Graphic Designer - 12 month Temporary (Maternity Cover)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - 12 month Temporary (Maternity Cover)

Company: James Hall & Co Ltd

Location: Preston, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-09

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for producing high-quality creative assets that align with marketing, communications, events, retail, and broader business objectives.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end design process, from concept to final artwork, ensuring brand consistency and visual impact across all deliverables.

• A key aspect will be managing multiple design projects simultaneously within a fast-paced environment, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• The position necessitates close collaboration with internal stakeholders to translate business requirements into effective visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job title specifies "Graphic Designer," the description's emphasis on supporting marketing, retail, and business objectives, along with managing diverse creative assets, positions this role within a broader marketing operations context. The "Maternity Cover" aspect indicates a fixed-term need for experienced creative support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a comprehensive range of creative materials, including brochures, leaflets, posters, point-of-sale (POS) materials, press advertisements, event collateral, social media content, and digital assets.

• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across various departments (marketing, retail, business development) to fully understand project briefs, requirements, and desired outcomes.

• Proactively manage and prioritize a diverse workload, ensuring timely delivery of all design projects while adhering to brand guidelines and quality standards.

• Prepare final artwork for both print and digital production, liaising with external suppliers, printers, and agencies as needed to ensure seamless execution.

• Support the marketing team in the development and execution of integrated campaigns, contributing creative concepts and assets.

• Adapt and create artwork for a wide array of formats and channels, ensuring visual consistency and effectiveness across all touchpoints.

• Maintain and uphold strict adherence to company brand guidelines, ensuring all visual communications are on-brand and reflect the company's identity.

• Contribute fresh ideas and innovative design solutions that enhance visual communication and support business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a versatile designer capable of handling both print and digital media, with a strong emphasis on supporting retail and marketing initiatives. The mention of POS materials and liaison with external suppliers suggests a practical, production-oriented role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a Graphic Designer role of this nature. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Proven experience in a Graphic Designer role, ideally with 2-5 years of professional experience, demonstrating a strong portfolio of work. Experience working within a fast-paced environment and under tight deadlines is essential.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically:

  • Adobe InDesign (for layout and print design)
  • Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics and illustration)
  • Adobe Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation)

• Demonstrated strong creative, layout, and typography skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, with excellent organizational and time-management capabilities.

• Experience working under tight deadlines in a busy and fast-paced environment.

• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with stakeholders and team members.

• Ability to work independently and take initiative, as well as collaborate effectively as part of a team.

• Capacity to adapt to changing priorities and requirements. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the retail, wholesale, marketing, or commercial sectors.

• Understanding of print production processes and pre-press requirements.

• Experience creating engaging content for social media platforms and digital marketing campaigns.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) is a critical requirement. The preferred skills suggest that prior industry experience, especially in retail or marketing, would be a significant advantage for a candidate stepping into this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, including examples of print collateral (brochures, flyers, posters), digital assets (social media graphics, web banners), and potentially POS materials.

• Demonstrations of strong typography, layout composition, and creative problem-solving.

• Evidence of brand guideline adherence and ability to create visually consistent materials.

• Case studies or examples that illustrate the design process from brief to final output, highlighting the rationale behind design decisions.

• Projects that reflect experience in fast-paced environments and meeting tight deadlines. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:

  • Workflow for receiving briefs, conceptualizing ideas, and iterating on designs.

  • Methods for managing project timelines and communicating progress to stakeholders.

  • Techniques for ensuring quality control and brand consistency in their work.

  • Experience with file preparation for print and digital output.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as a direct demonstration of the candidate's skills and experience, often more so than formal documentation. Candidates should curate their portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to the responsibilities outlined.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the 25-hour work week, temporary maternity cover role, and the typical salary range for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Preston, UK region, an estimated annual equivalent salary would be between £20,000 - £28,000 (pro-rata). This translates to an hourly rate of approximately £15.38 - £21.54, assuming a 37.5-hour week for comparison, plus the additional Loyalty Pay. The specific hourly rate will depend on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Loyalty Pay: An additional £0.25 per hour, paid as a lump sum annually, increasing with tenure.

• 20% Staff Discount: Applicable in company-owned SPAR stores.

• Annual Leave: Generous entitlement of 30 days per year (inclusive of bank holidays), with increases based on length of service.

• Health & Wellbeing: Access to on-site registered nurses and physiotherapists, plus a year-round program of health and wellbeing initiatives.

