Graphic Designer

The Design Project; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare communications agency is seeking a Graphic Designer for diverse creative projects focused on data visualization and scientific communication. The role requires strong proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, with responsibilities spanning concept development to final production. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and demonstrate skills in project management and communication. The position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working options, emphasizing collaboration and innovative design solutions.

Benefits

Discretionary profit share bonuses

Generous holiday allowance

Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Degree-level or higher qualification in a design-related discipline.
• Proven experience working in an agency or commercial environment.
• Experience in the healthcare industry or a strong interest is welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design visually engaging materials for healthcare.
• Collaborate closely with team members to define project scope.
• Manage and deliver creative projects within established timelines.

Skills

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Project management

Communication

Creativity

Education

Degree in design-related discipline

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Job Title: Graphic DesignerCompany: Costello MedicalLocation: Manchester, England, United KingdomJob Type: Full-time, PermanentCategory: Creative / Design / Operations SupportDate Posted: February 24, 2026Experience Level: 2-5 YearsRemote Status: Hybrid

• This role is central to executing a diverse range of creative projects within the healthcare sector, requiring a blend of conceptualization, design execution, and client-facing collaboration.
• The position offers significant autonomy in developing creative assets from initial concept through to final production, emphasizing innovative solutions for data visualization and scientific content communication.
• Successful candidates will leverage advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator, to produce high-quality visual materials for both internal stakeholders and external clients.
• This role is integral to the operations of the Creative team, supporting commercial projects and contributing to impactful pro bono work for charities and public sector organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes its role in supporting operational efficiency and client delivery within a specialized healthcare communications agency. This suggests a need for candidates who understand the broader business context and can contribute to streamlined creative operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide array of visually engaging materials including infographics, posters, event collateral, and digital assets for internal teams and external clients in the healthcare sector.
• Collaborate closely with creative colleagues and project managers from project inception to define design scope, strategic objectives, and target audience engagement strategies.
• Provide technical design insights and guidance to project teams, ensuring clarity on project requirements and addressing any technical queries effectively.
• Manage and deliver all assigned creative projects within established timelines and budgets, consistently maintaining the highest standards of quality and brand consistency.
• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients, ensuring exceptional service delivery and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of creative service offerings by bringing innovative ideas and a strong understanding of aesthetics and design trends.
• Participate in the creation of motion and digital projects, potentially including interactive exhibition materials, video editing, animations, and eLearning module design, based on skill set.
• Support pro bono initiatives for charities and public sector organizations, applying creative expertise to projects that aim to make a meaningful difference in healthcare.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project lifecycle management and client service, which are core components of operational excellence. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they manage multiple projects simultaneously and ensure successful delivery, a key trait for operations-focused roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree-level or higher qualification in a design-related discipline (minimum 2.1 or equivalent). This includes, but is not limited to, Graphic Design, Digital Communications, Graphic Communication Design, and Marketing.

Experience:

• Proven experience working within an agency or commercial environment, demonstrating an understanding of client-driven project demands and fast-paced workflows.
• Experience in the healthcare industry or a strong interest in developing a creative career within this field is welcomed.

Required Skills:

• Extensive proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.
• Familiarity with the broader Adobe Creative Cloud suite of software.
• Demonstrated ability to generate, execute, and oversee a variety of creative concepts from ideation to completion.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a high level of productivity and the ability to adapt to changing deadlines.
• A strong problem-solving mindset and the ability to think creatively and "outside the box."
• Confidence in presenting design work effectively to diverse audiences, including internal colleagues and external clients.
• Ability to manage conflicting demands and prioritize tasks efficiently to meet operational objectives.
• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all design outputs.
• Strong communication skills, with the capacity to build robust and sustainable working relationships.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics, video editing, animation, or eLearning module creation.
• Familiarity with data visualization best practices and communicating complex scientific content visually.
• Understanding of brand development and strategic design approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio and agency experience indicates a need for candidates who can demonstrate a track record of delivering high-quality creative work under pressure, aligning with the operational demand for reliable and skilled execution.

