Freelance Marketing Designer

Substantial Group
Full-time

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Marketing Designer

Company: Substantial Group

Location: Remote (United Kingdom)

Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: August 3, 2026

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

Remote Status: Fully Remote

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Creative Design Execution: Responsible for designing and updating website pages, banners, landing pages, and general UX improvements, ensuring visual appeal and user engagement.

  • Social Media & Campaign Asset Creation: Develops compelling visual assets for social media campaigns and broader marketing initiatives, strictly adhering to established brand guidelines.

  • Marketing Collateral Production: Creates professional marketing materials such as one-pagers, brochures, and presentation templates to support sales and marketing efforts.

  • Short-Form Video Content: Produces engaging short-form video content (30-60 seconds) for social media and YouTube, including editing, captions, and thumbnail design.

  • Project Management & Collaboration: Manages design tasks using ClickUp, collaborates closely with the Campaign & Content Manager for visual consistency, and interfaces with the development team for web page implementation.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a freelance, part-time, and temporary engagement, focusing on a specific set of design deliverables within a 3-month rolling contract. The compensation structure is a fixed monthly retainer, suggesting a need for consistent output and reliable delivery within a structured, albeit flexible, daily schedule. The emphasis on "high-trust" and "real ownership" implies a need for a self-starter with proven independent work capabilities.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and continuously update website pages, including layouts, banners, and landing pages, with a focus on enhancing user experience (UX).

  • Create a diverse range of visual assets for social media platforms and integrated marketing campaigns, ensuring strict alignment with brand identity and guidelines.

  • Develop and maintain marketing collateral, such as informative one-pagers, professional brochures, and branded presentation templates for sales enablement.

  • Produce dynamic short-form video content (30-60 seconds) for social media and YouTube, incorporating elements like captions, transitions, and eye-catching thumbnails.

  • Manage and prioritize design briefs received via ClickUp, ensuring timely completion of tasks within agreed-upon timelines.

  • Maintain close collaboration with the Campaign & Content Manager to ensure visual consistency across all marketing materials and creative outputs.

  • Work in tandem with the development team to implement web page designs and visual updates effectively.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility across multiple design disciplinesβ€”web, social, print, and video. The mention of "general UX improvement" suggests an expectation for designers to not only execute visually but also to consider user flow and interaction within digital interfaces. The requirement to work from briefs in ClickUp indicates a structured workflow and a need for efficient task management within a project management tool.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific educational requirements are listed, a degree or equivalent practical experience in Graphic Design, Digital Media, or a related field is typically expected for this level of creative work.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of professional design experience is implied, with a proven track record in digital design, social media creative, and video editing. Experience in a freelance or contract capacity is advantageous.

Required Skills:

  • Portfolio: A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing expertise in web/digital design, social media creative, and short-form video editing is essential.

  • Independent Work Ethic: Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, and deliver high-quality work within a focused daily schedule (e.g., 4 hours/day).

  • Brand Consistency & Detail Orientation: A keen eye for maintaining brand consistency and meticulous attention to detail, especially under tight deadlines.

  • Proactive Problem-Solving: Capability to take a brief, understand objectives, and proactively drive creative execution without constant supervision.

  • Software Proficiency:

    • Adobe Creative Cloud: Strong command of Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro/Premiere Rush.
    • Web/Social Design Tools: Proficiency in Figma or Canva Pro for web pages, social templates, and rapid collateral design.
    • Video Editing Tools: Experience with Clipchamp or Adobe Premiere for video editing, captions, and transitions.
    • Project Management: Familiarity with ClickUp for task management and workflow tracking.

Preferred Skills:

  • Video Editing Niche Tools: Experience with CapCut or Canva Video for fast-turnaround, social-native video edits.

  • CMS Familiarity: Basic understanding of Content Management Systems (CMS) such as Strapi, WordPress, or similar, for efficient web page updates.

  • Industry Experience: Previous exposure to B2B, tech, telecommunications, or infrastructure sectors is considered a bonus.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio spanning web/digital design, social creative and short-form video editing" is critical. Candidates should curate their portfolios to explicitly demonstrate these capabilities with clear examples of their work and the impact it had. The requirement for independent work and time management within a focused window suggests that candidates with a history of successful freelance engagements or project-based work will be highly valued.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase projects that highlight proficiency across web page design, social media creative, marketing collateral, and short-form video production.

  • Brand Consistency Examples: Include case studies or examples where brand guidelines were strictly followed and effectively applied across different media.

  • UX Improvement Evidence: If possible, present projects where design decisions led to measurable improvements in user experience or engagement on web platforms.

