Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Costello Medical

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end creative project execution, from initial concept to final production, for clients in the healthcare sector and internal teams.

• Develop a wide range of visually engaging content, including infographics, brand assets, and event materials, leveraging strong design principles and innovative ideas.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including project managers and other designers, to define project scope, objectives, and strategic approaches.

• Contribute to the enhancement of scientific content through data visualization and digital projects, potentially including motion graphics, animations, and eLearning modules.

• Uphold the highest standards of quality, ensuring all deliverables are completed on time and within budget, while providing exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities extend into digital and motion graphics, suggesting a need for versatile creative skills. The emphasis on healthcare and scientific content communication indicates a specialized niche within graphic design, requiring an understanding of complex information. The hybrid work model, with specific probationary period guidelines, is a key aspect for work-life balance considerations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design a diverse array of visual assets, including but not limited to infographics, presentations, event materials (e.g., posters, brochures), branding elements, and digital assets.

• Collaborate effectively with project managers and creative colleagues to gather project requirements, define creative briefs, and establish project scope and strategic direction.

• Translate complex scientific and healthcare data into clear, compelling, and visually accurate data visualizations.

• Contribute to the development of motion graphics, animations, and interactive digital materials for exhibitions, video content, and eLearning modules, based on individual skillsets.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints while maintaining exceptional quality standards.

• Provide technical expertise and guidance on design best practices, software functionalities, and creative solutions to project teams and clients.

• Actively participate in early-stage project planning, offering creative insights and contributing to the definition of project objectives and deliverables.

• Support pro bono work for charities and public sector organizations, aligning creative efforts with impactful healthcare initiatives.

• Maintain a strong understanding of current design trends, software updates, and emerging technologies relevant to visual communication and data visualization in the healthcare industry.

• Ensure all design outputs adhere to brand guidelines, client specifications, and industry standards for accuracy and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional graphic design, data visualization, and emerging digital media skills. The inclusion of pro bono work suggests a company culture valuing social impact, which may appeal to candidates seeking purpose-driven work. The emphasis on collaboration and client communication is critical for success in this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree-level or higher qualification (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) in a design-related discipline.

• Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to: Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Art, Digital Communications, Graphic Communication Design, and Marketing. Experience:

• Proven experience working in an agency or commercial environment, demonstrating an understanding of client-facing project workflows and commercial demands.

• Experience in the healthcare or pharmaceutical sector is advantageous but not strictly required, with a willingness to learn and adapt to this specialized field.

• Demonstrable experience in managing multiple creative projects from concept to completion, showcasing strong organizational and time management capabilities. Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Extensive and demonstrable experience using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator is mandatory. Familiarity with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications (e.g., Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro) is highly beneficial.

• Visual Design Expertise: A strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Data Visualization Skills: Ability to transform complex data into clear, engaging, and accurate infographics and visual representations.

• Concept Generation: Proven ability to generate, develop, and execute a variety of creative concepts tailored to project objectives.

• Problem-Solving Aptitude: A robust problem-solving mindset with the capacity to think creatively and "outside the box" to overcome design challenges.

• Communication & Presentation: Confidence in presenting design work and technical insights to diverse audiences, including internal teams and external clients. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Organizational & Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills, a high level of productivity, and the ability to manage conflicting demands and adapt to changing deadlines.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy, quality, and adherence to specifications in all deliverables.

• Collaboration & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build strong, sustainable working relationships with colleagues, project managers, and clients.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Familiarity with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro).

• Experience in designing for digital platforms, including web and social media.

• Knowledge of eLearning module design and development tools.

• Understanding of brand development and identity systems.

• Experience in the healthcare or medical communications industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a degree is complemented by a strong emphasis on a "highly innovative portfolio," indicating that practical skills and creative output are as critical as formal education. The specific mention of InDesign and Illustrator as mandatory highlights core technical requirements. The blend of required and preferred skills suggests opportunities for candidates to grow into more specialized areas within the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Core Competencies: The portfolio must clearly showcase proficiency in graphic design, with a significant emphasis on infographic creation, brand development, and event material design.

• Software Proficiency Evidence: Examples should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate advanced usage of Adobe InDesign and Illustrator.