• A highly innovative portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating conceptual strength and technical execution.
• The portfolio should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to translate client briefs and project objectives into compelling visual solutions.
• Examples of work should span various formats, including infographics, event materials, and digital assets, reflecting the breadth of responsibilities.
• For candidates with relevant experience, the portfolio should highlight contributions to motion graphics, digital projects, or eLearning modules.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, including how they approach concept development, client collaboration, and iterative feedback loops.
• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of project timelines and the ability to manage workflow efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Experience in visualising complex information, such as scientific content, should be evident, showcasing a structured approach to data interpretation and representation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and the described interview process (including a portfolio review) indicates that practical demonstration of skills and process is paramount. Candidates should prepare to discuss their workflow, problem-solving techniques, and how they ensure quality and efficiency in their creative output.

Salary Range: £28,000 to £33,000 per annum, dependent on previous experience.

• Note: Costello Medical utilizes established salary bands to ensure fairness and consistency, eliminating the need for individual salary negotiations.
• Discretionary profit share bonuses paid twice per year, reflecting company performance and employee contribution.
• Hybrid and flexible working options, allowing for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.
• Generous holiday allowance: 25 days per year plus bank and public holidays.
• Holiday buy and sell scheme, offering flexibility in managing annual leave.
• Private Medical Insurance with a "medical history disregard" basis for comprehensive cover.
• Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, and Life Assurance for financial security.
• Full funding and paid study leave for external training and qualifications, supporting continuous professional development.
• Flexible benefits scheme offering cash payments, additional pension contributions, and other customizable options.
• Paid and unpaid sabbaticals based on length of service, acknowledging long-term commitment.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid Working Policy: Up to half of the working time can be conducted from home after passing probation. During the probationary period (typically the first 6 months), remote work is limited to 1 day per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level Graphic Designer role in the UK, particularly with the comprehensive benefits package. The hybrid policy with specific guidelines for probation periods indicates a structured approach to flexible working, common in operations management.

Industry: Healthcare Communications, Market Access, Health Economic and Outcomes Research.

• Costello Medical operates within a highly regulated and specialized sector, requiring precision, scientific accuracy, and ethical considerations in all communications. This context influences the rigor and quality expected in creative output.

Company Size: Global healthcare agency, with multiple office locations.

• The company's growth and global presence suggest a dynamic environment with opportunities for diverse project exposure and cross-functional collaboration. This scale requires robust operational processes to maintain consistency and efficiency across teams and locations.

Founded: Not specified, but listed in the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For since 2017 and B Corporation accredited in 2022.

• The company's consistent recognition as a top employer and its B Corp certification highlight a strong commitment to employee well-being, ethical business practices, and social responsibility, which are key elements of a positive and sustainable work environment.

Team Structure:

• The Creative team is a core part of the agency's service delivery, working closely with project managers, medical communications specialists, and market access teams.
• Collaboration is emphasized, with designers expected to work alongside colleagues to define project scope and strategy from the outset.
• The team is passionate about data visualization and communicating scientific content effectively, indicating a focus on clarity, accuracy, and impact in their work.

Methodology:

• The agency employs a structured approach to project management, ensuring that creative projects are developed from concept to full production with clear objectives and timelines.
• Data visualization is a key methodology, requiring designers to interpret and present complex information in an accessible and engaging manner.
• A commitment to client service and building strong partnerships is integral to their operational approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on being a "Best Company to Work For" and its B Corp status suggest a culture that values employee development, collaboration, and ethical operations. This is crucial for understanding the operational ethos and how teams function.

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Graphic Designer.

• This role is positioned as a key contributor within the Creative team, responsible for executing projects and collaborating on strategy. It offers a solid foundation for career progression within creative operations or specialized design roles.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to a senior member of the Creative team or potentially a Creative Director, depending on the internal structure.
• Collaboration is expected with Project Managers, other designers, and client teams, indicating a cross-functional reporting and working dynamic.

Operations Impact:

• The role directly impacts the agency's ability to deliver high-quality client projects, influencing client satisfaction, retention, and the agency's reputation for creative excellence.
• Efficient and effective design execution contributes to project profitability and the overall operational efficiency of the Creative department.
• By enhancing the communication of scientific and healthcare data, the role supports the agency's mission to improve healthcare outcomes.
• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to develop project management skills, client communication techniques, and a deeper understanding of healthcare communications strategy through hands-on experience.
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like data visualization, motion graphics, or digital design within the healthcare context.
• Leadership Potential: With experience, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers, lead creative projects, or move into more senior creative or operations management roles.
• Continuous Learning: Full funding for external training and qualifications, along with one-to-one training from experienced colleagues, supports ongoing skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around both creative specialization and operational skill development. Candidates should consider how their career aspirations align with the potential to grow within a structured agency environment that values both creative talent and operational effectiveness.

