Graphic Designer at Go Swag

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Go Swag

Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Graphic Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-20

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Design enterprise-level proposals and high-precision digital proofs for premium, sustainable corporate merchandise, ensuring flawless execution for global brands.
Act as the Subject Master Expert for concept design, translating high-level brand strategies into compelling physical product experiences.
Own the end-to-end design lifecycle for physical products, from initial concept to final production-ready artwork, ensuring brand integrity and aesthetic excellence.
Leverage a "builder mentality" to automate repetitive tasks and streamline design workflows, enhancing operational efficiency within the creative function.
Proactively collaborate with C-suite executives and sales teams, contributing creative genius to challenge briefs and elevate final outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid between a traditional graphic designer and an industrial designer, with a strong emphasis on translating brand strategy into tangible, high-quality physical products. The "operations" aspect comes from the need for workflow automation, precision in proofs, and the ability to work within startup timelines, impacting the efficiency of the Go Swag GTM (Go-to-Market) and client servicing operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Develop and design compelling enterprise proposal decks and creative concepts that align with client brand guidelines and marketing objectives.
Create high-precision digital proofs, placement guides, and technical specifications for a wide range of physical products, ensuring accuracy and adherence to production standards.
Conceptualize and architect innovative design solutions for corporate gifting, focusing on sustainability, premium quality, and brand storytelling.
Collaborate closely with sales, CPO, and CCO to understand client needs and translate them into creative design strategies that drive sales and client satisfaction.
Identify opportunities to implement design automation tools and GenAI solutions to increase efficiency and speed in the design and proofing process.
Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, balancing creative vision with startup-driven timelines and delivering agency-standard visuals.
Contribute to the development of internal brand guidelines and design standards to ensure consistency across all Go Swag client deliverables.
Stay abreast of design trends, sustainable materials, and emerging technologies (like GenAI) to continuously innovate and enhance Go Swag's creative offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational efficiency. The emphasis on "enterprise proposals" and "high-precision digital proofs" points to a critical role in supporting Go Swag's sales operations and ensuring client satisfaction through meticulous quality control in product design. The expectation to "automate repetitive tasks" and "streamline workflows" directly integrates operations management principles into the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degree requirements are not listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Advertising Design, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong preference for backgrounds in advertising, industrial design, or agency/startup environments. Proven ability to manage the design lifecycle from concept to execution.

Required Skills:

Concept Architect & Visionary: Demonstrated ability to develop creative concepts and translate "big ideas" into executable designs across digital and physical media.
Production Precision: Expert-level proficiency in creating detailed digital proofs, mockups, and placement guides for physical products, ensuring zero-error delivery for enterprise clients.
Workflow Autonomy & Automation: A proactive "builder mentality" with the ability to establish and improve design processes, automate repetitive tasks, and streamline daily operations.
Technical Artistry: Proven talent for creating high-specification, agency-standard visuals under tight startup deadlines.
Collaborative Logic: Strong communication and interpersonal skills to partner effectively with C-suite, sales teams, and other stakeholders, proactively contributing creative insights.
Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

Preferred Skills:

Experience in an agency or fast-paced startup environment managing diverse projects (print, digital, physical activations).
Proactive interest and demonstrated experience with GenAI and design automation tools to enhance workflow efficiency.
Knowledge of sustainable materials and their impact on physical product design and production constraints.
Familiarity with NextJS or other modern web development frameworks (beneficial for understanding digital activations).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Growth Mindset Over Checklists" statement suggests that Go Swag values potential and problem-solving skills over strict adherence to a checklist of qualifications. This implies that candidates with strong foundational design skills and a proactive, adaptable attitude may be considered even if they don't meet every single preferred skill. The emphasis on "concept architecture" and "production precision" highlights a dual focus on creative ideation and operational execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Concept to Execution: Showcase projects that demonstrate the full design lifecycle, from initial concept development to final, production-ready artwork and digital proofs.
Brand Storytelling: Include examples of how you've used design to tell a brand's story or convey a specific message, particularly for enterprise clients or physical products.
Production Accuracy: Provide clear examples of digital proofs, technical specifications, or placement guides you've created, highlighting your attention to detail and understanding of production constraints.
Process Optimization: If possible, include a case study or example where you identified inefficiencies in a design workflow and implemented a solution (e.g., automation, template creation) to improve speed or accuracy.
Client-Facing Materials: Showcase experience with designing proposals, pitch decks, or other client-facing collateral that requires a high degree of professionalism and brand alignment.

