Graphic Designer at Costello Medical

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Costello Medical

Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: May 28, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Drive creative output for the healthcare sector, from concept to final production, with significant autonomy.
Collaborate closely with project managers, clients, and creative colleagues to define project scope and strategic design approaches.
Develop a wide range of visually appealing materials including infographics, posters, and event materials.
Contribute to motion and digital projects, potentially including interactive exhibition materials, video editing, animations, and eLearning modules.
Uphold the company's commitment to data visualization, scientific content communication, and supporting pro bono work for charities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a specialized healthcare communications agency, requiring a strong understanding of visual storytelling for scientific and medical content. The hybrid nature of the work arrangement suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills to maintain team cohesion and project momentum.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conceptualize, design, and produce a diverse range of visually compelling materials such as infographics, posters, event collateral, and presentations for internal teams and external healthcare clients.
Engage in early-stage project collaboration with creative colleagues, project managers, and clients to meticulously define project scope, objectives, and strategic design pathways.
Provide expert technical insight and guidance throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring design integrity and feasibility.
Maintain exceptional standards of quality and timely delivery for all assigned projects, adhering to project budgets and deadlines.
Foster strong, collaborative working relationships with internal teams and external clients, delivering outstanding customer service and ensuring client satisfaction.
Contribute to motion and digital design projects, including interactive exhibition materials, video editing, animation, and the creation of eLearning modules, based on individual skillset and project needs.
Support pro bono initiatives for charities and public sector organizations, aligning design skills with meaningful healthcare impact.
Continuously explore and implement innovative design concepts and technologies to enhance creative service offerings and project deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "data visualization" and "enhancing the communication of scientific content" indicates a need for designers who can translate complex information into clear, impactful visuals. Experience with scientific illustration or medical device graphics would be a significant advantage.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Proven experience working in an agency or commercial environment, demonstrating a track record of successful project delivery.

Required Skills:

Extensive proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.
Familiarity with the broader Adobe Creative Cloud suite of software.
Demonstrated ability to generate, execute, and oversee diverse creative concepts from inception to completion.
A strong problem-solving mindset with the capacity for out-of-the-box thinking.
Confidence in presenting design work to varied audiences, including internal stakeholders and external clients.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a high level of productivity.
Flexibility to adapt to changing deadlines and manage conflicting demands by prioritizing tasks effectively.
Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design and production.

Preferred Skills:

Experience or aptitude in motion graphics, video editing, animation, or eLearning module creation.
Familiarity with data visualization techniques and tools for complex scientific content.
Experience within the healthcare, pharmaceutical, or medical technology sectors.
Understanding of brand development principles and application across various media.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a degree-level qualification in a design-related discipline, coupled with proven agency experience and a strong portfolio, indicates a need for candidates with both formal training and practical, client-facing experience. The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a mid-level role with expectations of independence and a solid understanding of design workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A highly innovative and comprehensive portfolio, presented as a PDF or a link to an online portfolio.
Showcase a diverse range of creative concepts and their execution across various media, including print, digital, and potentially motion graphics.
Include examples demonstrating expertise in infographic design and data visualization, particularly in translating complex information.
Highlight projects that reflect strong collaboration, problem-solving, and effective client communication.

Process Documentation:

Evidence of involvement in the full project lifecycle, from initial concept development to final production.
Examples of how project scope, purpose, and strategic approach were defined and executed.
Demonstration of quality control processes and adherence to timelines and budgets.
Case studies or project descriptions that illustrate effective problem-solving and technical insight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "highly innovative portfolio" and showcasing "diverse and intricate creative projects" suggests that candidates should curate their portfolios to highlight their most impactful and creative work, demonstrating their ability to handle complex briefs and deliver exceptional results. The inclusion of data visualization and scientific content examples will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

£28,000 to £33,000 per annum (outside of London)
£28,860 to £33,000 per annum (in London)
The exact salary will be determined based on the candidate's previous experience.

Benefits:

Discretionary profit share bonuses paid twice per year.
Hybrid and flexible working options, with up to 50% of time eligible for remote work after probation.
Generous holiday allowance of 25 days plus bank and public holidays.
Holiday buy and sell scheme available.
Private Medical Insurance with a medical history disregard basis.
Critical Illness Cover.
Income Protection.
Life Assurance.
Full funding for external training and paid study leave.
Flexible benefits scheme offering cash payments, additional pension contributions, and more.

Working Hours:

Full-time role, with a standard working week of approximately 40 hours.
Flexible working hours are offered, with hybrid arrangements allowing up to half the working time to be remote after probation.
During the probationary period (typically 6 months), remote work is limited to 1 day per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Graphic Designer role outside of London, with a slight uplift for London-based positions. The extensive benefits package, particularly the profit share bonuses, comprehensive health coverage, and significant professional development funding, underscores Costello Medical's commitment to employee well-being and growth. The hybrid policy offers a good balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Communications, Medical Communications, Market Access, Health Economic and Outcomes Research.

