Visual Communication Design Team Lead; TLVCD

The Visual Communication Design Team Lead (TLVCD) combines hands-on design with team leadership, helping visual communication designers deliver work that supports Stantec’s brand, marketing plans and campaigns, and business objectives. In partnership with Marketing, Communications and Public Relations leaders (MCPR) across the Business Operating Units (BOUs) and North America, this role delivers integrated design solutions that collectively strengthen brand affinity and industry positioning, raise awareness and drive growth.

• Deliver compelling design projects end to end, from concept and creative direction through layout, production, final file handoff and archiving
• Set the creative standard for the team through art direction, reviewing design work and giving clear, constructive feedback that keeps it on brand, builds craft and encourages fresh approaches
• Prioritize design requests using clear criteria (business impact, marketing value, timing, budget) and define tiers of support, from self-serve guidance to full production, with clear expectations for scope and turnaround
• Identify and lead opportunities to add value through design, such as theming and design direction, and recommend the most appropriate print and/or digital mediums and tactics based on audience, message, budget and timeline, helping clients and marketing partners achieve successful outcomes and strengthen the brand
• Apply a thorough understanding of brand guidelines, templates, programs and software to keep design work consistent, on brand and efficient
• Educate and train internal clients and the marketing team on brand guidelines, design direction, best practices and branded templates
• Find creative solutions when requests fall outside standard design practices, while still meeting business and client needs
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI, and integrate them into design tools and processes to improve efficiency, quality, and consistency

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of visual communication designers, setting clear priorities, expectations and objectives aligned with business goals
• Plan and allocate workload and resources, and manage project scheduling, to balance concurrent priorities across BOUs and geographies
• Hold regular check-ins and development conversations, mentoring and coaching, and support each team member’s growth, including onboarding and training
• Manage the annual performance process and career development goals for direct reports
• Foster a collaborative, engaging team culture and encourage knowledge sharing and best practices across the design team and with MCPR colleagues.

• Detail-oriented and organized, with exceptional prioritization skills and the ability to balance conflicting priorities
• Ability to effectively communicate with senior management, supervisors, peers, and direct reports
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to leverage AI tools and virtual assistants to improve efficiency, support creative workflows, and enhance design processes
• Available to work overtime to meet project deadlines on an as-needed basis
• Innovative mindset, with the curiosity and confidence to bring forward new ideas and approaches.

• Degree or diploma in Visual Communication Design or equivalent
• 7+ years professional visual communication design experience in a medium- to large-sized organization or design agency
• 2-3 years in a people leadership role.

• This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and…