Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Costello Medical

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-28T15:27:49.973

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end creative process for diverse projects within the healthcare sector, from initial concept to final production, fostering significant autonomy.

• Collaborate closely with clients and internal teams to develop engaging visual content, including brand assets, infographics, and event materials, with a strong emphasis on data visualization.

• Contribute to dynamic digital and motion projects such as interactive exhibition materials, video editing, animations, and eLearning modules, leveraging a broad skillset.

• Ensure the highest standards of design quality, project delivery, and client service within a fast-paced agency environment, aligning with B Corporation and other accreditations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically tailored for a Graphic Designer with a strong emphasis on creative output for the healthcare industry, requiring a blend of traditional design skills and digital/motion graphics capabilities. The hybrid work model indicates a structured approach to balancing remote work with in-office collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute a wide spectrum of visually compelling design assets, including infographics, posters, event collateral, and digital materials, for both external clients and internal departments.

• Engage in early-stage project collaboration with creative colleagues, project managers, and clients to meticulously define project scope, objectives, and strategic design approaches.

• Translate complex scientific and healthcare data into clear, engaging visual narratives and data visualizations that enhance communication and understanding.

• Produce high-quality design deliverables, providing technical insights and guidance throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and project requirements.

• Collaborate with project teams to manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively, ensuring on-time and within-budget project completion without compromising quality.

• Support pro bono initiatives for charities and public sector organizations, demonstrating a commitment to making a meaningful difference through design expertise.

• Maintain and enhance visual identity systems for clients and Costello Medical, ensuring consistency and impact across all touchpoints.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices, particularly within the healthcare communications and medical marketing sectors, to continuously elevate creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities highlight a comprehensive involvement in the design process, emphasizing client interaction, strategic thinking, and the application of design to complex data and scientific content within the healthcare sector. The inclusion of pro bono work indicates a company culture valuing social impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree-level or higher qualification in a design-related discipline (minimum 2.1 or equivalent), such as Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Art, Digital Communications, Graphic Communication Design, or Marketing.

Experience: Proven experience working in an agency or commercial environment, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and client demands.

Required Skills:

• Extensive proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.

• Strong familiarity with the broader Adobe Creative Cloud suite (e.g., Photoshop, After Effects).

• Demonstrated ability to generate, execute, and oversee diverse creative concepts and design projects.

• A robust portfolio showcasing innovative design work, conceptual thinking, and high-quality execution across various media.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, "outside-the-box" thinking approach.

• Confidence in presenting design work and technical insights to a wide range of audiences, including internal teams and external clients.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a high level of productivity and adaptability to changing deadlines.

• Ability to manage conflicting demands and prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic environment.

• Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design and project execution.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics software (e.g., Adobe After Effects) for animation and video editing.

• Familiarity with digital design tools and principles for interactive materials and eLearning modules.

• Understanding of data visualization principles and techniques for presenting complex information.

• Experience in brand development and identity system design.

• Interest or experience in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong foundation in core design software and conceptualization skills, with a clear preference for candidates who can contribute to motion and digital projects. The portfolio is a critical component, expected to showcase innovation and a broad range of capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive PDF portfolio or a link to an online portfolio is mandatory.

• The portfolio must demonstrate a high level of creativity, innovation, and technical skill across various design disciplines.

• Showcase a range of projects, including infographics, event materials, brand development, and any digital or motion graphics work.

• Include case studies or detailed project descriptions that highlight the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the design process used for key projects, from initial brief and concept development to final execution and delivery.

• Provide examples of how you collaborate with project managers and clients to define project scope and strategic objectives.

• Demonstrate how you ensure quality control and adherence to deadlines and budgets within your workflow.

• Illustrate your approach to problem-solving and adapting to evolving project requirements or client feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is central to the application, expected to not only display visual output but also the candidate's process, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for handling complex projects within the healthcare sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £28,000 to £33,000 per annum (outside of London). For London-based roles, the range is £28,860 to £33,000 per annum. The specific salary within this band will depend on the candidate's previous experience.

Benefits:

• Discretionary profit share bonuses paid twice per year.

• Hybrid and flexible working options, with up to half of the working time eligible for remote work after probation.

• Generous holiday allowance: 25 days annual leave plus bank and public holidays.

• Holiday buy and sell scheme.

• Private medical insurance with a medical history disregard basis.

• Critical illness cover, income protection, and life assurance.

• Full funding for external training and paid study leave.

• Flexible benefits scheme offering cash payments, additional pension contributions, and more.

