Brand Designer (9 month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer (9 month FTC)

Company: GoCardless

Location: London, UK

Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term Contract

Category: Marketing Operations / Brand & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-06T07:58:13

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive organic sign-ups and brand awareness through the creation of engaging paid and organic social media assets.

• Contribute to the evolution of the GoCardless brand identity and visual language across all touchpoints.

• Support acquisition, lifecycle marketing, and product launch campaigns with compelling design solutions.

• Optimize design workflows and processes through active participation in Design Operations initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with content and marketing stakeholders to ensure brand consistency and campaign effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses heavily on the creative aspects of brand design, this role has significant implications for Revenue Operations and Marketing Operations. The designer will be instrumental in creating assets that directly impact lead generation, customer acquisition, and brand perception, all of which are critical KPIs for GTM and Ops teams. The emphasis on "design operations" and "optimising how we work" suggests a need for process thinking and efficiency, aligning with operational best practices. The role is a Fixed-Term Contract (FTC), indicating a project-based need, likely tied to specific growth initiatives or campaign launches.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce visually compelling paid and organic social media assets that align with GoCardless' brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• Develop creative concepts and execute designs for a wide range of marketing initiatives, including digital ads, landing pages, direct mail, and event collateral.

• Collaborate with marketing, content, and product teams to translate complex concepts into clear, user-centric designs that resonate with target merchants.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the GoCardless brand system, ensuring consistency and scalability across all platforms.

• Prepare and optimize design assets for production, ensuring readiness for various channels and media types.

• Actively participate in design operations, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and leverage new tools (including AI) within the design process.

• Assist in the creation of micro-animations and interactive elements for digital products and campaigns.

• Maintain a high standard of visual craft and attention to detail across all design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight the intersection of creative execution and operational efficiency. The emphasis on "acquisition campaigns," "lifecycle marketing," and "product launch campaigns" directly ties into GTM strategies, where design plays a crucial role in conversion rates and customer engagement. The mention of "design operations" and "optimising how we work" suggests that candidates with an understanding of process mapping, workflow automation, and system optimization within a design context will be highly valued.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is implied by the nature of the role.

Experience: 2+ years of professional design experience, preferably within an in-house team at a technology company (especially VC-backed) or a reputable branding agency.

Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Native-level expertise in Figma, with a strong understanding of building scalable design systems.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for asset creation and production preparation.

• AI in Design: Familiarity and enthusiasm for leveraging AI tools in design processes, including asset generation and workflow acceleration.

• Art Direction & Visual Taste: A discerning eye for visual aesthetics and the ability to apply judgment across diverse channels and disciplines.

• Understanding of Brand Systems: Ability to work with and contribute to evolving brand guidelines and design systems.

• Asset Preparation: Competence in preparing assets for various production outputs.

• Business Acumen: Understanding of how design decisions align with business objectives and user needs.

• Project & Stakeholder Management: Confidence in managing multiple projects and stakeholders concurrently.

• Adaptive Problem Solving: A flexible and self-starting approach to design challenges, with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Team Collaboration: Willingness to engage in all aspects of the design process and contribute to team success.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Design Tools: Familiarity with After Effects, Jitter, Cavalry, Rive, or equivalent for creating micro-animations and interactive elements.

• Curiosity for Emerging Tools: Enthusiasm for exploring and adopting new design technologies and workflows.

• Experience in Technology/FinTech: Previous experience designing for a technology company, particularly in the FinTech sector, is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section heavily emphasizes technical proficiency in design tools and a forward-thinking approach to AI and emerging technologies. For operations professionals, this translates to candidates who can not only create visually appealing assets but also understand the underlying systems and processes that enable efficient, scalable design production. The "Business Acumen" and "Project & Stakeholder Management" skills are critical for aligning design efforts with GTM strategies and ensuring smooth project execution, which is a key concern for Revenue and Marketing Operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: The portfolio must include relevant case studies that demonstrate the ability to design at a high level across a variety of channels and media types, directly aligning with the role's specified responsibilities (social media, digital ads, landing pages, etc.).

• System Thinking: Showcase examples of how you've contributed to or built scalable design systems, demonstrating an understanding of optimization for scale and automation within tools like Figma.

