Creative Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Creative Graphic Designer

Company: TKO (The R&A Content Team)

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Sports & Recreation / Marketing

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end creative development for digital campaigns, social media, and marketing materials, from initial ideation through to final delivery.

• Collaborate closely with the content team to generate innovative ideas and high-quality graphic assets for various digital channels, including social media, websites, and email communications.

• Ensure consistent brand identity and visual storytelling across The R&A's owned and operated amateur digital platforms, focusing on governance, sustainability, rules, and handicapping.

• Bring a proactive "producer mindset" to explore and implement creative strategies that enhance fan engagement and storytelling within the sports industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is within IMG, a subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings, which owns iconic sports and entertainment properties like UFC and WWE. The core focus is on supporting The R&A's content and marketing portfolio, requiring a strong understanding of digital content creation within a sports governance context. The emphasis on "end-to-end creative development" and a "producer mindset" indicates a need for a designer who can manage projects independently and contribute strategically to content ideation, not just execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the entire creative development process, from conceptualization and ideation to final asset delivery for digital campaigns and marketing initiatives.

• Support the content team by generating innovative design concepts, hygiene graphics, digital campaign assets, and branding elements.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions with the content team and account managers to ideate and develop compelling creative concepts.

• Adopt a "producer mindset" to explore and implement creative approaches that maximize audience engagement across digital platforms.

• Produce visually engaging designs, graphic elements, and overall visual treatments that align with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• Collaborate with the content team to ensure briefs are clear, concise, and aligned with strategic goals, while also setting realistic timelines and ensuring timely delivery of all creative outputs.

• Maintain effective communication with project leads and stakeholders, demonstrating the ability to manage upwards and provide clear updates.

• Uphold brand continuity across all content visuals for The R&A's various amateur brands, ensuring a cohesive brand experience.

• Provide support to the broader marketing and brand functions as needed, contributing to overall brand initiatives.

• Be flexible to work occasional weekends and extended hours, particularly during major events like The Open, AIG Women's Open, and other amateur events, requiring full availability during these periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can manage multiple projects simultaneously, effectively communicate with various stakeholders, and adapt to the dynamic nature of sports event coverage. The requirement for occasional weekend and extended hours during key events is a critical aspect of working within the sports industry calendar.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on digital content creation and a portfolio demonstrating advanced creative capabilities.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and After Effects.

• Proven ability to drive end-to-end creative development, from ideation to final delivery.

• Strong visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative ideas both verbally and visually.

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring high-quality standards in all creative outputs.

• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to initiate design ideas and take initiative.

• Strong time management skills, with the capacity to manage conflicting deadlines effectively.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment and work independently on diverse design tasks.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with PowerPoint for presentations.

• Background and demonstrable interest in the sports industry, particularly golf, and an understanding of its design trends.

• Knowledge of live graphics design processes and implementation.

• Basic ability and interest in motion design.

• Basic ability and interest in editing short-form vertical video.

• Working knowledge of AI tools and their application in supporting creative delivery.

• Experience working with templates and style guides to maintain brand consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "advanced skills" in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications, coupled with a "portfolio demonstrating high levels of creativity," suggests that candidates will be rigorously assessed on their technical execution and conceptual thinking. The "desirable" skills point towards a preference for candidates who can bring specialized knowledge in motion graphics, video editing, and AI, indicating a forward-thinking approach to content creation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of innovative and inspiring design work, with a strong emphasis on digital content and campaigns.

• Demonstrations of end-to-end creative development, illustrating the journey from initial concept to final, polished output.

• Examples of work that highlight the ability to experiment, develop, and resolve authentic creative solutions.

• Visuals that confirm an understanding of brand continuity and the ability to apply templates and style guides effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process used for key projects, from brief interpretation to final asset delivery.

• Evidence of managing timelines and collaborating with teams to achieve project milestones.

• Examples of how feedback was incorporated into the design process to refine creative outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly requests a portfolio that "demonstrates high levels of creativity" and "an ability to experiment, develop and resolve authentic creative outputs." This implies that the portfolio should not only showcase visual skill but also the candidate's problem-solving approach and innovative thinking. The mention of "hygiene graphics" and "digital campaigns" suggests a need for versatile design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Creative Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in London, UK, a competitive salary range is estimated between £30,000 - £45,000 per annum. This range accounts for the required technical skills, creative experience, and the specific demands of working within a major sports and entertainment organization.

Benefits:

• Permanent position with TKO Group Holdings, offering stability and career progression opportunities.

• Opportunity to work with iconic sports properties such as UFC, WWE, and The R&A, contributing to high-profile global events.

• Access to a dynamic and collaborative work environment within the sports and entertainment industry.

• Potential for professional development and learning opportunities, particularly in emerging areas like AI in design.

