Brand Designer
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Brand Designer
Company: Bird & Blend Tea Co.
Location: Worthing, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-Time (Team F/T)
Category: Design / Creative
Date Posted: June 11, 2026
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days per week in office)
🚀 Role Summary
-
Spearhead the visual identity and creative output for an award-winning, B Corp-certified tea company, contributing to its mission of spreading happiness and reimagining tea.
-
Develop and execute engaging, high-quality campaign and product design assets across both digital and print channels, ensuring strong brand consistency.
-
Play a pivotal role in an exciting brand refresh project, shaping the future visual direction of Bird & Blend Tea Co.
-
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Brand, Marketing, and Digital, to deliver impactful design solutions that elevate the customer experience and support commercial objectives.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a dynamic, growing company that emphasizes eco-consciousness and a positive work environment. The Brand Designer will be instrumental in evolving the brand's visual language, particularly during a significant brand refresh. The hybrid work model offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
-
Execute campaign design that engages and inspires audiences across digital and print media, including packaging, point-of-sale (POS) materials, social media content, website assets, presentations, and brochures.
-
Produce high-quality design work for printed materials, encompassing retail visual merchandising (VM), window displays, A-boards, posters, catalogues, and other promotional collateral.
-
Prepare and set up print-ready artwork files to a high technical standard, meticulously ensuring all specifications are correctly applied for accurate, high-quality production output.
-
Act as a vigilant brand guardian, maintaining strong brand consistency across all touchpoints, from intricate details like tea bag tags to expansive large-scale event activations.
-
Contribute significantly to the next generation of the Bird & Blend brand identity as the company embarks on its exciting brand refresh project.
-
Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, contributing creative ideas to campaigns, projects, and wider brand initiatives that align with the company's ethos.
-
Collaborate closely with stakeholders across Brand, Marketing, and Digital teams to ensure exceptional creative outcomes that meet strategic goals.
-
Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, effectively prioritizing high-impact work within a busy Creative Studio setting and managing a critical path.
-
Visually translate and bring the "Bird & Blend Magic" to life, contributing to its evolution and ongoing narrative.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and brand stewardship. The role requires not only strong design skills but also a deep understanding of print production technicalities and the ability to maintain brand integrity across diverse applications. The emphasis on a brand refresh indicates a significant opportunity for the designer to leave their mark on the company's visual identity.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related creative field is highly beneficial.
Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in a fast-paced design-based role, with a proven track record of developing on-brand assets for both digital and print mediums.
Required Skills:
-
Exceptional graphic design skills with a strong visual eye and a portfolio demonstrating commercial design experience.
-
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
-
Working knowledge of Acrobat Pro for document management and preparation.
-
Strong understanding of brand design principles and the importance of consistent execution across all assets.
-
Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to accurately translate brand guidelines and visual identities across multiple formats.
-
Strong proofing skills and disciplined file management practices.
-
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced creative environment.
-
Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and balance a busy critical path.
-
A genuine passion for creating outstanding customer experiences and bringing brand stories to life through engaging, high-quality visual content.
-
Enthusiasm for Bird & Blend’s values, including sustainability, innovation, and exceptional customer experiences. Preferred Skills:
-
Additional skills in animation programs such as After Effects are a significant plus.
-
Experience in packaging design, POS, social media content creation, website design, and brochure design.
-
Familiarity with visual merchandising (VM) principles and print production processes for retail environments.
-
Understanding of typography and its application in brand communication.
-
Experience working within a consumer-facing, fast-paced environment, ideally within the food and beverage or lifestyle sectors.
📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical design skills and experience, particularly within a commercial context. Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The preferred skills indicate areas where candidates can further differentiate themselves, especially those with direct experience in the company's product categories or retail environments.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
A strong, well-curated portfolio is mandatory and will be thoroughly reviewed. It must demonstrate relevant commercial design experience, ideally across product, lifestyle, or brand-led creative work within a fast-paced consumer environment.
-
Showcase a range of projects that highlight your ability to translate brand guidelines and visual identities across multiple formats, including both digital and print media.
-
Include examples of campaign design, packaging, POS, social media content, and any other collateral relevant to a consumer goods brand.
-
Clearly articulate your role and contribution in each project, detailing the design process from concept to final execution.
-
Ensure the portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link to a personal website or a professional online portfolio platform). Process Documentation:
-
While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement for submission, be prepared to discuss your design process during interviews. This includes:
-
How you approach briefs and initial concept development.
-
Your methods for ensuring brand consistency and adherence to guidelines.