• Process Optimization Examples: Include examples of how you've improved design workflows or leveraged AI to expedite processes, highlighting efficiency gains.

• Brand Evolution/Application: Demonstrate experience in applying and evolving brand identity across different platforms and campaign types.

• Visual Craft & Detail: Portfolio pieces should clearly exhibit a strong attention to detail and a high level of visual execution.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, candidates are expected to be able to articulate their design processes, including:

  • Workflow design and optimization for marketing and brand campaigns.

  • Implementation of new tools or methodologies (e.g., AI, new design software) to enhance efficiency.

  • Measurement of design impact, even if qualitative, through case study outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Brand Designer role with operational undertones, the portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase creative output but also the candidate's understanding of process, scalability, and efficiency. Operations professionals will look for evidence of how the candidate approaches design tasks systematically, how they manage projects, and how they contribute to a more efficient operational workflow within the design function. Demonstrating an understanding of how design impacts business outcomes (ROI via acquisition, engagement) is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £43,200 - £64,800 per annum.

• Note: Base salary is determined by factors including geography, experience level, interview assessment, and internal parity. There is no guarantee that an offer will reach the upper limit of the stated range.

Benefits:

• Wellbeing: Dedicated support and medical cover.

• Work Away Scheme: Ability to work remotely from anywhere for up to 90 days in any 12-month period.

• Hybrid Working: Flexible model with in-office days determined by the team.

• Equity: All permanently employed staff receive equity.

• Parental Leave: Tailored leave packages.

• Time Off: Annual holiday leave (location-based), 3 volunteer days, and 4 wellness days.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week (implied by standard full-time employment).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the UK market for a mid-level Brand Designer role. For a London-based position, this range is competitive. Considering the "Work Away Scheme" and "Hybrid Working," the benefits package offers significant flexibility, which is often a key consideration for operations professionals who value work-life balance and autonomy in their work environment. The equity component is a strong incentive for long-term commitment to the company's success.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (FinTech), specifically focusing on Bank Payments and Direct Debit.

Company Size: GoCardless processes over US$130bn in payments annually and serves over 100,000 businesses, indicating a significant operational scale. The company has offices in multiple countries, suggesting a mid-to-large enterprise structure.

Founded: GoCardless was founded to simplify bank payments, growing to become a global leader. This history implies a culture of innovation, problem-solving, and adaptation within the FinTech space.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Global Growth team, working closely with content and marketing stakeholders. This implies a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.

• The designer will be part of a broader design team, suggesting opportunities for peer learning and mentorship within the design discipline.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: GoCardless emphasizes AI-powered solutions and processing large volumes of data, suggesting a data-informed culture across the organization.

• User-Centricity: The company highlights its focus on users and distilling complex concepts into simple, user-centric designs, indicating a strong user experience (UX) ethos.

• Agile/Iterative: The mention of "product led company" and the iterative nature of design work (shipping vs. pausing for iteration) points towards agile or iterative methodologies.

Company Website: https://gocardless.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: GoCardless operates within the FinTech sector, a dynamic and often complex industry. The company's scale and global presence mean that operational efficiency and clear communication are paramount. For a designer, this means working within established brand frameworks while also contributing to growth initiatives that have tangible business impact. The emphasis on values like "start with why," "make it happen," "act with integrity," "care deeply," and "be humble" shapes the collaborative and performance-oriented culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level (2-5 years of experience), suitable for a designer ready to take on more responsibility and contribute significantly to brand and growth initiatives. It's not an entry-level position, and it's not yet a senior leadership role, but it offers substantial autonomy.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Global Growth team and will work closely with content and marketing stakeholders. While the direct reporting line isn't specified, it's likely to be to a Design Lead or Head of Marketing/Growth within that team.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's work directly influences key operational metrics for the Global Growth team, including:

• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): Through effective campaign asset design.

• Conversion Rates: Via compelling landing pages and digital ads.

• Brand Engagement: By creating impactful social media and lifecycle marketing content.

• Operational Efficiency: By contributing to design operations and optimizing workflows.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like motion design, AI-driven design workflows, and campaign asset creation for FinTech.