Office Type: Hybrid working model with office-based and remote components.

• The company maintains global headquarters in Cambridge, as well as offices in London, Manchester, and Bristol, offering employees choices in their primary work location.
• The hybrid policy emphasizes the benefits of face-to-face interaction for community building and collaboration, while also acknowledging the advantages of remote work for work-life balance.

Office Location(s): Manchester, England, United Kingdom.

• The Manchester office serves as one of the hubs for this role, providing a physical space for collaboration and team engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for spontaneous interactions and structured team meetings. This is key for creative problem-solving and knowledge sharing.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and other necessary digital tools to support project execution.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with a diverse team of designers, project managers, and other specialists, facilitating learning and professional development.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with flexible arrangements available under the hybrid policy.

• This flexibility allows for a structured approach to managing design tasks and personal commitments, supporting sustained productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment, with specific guidelines on office days, reflects a modern operational approach to balancing employee well-being with the need for in-person collaboration essential for creative teams.

Interview Process:

• Step 1: Online Application: Submit CV, cover letter, and a PDF portfolio or link to an online portfolio. The cover letter must address suitability and motivation for joining Costello Medical, supported by examples.
• Step 2: Video Interview: A self-recorded video interview reviewed by the Talent Acquisition team.
• Step 3: Assessment: A timed assessment completed independently, likely testing design skills, problem-solving, or conceptual thinking relevant to operations.
• Step 4: Final Interview & Portfolio Review: An in-person or virtual interview with senior members of the Creative team, including a detailed review of the candidate's portfolio. This stage assesses technical skill, creative approach, and cultural fit.
• Case Study Structure: Prepare 2-3 key projects that showcase your design process, problem-solving capabilities, and the impact of your work. For each, clearly outline the brief, your approach, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the results (if measurable).
• Metrics & ROI: Where possible, quantify the impact of your designs. For example, if a design improved engagement rates or streamlined a process, present this data. Focus on how your creative output supports business objectives.
• Company-Specific Alignment: Demonstrate an understanding of Costello Medical's work in healthcare communications, data visualization, and scientific content. Tailor your presentation to highlight relevant experience and how your skills can contribute to their specific operational needs.
• Process Clarity: Be ready to articulate your workflow, how you adapt to feedback, and how you ensure efficiency and quality in your creative output.
• Design Exercise: Expect a practical design challenge that assesses your ability to respond to a brief under time constraints. Focus on demonstrating your core skills, creative thinking, and adherence to project parameters.
• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and design solutions concisely and engagingly. Be prepared to explain your rationale clearly and answer questions about your creative decisions and operational approach.
• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to discuss how you manage communication with different stakeholders (clients, project managers, colleagues), ensuring clear understanding and managing expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-stage interview process, including a video interview and a practical assessment, is designed to thoroughly evaluate candidates' skills and fit. The emphasis on portfolio review highlights the importance of demonstrating practical application of design principles and operational efficiency.

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout design, publication design, and creating print and digital materials. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency in creating complex layouts and managing document features.
• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logo design, infographics, and custom illustrations. Proficiency in creating scalable graphics and complex visual elements is key.
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Familiarity with other applications within the suite, such as Photoshop (for image editing) or After Effects (for motion graphics), will be advantageous depending on project scope.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary tool for this role, the ability to interpret data for visualization purposes is critical. Understanding how designs contribute to engagement metrics or campaign success would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function but understanding how creative assets are integrated into broader marketing or client communication workflows may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, along with general Adobe Creative Cloud familiarity, underscores the technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools in the context of creating operational deliverables for clients.

