Graphic Designer

Job Description

Location - Milton Keynes (minimum of two days a week in the office. You can do more than two days if preferable)

Reporting to - Marketing Manager

Banding - 2.1

Salary - £32,000 - £38,000 (depending on location and proven ability)

Working hours - Full time (9 day fortnight)

Contract type - Permanent

Closing date - 14th June 2024

We are seeking a talented and versatile in-house Graphic Designer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating a wide range of visual content, including reports, social media and website graphics, event graphics and materials, motion graphics, video assets, business proposals, and corporate reports. We’re looking for a confident designer that enjoys collaborating with internal teams and external agencies, has a keen eye for detail, and a focus on accessibility in design. The successful candidate must be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.

Due to the fast-paced nature of the business, the Graphic Designer must be comfortable working under pressure, meet tight deadlines and multi-task from one campaign to the next. You must be comfortable in leading the visual strategy for marketing, web, print, video, animation, brochure/report work and virtual/live events.

• Responsible for creating visually compelling graphics for reports, social media, website, events, business proposals, and corporate reports.

• Responsible for developing motion graphics and video assets to enhance multimedia content.
• Responsible for editing and retouching photos to align with brand standards.
• Ability to work closely with internal teams, including marketing, communications, project teams, and event planning, to understand project requirements and deliver creative solutions.
• Accountable for coordinating with external agencies and partners to develop campaign visuals and ensure brand consistency.
• Accountable for managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project timelines.
• Responsible to advise on design best practices and stay current with industry trends and technologies.
• Accountable for ensuring all designs adhere to accessibility standards, providing an inclusive experience for all users.
• Ensuring an ethos of equity, inclusivity and diversity underpin your work activity, contributing to inclusive innovation across all Catapult activities.
• You may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties to support the Catapult in achieving its strategic outcomes and ensure effective business operations.

Requirements

To qualify... you should be a Creative Designer / Graphic Designer / Digital Designer / Creative Designer / Web Designer/ Brand Designer or similar with a CV and portfolio that can demonstrate:

• Strong proven ability of professional graphic design experience, preferably in an in-house setting.
• Experience in a similar graphic designer role, in-house, agency or freelance.
• Strong graphic design work that highlights digital skills and creative flair.
• Exceptional attention to detail, excellent time management and organisation skills.
• Knowledge of asset requirements for different types of media, from traditional print to digital.
• Strong proven ability with the Adobe Creative suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and XD.
• Basic knowledge of After Effects, Premier Pro and HTML+CSS.
• Experience with Acrobat Professional and working knowledge of Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Experience with website and email design. UX and UI wireframe editing experience.
• Ability to work with and adhere to and develop brand guidelines.
• A great sense of visual communication and typography.
• The ability to understand the requirements of a brief and can follow different visual guides.
• Experience managing a library of assets, typography, logos, icons, and branding.
• Ability to work across a broad range of aesthetics and styles.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects).
• Experience with motion graphics and basic skills with video editing software.
• Knowledge of web design principles / best practices desirable.

Design Skills:

• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in graphic design, any experience in a start-up, NFP is beneficial but not essential.
• Excellent understanding of colour theory, typography, and layout design.

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional creativity and innovation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management abilities.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think critically and strategically.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Benefits

• 9 day fortnight for everyone, we have a full company shutdown every other Friday.
• 23.5 holiday entitlement for everyone, with pro-rata calculations for part-time employees, along with a Christmas shutdown period for additional days off.
• Competitive pension, up to 10% company contribution to help you save for your future.
• Two paid days of volunteering leave per year (pro-rata for part-time employees) to support charitable activities.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential work/life support services to you and your immediate family members.
• Cycle to Work Scheme, encouraging a healthy and sustainable commute.
• Cash Health Plan, offering reimbursement for a wide range of essential and everyday healthcare expenses, promoting your well-being.
• Payroll Giving scheme, allowing regular charitable contributions from pre-tax income, maximizing the impact of your donations.
• Discounts and offers from a wide variety of retailers, enhancing your purchasing power and providing savings opportunities.

Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.

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