  • Workflow Illustration: Briefly describe the process from brief to final delivery, especially for complex projects or those involving multiple stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

  • Brief Interpretation: Highlight instances where you successfully interpreted a client brief and translated it into a creative solution.

  • Tool Integration: Show how you effectively used specific tools (e.g., Adobe CC, Figma, Premiere Pro, ClickUp) to achieve project goals efficiently.

  • Timeline Management: Provide examples of how you managed and met tight deadlines for creative deliverables.

  • Collaboration Examples: If applicable, illustrate how you collaborated with content creators or developers to finalize projects.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of the candidate's ability to execute within the specified constraints. Applicants should focus on showcasing projects that align with the responsibilities, particularly those involving web updates, social assets, and short videos. Highlighting efficiency and adherence to brand guidelines will be key.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£1,500 per month (fixed retainer). This equates to approximately Β£18,000 per annum, based on a consistent 12-month engagement.

Benefits:

  • 25 days of paid holiday plus bank holidays.

  • An additional day off for your birthday.

  • Pension scheme with company matching contributions up to 8%.

  • Phone allowance.

  • Health care cash plan.

  • Cycle to Work scheme.

  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

  • Provision of PPE and Uniform (if applicable for any in-person needs, though the role is remote).

  • IT equipment provided.

  • Discounted gym memberships.

  • Access to retail offers and discounts from recognizable brands.

  • Company events.

  • Free YouFibre broadband (if within service area), with a friends & family discount.

  • Life assurance covering 4 times basic salary.

  • Colleague referral scheme offering Β£500.

  • Continuous development and long-term career prospects within the company.

Working Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week (4 hours per day, 5 days a week), with flexible working hours. The core hours are stated as 9 am - 1 pm.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary is presented as a fixed monthly retainer of Β£1,500. This implies a stable income for the duration of the contract, which is a significant benefit for freelance professionals. The benefits package is comprehensive, including standard holiday and pension, but also unique perks like free broadband and a birthday day off, suggesting a company culture that values employee well-being even in a freelance capacity. The fixed daily hours (9 am - 1 pm) offer structure while allowing for flexibility outside this window.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications (specifically Full Fibre broadband network provider). Netomnia is positioned as a significant player in the UK's rapidly expanding fibre infrastructure market, operating within a dynamic and competitive sector undergoing consolidation.

Company Size: Part of Substantial Group, which is a growing entity in the UK infrastructure space. While the exact size of the marketing team isn't specified, the need for a dedicated freelance designer suggests a functional marketing department that values specialized creative support.

Founded: Netomnia was founded with a mission to provide high-speed broadband. Its rapid growth and position as the UK's fourth-largest network indicate a fast-paced, ambitious, and scaling environment.

Team Structure:

  • Marketing Department: The designer will be part of the marketing team, reporting to the Campaign & Content Manager.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Key interactions will be with the Campaign & Content Manager for strategic alignment and the development team for web implementation.

  • Creative Focus: The marketing team appears to be focused on driving growth through compelling content and creative campaigns, necessitating strong visual support.

Methodology:

  • Agile Project Management: The use of ClickUp for briefs and tracking suggests an agile approach to managing creative tasks and projects.

  • Data-Informed Creativity: While not explicitly stated, the expectation for UX improvement and campaign asset creation implies that creative work will be evaluated based on its effectiveness and impact.

  • Brand-Centric Approach: Strong emphasis on adhering to brand guidelines indicates a structured and unified brand messaging strategy.

Company Website: careers.substantial.group (for careers), and likely youfibre.com or netomnia.com for company information.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company operates in a high-growth, infrastructure-focused sector. This typically translates to a dynamic, fast-paced work environment where adaptability and efficiency are highly valued. The emphasis on "scaling through a major industry consolidation moment" suggests an exciting time to join, with opportunities to contribute to significant growth and market impact.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-level for a specialized designer, offering autonomy and significant creative input within defined boundaries. It's structured as a freelance, part-time position, meaning direct career progression within a permanent role might not be the primary path, but it offers substantial portfolio enhancement and experience in a fast-growing company.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to the Campaign & Content Manager, indicating a clear line of communication for briefs, feedback, and project oversight.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will directly impact the company's brand perception, customer acquisition through marketing campaigns, and user experience on its digital platforms. Effective visual communication is crucial for a broadband provider aiming to attract and retain customers in a competitive market.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Portfolio Expansion: The variety of tasks (web, social, video, collateral) offers a significant opportunity to build a comprehensive and diverse design portfolio.

  • Skill Development: Exposure to different creative challenges and potentially new tools (if the company adopts them) can enhance existing skills.

