Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Costello Medical

Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Healthcare Communications

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative excellence in the healthcare sector by designing a wide array of materials, from initial concept to final production, demonstrating strong autonomy and creativity.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including project managers, scientific writers, and other designers to conceptualize and deliver visually compelling content.

• Develop and execute engaging content for both internal company initiatives and external clients, focusing on brand development, intricate infographics, and event materials.

• Contribute to digital and motion projects, potentially including interactive exhibition materials, video editing, animation, and the creation of eLearning modules, leveraging a diverse skillset.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, indicated by the experience level derived and the expectation of autonomy in project execution. The emphasis on healthcare sector clients and scientific content communication suggests a specialization within medical communications, requiring a nuanced understanding of data visualization and scientific accuracy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design a diverse range of visual assets, including infographics, posters, event collateral, and other marketing materials, tailored for both internal stakeholders and external healthcare clients.

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

• Produce high-quality design deliverables, offering technical design insights and guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Ensure timely and budget-conscious completion of all projects, maintaining the highest standards of creative quality and brand consistency.

• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external clients, delivering an exceptional level of service and support.

• Contribute to pro bono initiatives, applying design skills to support charities and public sector organizations, aligning with the company's mission to make a meaningful difference in healthcare.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle design process, from ideation and client consultation to final production and quality assurance. The inclusion of pro bono work indicates a company culture that values social impact and provides opportunities for designers to contribute to meaningful causes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree-level or higher qualification (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) in a design-related discipline. This includes, but is 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 a track record of successful creative 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 a variety of creative concepts from inception to completion.

• A strong problem-solving mindset with the capacity for innovative, out-of-the-box thinking.

• Confidence in presenting design work effectively to diverse audiences, including internal teams and external clients.

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

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

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

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for building robust working relationships. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics or digital design tools (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro, Figma).

• Familiarity with data visualization principles and tools.

• Experience in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry.

• Understanding of scientific communication principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "highly innovative portfolio" alongside academic qualifications suggests that practical application and creative flair are highly valued. The requirement for Adobe InDesign and Illustrator is standard for graphic design roles, but the broad scope of acceptable design disciplines indicates flexibility in candidate background, provided the portfolio demonstrates relevant skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A highly innovative and diverse portfolio demonstrating a wide range of creative concepts and design executions across various mediums.

• Specific examples of brand development projects, showcasing strategic thinking and visual identity creation.

• Case studies of infographic design, highlighting the ability to translate complex data into clear and engaging visuals.

• Examples of event materials design, including brochures, posters, and digital assets for conferences or exhibitions.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator through practical project examples. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of collaboration with project managers and clients, illustrating the process from brief to final delivery.

• Include projects where problem-solving and innovative thinking were critical to the design outcome.

• Present work that demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and adherence to quality standards.

• Provide evidence of effective time management and prioritization in managing multiple projects simultaneously.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component, expected to showcase not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to manage projects from conception to completion within a client-facing environment. The emphasis on "highly innovative" suggests a desire for fresh perspectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £28,000 to £33,000 per annum (outside of London) / £28,860 to £33,000 per annum (in London), depending on previous experience.

Benefits:

• Discretionary profit share bonuses paid twice per year.

• Hybrid and flexible working options, with up to 50% of time working from home 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.

• 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, with flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements. The standard working hours are not explicitly stated but are implied to be around 40 hours per week given the full-time nature and London weighting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided with a London weighting adjustment, indicating a tiered pay structure based on location. The comprehensive benefits package, including profit share, extensive leave, and robust health and income protection, reflects a company that invests significantly in employee well-being and professional development. The note about "no need for individual negotiations" suggests a structured and equitable compensation approach.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Communications, Market Access, Health Economic and Outcomes Research (HEOR). Costello Medical is a global healthcare agency serving pharmaceutical companies, medical technology firms, patient bodies, and charitable organizations.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the existence of multiple offices (Cambridge, London, Manchester, Bristol) and a global reach suggests a medium to large-sized organization, likely falling within the 50-250 or 250-1000 employee range on LinkedIn. The company has been recognized as a "Best Companies to Work For" and a "Top Places to Work," indicating a strong focus on employee experience.