• Brand System Development: Contribute to the strategic evolution of a global brand's visual identity.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Gain experience working with diverse teams (marketing, content, product) and understanding their operational needs.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects of specific campaigns or product launches, showcasing project management and execution skills.

• Exposure to Design Operations: Learn about and contribute to optimizing design processes and team efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This FTC role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact within a growing company. For operations professionals, understanding this role's impact on GTM metrics is key. The growth opportunities are less about climbing a traditional ladder and more about expanding skill sets, gaining exposure to different facets of marketing and design operations, and potentially influencing future design strategies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: GoCardless operates a hybrid working model. While specific office details are not provided, the company has offices in London and Leeds, UK, as well as international locations. The London office is likely the primary hub for this role.

Office Location(s): London, UK. The description doesn't specify exact office addresses but implies a physical presence for hybrid work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with content and marketing teams, suggesting an open and communicative workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Suite) and an encouragement to explore emerging tools, including AI.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with design peers and cross-functional teams, fostering knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While the standard working hours are approximately 40 per week, the hybrid model and "Work Away Scheme" offer considerable flexibility, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment, coupled with the "Work Away Scheme," suggests a modern, flexible approach that appeals to professionals who value autonomy and work-life balance. For operations roles, this flexibility is often appreciated, as it allows for focused work periods and dedicated time for collaboration. The emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity in the hiring process also points to a supportive work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The typical interview process at GoCardless, given its structure and emphasis on values, likely includes:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a Talent Partner to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio with a hiring manager or senior designer. This stage will likely involve discussing specific case studies, design choices, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions about how you've handled complex projects, leveraged AI, and built design systems.

• Skills-Based Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise or case study, potentially focused on creating assets for a GoCardless campaign or solving a specific design problem. This will assess your ability to apply required skills under simulated work conditions.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversations with potential team members (marketing, content, other designers) to evaluate collaboration style, humility, and alignment with GoCardless' values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit and impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to social media assets, digital campaigns, brand evolution, and ideally, FinTech or technology companies.

• Showcase Process: For each case study, detail your thought process, the problem you were solving, your approach, the tools you used (especially Figma and AI), and the outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%").

• Highlight System Thinking: Clearly present any work related to design systems, scalability, and automation within Figma.

• Demonstrate AI Usage: If you've used AI tools, explain how and why, focusing on efficiency gains or enhanced creative output.

• Visual Craft & Detail: Ensure all presented work is polished, high-resolution, and free of errors.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to verbally walk through your projects, articulate your design decisions, and answer questions about your experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand GoCardless: Research GoCardless' brand, target audience, current marketing campaigns, and value proposition. Understand their mission and values.

• Focus on Growth: Given the role is in the Global Growth team, any practical exercise will likely focus on driving acquisition or engagement.

• AI & Efficiency: Be prepared to incorporate AI or discuss process optimization if a challenge is given.

• Clarity from Complexity: Practice distilling complex financial services concepts into simple, effective visual communications.

• Time Management: If given a timed exercise, practice working efficiently and delivering a well-reasoned solution within the allocated time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a creative role with operational implications requires a strong emphasis on both creative output and process. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they designed, but how they designed it, why they made certain choices, and how it fits into a larger operational and business context. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating this, and the interview process will probe these areas deeply.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool, with expectations for advanced system-building capabilities.

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop for a range of design tasks.

• AI Design Tools: Familiarity with generative AI tools for asset creation, concept exploration, and process acceleration.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are listed as direct requirements for the designer. However, understanding how marketing automation platforms (used by marketing stakeholders) utilize design assets will be helpful. Familiarity with email marketing platforms and their design constraints could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily design-centric. The key takeaway for operations professionals is the emphasis on efficiency and scalability through tools like Figma and AI. This suggests a company that values leveraging technology to optimize creative output, a mindset that aligns well with operational principles of process improvement and automation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Start with Why: Every design project should align with GoCardless' mission and strategic goals.

• Make It Happen: Demonstrates urgency, accountability, and a proactive approach to delivering design solutions.

• Act with Integrity: Upholding ethical design practices and brand standards.

• Care Deeply: A passion for users, the craft of design, and contributing to the company's success.