  • Industry Insight: Gaining experience in the fast-paced telecommunications and infrastructure sector provides valuable industry-specific knowledge.

  • Potential for Increased Engagement: The role mentions "Room to grow the engagement as the team's needs evolve," suggesting potential for more hours or responsibilities if performance is strong and company needs align.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While this is a freelance role, the "continuous development and long-term career prospects" mentioned in the benefits suggest the company is open to nurturing talent. For a freelance designer, "growth" often means expanding their skillset, client base, and portfolio. This role offers a structured way to achieve that within a stable, well-compensated arrangement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This offers maximum flexibility for the designer to work from any location within the United Kingdom.

Office Location(s): Remote within the United Kingdom. The company itself, Netomnia/Substantial Group, has a UK presence, but the role is not tied to a specific physical office.

Workspace Context:

  • Flexibility: The primary workspace context is remote, allowing for personal setup and work-life integration.

  • Tools & Technology: The company provides IT equipment and mandates the use of specific software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma/Canva, Premiere Pro/Clipchamp, ClickUp), ensuring designers have the necessary tools to perform their duties.

  • Collaboration: While remote, the role emphasizes close collaboration with the Campaign & Content Manager and the development team, facilitated through digital communication and project management tools.

Work Schedule: A predictable schedule of 4 hours per day, specifically between 9 am and 1 pm, Monday to Friday. This structure is ideal for designers who prefer a focused block of work and can manage their personal time around it.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The remote nature of this role, combined with a predictable daily work window, offers a unique blend of flexibility and structure. This setup is particularly beneficial for freelance designers who may be balancing multiple projects or personal commitments, allowing them to dedicate a specific, concentrated period to this client's needs.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Application Submission: Submit portfolio and availability via the Careers Site or Job Boards.

  • Recruitment Screen: Initial application review by the recruitment team.

  • Outcome Notification: Candidates will receive feedback within 3-4 days of application.

  • Follow-up: Option to contact recruitment@substantial.group if no response is received within the stated timeframe.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate for Relevance: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of web page design, social media creative, and short-form video editing as outlined in the role's key responsibilities.

  • Showcase Brand Adherence: Include projects where you successfully applied strict brand guidelines. This is crucial for a company that emphasizes visual consistency.

  • Highlight Efficiency: If possible, demonstrate projects completed under tight deadlines or with limited resources, showcasing your ability to work effectively within constraints.

  • Video Editing Clarity: For video work, clearly indicate your role (editing, motion graphics, thumbnail design) and the tools used (Premiere Pro, Clipchamp, CapCut, etc.).

  • Brief-to-Execution Narrative: For 1-2 key projects, provide a brief narrative explaining the initial brief, your creative process, the tools used, and the final outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Speculative Design Task: Be prepared for a potential small design task that mirrors the role's requirements, such as creating a social media graphic or a simple web banner based on a hypothetical brief.

  • Tool Familiarity Discussion: Expect questions about your experience with the specified software (Adobe CC, Figma/Canva, Premiere Pro/Clipchamp).

  • Time Management Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would manage your workload and prioritize tasks within the 4-hour daily window, especially when multiple briefs are active.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The application process is streamlined, with a quick turnaround time for initial feedback. The emphasis on the portfolio means candidates should tailor their submission to directly address the core requirements of web design, social media creative, and video editing. Proactively demonstrating an understanding of brand consistency and efficient workflow management will be key.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro / Premiere Rush for comprehensive graphic design and video editing.

  • Figma or Canva Pro: Essential for rapid design of web pages, social templates, and marketing collateral, offering collaborative features and template-based workflows.

  • Clipchamp or Adobe Premiere: For efficient short-form video editing, including the addition of captions and transitions.

  • CapCut or Canva Video: Useful for quick, social-native video edits, often optimized for mobile consumption.

  • ClickUp: The primary project management tool for receiving briefs, tracking progress, and collaborating on tasks with the marketing team.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed as a tool the designer will use, an understanding of how their work contributes to metrics like website engagement, social media reach, and conversion rates is implied. They may need to view reports generated by other teams.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the designer's core responsibilities, but familiarity with how marketing assets are deployed via CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a bonus.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the listed tools is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience level with each, particularly how they leverage Figma/Canva for speed and efficiency, and Premiere Pro/Clipchamp for video content. ClickUp familiarity is also key for workflow management.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Efficiency & Focus: The 4-hour daily structure and use of ClickUp highlight a value placed on focused work and efficient task completion.

  • Brand Integrity: A strong emphasis on brand guidelines suggests a value for consistency, professionalism, and a unified brand message across all communications.