• Company Sick Pay: Scheme available to support employees during periods of illness.

• Pension: Enrollment in the Nest pension scheme.

• Life Insurance: Provided after two years of service.

• Free Onsite Parking: Available to all colleagues.

• Learning & Development: Access to fully funded, accredited training and industry-recognised qualifications.

• Grocery Aid Support: Free, confidential 24/7 support service for various personal and professional issues.

Working Hours: 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in scheduling is available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on general UK market data for graphic designers with the specified experience level in a similar geographical area, adjusted for the part-time nature of the role. The inclusion of "Loyalty Pay" means the effective hourly rate will be higher than the base calculation over time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the Retail and Wholesale sector, specifically as a supplier and distributor for SPAR stores across the North of England. This implies a dynamic environment with a focus on consumer goods, logistics, and a strong regional presence.

Company Size: Over 4000 colleagues, positioning James Hall & Co. Ltd. as a significant employer in Lancashire. This scale suggests structured processes and opportunities for diverse internal collaborations.

Founded: Established over 150 years ago, indicating a long-standing history, stability, and deep-rooted connection to the communities it serves. The company's vision to remain in business for another 50 years highlights a forward-thinking approach despite its heritage.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Communications department, potentially within a broader Commercial team.

• Collaboration will extend across various departments, including Marketing, Retail Operations, Events, and potentially internal Communications.

• The reporting structure will depend on the specific team, but likely to a Marketing Manager or Head of Communications. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes core values of passion, enterprise, and family, suggesting a culture that values commitment, innovation, and supportive relationships.

• Given the retail and distribution nature, a data-driven approach to understanding consumer needs and operational efficiency is likely prevalent.

• Workflow optimization and continuous improvement are probably key, driven by the long-term vision for the company.

Company Website: https://www.jameshall.co.uk/ (Assuming this is the correct URL based on the domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history, large employee base, and strong values suggest a stable yet dynamic work environment. The "family company" ethos, combined with operational scale, implies a culture that balances tradition with modern business practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level, fixed-term role (12-month maternity cover) for a Graphic Designer. It offers an opportunity to gain experience in a large, established retail and distribution company, working on a variety of projects that impact marketing, sales support, and brand presence.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or a Head of Communications/Marketing. This provides exposure to strategic marketing planning and oversight.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is primarily through the creation of compelling visual assets that support sales initiatives, enhance brand perception, drive customer engagement (e.g., through POS, social media), and facilitate effective internal and external communications. Strong visual communication directly contributes to business objectives and brand recognition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone skills in a diverse range of design applications and formats, potentially expanding expertise in areas like retail marketing collateral or digital campaign assets.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience within the retail and wholesale distribution sector, understanding its unique design needs and challenges.

• Networking: Build professional relationships within a large organization, which could lead to future opportunities within James Hall & Co. Ltd. or the wider industry.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The variety of projects undertaken will significantly enrich the candidate's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a temporary role, it offers substantial growth through hands-on experience and portfolio building within a significant industry player. The "Learning & Development" benefit further underscores the company's commitment to employee growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is office-based at James Hall & Co. Ltd.'s contemporary head office and distribution centre on the outskirts of Preston. This suggests a modern, professional workspace.

Office Location(s): James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR Distribution Centre, Bowland View, Preston, PR2 5QT. This location offers free onsite parking.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "contemporary," implying modern facilities and a professional atmosphere.

• As an office-based role within a distribution centre, there may be opportunities for interaction with various operational aspects of the business.

• The emphasis on "family company" suggests a potentially supportive and collaborative team dynamic.

• Access to on-site nurses and physiotherapists points to a focus on employee wellbeing within the workplace.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with noted flexibility. This allows for a good work-life balance, suitable for individuals seeking part-time employment or managing other commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The office-based nature with flexible hours provides a structured yet adaptable work environment. The "contemporary" description of the head office and distribution centre suggests a well-equipped and modern setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and portfolio by HR or the hiring manager to assess suitability based on required skills and experience.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A key stage will involve presenting and discussing the candidate's portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explaining your design process, challenges faced, and how you met project objectives.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design task or test may be incorporated to evaluate proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and problem-solving abilities under timed conditions.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: An interview with the hiring manager and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Final Interview (if applicable): May involve a discussion about the company's values, career aspirations, and confirmation of terms for the temporary contract.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest and most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates experience with print materials, digital assets, brand adherence, and ideally, retail or marketing contexts.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the creative process, design rationale, challenges overcome, and the final outcome. Visuals of different stages (sketches, mockups) can be effective.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, sales uplift from POS), highlight these achievements.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your work professionally, ensuring it's easy to navigate and understand. Prepare a digital version (PDF or online link) that can be easily shared.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Manage your time effectively, allocating time for concept development, execution, and refinement.

