Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Costello Medical

Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design (with Healthcare focus)

Date Posted: 2026-05-28

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves conceptualizing and executing a wide array of creative projects within the healthcare sector, demanding a strong understanding of visual communication and brand integrity.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in developing engaging content, from initial concept to final production, including infographics, event materials, and potentially digital/motion projects.

• A key aspect of this position is collaborative teamwork, working closely with project managers, clients, and fellow designers to define project scope, objectives, and strategic approaches.

• The role requires meticulous attention to detail, a problem-solving mindset, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced agency environment, ensuring high standards of quality and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the provided description, this role is clearly within the creative and design field, specifically focusing on graphic design. The integration of "healthcare sector," "medical communications," and "data visualisation" indicates a specialized niche within graphic design. The emphasis on end-to-end project involvement and client interaction suggests a mid-level position requiring both creative talent and professional maturity. The salary range and benefits package align with this mid-level estimation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design a diverse range of visually compelling materials, including infographics, posters, event collateral, and digital assets, for both internal teams and external clients within the healthcare industry.

• Collaborate effectively with creative colleagues, project managers, and clients from the project's inception to clearly define design scope, strategic objectives, and desired outcomes.

• Translate complex scientific and healthcare-related information into clear, engaging, and accessible visual narratives, leveraging data visualization techniques.

• Produce high-quality design deliverables that adhere to brand guidelines, project specifications, and industry best practices, ensuring accuracy and aesthetic appeal.

• Provide technical insight and guidance on design best practices, software capabilities, and emerging creative trends to project teams and stakeholders.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks to meet strict deadlines and budget constraints while maintaining exceptional quality standards.

• Contribute to the development and execution of brand identity systems and marketing campaigns for clients and Costello Medical.

• Potentially contribute to motion graphics, video editing, animation, and the design of interactive eLearning modules, depending on skill set and project needs.

• Support pro bono work for charities and public sector organizations, demonstrating a commitment to making a meaningful difference in healthcare.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific tasks and expectations of a Graphic Designer in a medical communications agency. This includes emphasizing the translation of scientific content, the end-to-end project lifecycle, and the potential for broader digital design contributions, aligning with the role's description.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience working in an agency or commercial environment, demonstrating a track record of delivering professional design projects.

• Demonstrated ability to generate, execute, and oversee a variety of creative concepts from ideation through to final delivery.

• Experience in designing for the healthcare or pharmaceutical sector is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Extensive proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.

• Strong command of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

• Exceptional skills in conceptual thinking and creative problem-solving.

• Meticulous attention to detail and a high standard for visual quality.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage conflicting demands and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build robust working relationships with colleagues and clients.

• Confidence in presenting design work and project rationale to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

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

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

• Experience in designing interactive eLearning modules or digital learning content.

• Knowledge of data visualization principles and tools.

• Understanding of brand development and strategic design principles.

• Experience with animation software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills and qualifications have been detailed to reflect industry standards for a Graphic Designer role, particularly within a specialized agency. The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications, combined with conceptual thinking and client-facing abilities, is crucial for this position. The distinction between required and preferred skills provides clarity for applicants.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A highly innovative and professional portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating conceptual strength and technical execution.

• Specific examples of work within the healthcare sector, including infographics, event materials, and branding, are highly desirable.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator through practical application within portfolio pieces.

• Portfolio should clearly illustrate the applicant's ability to manage projects from initial concept development through to final production, highlighting their role in the process.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from brief to delivery, including client consultation, concept development, iterative feedback, and final asset creation.

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow optimization within a creative team, managing multiple projects efficiently.

• Evidence of how design decisions are informed by project objectives, target audience, and scientific/healthcare content.

• Showcase how quality control and adherence to brand guidelines are integrated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is critical for a creative role. The requirements emphasize not just the final output but also the process and strategic thinking behind it, specifically tailored to a design role within a medical communications context. The need to showcase end-to-end project management and problem-solving within the portfolio is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• £28,000 to £33,000 per annum outside of London.

• £28,860 to £33,000 per annum within London (London weighting applied).

Benefits:

• Discretionary profit share bonuses paid twice per year, reflecting company performance and employee contribution.

• Hybrid and flexible working options, allowing for up to 50% of working time to be remote after probation.

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

• Holiday buy and sell scheme for added flexibility.

• Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance on a “medical history disregard” basis.

• Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, and Life Assurance for financial security.

• Full funding and paid study leave for external training and qualifications, fostering continuous professional development.

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

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, permanent role.

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexible working hours are offered, with a hybrid policy allowing up to half of working time to be remote after probation. During the initial 6-month probationary period, remote work is limited to 1 day per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits have been detailed based on the provided information. The London weighting is specifically noted. The benefits package is comprehensive and tailored to a professional role, emphasizing well-being, development, and financial security. The hybrid working policy details are crucial for managing expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Communications, Market Access, Health Economic and Outcomes Research (HEOR). Costello Medical operates within the specialized field of medical communications, partnering with pharmaceutical companies, medical technology firms, patient advocacy groups, and public health bodies. This industry context means a strong emphasis on scientific accuracy, ethical practices, and clear communication of complex health-related information.

Company Size: Costello Medical is a rapidly growing global healthcare agency. While the exact number of employees isn't specified, "rapidly growing" and "global" suggest a significant and expanding organization, likely with multiple departments and international reach. This size offers opportunities for career progression and exposure to diverse projects and markets.

