Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Costello Medical

Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Healthcare / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to delivering a wide spectrum of creative projects within the dynamic healthcare sector, encompassing brand development, infographic design, and event materials, offering significant autonomy and creative input.

• The position involves end-to-end project involvement, from initial concept conceptualization to final production, demanding strong collaboration with project managers, clients, and fellow designers.

• A key aspect of the role is the opportunity to contribute to both commercial projects and pro bono initiatives for charities, leveraging design skills for meaningful impact in healthcare.

• The Graphic Designer will be expected to maintain a high standard of quality, manage project timelines effectively, and provide exceptional service to internal teams and external clients in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the description clearly indicates a strong focus on the healthcare and medical communications industry, suggesting that candidates with experience or a keen interest in this sector will be highly valued. The role's emphasis on data visualization and scientific content communication further refines the operational context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design a diverse range of visually engaging materials, including infographics, posters, event collateral, and other design assets for both internal stakeholders and external clients in the healthcare industry.

• Collaborate closely with creative colleagues and project managers from the project's inception to define design scope, strategic objectives, and the overall approach to ensure alignment with client needs.

• Provide expert technical insight and guidance to project teams, clearly communicating design requirements and addressing any technical queries to ensure smooth project execution.

• Manage the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept development through to final production, ensuring all deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

• Contribute to motion and digital projects, potentially including the design of interactive exhibition materials, video editing, animation, and the creation of eLearning modules, depending on individual skill sets.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional graphic design tasks with elements of digital media and a strong client-facing component. This suggests that candidates should not only possess strong design skills but also good communication and project management capabilities to navigate the full project lifecycle and client interactions effectively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Proven experience working within an agency or commercial environment.

Required Skills:

• Extensive proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.

• Familiarity with other software within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

• Demonstrated ability to generate, execute, and oversee a variety of creative concepts.

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

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

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

• Ability to manage conflicting demands and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build robust and sustainable working relationships. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in data visualization and enhancing the communication of scientific content.

• Familiarity with motion graphics, video editing, or animation software.

• Experience in designing interactive materials for exhibitions or eLearning modules.

• A genuine interest in the healthcare industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "highly innovative portfolio" alongside a design degree suggests that practical application and creative flair are as crucial as formal education. The requirement for agency or commercial experience highlights the need for candidates who can operate in a client-driven, deadline-oriented environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A highly innovative and diverse portfolio showcasing a range of creative concepts and design executions.

• Demonstrations of expertise in brand development, infographic design, and event materials.

• Examples of problem-solving through design, illustrating the ability to translate complex briefs into compelling visual solutions.

• Evidence of proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, with a clear showcase of design outputs created using these tools.

• Potential inclusion of digital or motion design examples if applicable to the candidate's skillset. Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of the design project lifecycle, from initial concept to final delivery.

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process during interviews and portfolio reviews, explaining how they approach briefs, collaborate with stakeholders, and refine designs.

• While formal process documentation isn't explicitly required for submission, the ability to discuss and explain design workflows and decision-making is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is positioned as the primary demonstration of a candidate's capabilities, particularly their innovative thinking and technical execution. Candidates should curate their portfolio to explicitly address the types of projects mentioned in the job description (infographics, event materials, brand development) and be prepared to walk through their design process.

💵 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 half of working time 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, and life assurance.

• Full funding for external training and paid study leave.

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

• Paid and unpaid sabbaticals based on length of service.

Working Hours: Full-time role. Specific daily hours are not detailed, but a hybrid model suggests flexibility. The company emphasizes a work-life balance, with flexible working hours and the ability to work from home up to half the time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary bands are clearly defined and fixed, indicating a structured compensation approach. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the profit share bonuses and extensive health and well-being provisions, aligns with Costello Medical's reputation as a top employer. The mention of London weighting for salary is a crucial detail for candidates applying to that office.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

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

Company Size: The description implies a growing global agency with multiple office locations (Cambridge, London, Manchester, Bristol), suggesting a medium to large-sized organization with established operational structures.

Founded: Founded prior to 2017, as they have been listed in the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For list since 2017. They also achieved B Corporation accreditation in 2022.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the "Creative team," working closely with other designers and project managers.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, involving early-stage interaction with various internal teams and external clients.

• The team is described as passionate about data visualization and communicating scientific content, indicating a focus on clarity and impact. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data visualization and enhancing the communication of scientific content.

• Commitment to supporting projects where skills can make a meaningful difference, including pro bono work.

• A strong focus on client service and building partnerships.

• A blend of commercial and impactful, mission-driven work.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Costello Medical is positioned as a highly reputable employer, evidenced by their consistent inclusion in "Best Companies to Work For" lists and their B Corp certification. This suggests a company culture that prioritizes employee well-being, ethical practices, and a commitment to making a positive impact, which is a significant draw for potential candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced Graphic Designer, likely mid-level, requiring proven agency/commercial experience and a strong portfolio. It offers significant autonomy and involvement in the full project lifecycle, moving beyond junior design tasks.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to senior members of the Creative team, as indicated by the final interview stage involving senior creative staff and portfolio review. They will collaborate closely with project managers.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the communication of scientific and healthcare information to clients and stakeholders. High-quality design is crucial for Costello Medical's reputation and the effectiveness of their clients' campaigns and research outcomes. Their contributions are vital for client satisfaction and securing future business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: One-to-one training provided by experienced colleagues on technical aspects, project management, and effective client communication.

• Specialization: Opportunity to contribute