• Aim for a clear, on-brand solution that addresses the core requirements.

• Be prepared to present and justify your design choices, linking them back to the brief and potential business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the central piece of this application process. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a tailored and compelling portfolio that directly addresses the requirements of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Essential):

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of brochures, leaflets, POS materials, and other print collateral. Proficiency in pre-press setup is crucial.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations. Essential for scalable design elements.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, digital asset creation, and preparing graphics for web and social media.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Likely used for document creation, presentations (PowerPoint), and general communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how design assets perform on digital channels (social media analytics, website traffic) would be beneficial, especially for digital marketing content. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but awareness of how marketing campaigns are managed might be useful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates should be able to articulate their experience and specific use cases for InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion: A drive to produce excellent creative work and contribute to the company's success.

• Enterprise: A proactive and innovative approach to design challenges, seeking creative solutions.

• Family: A collaborative and supportive attitude towards colleagues and stakeholders, fostering a positive working environment.

• Commitment to Quality: A strong focus on delivering high-standard, on-brand visual communications.

• Adaptability: Willingness to respond to changing priorities and demands in a fast-paced setting.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders, necessitating clear communication, active listening, and a willingness to incorporate feedback.

• A team-oriented approach is expected, working alongside marketing and potentially other creative professionals.

• Openness to constructive criticism and a proactive stance in seeking clarity on briefs are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "passion, enterprise, and family" should be reflected in how a candidate approaches their work and team interactions. Demonstrating these values will be important for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Project Load: The primary challenge will be balancing numerous projects with varying deadlines and creative requirements simultaneously.

• Adapting to Rapidly Changing Priorities: In a fast-paced retail/distribution environment, project needs can shift quickly, requiring flexibility and resilience.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all creative output adheres strictly to brand guidelines across a wide range of materials can be demanding.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The nature of the role, particularly in supporting marketing campaigns and retail promotions, often involves short turnaround times.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Refinement: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite applications and explore new design techniques.

• Industry Insight: Gain practical knowledge of design requirements within the retail and wholesale distribution sectors.

• Project Management Practice: Develop stronger skills in managing multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Understand how design supports broader business functions like marketing, sales, and events.

• Formal Training: The company offers fully funded accredited training and industry-recognised qualifications, providing a formal avenue for skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a busy design role and offer ample opportunity for professional growth and skill development, particularly through the company's formal Learning & Development programs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a new brochure from brief to final artwork." Be ready to detail your workflow, from initial concept and sketching to design execution, revisions, and print preparation.

• "How do you ensure consistency with brand guidelines across multiple design projects?" Discuss your methods for referencing brand books, using templates, and maintaining visual integrity.

• "How do you manage your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests?" Highlight your prioritization techniques, communication strategies with stakeholders, and ability to remain calm under pressure.

• "Can you walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of? What was the brief, your role, and the outcome?" Prepare a concise and compelling narrative for 1-2 key portfolio pieces. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about James Hall & Co. Ltd. and our values?" Research the company's history, mission, and core values (passion, enterprise, family) and be prepared to connect them to your own work ethic.

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our business objectives?" Link your creative abilities to supporting marketing campaigns, retail promotions, and brand recognition.

• "What are your expectations for a temporary role like this?" Demonstrate enthusiasm for the opportunity and a commitment to delivering high-quality work during the contract period. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a range of skills.

• Tell a Story: For each selected project, explain the problem (brief), your solution (design), and the result (outcome).

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly mention your proficiency with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop as you discuss relevant projects.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about software features, file types, print specifications, and digital asset optimization.

• Engage and Interact: Treat the portfolio review as a conversation rather than a monologue. Ask clarifying questions and be receptive to feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also the ability to work effectively within a corporate structure, manage time, and align with company values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce platform.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume highlights your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, previous design projects, and any relevant industry experience (retail, marketing). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest and most relevant design work. Prepare a digital version (PDF or online link) that clearly showcases your skills in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, typography, layout, and brand adherence.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to discuss your portfolio pieces in detail, articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work.

• Research James Hall & Co. Ltd.: Understand their business, brand, and values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.