Founded: Costello Medical has a history of consistent recognition, being listed in the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For since 2017 and receiving B Corporation accreditation in 2022. This indicates a company with established values, a commitment to employee well-being, and a strong ethical foundation.

Team Structure:

• The Creative team is a core component of Costello Medical, working closely with project managers, medical writers, and client services to deliver integrated communication solutions.

• The team likely comprises various creative specialists, including graphic designers, illustrators, and potentially motion graphics artists, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse skills are valued.

Methodology:

• Costello Medical emphasizes data visualization and the effective communication of scientific content, suggesting a data-driven approach to creative development.

• Workflow planning and optimization are inherent to an agency environment, with a focus on efficient project delivery from concept to completion.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed to streamline processes and enhance output quality, particularly in a "rapidly growing" organization.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been fleshed out to provide a clearer picture of Costello Medical's operational environment, industry positioning, and culture, drawing on the provided accolades and mission. This helps candidates understand where the Graphic Designer role fits within the broader organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned at a mid-level. It requires a solid foundation of design skills and agency experience, with the autonomy to manage projects from concept to completion. The emphasis on client interaction, strategic input, and potential for contributing to more complex digital projects (motion graphics, eLearning) indicates a step beyond entry-level responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Lead, Head of Creative, or potentially a Senior Project Manager within the Creative team. They will collaborate closely with other designers, project managers, medical writers, and client-facing teams.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of sales or revenue operations, the Graphic Designer's impact is significant. By creating clear, compelling, and scientifically accurate visual communications, they directly influence how clients perceive Costello Medical and how vital health information is communicated to target audiences. High-quality design enhances brand reputation, improves client satisfaction, and ensures the effective dissemination of critical medical and scientific content, which is central to the company's mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as data visualization, motion graphics, animation, or eLearning design through project work and funded training.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Lead roles, involving greater responsibility for project strategy, team mentorship, and client relationship management.

• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to different facets of medical communications, market access, and HEOR, potentially leading to broader roles within the agency or a more specialized creative niche.

• Mentorship: Access to one-to-one training from experienced colleagues in technical aspects, project management, and client communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Graphic Designer role within a career progression context, highlighting its impact and growth potential. The connection to "operations" is made by emphasizing the role's contribution to business objectives through effective communication and client satisfaction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Costello Medical offers a hybrid work environment. While embracing the benefits of remote work for flexibility, the company strongly values in-office collaboration and community. This suggests a modern office setup designed to foster teamwork and idea exchange when employees are present.

Office Location(s): The role is available in multiple Costello Medical offices across the UK:

• Global Headquarters in Cambridge, England.

• London office.

• Manchester office.

• Bristol office.

• Edinburgh office.

This geographical spread offers flexibility for candidates depending on their location.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to be collaborative, encouraging interaction between designers, project managers, and other creative professionals.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology is expected, supporting the creation of high-quality visual assets.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the Creative team and other departments will be plentiful during in-office days, facilitating knowledge sharing and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard full-time basis (approx. 40 hours/week) with flexible working hours. The hybrid policy allows for significant remote work flexibility after probation, balancing work and personal commitments, which is beneficial for focused design tasks and deep work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are synthesized to provide a clear picture of the hybrid model, emphasizing both the collaborative office aspects and the flexibility of remote work, which are key considerations for many professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit CV, cover letter, and a PDF portfolio or link to an online portfolio. The cover letter should detail suitability and motivation for joining Costello Medical, supported by examples. CVs must include qualification dates and grades.

• Video Interview: A self-recorded video interview will be the initial screening stage, reviewed by the Talent Acquisition team.

• Assessment: A timed assessment will be sent to successful candidates. This may involve a design challenge or skill-based task relevant to the role.

• Final Interview: An in-person or virtual interview with senior members of the Creative team, which will include a portfolio review. This stage will assess technical skills, creative thinking, and cultural fit.

• Offer: Typically follows the final interview if successful.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, prioritize healthcare-related projects, infographics, branding, and conceptual design.

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

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure examples clearly show your mastery of Adobe InDesign and Illustrator.

• Highlight Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the effectiveness of your design solutions (e.g., increased engagement, clarity of information).

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, reflecting your professional standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may require you to create an infographic or a series of social media graphics based on a given brief (likely related to a healthcare topic).

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to quickly grasp project requirements, develop creative concepts, and execute them efficiently within a given timeframe.

• Practice articulating your design choices and strategic thinking clearly and concisely, as this will be crucial during the final interview and portfolio review.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a structured breakdown of the application and interview process, with specific advice tailored to a Graphic Designer role, particularly concerning portfolio presentation and potential design challenges. The emphasis on the healthcare context and problem-solving is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout, typesetting, and creating print-ready documents such as brochures, posters, and reports. Proficiency in advanced features like master pages, styles, and pre-press settings is expected.

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

Mastery of pen tool, pathfinder, and typography tools will be vital for infographic and branding work.

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Familiarity with other applications in the suite is advantageous, potentially including:
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics, animations, and visual effects.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing and post-production.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design assets are managed and deployed through client project management systems or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools section is focused on the core graphic design software required, emphasizing the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Specific applications like InDesign and Illustrator are highlighted as essential, with others listed as beneficial depending on project scope.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to bringing fresh, creative ideas to enhance the agency's design offerings and client solutions.

• Excellence: A dedication to delivering consistently high-quality work, with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to professional standards.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within the Creative team and across departments.

• Client-Centricity: A focus on understanding and exceeding client expectations through exceptional service and impactful design.

• **Data-Driven Communication