Company Size: Costello Medical has grown significantly and is recognized as a "rapidly growing global healthcare agency." While specific employee counts aren't provided here, their presence across multiple UK offices (Cambridge, London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh) suggests a substantial and established organization.

Founded: Costello Medical has a history of being recognized as a "Best Companies to Work For" since 2017, indicating a strong, long-standing positive workplace culture. They also achieved B Corporation accreditation in 2022, highlighting a commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Team Structure:

The Creative team is a core function within Costello Medical, working closely with Project Managers and other departments to deliver client and internal projects.
The team is described as "passionate about data visualisation and enhancing the communication of scientific content."
Collaboration is key, with designers working from initial concept through to full production, interacting with various stakeholders.

Methodology:

Emphasis on data visualization and clear communication of scientific content.
A blend of commercial client work and impactful pro bono projects for charities and the public sector.
Commitment to innovation and embracing new technologies to enhance creative service offerings.
A strong focus on quality, client service, and building robust working relationships.
Hybrid working model designed to balance office-based collaboration with work-life balance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Costello Medical's culture appears to be built on a foundation of excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of purpose within the healthcare sector. Their consistent recognition as a top employer, coupled with B Corp certification, suggests a values-driven organization that prioritizes employee well-being, professional development, and positive societal impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer (2-5 years experience), offering the opportunity to take ownership of creative projects from concept to completion. It's an entry point into specialized healthcare communications design, with potential for advancement within the Creative team.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will work within the Creative team, reporting to a Creative Lead or Manager. They will collaborate closely with Project Managers on client-specific projects.

Operations Impact: Graphic Designers at Costello Medical play a crucial role in translating complex scientific and medical information into accessible, engaging visual content for clients. Their work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of medical communications, market access strategies, and health economic research presentations, ultimately influencing client perception and project success. They also contribute to the company's brand and internal communications.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Opportunities to develop expertise in specific areas like data visualization, motion graphics, video editing, or eLearning design based on project involvement and personal interest.
Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Creative Lead, or Art Director roles within the Creative team.
Professional Development: Full funding for external training and paid study leave supports continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Mentorship: The company offers one-to-one training from experienced colleagues on technical aspects, project management, and client communication, providing valuable guidance.
Industry Exposure: Working with leading pharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations provides deep industry knowledge and a strong professional network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Graphic Designer at Costello Medical is clearly defined, emphasizing both technical skill development and broader project management capabilities. The company's investment in training and development, coupled with the specialized nature of their work, offers a strong foundation for a specialized career in healthcare creative services.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Costello Medical operates a hybrid working model. Employees are expected to spend a portion of their time in the office and a portion remotely. The office environments are designed to foster collaboration and community.

Office Location(s): Global Headquarters in Cambridge, as well as offices in London, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh. This role specifically mentions the Bristol office as a potential location.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The offices are designed to encourage interaction and community, with hybrid working aiming to balance this with flexibility.
Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and potentially specialized tools for data visualization and digital media.
Team Interaction: Opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with other designers, project managers, and creative colleagues during office-based days.

Work Schedule:

Full-time role, approximately 40 hours per week.
Flexible working hours are available.
Hybrid working policy: up to 50% remote work after probation; 1 day per week remote during probation. This implies a structured hybrid approach, likely with designated office days for collaborative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, indicating a need for candidates who can effectively manage their time and maintain productivity both in the office and remotely. The emphasis on maintaining a sense of community suggests that office days will be structured for collaborative activities and team engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Step 1: Application Submission: Submit CV, cover letter, and PDF portfolio (or online link). The cover letter must detail suitability for the role and reasons for wanting to join Costello Medical, supported by examples. CVs must include qualification dates and grades.
Step 2: Video Interview: A self-recorded video interview reviewed by the Talent Acquisition team.
Step 3: Assessment: An assessment completed in candidates' own time, if successful from the video interview.
Step 4: Final Interview: An in-person interview with senior members of the Creative team, which includes a portfolio review.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, prioritize projects showcasing infographic design, data visualization, brand development, and any healthcare-related projects.
Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your creative process, the solutions implemented, and the tangible results or impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, and your ability to use other Adobe Creative Cloud tools.
Showcase Innovation: Include examples that demonstrate your "out-of-the-box" thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a PDF or an online link.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared for potential design challenges that assess your ability to quickly interpret a brief, develop concepts, and present design solutions under time constraints.
Practice articulating your design choices and strategic thinking clearly and concisely, as the final interview includes a portfolio review and discussion with senior team members.
Research Costello Medical's work and values thoroughly to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is multi-stage, requiring careful preparation at each step. The emphasis on the cover letter and portfolio review highlights the importance of showcasing both your creative skills and your understanding of the company's mission and values within the healthcare sector. The inclusion of a video interview and a timed assessment suggests a rigorous selection process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout, typography, and creating print/digital publications, including infographics and event materials.
Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logo design, icon creation, and detailed illustrations.
Adobe Creative Cloud: Comprehensive suite of applications including Photoshop (for image editing), After Effects (for motion graphics), Premiere Pro (for video editing), and potentially Animate or Adobe XD for digital/interactive content.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Not directly applicable to the Graphic Designer role, but awareness of how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or CRM systems for client communications could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator, is non-negotiable. The mention of motion graphics, video editing, and eLearning modules suggests that familiarity with related Adobe tools (After Effects, Premiere Pro) or equivalent software would be highly valued and could lead to expanded responsibilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering "highest standards of quality" in all design outputs.
Innovation: Encouraging "innovative ideas" and a "problem-solving mindset" to enhance creative service offerings.
Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships and working closely with colleagues, project managers, and clients.
Client Focus: Providing "outstanding customer service" and building "robust and sustainable working relationships."
Impact & Purpose: Contributing to projects that "make a meaningful difference to healthcare," including pro bono work.
Integrity: Adherence to B Corporation principles, emphasizing social and environmental responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with project managers and other creative colleagues from the outset of projects.
Feedback Culture: Implicit in the process of concept development and client presentation is a culture of constructive feedback and iteration.
Knowledge Sharing: The mention of one-to-one training suggests a culture where experienced team members actively share their expertise.
Data-Driven Design: A strong emphasis on "data visualisation" indicates a preference for designs grounded in accurate and meaningful data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Costello Medical's culture seems to balance a high-performance, client-focused approach with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional development, and ethical practice (B Corp). The collaborative nature of the Creative team, combined with the agency's mission-driven work, creates an environment that is both professionally stimulating and personally rewarding.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Translating Complex Data: Effectively visualizing intricate scientific and medical data into clear, accessible, and engaging formats for diverse audiences.
Balancing Creative Autonomy with Client Needs: Managing creative freedom while ensuring designs meet client objectives, brand guidelines, and technical specifications.
Pace and Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced agency environment with potentially shifting deadlines and project priorities.
Hybrid Work Management: Maintaining seamless collaboration and productivity across remote and in-office working days.
Staying Current: Keeping abreast of evolving design trends, software updates, and new technologies in digital and motion graphics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Specialized Healthcare Design Skills: Gaining in-depth experience in medical communications, data visualization, and health economics-related design.
Advanced Software Proficiency: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud tools, particularly in motion graphics, video editing, and interactive design.
Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding project lifecycles, client management, and strategic planning through collaboration with project managers.
Industry Best Practices: Learning from experienced professionals in a leading healthcare communications agency.
Professional Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications relevant to design or specific software applications, supported by the company's funding for external training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a creative role in a specialized agency, requiring strong technical skills, adaptability, and excellent communication. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for specialization within the healthcare communications sector and continuous professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a complex data set you have visualized and the process you used to make it understandable." (Focus on your approach, tools, and user-centric design choices.)
"Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to overcome significant creative or technical challenges. What was your solution?" (Use the STAR method, highlighting problem-solving and adaptability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"Why are you interested in working in healthcare communications specifically, and what excites you about Costello Medical's mission?" (Research their B Corp status, recent projects, and company values.)
"How do you approach collaboration, particularly within a hybrid work environment? How do you ensure effective communication with remote colleagues?" (Highlight your communication strategies and proactive engagement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 3-5 Key Projects: Choose projects that best represent your skills in infographic design, data visualization, and your ability to handle complex briefs.
Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific contribution, and the measurable impact or outcome.
Demonstrate Process: Be ready to discuss your design thinking, concept development, and the rationale behind your aesthetic and functional choices.
Technical Readiness: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and visually polished. Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and other relevant software.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a strong understanding of the healthcare communications landscape. Highlighting your ability to collaborate effectively in a hybrid setting and your commitment to the company's values will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form, ensuring all required fields are filled accurately.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Explicitly state why you are suited for this role and why you wish to join Costello Medical. Use specific examples from your experience to support your claims and demonstrate your understanding of the healthcare sector and the company's mission.
Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a PDF portfolio or ensure your online portfolio link is up-to-date and showcases your best work, particularly highlighting infographic design, data visualization, and any relevant healthcare sector projects. Organize it logically and be ready to discuss each piece in detail.
Optimize Your Resume: Clearly list your qualifications, including degree details and grades where applicable. Ensure your work experience highlights your agency or commercial environment background and relevant design achievements.
Prepare for Video & Written Assessments: Be ready to record a video interview and complete a written assessment. Practice articulating your skills and experience concisely.
Research Costello Medical: Understand their services, client base, company culture, and values (especially their B Corp status). This will be essential for your cover letter and 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.

Graphic Designer