• Be Humble: Essential for effective teamwork, accepting feedback, and engaging in all aspects of the design process.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with content and marketing teams to achieve shared growth objectives.

• Process-Oriented: Active participation in "Design Operations" to optimize workflows and team efficiency.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to constructive criticism and collaborative iteration on design work.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights, best practices, and learnings with peers and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: GoCardless' stated values are deeply embedded in their operational philosophy. For a designer, this means not just executing creative tasks but understanding the strategic context, collaborating effectively, and contributing to the team's overall operational efficiency. The emphasis on humility and caring deeply suggests a supportive yet high-performance culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Consistency: Maintaining a fresh and innovative brand expression while adhering to established guidelines and strategic objectives.

• Speed vs. Quality: Delivering high-quality assets quickly for fast-paced marketing campaigns, especially within a fixed-term contract.

• Distilling Complexity: Translating intricate FinTech concepts into simple, accessible, and visually appealing designs for diverse audiences.

• Adapting to Evolving Tools: Staying current with rapidly changing design technologies, particularly AI, and integrating them effectively into workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen FinTech Brand Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in branding for the financial technology sector.

• Master Design Systems & Automation: Enhance skills in building and managing scalable design systems and leveraging automation within design tools.

• AI in Creative Workflows: Become proficient in utilizing AI for creative ideation, asset generation, and process optimization.

• Campaign Design Strategy: Develop a strong understanding of how design contributes to successful acquisition, lifecycle, and product launch campaigns.

• Cross-Functional Impact: Experience the direct impact of design on key business metrics within a growth-focused team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in fast-paced, growth-oriented companies, especially in FinTech. For operations professionals, understanding these challenges highlights the need for resilient, adaptable, and process-minded individuals who can manage ambiguity and drive results. The growth opportunities are geared towards practical skill development and strategic impact, aligning with a career progression focused on operational excellence within creative functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex concept into a visual design. What was your process?" (Focus on clarity from complexity, user-centricity)

• "How do you approach building or contributing to a design system? What are the benefits you see for scalability and automation?" (Focus on Figma expertise, system thinking, operational efficiency)

• "Tell me about your experience using AI in your design workflow. What tools have you used, and what impact did they have on your process or output?" (Focus on AI familiarity, process acceleration)

• "How do you balance creative vision with brand guidelines and business objectives?" (Focus on business acumen, art direction)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do GoCardless' values (e.g., 'Start with Why,' 'Make It Happen,' 'Be Humble') resonate with your working style?" (Focus on cultural alignment)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration with content and marketing teams. How do you ensure alignment and effective communication?" (Focus on collaboration style, stakeholder management)

• "What excites you most about working in FinTech or for GoCardless specifically?" (Focus on industry interest, company mission)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, starting with your most relevant and impactful work. For each case study, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Solution -> Outcome.

• Highlight Process: For each piece, explain your thought process, the tools used (especially Figma and AI), and the rationale behind your design decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics demonstrating the success of your designs (e.g., engagement rates, conversion improvements, efficiency gains).

• Demonstrate Scalability: Showcase examples of design systems or assets that are designed for scale and reuse.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects efficiently, as time will be limited. Focus on the most impactful details.

• Engage: Be ready to answer questions and engage in a discussion about your work, demonstrating your passion and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role requires a blend of creative storytelling and operational awareness. Candidates must be ready to articulate their design process, justify their decisions with business objectives, and demonstrate an understanding of how their work contributes to broader organizational goals. The emphasis on AI and design systems suggests a forward-thinking approach that aligns with modern operations practices.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the GoCardless careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight projects demonstrating proficiency in social media asset creation, digital campaign design, brand evolution, and experience with Figma and AI tools. Tailor your selection to showcase your ability to drive acquisition and engagement.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 2+ years of relevant experience, emphasizing achievements in design execution, process optimization, and collaboration with marketing/growth teams. Use keywords from the job description such as "Figma," "AI," "brand systems," and "acquisition campaigns."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and adapting to new technologies. Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and impactfully.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research GoCardless' mission, values, target audience, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their FinTech context and how design plays a role in their growth strategy. Familiarize yourself with their brand guidelines if publicly available.

⚠️ 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.