Process Documentation:

Examples of how you've documented design processes, created style guides, or developed templates to ensure consistency and efficiency in design output.
Demonstrations of how you've used systems or tools to manage design assets, track project progress, or collaborate with teams on design deliverables.
Evidence of implementing automated workflows or leveraging technology to speed up standard design tasks, such as batch processing, template generation, or AI-assisted design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing "workflow autonomy" and "production precision," a portfolio that visually demonstrates not just creative output but also the process behind it will be crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach problem-solving, efficiency improvements, and ensuring accuracy in their design work, especially concerning physical product production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Glasgow, Scotland, and considering the hybrid work model and equity package, the estimated salary range is approximately £30,000 - £45,000 per annum. This estimate is derived from publicly available salary data for similar roles in the UK and considers the cost of living in Glasgow.

Benefits:

Generous Annual Leave: 30 days of annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), plus an additional 3-day company-wide Christmas closure, and an extra day for the World Cup. This emphasizes a commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.
Equity Package: Opportunity to receive company stock options, providing a direct stake in Go Swag's growth and success.
High-Performance Tech: Provision of a high-performance MacBook tailored for creative work, ensuring you have the tools to excel.
Enhanced Parental Leave: Comprehensive leave policies for primary and secondary caregivers, supporting employees during significant life events.
Professional Development: Fully funded training and professional development opportunities aligned with career goals, fostering continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Collaborative Culture: A dog-friendly office environment that encourages interaction, creativity, and a positive team atmosphere.
Company Pension: Contribution to a company pension scheme to support long-term financial planning.
Cycle-to-Work Scheme: Encouragement of sustainable commuting through a dedicated scheme.
Go Swag Experience: Premium, sustainable gift packs to celebrate personal milestones, reflecting the company's product and values.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an estimated standard working week of 40 hours. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general UK market data for this experience level and location. The equity package is a significant component and can substantially increase total compensation depending on company valuation and growth. The extensive benefits package underscores Go Swag's commitment to employee well-being, professional growth, and a positive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Corporate Gifting / E-commerce. Go Swag is disrupting the traditional corporate gifting market by leveraging technology, AI, and automation to offer personalized, sustainable, and premium merchandise solutions. They position themselves as a tech-first platform rather than just a merchandise provider.

Company Size: Based on the description of an "early hire in a scaling team" and the need to "write the playbook," Go Swag is likely a Series A or B funded startup, potentially in the range of 50-200 employees. This size offers the opportunity for significant impact and rapid career progression.

Founded: Founded by tech entrepreneurs, the company has a modern, innovative ethos, likely founded within the last 5-10 years to be in a scaling phase with established clients like Meta and Intel.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer will be part of a growing design team, reporting to a Design Lead.
Close collaboration with C-suite executives (CPO, CCO) and the sales team is expected, indicating a cross-functional, integrated approach.

Methodology:

Tech-Driven: Utilizes NextJS, AI, and automation to transform the industry and drive operational excellence.
Sustainability Focus: Champions high-quality, recycled products and ethical sourcing.
Client-Centric: Focuses on delivering premium experiences and building relationships for elite clients.
Agile & Fast-Paced: Operates with startup timelines, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach.

Company Website: https://careers.goswag.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of startup agility, tech innovation, and a strong commitment to quality and sustainability. For a designer, this means working in a dynamic environment where creativity meets operational rigor and where individual contributions can significantly shape the company's offerings and processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an individual contributor position, likely at a mid-level ("Junior to Mid-Level Designer"). It requires a solid foundation of design skills and the ability to work with a degree of autonomy, but it's not yet a management or senior strategic leadership role. The emphasis on "builder mentality" and "workflow autonomy" suggests opportunities to shape processes.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to the Design Lead and will work closely with the Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), as well as the sales team. This provides visibility to senior leadership and exposure to strategic business functions.

