiate and resolve any problems. I act as chief advisor to clients on writing standards, Plain English and tone.


I advise councillors and senior managers of both organisations on the most cost-effective production processes, ensuring overall spend is efficient and effective. I manage the day-to-day work of the design team, set targets, allocate and supervise design work and plan work schedules to ensure individual jobs are properly costed and that income targets and deadlines are met. I’m responsible for the professional learning and development of staff as well as performance appraisal and review.

Current key responsibilities/skills Line Management – I line manage four full-time staff and co-ordinate the work of up to ten freelancers.. Finance – I’m required to generate £300K of annual income and manage all accounts/reports accordingly. Corporate Identity – I am guardian of the corporate identity of two west London local authorities.

I act as lead commissioner of print services, ensuring procurement and contractual arrangements are properly followed and ensuring that work is efficiently invoiced and accounted for.

Brand Development – I have a great deal of experience in developing successful branding at both corporate and departmental level.

I meet with clients from all levels of the councils and from external organisations to discuss work and to advise on all matters relating to design, production and distribution, offering creative solutions to meet client needs.

Strategic – I chair RBKC’s Communications Improvement Group. This group comprises of staff from across the Council and looks to find innovative approaches to RBKC’s communications challenges. I am also author of the By:design Marketing Strategy and Forward Plan.

I prepare detailed specifications and quotations and negotiate timescales.

Print and Procurement – I have a great deal of expertise in designing for, advising on, managing and procuring print and production services for clients.

I monitor and maximise customer satisfaction, resolving disputes and responding positively and creatively to changing customer needs. I am responsible for the management of the service’s IT equipment and data management, ensuring all data and archives are backed-up and secure.

Client Management – Over the years I have developed a large and diverse client-base based on quality of service, reliability, trust and understanding. Editorial Skills – I have over the years directly written, edited, designed and produced a great deal of material for a range of audiences. Technical Skills – I am fully proficient in using the Adobe Creative Suite package of graphic design applications and the Microsoft Office suite of applications across both Mac and PC platforms. I have also used a number of online content management packages and have some working knowledge of html coding.


Key achievements in current role

Previous relevant employment

2014 I developed a new corporate identity and accompanying detailed guidelines for the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.

September 2008 - January 2013 The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Design Manager

2014

I developed the corporate identity for ‘EPIC CIC’ (formerly RBKC Youth Service) as it broke away from RBKC.

2013

I established ‘By:design’ – a shared design and design consultancy service across two west London local authorities.

2011

I created and produced Summer in the City – the first major (and flagship) Tri-borough publication (RBKC, LBHF and WCC).

Provided a high quality graphic design service for Council clients, schools and private sector customers. Met minimum income target of £150K per annum. Managed a team of three F/T graphic designers. Commissioned and managed additional freelance support as and when necessary. Advised and supported senior management and politicians as necessary.

2009/ Co-ordinated the design and production 2012 of all display, promotional and exhibition material for a touring international showcase, Black Dance in Britain.

Acted as Key Communicator for the Directorate as part of the RBKC Communication strategy.

2008

Worked with a range of agencies to develop a ‘Community Extranet’ to link over 100 community organisations in Kensington and Chelsea online.

Managed quality control of key Council publications - including proofreading and monitoring compliance with house style.

2008

Worked with a range of agencies to develop a police/youth partnership website (e-legalyouth.net)

Acted as brand guardian for RBKC.

Developed and maintained the Directorate’s online presence (internal and external). Managed external print buying and production schedules on behalf of RBKC clients. Maintained digital assets in the Council’s ‘Image Bank’ digital asset management system. REASON FOR LEAVING: Opportunity to step-up to Head of Design and lead a new Bi-borough service.


July 2000 -September 2008 The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Information and Communications Manager

1996 -2000 West Herts College Learning Resources Manager

Directly undertook all design work and production of publicity and marketing materials for the Directorate.

Developed, managed and maintained a learning resources service for students at West Herts College.

Project managed the three-year development of a ‘Community Extranet’ website for Kensington and Chelsea: in doing so, managed a budget of £350K (Invest to Save funding).

Managed and maintained a suite of 12 Apple Macs and 32 PCs.

Project managed the development of a Police/Youth partnership website (later known as ‘e-legalyouth. net’). Wrote and designed a range of departmental publications. Developed and maintained the Directorate’s online presence (internal and external). Advised and supported senior management as necessary. REASON FOR LEAVING: Design Manager was a step-up with the opportunity to manage a Council-wide service.

Provided advice and guidance to students and staff as necessary. Developed an online art gallery to showcase the work of students in the Art and Design faculty. Line managed 2 FT Learning Resource Assistants. Wrote and designed a range of teaching and learning materials for students. Wrote and designed a monthly learning resources newsletter. REASON FOR LEAVING: I wanted a fresh challenge that involved design management to a greater degree.


Further and Higher Education

References

1993-1994

Norwich School of Art MA Fine Art

1986-1989

Exeter School of Art and Design BA (Hons) Fine Art (2:1)

Mr Martin Fitzpatrick Head of Media and Communications The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Third Floor , Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street London W8 7NX

1984-1985 West Herts College Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Secondary Education 1982-1984

Langleybury School A Level Art (Pass - B) A Level English (Pass - D) A Level Geography (Pass - D)

1978-1982

Langleybury School O Level English Language (Pass - A) O Level Art (Pass - B) O Level English Literature (Pass - B) O Level Geography (Pass - C) O Level Mathematics (Pass - C) CSE Chemistry (Pass - 1) CSE Physics (Pass - 1)

020 7361 3585 martin.fitzpatrick@rbkc.gov.uk Mr Neil Huntingford Head of Public Information and Response The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (retired 2012) Summer House, Wheatleys Eyot Lower Sunbury TW16 6BU 07973 124085 neil@islanddesigns.co.uk



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