• Conceptual Thinking: Include case studies or projects that illustrate the process of concept development, problem-solving, and the strategic thinking behind the design solutions.

• Variety and Adaptability: Showcase a range of design styles and project types to demonstrate versatility and the ability to adapt to different client needs and project scopes.

• Healthcare Relevance (Optional but Recommended): Projects related to healthcare, scientific communication, or data visualization will be highly regarded.

Process Documentation:

• Project Lifecycle Understanding: Portfolios should ideally reflect an understanding of the full project lifecycle, from brief interpretation and concept generation through to final production and delivery.

• Workflow Clarity: The presentation of projects should offer insight into the design process followed, highlighting how objectives were met and challenges were overcome.

• Impact and Results: Where possible, include evidence or explanation of the impact of the design work, such as increased engagement, improved clarity of information, or successful event outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component of the application, acting as a primary tool to assess practical skills and creative potential. The emphasis on "highly innovative" suggests a need for unique and impactful work, not just competent execution. Candidates should curate their portfolios to highlight projects that align with the responsibilities and demonstrate problem-solving capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Outside London: £28,000 to £33,000 per annum

• In London: £28,860 to £33,000 per annum

• The specific salary will be determined based on the candidate's previous experience and qualifications.

• Costello Medical has established salary bands to ensure fairness and consistency, eliminating the need for negotiation. Benefits:

• Discretionary Profit Share Bonuses: Paid twice per year, reflecting company performance and employee contribution.

• Hybrid and Flexible Working Options: Ability to work from home up to half of the working time after probation, with 1 day per week during the probationary period (typically 6 months).

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 25 days' annual leave plus bank and public holidays.

• Holiday Buy and Sell Scheme: Offers flexibility in managing annual leave.

• Private Medical Insurance: Comprehensive cover on a "medical history disregard" basis.

• Critical Illness Cover: Financial protection in case of critical illness diagnosis.

• Income Protection: Provides financial support if unable to work due to illness or injury.

• Life Assurance: Financial benefit for beneficiaries in the event of death.

• Full Funding for External Training: Support for professional development and skill enhancement.

• Paid Study Leave: Time off for approved training and development activities.

• Flexible Benefits Scheme: Offers cash payments, additional pension contributions, and other customizable benefits.

• Paid and Unpaid Sabbaticals: Available based on length of service, offering opportunities for extended breaks.

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, with a standard working week of approximately 40 hours.

• Flexible working hours are offered, with the ability to work from home up to half of the time after probation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Graphic Designer role with 2-5 years of experience, with a slight adjustment for London weighting. The comprehensive benefits package is a significant draw, offering robust support for employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, particularly the profit share bonuses and extensive health coverage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Communications, Market Access, Health Economic and Outcomes Research (HEOR). Costello Medical operates within a highly regulated and scientifically driven sector, requiring precision, accuracy, and a deep understanding of complex information.

Company Size: A rapidly growing global healthcare agency, indicating a dynamic and evolving work environment with increasing opportunities. The company culture is recognized as award-winning, focusing on celebrating, respecting, and valuing each team member's contribution.

Founded: Costello Medical has a history of consistent recognition, being listed in the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For list since 2017 and receiving B Corporation accreditation in 2022. This suggests a stable, ethical, and employee-centric organization.

Team Structure:

• Creative Team: The Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative team, which is passionate about data visualization and communicating scientific content. This team likely collaborates closely with medical writers, project managers, and account teams.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports to senior members of the Creative team, with opportunities for direct interaction with project managers and potentially clients.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with various departments, including project management, medical communications, market access, and HEOR teams, to deliver integrated client solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: A core methodological approach involves enhancing the communication of scientific content through compelling data visualization.

• Strategic Design: Creative projects are approached with a strategic mindset, defining scope, objectives, and audience engagement from the outset.