Founded: Costello Medical has a history of consistent recognition, being listed in the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For since 2017 and achieving B Corporation accreditation in 2022. This longevity and commitment to ethical business practices are core to its culture.

Team Structure:

• The Creative team is a key department within Costello Medical, responsible for delivering visual communication solutions.

• Designers work collaboratively with Project Managers, Scientific Communicators, and other creative professionals.

• The team structure likely involves a Head of Creative, Senior Designers, and Graphic Designers, with a reporting line to creative leadership.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, as designers will interface with client services, scientific teams, and market access specialists. Methodology:

• Data visualization is a core methodology, emphasizing the clear and impactful communication of complex scientific and health economic data.

• A client-centric approach ensures that all creative output is aligned with client objectives and scientific accuracy.

• Emphasis on quality, creativity, and efficiency in project delivery.

• Commitment to ethical practices, as evidenced by B Corp certification and support for pro bono work.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Costello Medical's culture is characterized by its commitment to excellence in healthcare communications, employee well-being, and ethical business practices. The company's accolades and certifications (B Corp, Disability Confident) underscore a dedication to social responsibility and inclusivity, which would be attractive to professionals seeking purpose-driven work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level Graphic Designer role, indicating a need for established skills and the ability to work with a degree of autonomy. The role is expected to contribute significantly to client projects and internal creative initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a senior member of the Creative team, likely a Creative Lead or Head of Creative. They will also work closely with Project Managers on specific client deliverables.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of scientific communication for clients in the healthcare sector. High-quality visuals enhance understanding, engagement, and the overall impact of medical information, contributing to client success and Costello Medical's reputation for excellence.

Growth Opportunities:

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

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Creative Lead, or Art Director roles within the Creative team.

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

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse projects across different therapeutic areas and client types, broadening industry knowledge.

• Leadership Potential: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers or lead smaller creative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The structured approach to training and career development, coupled with the company's growth trajectory, suggests strong potential for advancement. The emphasis on one-to-one training is a significant differentiator, offering personalized guidance for career progression in a specialized field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily hybrid, offering a blend of office-based and remote work. Costello Medical maintains a strong belief in the benefits of in-office collaboration for community building and idea exchange.

Office Location(s): Opportunities are available in their Global Headquarters in Cambridge, as well as their London, Manchester, and Bristol offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office spaces are designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact with colleagues from various departments.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and technology within the office, supporting creative workflows.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal interactions that foster a strong sense of community.

• Hybrid Flexibility: The policy allows for up to half of the working time to be remote, providing flexibility while ensuring regular face-to-face engagement.

Work Schedule: Full-time with flexible working hours. The hybrid model allows for up to 2 days per week working from home during the probationary period, increasing to up to 2.5 days per week (half the time) after probation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is clearly defined, balancing the desire for remote flexibility with the company's commitment to a strong in-office culture. This approach aims to provide work-life balance while maintaining team cohesion and collaborative synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit CV, cover letter, and a PDF portfolio or link to an online portfolio. The cover letter must detail suitability and motivation for joining Costello Medical with supporting examples.

• Telephone Interview: Conducted by a member of the Talent Acquisition team to assess initial fit and clarify application details.

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

• Final Interview: Involves senior members of the Creative team and includes a portfolio review, focusing on creative output, strategic thinking, and cultural fit.

• Timeline: The standard recruitment process typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks, with potential for adaptation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest and most relevant projects that showcase diversity in design style, complexity, and industry application, with a focus on healthcare if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the creative process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the final outcome (quantify impact where possible).

• Highlight Process: Include sketches, mood boards, wireframes, or early concepts to demonstrate your thought process and problem-solving approach.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator through well-executed layouts, typography, and graphic elements.