• Paid and unpaid sabbaticals based on length of service.

Working Hours: Full-time. The company offers flexible working hours, with specific daily schedules to be discussed. The hybrid policy allows for up to 50% remote work after probation, with 1 day per week remote during the probationary period.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined and tiered for London vs. non-London locations. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, reflecting the company's award-winning culture and B Corp accreditation. The salary bands are fixed, eliminating negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Communications, Medical Communications, Market Access, Health Economic and Outcomes Research. Costello Medical operates within a highly regulated and specialized sector, requiring precision, scientific understanding, and ethical considerations.

Company Size: Costello Medical is a rapidly growing global agency, recognized for its award-winning culture, including being listed in the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For and achieving B Corporation accreditation. This suggests a culture that values employee well-being, collaboration, and social responsibility.

Founded: Costello Medical has been established for a sufficient period to gain significant industry recognition and accreditations, indicating stability and a proven track record.

Team Structure:

• The Creative team is a core component of the agency's service offering, working collaboratively to deliver high-impact visual communications.

• Designers will report to creative leads or project managers within the Creative department.

Methodology:

• Data visualization and the enhancement of scientific content communication are key methodological focuses for the Creative team.

• Design projects are managed through a defined lifecycle, from initial concept and client collaboration to final production and delivery, emphasizing strategic approach and quality.

• The agency utilizes a hybrid working model, blending office-based collaboration with remote flexibility.

Company Website: https://www.costellomedical.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Costello Medical positions itself as a leader in healthcare communications with a strong commitment to its people and ethical practices, evidenced by its accreditations and awards. The Creative team plays a pivotal role in translating complex scientific information into accessible and engaging formats.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience. It offers significant opportunities for creative autonomy and involvement in the full project lifecycle, moving beyond basic execution to concept development and client interaction.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will typically report to a Creative Lead or Senior Designer within the Creative team, with project oversight from Project Managers. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while encouraging independent work.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the client's ability to communicate complex scientific data effectively, influencing perception, understanding, and engagement with their products or services. High-quality visual communication is crucial for success in medical communications and healthcare marketing, directly contributing to the company's reputation and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like data visualization, motion graphics, or digital design through funded training and project involvement.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Creative Lead, or Art Director roles within the Creative department, managing larger projects and teams.

• Cross-functional Development: Exposure to other areas of medical communications and market access, potentially leading to broader roles within the agency.

• Leadership Potential: Development of client-facing skills and project management capabilities can pave the way for leadership opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a specialized and reputable agency, with emphasis on skill development in high-demand areas like data visualization and motion graphics. The impact of design on client success in the healthcare sector is significant.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Costello Medical operates multiple offices, including Cambridge, London, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh. These are likely professional office environments designed to foster collaboration and creativity, supporting the hybrid work model.

Office Location(s): The role is available in their Global Headquarters in Cambridge, as well as London, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh offices. Candidates are hired for specific office locations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to be collaborative, with opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues and project teams, essential for the hybrid model.

• Access to necessary design software and technology is implied, supporting the creation of high-quality visual and digital assets.

• The environment encourages interaction with diverse teams, including project managers, medical writers, and client services, fostering a holistic understanding of project requirements.

Work Schedule: Full-time with flexible working hours. The hybrid policy allows colleagues who have passed probation to work from home up to half their time, measured across a 2-week rolling period. During the probationary period (first 6 months), remote work is limited to 1 day per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work policy is a key feature, emphasizing a structured approach to balancing in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The office environments are designed to support creative output and cross-functional teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: CV, cover letter explaining suitability and interest, and a PDF portfolio or link to an online portfolio.

• Video Interview: An initial self-recorded video interview reviewed by the Talent Acquisition team.

• Assessment: A timed assessment completed in the candidate's own time.

• Final Interview: An in-person or virtual interview with senior members of the Creative team, including a portfolio review.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work that demonstrates creativity, technical skill, and problem-solving. Tailor selections to highlight experience in healthcare, data visualization, and motion graphics if applicable.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your role, the creative process, challenges faced, your solutions, and the outcome or impact. Use concise, impactful language.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design methodology, how you collaborate, and how you approach problem-solving. This is as important as the final visuals.

• Showcase Versatility: Include a range of work that demonstrates your ability to adapt to different styles, formats, and client needs.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Proofread all text carefully.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design assessment that may involve creating a visual concept or solving a design problem under timed conditions.

• Practice articulating your design choices, rationale, and understanding of the brief.

• For the final interview, be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, explaining your creative decisions and their strategic alignment with client objectives.