• Quality and Efficiency: Emphasis is placed on delivering high-quality work efficiently, managing projects within defined timelines and budgets, and continuously improving processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Costello Medical's reputation as a "Best Company to Work For" and its B Corporation status highlight a strong commitment to employee well-being, ethical practices, and social responsibility. The focus on healthcare communications means the work is intellectually stimulating and contributes to important advancements in health. The Creative team's specific passion for data visualization is a key cultural and methodological element.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level Graphic Designer (2-5 years of experience). It offers a foundational role within a specialized creative team, with significant opportunities for skill development and career progression within the healthcare communications sector.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to senior members of the Creative team. This structure provides direct mentorship and guidance, particularly from experienced colleagues who offer one-to-one training.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of scientific communication for clients in the pharmaceutical, medical technology, and public health sectors. High-quality visual assets are crucial for conveying complex information, supporting market access strategies, and influencing healthcare decisions. The role contributes to the company's reputation for excellence in medical communications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in data visualization, scientific illustration, motion graphics, and digital design within the healthcare context.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress to Senior Graphic Designer, Creative Lead, or specialized roles within motion graphics or digital design.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain exposure to other areas of medical communications, market access, and HEOR, fostering a holistic understanding of the business.

• Training and Development: Full funding for external training and paid study leave support continuous learning and professional certifications.

• Leadership Potential: Through project ownership and client interaction, develop leadership skills relevant to managing creative projects and mentoring junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is designed for individuals looking to build a career specifically within healthcare creative services. The company's commitment to training and development, combined with its growth trajectory, provides a clear path for ambitious designers to advance their careers and deepen their expertise in a specialized and impactful field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Costello Medical offers a hybrid work model, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration and community with the flexibility of remote work. This model acknowledges the importance of face-to-face interaction for team cohesion and innovation while supporting work-life balance.

Office Location(s): The role is available in multiple office locations: Cambridge (Global Headquarters), London, Manchester, and Bristol. This provides geographical flexibility for candidates within the UK.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office spaces are designed to foster collaboration, community, and a sense of belonging. This facilitates brainstorming, knowledge sharing, and peer-to-peer learning.

• Tools and Technology: Employees have access to the necessary design software and technology to perform their roles effectively. The company's commitment to innovation suggests access to up-to-date creative tools.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for regular interaction with colleagues, fostering strong working relationships and a supportive team dynamic. This is crucial for creative feedback and project development.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time employment with flexible working hours.

• Hybrid working policy: After probation (approx. 6 months), employees can work from home up to half their working time, measured over a 2-week rolling period. During probation, 1 day per week is permitted for remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work policy is a significant aspect of the work environment, offering a structured approach to flexible working that aims to preserve company culture while enhancing work-life balance. Candidates should consider their preference for office versus remote work and how the hybrid model aligns with their working style.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Telephone Interview: An initial screening call with a Talent Acquisition team member to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Assessment: A take-home assessment to evaluate practical design skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Final Interview: An in-person or video interview with senior members of the Creative team, including a portfolio review. This stage assesses creative thinking, technical proficiency, and cultural alignment.

• Timeline: The standard recruitment process typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks, adaptable as needed.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in infographic design, brand development, and event materials. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented. Showcase your problem-solving approach.

• Emphasize Healthcare/Data: If you have relevant healthcare or data visualization projects, ensure they are prominently featured. If not, explain how your transferable skills can be applied to this sector.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your command of Adobe InDesign and Illustrator through the quality and complexity of your work.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Assessment: Be prepared for a design challenge that likely involves creating a visual asset (e.g., infographic, presentation slide) based on provided data or a brief.

• Time Management: Practice working efficiently under timed conditions, as assessments are often time-bound.

• Focus on Brief: Carefully read and understand the brief, ensuring your design directly addresses all requirements and objectives.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Highlight how you approached the brief, any creative decisions you made, and how your design effectively communicates the intended message.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Costello Medical's work, clients, and values to tailor your approach and responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is multi-stage, emphasizing a thorough evaluation of both creative skills and cultural fit. The portfolio review is a key component, so candidates must present work that directly addresses the requirements of the role and demonstrates their ability to handle complex information visually. The advice to avoid solely relying on AI for application materials is a critical point, highlighting the company's desire to assess genuine candidate abilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout, page design, and the creation of print and digital materials like brochures, posters, and reports. Proficiency is mandatory.

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logo design, icon creation, and complex illustrations, including infographics. Proficiency is mandatory.

• Adobe Photoshop: Frequently used for image editing, retouching, and preparing graphics for digital and print.