-
Your workflow for preparing print-ready artwork and managing files.
-
How you collaborate with stakeholders and incorporate feedback.
-
Your approach to problem-solving and overcoming design challenges.
-
📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element of the application. Candidates should focus on showcasing work that is directly relevant to the responsibilities and preferred skills outlined. Demonstrating a clear, repeatable design process is crucial for interview discussions.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Brand Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the UK, particularly in hybrid roles, the estimated salary range is £30,850 - £34,500 GBP per annum.
Benefits:
-
Proudly recognized as a Sunday Times Best Places To Work 2024 employer.
-
Friendly and supportive team culture with a focus on collaboration, camaraderie, and fun.
-
Membership of a company pension scheme.
-
Holiday accrual that grows with loyalty: 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) that increases with service.
-
Your birthday off.
-
Life Insurance & Income Protection for financial security.
-
Health Cash Plan (after one year of service) for dental, optical, and prescription reimbursements.
-
Life Happens Leave: Paid leave for unexpected life challenges.
-
Complimentary drinks and snacks provided in the office.
-
Monthly tea allowance and a generous staff discount on company products.
-
Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential mental health support.
-
Bike to Work and Electric Vehicle Schemes for sustainable commuting.
-
Paid volunteer days to contribute to the community.
-
Dog-friendly office environment.
-
Enhanced family-friendly policies and flexible working options.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical market rates for a Brand Designer in the UK with the specified experience level, considering the hybrid work arrangement and the company's location. The extensive list of benefits reflects a strong commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which is a significant draw for potential candidates.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Food & Beverage (Specialty Tea), Retail, E-commerce. Bird & Blend Tea Co. operates in a niche but growing market, focusing on innovative tea blends and an engaging customer experience. As a B Corp-certified company, sustainability and ethical practices are core to its identity.
Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "an awesome team, multiple retail stores & a thriving international online store" suggests a medium-sized company, likely between 50-250 employees, fostering a close-knit and collaborative atmosphere.
Founded: Over 10 years ago, with a history of scaling from a small operation (packing tea in a bedroom) to a significant player in the UK tea market. This indicates a culture of growth, innovation, and resilience.
Team Structure:
-
The Brand Designer reports to the Creative Design Manager, indicating a clear reporting line within a creative department.
-
The role is part of an in-house "Studio team," suggesting a collaborative environment with other creative professionals (e.g., other designers, copywriters, content creators).
-
Close collaboration is expected with wider business departments, including Brand, Marketing, and Digital teams, highlighting a cross-functional, integrated approach. Methodology:
-
Data-Driven Creativity: While not explicitly detailed, the company's B Corp status and focus on impact suggest that design decisions are likely informed by brand values, customer insights, and commercial objectives.
-
Process Optimization: The emphasis on efficient workflow, print-ready artwork, and a fast-paced environment implies a structured approach to creative production.
-
Automation & Efficiency: While not a primary focus for a designer, an understanding of how design assets integrate into digital platforms and marketing automation may be beneficial.
Company Website: https://www.birdandblendtea.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: Bird & Blend Tea Co. presents itself as a progressive, mission-driven company. Its B Corp certification and focus on sustainability are key differentiators. The culture is likely energetic, creative, and people-focused, aligning with their "spread happiness" ethos. The growth trajectory suggests a dynamic environment where innovation is encouraged.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Brand Designer. It involves executing design projects with a degree of autonomy, acting as a brand guardian, and contributing to significant brand initiatives like a refresh. It’s a step beyond junior design roles, requiring independent project management and a solid understanding of commercial design application.
Reporting Structure: The Brand Designer reports directly to the Creative Design Manager. This provides a clear mentorship and oversight structure, allowing for guidance on design strategy and career development.
Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's work directly influences customer perception, brand recognition, and commercial success. High-quality, on-brand designs across all touchpoints are crucial for driving sales, building brand loyalty, and supporting marketing campaigns. The brand refresh project represents a significant opportunity to shape the company's future market positioning.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as packaging, digital assets, or print production through project exposure and potential training.
-
Brand Strategy Involvement: As part of the brand refresh project, there's a chance to gain insights into broader brand strategy and identity development, potentially leading to more strategic design roles.
-
Creative Leadership: With demonstrated success and growth, there could be opportunities to move into senior design positions or team lead roles within the Creative Studio as the company expands.
-
Cross-functional Learning: Collaboration with Marketing and Digital teams offers exposure to broader commercial strategies, campaign planning, and e-commerce operations, broadening professional understanding.
📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a "Brand Designer" role, the emphasis on commercial objectives, cross-functional collaboration, and the brand refresh project provides a strong foundation for growth within a GTM (Go-To-Market) or Brand Operations context. The path could lead to Senior Brand Designer, Creative Lead, or even roles with broader brand management responsibilities.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week in their Worthing office. This suggests a modern office space designed to facilitate collaboration and creative work, balanced with remote flexibility.
Office Location(s): Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom (specifically Goring-by-Sea is mentioned for hybrid days). This location offers a coastal setting, which may contribute to the company's relaxed yet creative atmosphere.
Workspace Context:
-
Collaborative Environment: The office setting is designed to foster teamwork, brainstorming, and cross-departmental interaction, essential for a dynamic creative studio.
-
Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and likely a well-equipped creative workspace.
-
Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct communication and feedback with the Creative Design Manager, fellow designers, and teams from Marketing, Brand, and Digital departments. The dog-friendly aspect adds a unique element to the office atmosphere.
Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week, with the hybrid arrangement allowing for flexibility in how those hours are structured between office and home.
📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, offering a balance that many professionals seek. The Worthing office location, combined with the company's ethos, suggests a positive and potentially inspiring work environment. The dog-friendly policy and emphasis on well-being contribute to a unique workplace culture.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Application Review: The first stage will involve a thorough review of your application, with particular emphasis on your CV and, crucially, your portfolio. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
-
Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: You will likely be invited to present your portfolio, either formally or informally, to the Creative Design Manager and potentially other members of the creative team. Be prepared to walk them through your key projects, explaining your design choices, process, and the impact of your work.
-
Skills-Based Interview: Expect questions related to your technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, your understanding of brand guidelines, print production, and digital design principles.
-
Situational & Behavioral Questions: You may be asked about how you handle tight deadlines, collaborate with stakeholders, manage feedback, and contribute to a team environment. Questions will likely tie back to Bird & Blend's values (sustainability, innovation, customer experience).
-
Brand Refresh Discussion: Given the current context, expect discussions about your ideas on brand evolution, your vision for the Bird & Blend brand, and how you would approach a brand refresh project.
-
Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with a higher-level manager or founder to assess cultural fit and overall suitability.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Curate Wisely: Select your strongest, most relevant work. Prioritize projects that demonstrate commercial success, brand consistency, and versatility across digital and print. Include examples of packaging, POS, social media, and any campaign work.
-
Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the brief, your problem-solving approach, your design process, the tools you used, and the outcome or impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "contributed to a 15% increase in engagement").
-
Highlight Brand Guardianship: Show examples where you've successfully applied and maintained brand guidelines, and where you've identified opportunities for improvement or evolution.
-
Technical Proficiency: Ensure your print-ready file preparation is evident in your process description or examples.
-
Tailor to Bird & Blend: If possible, include a speculative piece or a redesign concept that aligns with Bird & Blend's brand and values, demonstrating your understanding and creative vision for them.
Challenge Preparation:
-
While not explicitly mentioned, in fast-paced creative environments, a short design challenge might be given. This could involve creating a social media graphic, adapting an existing design for a new format, or developing a concept for a new campaign element based on a brief.
-
Practice articulating your design decisions concisely and confidently. Be ready to explain your rationale clearly and persuasively.
📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates must invest significant time in preparing a compelling and relevant collection of work. The interview process will likely assess not only technical skills but also cultural fit and creative thinking aligned with Bird & Blend’s unique brand.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
Adobe Creative Suite: This is the core requirement.
- Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and complex layouts.
- Adobe InDesign: Critical for page layout of brochures, catalogues, POS materials, and print collateral.
- Adobe Photoshop: Key for image editing, manipulation, digital asset creation, and mock-ups.
-
Acrobat Pro: Necessary for preparing, editing, and managing PDF files, especially for print production.
Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design impacts digital analytics (e.g., click-through rates for web banners, engagement on social media) is beneficial.
CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable.
Preferred/Additional Tools:
- After Effects: Highly desirable for creating motion graphics, animations, and video content for digital campaigns and social media.
📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a fundamental requirement. While After Effects is listed as a preference, demonstrating experience with it could significantly strengthen an application, especially for roles involving digital content creation.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
Sustainability & Eco-Consciousness: A core value reflected in their B Corp certification and product sourcing. This means designs should ideally consider sustainable materials and messaging.
-
Innovation & Reimagining: The company prides itself on innovation ("reimagining tea") and a creative approach. Designs should reflect this forward-thinking and experimental spirit.