  • Proactivity & Ownership: The description of the role as "high-trust" and requiring designers to "take a brief and run with it" points to a culture that values initiative, autonomy, and accountability.

  • Adaptability & Speed: Operating in a fast-moving infrastructure business means a need for agility and the ability to respond quickly to evolving market demands and campaign needs.

  • Collaboration: While independent work is key, the need to partner closely with content and development teams underscores the value of effective cross-functional communication.

Collaboration Style:

  • Remote & Digital: Collaboration primarily occurs through digital channels and project management tools (ClickUp).

  • Clear Briefing & Feedback: The process involves receiving briefs and working with managers for visual consistency, implying a structured feedback loop.

  • Task-Oriented: Collaboration is focused on specific deliverables, such as web page updates or campaign asset creation, with clear objectives.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be one that supports growth and dynamism, typical of a scaling tech/infrastructure company. For a freelance designer, understanding and aligning with these valuesβ€”particularly efficiency, brand consistency, and proactive ownershipβ€”will be crucial for successful integration and long-term engagement.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Managing Multiple Briefs: Balancing incoming design requests from ClickUp and prioritizing them effectively within the limited daily hours.

  • Rapid Turnarounds: Meeting quick deadlines for social media assets or urgent web updates while maintaining high quality and brand consistency.

  • Remote Collaboration Nuances: Ensuring clear communication and alignment with remote team members (Campaign Manager, Developers) without the benefit of in-person interaction.

  • Adapting to Evolving Needs: Staying abreast of changing campaign requirements or design trends within the fast-paced telecom industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Portfolio Enhancement: Gaining diverse experience across web, social, video, and collateral design will significantly enrich a designer's portfolio.

  • Industry Exposure: Learning about the telecommunications and infrastructure sector, its market dynamics, and its specific marketing challenges.

  • Tool Mastery: Deepening proficiency in tools like Figma, Canva Pro, Premiere Pro, and ClickUp through consistent daily use.

  • Process Optimization: Observing and contributing to the company's marketing campaign development and execution processes.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The role presents a great opportunity to hone skills in efficient workflow management and creative execution under time constraints. For a designer looking to build a robust portfolio and gain experience in a high-growth industry, this freelance position offers significant developmental potential.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for taking a design brief from initial concept to final delivery, especially when working remotely and on a tight deadline." (Focus on your workflow, tool usage, and communication with stakeholders.)

  • "How do you ensure brand consistency across various marketing materials, from web pages to social media graphics and videos?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and your methods for maintaining them.)

  • "Walk us through a project where you had to create short-form video content. What was the brief, what tools did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.)

  • "Given the 4-hour daily work window, how would you prioritize tasks if you received multiple urgent briefs simultaneously?" (Demonstrate your time management and prioritization strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working with Netomnia/Substantial Group and within the telecommunications sector?" (Research the company's mission, growth, and market position.)

  • "How do you approach working independently and managing your time effectively in a freelance capacity?" (Emphasize your self-motivation, reliability, and communication skills.)

  • "How do you stay updated on design trends and best practices, particularly in digital and social media?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Visual Storytelling: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the results (if measurable).

  • Tool Demonstration: Be ready to discuss which tools you used for specific projects and why.

  • Brand Consistency Focus: For relevant projects, explicitly point out how you adhered to brand guidelines.

  • Video Snippets: Include short, impactful clips of your video work directly in your portfolio or be prepared to share links.

  • Conciseness: Since time is limited, focus on your strongest, most relevant pieces and be prepared to speak about them succinctly.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase their versatility and efficiency. The interview will likely assess not only creative skill but also the ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, and integrate seamlessly into a remote team structure. Having specific examples ready from their portfolio that align with the job description's requirements will be key.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this freelance marketing designer position:

  • Submit Portfolio & Availability: Visit the Substantial Group Careers Site or relevant job boards to submit your application, ensuring your portfolio is clearly linked and your availability (especially the 9 am - 1 pm UK time window) is communicated.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma/Canva, Premiere Pro/Clipchamp, and project management tools like ClickUp. Emphasize your freelance experience and ability to work independently.

  • Prepare Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to discuss key projects in your portfolio that demonstrate your web design, social media creative, and short-form video editing skills. Focus on how you adhere to brand guidelines and manage deadlines.

  • Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Netomnia's brand, services, and recent growth within the UK's fibre infrastructure market. Understanding their business context will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

  • Confirm Availability: Clearly state your availability for the 9 am - 1 pm UK time slot and your capacity for part-time, temporary work.

⚠️ 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 strong portfolio demonstrating web, digital, and video editing skills. The role requires the ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain brand standards under quick turnaround times.