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality creative output that meets stringent industry standards and client expectations. This translates to meticulous attention to detail and a drive for perfection in design.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional cooperation. Designers are expected to work closely with project managers and other creative professionals, sharing ideas and supporting collective goals.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and creative approaches to problem-solving, particularly in the realm of data visualization and scientific communication.
• Client Focus: Dedication to providing exceptional service and building strong, lasting relationships with both internal teams and external clients. This means understanding client needs and delivering solutions that meet them effectively.
• Impact & Purpose: A desire to contribute to meaningful projects, including pro bono work for charities, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive difference through creative skills.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work hand-in-hand with project managers and other specialists to define project scope and strategy from the outset, ensuring alignment and efficiency.
• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback on creative work, integrated into the iterative design process.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, new techniques, and insights within the creative team to foster continuous improvement and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative passion and operational discipline. Candidates should demonstrate how their work ethic and collaborative approach align with these core principles, reflecting an understanding of how creative execution supports broader business operations.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Effectively translating complex scientific data and client briefs into visually appealing and accurate designs, often under tight deadlines and budget limitations.
• Adapting to Diverse Projects: Managing a varied workload that spans different project types (infographics, event materials, digital assets, potentially motion graphics) and client needs within the healthcare sector.
• Maintaining High Standards: Consistently delivering exceptional quality and innovative solutions in a fast-paced agency environment, while also managing hybrid working arrangements.
• Staying Current: Keeping abreast of evolving design trends, software updates, and best practices in data visualization and healthcare communications.
• Specialized Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in data visualization, motion graphics, or digital design through hands-on project experience and funded external training.
• Industry Exposure: Working with leading pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, patient bodies, and charities provides exposure to diverse communication challenges and strategic approaches in healthcare.
• Mentorship: Access to one-to-one training from experienced colleagues covering technical design aspects, project management, and client communication, facilitating rapid skill acquisition.
• Career Progression: Potential pathways into senior design roles, creative leadership, or specialized operations positions within the agency, supported by a structured development framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the operational demands of a creative role in a specialized industry. The growth opportunities highlight how overcoming these challenges can lead to significant career advancement and skill enhancement within the operations of a leading healthcare communications agency.

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach designing an infographic to communicate complex clinical trial results to a non-scientific audience while ensuring accuracy and impact? Describe your process from initial brief to final delivery." (Focus on process, audience segmentation, data interpretation, and operational delivery).
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve the situation and ensure a successful outcome for the client and the project?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and project management skills).
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a client has provided a brief for an event that requires a strong visual identity but has a very limited budget. How would you approach this challenge to deliver an effective solution?" (Demonstrate creative problem-solving, resourcefulness, and focus on operational constraints).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Costello Medical and our work in the healthcare sector?" (Research the company's mission, recent projects, and values, particularly their B Corp status and awards).
• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our collaborative and data-driven approach to medical communications?" (Align your skills with their stated methodologies and team culture).
• "How do you ensure your design work aligns with brand guidelines and contributes to measurable business objectives?" (Show an understanding of brand operations and the impact of design on business outcomes).
• Process-Driven Narrative: For each selected project, clearly articulate your role, the project's objectives, your design process, the challenges encountered, your solutions, and the outcomes. Use visuals to support your narrative.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity, successful event execution). Connect your creative output to operational efficiency or client satisfaction.
• Interactive Elements: Be prepared to discuss specific design choices, software techniques, and how you managed project timelines and client expectations. Engage the interviewers by asking questions about their workflow and current projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent, but also an understanding of operational processes, client service, and the ability to deliver results within a structured agency environment.

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided online application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that showcase your proficiency in infographic design, data visualization, and experience with healthcare or scientific content. Ensure it demonstrates your end-to-end design process and problem-solving capabilities.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly outlines your experience with Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, agency or commercial work, and any relevant qualifications. Use keywords from the job description and focus on quantifiable achievements and project responsibilities.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your design process. Prepare specific examples that illustrate your problem-solving skills, collaboration style, and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Research Costello Medical's work and values thoroughly.
• Company Research: Understand Costello Medical's position in the healthcare communications industry, their B Corp status, and their commitment to employee culture. This will help you articulate your motivations and demonstrate cultural fit during the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates must possess a degree-level or higher qualification (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) in a design discipline along with an innovative portfolio, and proven experience in an agency or commercial setting using Adobe InDesign and Illustrator. Essential attributes include strong organizational skills, attention to detail, a problem-solving mindset, and the ability to present work confidently to various audiences.

Discretionary profit share bonuses, Hybrid and flexible working options, Generous holiday allowance, Private medical insurance, Critical illness cover...