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Familiarity with other applications within the suite (e.g., After Effects for motion graphics, Premiere Pro for video editing) is highly beneficial and may be required depending on project scope.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a data analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates for digital assets, engagement at events) is beneficial.

• Tools for web analytics or social media reporting might be indirectly relevant if designing for digital campaigns. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Graphic Designer role, but an understanding of how design assets are used within marketing and sales workflows may be helpful for context. Other Potential Tools:

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Keynote (for creating presentations and potentially designing templates).

• Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch (if contributing to digital product design or interactive materials).

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com (used by project managers, understanding their use can aid collaboration).

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of Adobe InDesign and Illustrator. While other Adobe Creative Cloud applications are listed as beneficial, candidates should prioritize showcasing deep expertise in the mandatory software. The company's work in healthcare communications suggests that precision and clarity in visual output are paramount, reflecting well on the tools used.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence and Quality: A commitment to delivering consistently high-quality creative work that meets and exceeds client expectations. This is reflected in the meticulous attention to detail required.

• Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design challenges, particularly in communicating complex scientific information. The role requires a "highly innovative portfolio."

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.

• Client Focus and Service: Dedication to providing outstanding service to both internal teams and external clients, building strong, sustainable working relationships.

• Integrity and Ethics: As a B Corporation, Costello Medical upholds high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with project managers, medical writers, and other specialists to ensure that creative outputs are scientifically accurate, strategically aligned, and effectively delivered.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and processes, leading to continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues through one-to-one training and a general willingness to share expertise within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly its B Corp status, suggest a culture that prioritizes purpose alongside profit. For a designer, this means the work is likely to be meaningful, contributing to health and well-being initiatives. The emphasis on collaboration and client service indicates a professional, results-oriented, yet supportive team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge will be to visually represent complex scientific and healthcare data in a way that is accurate, accessible, and engaging for diverse audiences.

• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: Working within the healthcare sector may involve adhering to specific regulatory guidelines or brand restrictions, requiring creative solutions within defined parameters.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling competing deadlines and priorities across various client projects in a fast-paced agency environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design software, techniques, and digital trends to maintain a high level of output and innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Deepen expertise in data visualization, scientific illustration, motion graphics, and digital design within a specialized industry.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain a strong understanding of the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and medical technology sectors, enhancing the ability to create relevant and impactful visuals.

• Professional Certifications: Utilize the funding for external training to pursue relevant certifications in design software or specialized areas.

• Mentorship: Benefit from one-to-one training and guidance from experienced creative professionals within the company.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways exist for advancement within the Creative team and potentially into broader roles within medical communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of a specialized creative role in a dynamic industry. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to build a long-term career in healthcare communications design, with significant support for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex data into a clear and compelling visual. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data visualization skills, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How do you approach balancing creative vision with client requirements or brand guidelines, especially in a regulated industry like healthcare?" (Assess adaptability, client management, and strategic thinking).

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Demonstrate project lifecycle understanding, problem-solving, and communication). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Costello Medical specifically, and what do you know about our work in healthcare communications?" (Showcase research, alignment with company mission, and genuine interest).

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our mission of enhancing scientific communication?" (Connect your abilities to the company's core purpose).

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative atmosphere." (Assess cultural fit and teamwork capabilities). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each selected project, frame it as a narrative: the problem/brief, your approach/solution, and the results/impact.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in collaborative projects.

• Showcase Technical Skill: Be prepared to discuss your software choices and techniques used in InDesign and Illustrator.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, provide metrics or qualitative feedback on how your designs performed or were received.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, process, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a clear understanding of Costello Medical's mission and the healthcare communications landscape. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a PDF or online portfolio that prominently features your best work in infographic design, brand development, and event materials. Tailor it to highlight projects demonstrating strong InDesign and Illustrator skills, and ideally, any healthcare-related or data visualization experience.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience in agency or commercial environments, your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (especially InDesign and Illustrator), and any relevant design qualifications. Use keywords from the job description.

• Cover Letter Crafting: In your cover letter, explicitly address why you are suited for the role and why you are specifically interested in Costello Medical. Provide concrete examples to support your claims about your skills and motivations.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Costello Medical's website, portfolio, and recent news to understand their work, clients, and company culture. Be prepared to discuss this during interviews.

⚠️ 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.