• Standard UK employment benefits are likely to apply, which may include a pension scheme, paid time off, and relevant professional development support.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are 9:00 – 17:00, Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility, with potential for unsocial hours and weekend work dictated by business demands, especially during major events like The Open and AIG Women's Open.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on current market data for similar roles in London, UK, considering the experience level and industry. The benefits are inferred from the nature of a permanent, full-time role within a large, established sports and entertainment company, along with the specific mention of working hours and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports Marketing, Media, Entertainment, and Technology. TKO Group Holdings is a major player, owning UFC, WWE, and PBR, and leveraging IMG for sports marketing and On Location for premium hospitality. This role specifically supports The R&A's content and marketing functions, focusing on golf.

Company Size: TKO Group Holdings is a large, publicly traded company (NYSE: TKO) with a significant global presence. IMG, as a subsidiary, operates as a leading global sports marketing agency. The R&A is a prominent golf organization. This implies a large-scale operational environment with diverse teams.

Founded: TKO Group Holdings was formed in 2023 through the merger of UFC and WWE. IMG has a long history in sports marketing, founded in 1960. The R&A is one of golf's governing bodies, with roots tracing back to 1764. This blend of established entities and newer corporate structures suggests a dynamic, evolving culture.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within The R&A's content and marketing portfolio, likely collaborating closely with content creators, campaign managers, and brand specialists.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Content Lead or Marketing Manager, with dotted lines to project managers and account managers involved in specific campaigns.

Methodology:

• Data-driven content creation, informed by audience engagement metrics and campaign performance.

• Agile project management for campaign execution, ensuring timely delivery and adaptability to evolving needs.

• Collaborative ideation and feedback loops to foster innovation and creative excellence.

• Emphasis on storytelling to connect with fans and promote the values of golf, governance, and sustainability.

Company Website: https://www.tko.com/, https://www.img.com/, https://www.randa.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights a multi-faceted organization with a strong focus on sports and entertainment. The role's specific connection to The R&A means that while part of TKO, the day-to-day operations and culture will be heavily influenced by golf's specific landscape, its governance, and its amateur base.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as an intermediate-level role (2-5 years of experience), focusing on specialized creative execution and contributing to end-to-end campaign development. It's a hands-on design role with opportunities for creative leadership within specific projects.

Reporting Structure: The graphic designer will report to a manager within The R&A's content or marketing team, working closely with campaign leads and content specialists. This structure allows for direct creative input while ensuring alignment with broader marketing strategies.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work will directly influence the visual appeal and engagement rates of The R&A's digital content. High-quality visuals are crucial for storytelling, brand perception, and driving fan interaction across social media, web, and email, thereby impacting the organization's reach and influence within the amateur golf community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Specialization: Deepen expertise in motion graphics, video editing, or AI-assisted design, becoming a go-to specialist for advanced content formats.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading creative aspects of larger campaigns or managing junior designers as the team expands.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to broader marketing strategy, brand management, and potentially other IMG/TKO sports properties, opening avenues for diverse career paths within the organization.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in golf marketing and sports governance communications, becoming a valuable asset within the sports industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around developing specialized skills within the creative domain and gaining broader exposure within the large TKO/IMG ecosystem, offering a clear path for career advancement in the sports and entertainment marketing sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Chiswick Park, London. This is a modern business park environment, often featuring collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and amenities designed to foster productivity and employee well-being.

Office Location(s): Chiswick Park, London, UK. This location offers good transport links within London.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely to be a mix of individual design stations and collaborative areas, supporting both focused creative work and team brainstorming.

• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware will be provided.

• The environment encourages interaction with the content and marketing teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the role requires significant flexibility, with the expectation of working occasional weekends and extra hours, particularly during major events like The Open and AIG Women's Open, to ensure timely delivery of content.

📝 Enhancement Note: Chiswick Park is known for its modern amenities and focus on employee experience, suggesting a professional and well-equipped work environment. The flexibility requirement is a key aspect of this role, aligning with the fast-paced nature of sports event coverage.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio against stated requirements. Candidates will be assessed on their technical skills, creative output, and relevant experience.

• Creative Challenge/Task: Candidates may be asked to complete a take-home design task or a live design exercise to assess their creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency with design tools under timed conditions. This will likely involve creating assets for a hypothetical R&A campaign.

• Interview Panel: Discussion with the hiring manager and potentially other members of the content or marketing team. Questions will focus on design philosophy, creative process, experience with sports marketing, and ability to collaborate.

• Final Interview: May involve a presentation of their portfolio and/or creative task, demonstrating their communication skills and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-8 of your strongest projects that best align with the job description, focusing on digital campaigns, social media graphics, and any sports-related work.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, and the results or impact of your design.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that show your ability to adapt to different brand styles and formats (e.g., static graphics, short animations, social media stories).

