Mid-Weight Designer

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Customer & Commercial
SALARY: £39,052 - £40,000 / Grade: ML1/SB1
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: York or Leeds
HOURS: 37

We're launching a new in-house design studio at Northern, and we're looking for a talented Midweight Designer to be part of it from the start.

This is a hands-on creative role where you'll work across the full spectrum – from print and point-of-sale to digital campaigns, social media and station environments. You'll bring our brand to life across every customer touchpoint, working collaboratively with our Senior Designer and stakeholders across the business to deliver work that's both beautiful and effective.

You'll take the lead on projects from concept through to delivery, contribute ideas, and help establish the studio's reputation for excellence. If you're a proactive designer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to create work that's seen by thousands of customers every day, this is the opportunity.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing high-quality creative work across print and digital channels, including campaigns, point-of-sale, social graphics, and digital assets.
• Taking ownership of projects from briefing through to final delivery, managing timelines and stakeholder communication along the way.
• Working closely with the Senior Designer to develop concepts, refine ideas, and deliver polished creative.
• Making sure everything you produce feels unmistakably Northern, following brand guidelines and tone of voice.
• Presenting ideas clearly and confidently to internal stakeholders, explaining the thinking behind your designs.
• Applying accessible design best practice so our work works for everyone.
• Supporting the review of agency work to ensure consistency with our brand.
• Keeping files, assets, and project documentation organised and up to date.
• Contributing ideas to improve studio processes and creative ways of working.
• Staying curious about design trends, tools, and new approaches, including using AI where it adds value.

About you

You’re a creative, hands-on designer who enjoys seeing work through from concept to completion – and you care deeply about quality.

You’ll bring:

• Experience working as a designer in an agency or in-house team.
• A strong portfolio showing thoughtful, well-crafted work across both digital and print.
• Confidence using Adobe Creative Suite, with a solid understanding of print production.
• An eye for detail and pride in producing work that’s accurate, accessible, and on-brand.
• The ability to manage multiple projects calmly and professionally.
• Clear communication skills and the confidence to talk through your ideas.
• A collaborative mindset, paired with the ability to work independently when needed.
• A positive, proactive approach and openness to feedback.

Experience in transport, travel, or large organisations is a bonus, but not essential.

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.

Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.

Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.

Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.

Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.

Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.

Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.

Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.

Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North - connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.

Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date, if high volumes of applications are received