• Tailor to Costello Medical: Emphasize projects that align with Costello Medical's work in healthcare communications, data visualization, and scientific content.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Assessment: Be prepared for a design challenge that likely involves creating visual assets (e.g., an infographic, a presentation slide) based on provided scientific or healthcare-related data.

• Time Management: Practice working under timed conditions to simulate the assessment environment.

• Focus on Clarity: Prioritize clear communication of data and concepts over excessive ornamentation.

• Brand Consistency: If a brand guide is provided, adhere to it strictly. If not, demonstrate an understanding of brand application.

• Articulate Your Choices: Be ready to explain your design decisions, rationale, and how your solution addresses the brief.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the cover letter and portfolio review in the final interview highlights the company's desire to understand a candidate's motivations, communication skills, and creative vision beyond just technical proficiency. The inclusion of a take-home assessment is standard for creative roles, testing practical application and problem-solving under realistic conditions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Extensive use of Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator is mandatory. Familiarity with other applications within the suite (e.g., Photoshop, Acrobat) is expected.

• Adobe Premiere Pro / After Effects: Potential use for video editing and animation projects.

• Figma / Sketch: May be used for digital design or interactive materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for this role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital assets, readability scores for infographics) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Graphic Designer role, but understanding how design assets are managed and distributed within a project management or CRM system could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are centered around the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with a specific emphasis on InDesign and Illustrator. The mention of potential use for video editing and animation tools suggests opportunities for designers to expand their skillset into motion graphics and digital content creation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Healthcare Communication: A commitment to delivering high-quality, scientifically accurate, and visually engaging materials that serve the healthcare sector.

• Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design challenges, pushing creative boundaries to enhance communication.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where colleagues work together to achieve shared goals, respecting diverse perspectives.

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding high standards of professional conduct, as demonstrated by B Corp certification and a commitment to pro bono work.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong partnerships through exceptional service.

• Continuous Learning: Encouraging professional development and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with scientific writers, project managers, and client services teams, requiring clear communication and understanding of different disciplines.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: An environment where feedback is actively sought, given, and received constructively to improve creative output.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design techniques, and industry insights within the Creative team and across departments.

• Proactive Engagement: Designers are encouraged to proactively contribute ideas and solutions, not just execute instructions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a blend of professional expertise in healthcare communications with a strong ethical foundation and a collaborative spirit. This suggests a work environment where creativity is valued but must be applied responsibly and in service of clear communication and client success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge will be to effectively visualize complex scientific and health economic data into easily understandable and engaging formats.

• Balancing Creativity with Client Needs: Striking the right balance between innovative design solutions and adhering to client briefs, brand guidelines, and scientific accuracy.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Effectively juggling diverse projects with varying deadlines and client requirements in a fast-paced agency environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design software, digital trends, and visualization techniques to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to funded external training and paid study leave to develop expertise in areas like advanced data visualization, motion graphics, UX/UI design, or specific therapeutic areas.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant design or healthcare communications conferences to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship Program: Direct one-to-one training and guidance from experienced professionals in the Creative team, covering technical skills, project management, and client communication strategies.

• Pro Bono Work: The chance to apply design skills to meaningful causes, offering unique project experiences and personal fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a specialized role in medical communications, requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills alongside creative talent. The growth opportunities are substantial, with a clear commitment from Costello Medical to invest in the professional development of its employees.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex data into a visually understandable format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your data visualization skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to communicate results.)

• "How do you approach a design brief from a client in the healthcare sector? What steps do you take to ensure scientific accuracy and brand consistency?" (Highlight your understanding of client collaboration, research methods, and attention to detail.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare to discuss your creative process, decision-making, and the impact of your work.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working in healthcare communications specifically, and why Costello Medical?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent work. Connect your interests and skills to their specific focus.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs from colleagues or clients?" (Emphasize your openness to feedback and your ability to use it for improvement.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." (Align your response with Costello Medical's emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically, with a clear introduction for each piece.

• Narrative is Key: For each project, tell a compelling story: the