-
People-Focused & Happiness: The mission is to "spread happiness." Designs should aim to be uplifting, engaging, and contribute to a positive customer experience.
-
Exceptional Customer Experiences: A strong emphasis on high-quality output and delightful interactions, meaning designs must be polished, professional, and resonate with the target audience.
-
Attention to Detail: Crucial for brand consistency and technical accuracy in print and digital assets.
Collaboration Style:
-
Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with Brand, Marketing, and Digital teams, indicating a need for strong communication and teamwork to align creative output with business goals.
-
Process Review & Feedback: A fast-paced creative studio environment likely involves regular feedback loops and iterative design processes to refine work.
-
Knowledge Sharing: As part of a team and a growing company, sharing insights, techniques, and inspiration is likely encouraged to foster continuous improvement.
📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built around strong ethical values and a passion for their product and customers. Designers are expected to embody these values in their work, contributing to a positive and impactful brand narrative.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining the established brand identity while contributing to a significant brand refresh and bringing fresh creative ideas to the table.
-
Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple high-priority projects with tight deadlines in a busy creative studio requires excellent time management and prioritization skills.
-
Technical Print Production: Ensuring accuracy and adherence to specifications for print-ready artwork across a wide range of materials can be demanding.
-
Translating Values into Visuals: Effectively communicating the company's core values (sustainability, happiness, innovation) through compelling design.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
Brand Refresh Contribution: Direct involvement in a major brand identity project offers invaluable experience in brand strategy and evolution.
-
Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working closely with Marketing and Digital teams provides opportunities to learn about campaign strategy, e-commerce, and content marketing.
-
Advanced Software Skills: The preference for After Effects suggests potential to develop skills in motion graphics and animation.
-
Mentorship: Guidance from the Creative Design Manager and senior team members can support professional growth.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for a designer to grow their skills and influence within a values-driven company. The challenges are balanced by substantial learning potential, particularly in brand development and cross-functional collaboration.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
"Describe your process for developing campaign designs from brief to final artwork, focusing on how you ensure brand consistency and creative impact." (Prepare to discuss your workflow, concept development, and stakeholder feedback incorporation.)
-
"How do you approach balancing creative innovation with strict brand guidelines, especially when working on a brand refresh project?" (Be ready to provide examples of where you've pushed creative boundaries while respecting brand integrity.)
-
"Walk us through a project where you had to manage multiple design deliverables with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure quality?" (Prepare a specific case study demonstrating your project management and prioritization skills.) Company & Culture Questions:
-
"What excites you about Bird & Blend Tea Co.'s mission and values, and how do you see your design work contributing to them?" (Research their B Corp status, sustainability initiatives, and "spread happiness" ethos.)
-
"How would you describe your ideal collaborative working relationship with Brand, Marketing, and Digital teams?" (Emphasize communication, feedback, and alignment.)
-
"How do you ensure your designs resonate with a target audience and create an exceptional customer experience?" (Focus on user-centric design principles and storytelling.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio presentation logically. Start with an overview of your experience, then dive into 2-3 key projects, detailing the brief, your process, challenges, and outcomes.
-
Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., engagement rates, conversion lifts, positive customer feedback).
-
Highlight Brand Refresh Readiness: Explicitly discuss your approach to brand evolution and how you'd contribute to the Bird & Blend brand refresh.
-
Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss your technical skills, particularly your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of print production.
-
Enthusiasm & Fit: Convey your genuine passion for design, the Bird & Blend brand, and your eagerness to contribute to their team.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical design skills but also strategic thinking, strong communication, and a genuine alignment with Bird & Blend's values and mission. The portfolio is key, but the ability to articulate your process and impact is equally important.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Brand Designer position:
-
Submit your application through the provided link on the Bird & Blend Tea Co. careers page.
-
Customize your Resume: Tailor your CV to highlight your experience in graphic design, brand design, packaging, digital assets, and print production, using keywords from the job description. Emphasize achievements and quantifiable results where possible.
-
Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best and most relevant work, and is easily accessible via a link. Focus on commercial design examples for fast-paced consumer environments.
-
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter that explains your interest in Bird & Blend Tea Co., how your skills align with the role, and why you are excited about contributing to their brand, especially the upcoming refresh.
-
Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling, explaining your design process, and highlighting your impact and technical proficiency. Be ready to discuss how you embody Bird & Blend's values.
⚠️ 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
Requires a strong portfolio demonstrating commercial design experience in a fast-paced consumer environment and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates must have excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.