• Research Costello Medical's work and values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is multi-stage, including a video interview and a timed assessment, in addition to the traditional portfolio review. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and rationale thoroughly. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating cultural fit and understanding of the company's work in healthcare communications.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout and print design (infographics, posters, event materials).

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.

• Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, retouching, and digital asset creation.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Broad familiarity with the suite, potentially including After Effects for motion graphics and Premiere Pro for video editing, and XD for digital design.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly listed as a tool for the designer, understanding how design elements contribute to engagement metrics (e.g., on digital platforms or in reports) is beneficial. The company likely uses analytics tools internally to track project success and client satisfaction.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the Graphic Designer's primary toolset, but understanding how design assets are integrated into marketing campaigns or client portals may involve familiarity with CRM or marketing automation platforms from a user perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator, is paramount. Experience with motion graphics and digital design tools is a strong advantage, aligning with the company's expanding creative services.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design and exceptional service in all projects.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging novel ideas and approaches to visual communication, especially in data visualization and scientific content.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where designers work closely with colleagues and clients.

• Integrity & Ethics: Adhering to high ethical standards, as reflected in their B Corporation status and work with healthcare organizations.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to learning new technologies and refining processes for greater efficiency and impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, working closely with project managers, other designers, and cross-functional teams from project initiation.

• Open to feedback and constructive criticism, using it to refine designs and improve project outcomes.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged, with opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues and contribute to team development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Costello Medical emphasizes a culture of excellence, innovation, and strong collaboration, underpinned by ethical practices. The values are deeply integrated into their operations and client service, creating a professional yet supportive work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge will be to effectively visualize intricate scientific and healthcare data in a clear, engaging, and accurate manner.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Needs: Effectively merging innovative design concepts with client objectives, brand guidelines, and regulatory considerations within the healthcare sector.

• Pace and Volume: Managing multiple projects simultaneously with varying deadlines in a fast-paced agency environment.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Continuously learning and integrating new design software, techniques, and digital platforms to stay competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Funded Training: Full funding for external qualifications and paid study leave allows for focused professional development in specialized design areas.

• Mentorship: One-to-one training from experienced colleagues on technical aspects, project management, and client communication provides structured guidance.

• Industry Exposure: Working with a diverse range of clients in the healthcare sector offers broad industry insight and experience.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The diverse project portfolio naturally grows with each successful assignment, providing tangible evidence of skill development and marketability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex visual communication challenges in a critical industry, with substantial support for professional growth through formal training and mentorship.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex data into a compelling visual. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio, detailing your approach to data visualization, software used, and the impact of your design.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with project managers and clients who may have differing opinions on design direction?" (Preparation: Focus on your communication skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to find common ground while advocating for effective design solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Costello Medical, and what interests you about working within the healthcare communications industry?" (Preparation: Research the company's mission, values, recent work, and B Corp accreditation. Connect your personal values and career aspirations to their mission.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our Creative team's collaborative environment?" (Preparation: Discuss your teamwork style, how you give and receive feedback, and your willingness to share knowledge.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your most impactful work first. For each piece, provide context: the client, the brief, your role, your process, challenges, and the results.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project. Explain your 'why' – the strategic thinking behind your design choices.

• Data Visualization Focus: If you have strong data visualization examples, highlight them prominently, explaining how you made complex information accessible and impactful.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you used and why.

• Conciseness: Be clear and concise. Practice delivering your portfolio walkthrough within a set timeframe, allowing for discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of design strategy, client collaboration, and the specific nuances of healthcare communications. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase not just visual talent but also process, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your CV and a cover letter via the company's online application form.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your PDF portfolio or online link is up-to-date, well-organized, and showcases your most relevant work, particularly highlighting infographics, data visualization, and any motion/digital design. Tailor the selection to align with Costello Medical's focus on healthcare communications.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly state your degree-level qualification and relevant experience. Quantify achievements where possible, using keywords from the job description such as "Adobe InDesign," "Adobe Illustrator," "data visualization," and "healthcare sector."

• Cover Letter Crafting: Explicitly address why you are suited for this specific role and why you are interested in Costello Medical. Provide concrete examples that support your claims, demonstrating your understanding of their work and culture.

• Video Interview Preparation: Prepare to introduce yourself concisely and answer initial screening questions, showcasing your enthusiasm and suitability for a creative role in healthcare. Practice speaking clearly and engagingly.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Costello Medical's website, portfolio, recent news, and values (including their B Corp status). Understand their approach to medical communications and data visualization.

⚠️ 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.