• Showcase Innovation: Include projects that demonstrate creative ideation, unique visual solutions, and an experimental approach.

• Golf/Sports Relevance: If possible, include any projects related to golf or other sports to demonstrate industry interest and understanding.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand The R&A: Research The R&A's mission, values, current campaigns, and brand guidelines. Familiarize yourself with their existing digital presence and target audience.

• Anticipate Brief: Prepare for a design brief that might involve creating social media assets, web banners, or email graphics for a specific R&A initiative (e.g., a tournament, a sustainability program, or a new rule announcement).

• Practice Timed Execution: Simulate timed design sessions to improve your speed and efficiency in executing tasks.

• Prepare Presentation: Be ready to clearly articulate your design choices, rationale, and how your work meets the objectives of the brief.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to heavily weigh the candidate's portfolio and practical design skills. A creative challenge is a common practice for design roles to assess real-world application of skills and problem-solving under pressure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and After Effects for all aspects of graphic design, layout, illustration, and motion graphics.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Beneficial for creating presentations and visual aids for internal stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but awareness of how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-linked campaigns might be helpful for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is heavily centered on the Adobe Creative Suite, with a specific emphasis on After Effects for motion graphics, indicating a need for dynamic visual content creation. AI tools are mentioned as a growing area of support, suggesting an openness to integrating new technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the production of fresh, engaging content that stands out in the digital landscape.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-standard visuals that uphold the integrity of The R&A brand and its properties.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering a team environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructive, and projects are completed efficiently through joint effort.

• Passion for Sport: A genuine interest in golf and the wider sporting world, which fuels creative output and understanding of the target audience.

• Adaptability & Proactivity: Embracing change, proactively seeking new creative solutions, and adapting to the fast-paced demands of the sports industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with content strategists, writers, campaign managers, and potentially event organizers to ensure visual assets align with overall communication goals.

• Feedback Loops: An open culture for constructive criticism and iterative design improvements, ensuring the final output meets expectations.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, new techniques, and inspirations to collectively enhance the team's creative capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values a blend of creative flair and disciplined execution, essential for a brand like The R&A. The emphasis on passion for sport is a key cultural indicator for roles within this industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Guidelines with Creative Innovation: Consistently producing fresh, engaging content while adhering to strict brand guidelines and governance requirements.

• Meeting Fast-Paced Demands: Managing multiple projects and tight deadlines, especially during major sporting events, requires exceptional time management and resilience.

• Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying abreast of rapidly changing social media trends, design tools (including AI), and audience expectations for digital content.

• Storytelling Complexity: Translating nuanced topics like golf governance, sustainability initiatives, and rules into compelling visual narratives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Creative Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in motion graphics, video editing, and potentially 3D design through internal training or external courses.

• AI in Design: Learning to leverage AI tools to enhance workflow efficiency, generate concepts, and explore new creative avenues.

• Sports Marketing Insights: Gaining deeper knowledge of sports marketing strategies, audience engagement within the golf sector, and event-specific content needs.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into roles with greater creative responsibility, campaign management, or leadership within the IMG/TKO network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for creative roles in dynamic industries, requiring continuous learning and adaptability. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear pathways for skill enhancement and career advancement within a major sports and entertainment organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a creative concept from a brief to final assets. How do you ensure it meets both strategic goals and brand guidelines?" (Focus on your end-to-end process, ideation techniques, and brand adherence.)

• "How would you approach creating engaging visual content for a golf governance topic like sustainability or new rules, to resonate with an amateur audience?" (Highlight your storytelling ability and understanding of the target audience.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with The R&A and the sport of golf specifically?" (Show genuine interest and research into the organization and sport.)

• "How do you stay updated on current design trends, especially within the sports and digital media landscape?" (Emphasize continuous learning and proactive engagement with industry developments.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest, most relevant work first.

• Tell the Story: For each piece, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your creative process, the challenges you faced, and the outcome or impact. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Key Skills: Point out specific examples of your proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and After Effects, and how you utilized them to achieve design goals.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase a range of work that proves your ability to adapt to different styles, formats, and project requirements.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical execution, and how you would approach specific challenges for The R&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong creative process, a passion for sports (especially golf), and the ability to execute high-quality work within a brand-conscious environment. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Creative Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight achievements and responsibilities that directly align with the core requirements, such as end-to-end creative development, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and experience with digital campaigns. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Select your most relevant and impressive work, focusing on digital content, social media graphics, and any sports-related projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your creative ideation and technical skills.

• Prepare for the interview: Research TKO, IMG, and The R&A thoroughly, understanding their brand, mission, and recent campaigns. Practice articulating your design process and creative rationale for your portfolio pieces.

• Consider a brief: If a creative challenge is provided, approach it strategically, focusing on understanding the brief, demonstrating creativity, and executing efficiently within any given time constraints.

⚠️ 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.

---