Operations Impact: The role's impact on operations is significant through:

Sales Enablement: Designing compelling proposals that directly influence sales success and revenue generation.
Brand Integrity: Ensuring consistent, high-quality visual representation of Go Swag and its clients' brands across all touchpoints, impacting client perception and retention.
Process Efficiency: Automating design tasks and optimizing workflows contributes directly to the operational efficiency of the creative and GTM teams.
Product Excellence: Ensuring flawless digital proofs for physical products minimizes errors in production, reducing costs and improving client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Graphic Designer or Design Lead role as the team expands, taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior designers.
Specialization: Deepen expertise in industrial design, sustainable materials, or AI-driven design processes.
Cross-Functional Exploration: Opportunities to contribute to marketing, product development, or even sales strategy through design insights.
Process Ownership: As an early hire with a "builder mentality," there's a strong chance to own and define key design operations processes within Go Swag.
Equity Growth: As the company scales and achieves milestones, the value of the equity package can increase significantly.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a scaling startup. The emphasis on learning and development, coupled with direct exposure to C-suite and strategic functions, provides a strong foundation for career advancement in design and potentially in operations management or product strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Go Swag operates a hybrid work model. The office is described as "dog-friendly," suggesting a relaxed yet collaborative atmosphere. This indicates a modern, employee-centric approach to the workspace.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 16-18 Earl Haig Rd, Glasgow, G52 4JU. This location provides accessibility for local employees and serves as a hub for collaboration.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a central point for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional collaboration, especially important for a hybrid model.
Tech-Enabled: Employees receive high-performance MacBooks, suggesting that the workspace is equipped with modern technology to support creative and operational tasks.
Team Interaction: The dog-friendly environment and emphasis on collaboration foster informal interactions and team cohesion, which is crucial for a startup culture.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is approximately 40 hours, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model. This allows for a balance between structured work time and personal needs, which is beneficial for focused design tasks and creative flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role means candidates should be comfortable working both independently from home and collaboratively in the Glasgow office. The emphasis on a positive and collaborative office environment, including being dog-friendly, points to a company that values employee experience and team spirit.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Call with Talent Lead: An informal screening to discuss the role, your background, and general fit. Preparation: Be ready to articulate your interest in Go Swag, your design philosophy, and how your experience aligns with the core responsibilities.
Interview with CPO and Design Lead: A more in-depth discussion about your experience, design process, and technical skills. Preparation: Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that showcase your concept architecture, production precision, and any experience with workflow automation or GenAI.
Take-home Challenge: A practical exercise to assess your design skills and problem-solving abilities. Preparation: Pay close attention to the brief, focusing on demonstrating creativity, attention to detail, and adherence to brand guidelines. Consider how you would approach the challenge efficiently within a startup context.
Panel Interview with CCO, CPO, and Design Lead: A final interview with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall potential impact. Preparation: Be ready to discuss your motivations for joining Go Swag, your understanding of the corporate gifting industry, and how your creative vision can contribute to the company's mission and growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Showcase Process: Beyond final visuals, include case studies that detail your design process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight your approach to concept development and production accuracy.
Highlight Automation/Efficiency: If you have examples of automating design tasks, creating templates, or using AI tools to improve workflow, make these prominent. This directly addresses the "workflow autonomy" requirement.
Demonstrate Brand Storytelling: Select projects that clearly articulate a brand's narrative or message through design, especially those involving physical products or enterprise-level presentations.
Precision Proofs: Include examples of detailed digital proofs or placement guides to showcase your meticulous attention to detail crucial for enterprise clients.
Tailor to Go Swag: Research Go Swag's existing client base and brand aesthetic. If possible, subtly tailor your presentation or highlight relevant past work that aligns with their style and client profile.

Challenge Preparation:

Understand the Brief: Carefully read and dissect the take-home challenge instructions. Clarify any ambiguities before starting.
Focus on Core Skills: Ensure your submission directly addresses the key requirements: concept design, production precision, and ideally, efficiency.
Professional Presentation: Present your work professionally, including a brief explanation of your creative process and rationale. Treat it as a client deliverable.
Time Management: Allocate your time wisely to complete the challenge thoroughly and to a high standard within the given timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess not only creative talent but also operational thinking, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within a fast-paced startup environment. A strong portfolio that emphasizes process, efficiency, and precision will be key to standing out.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency expected in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all graphic design tasks, including creating digital proofs and client-facing materials.
Prototyping/Mockup Software: Experience with tools like Adobe Dimension, Blender, or similar for creating realistic 3D mockups of physical products.
Presentation Software: Expertise in tools like Google Slides or PowerPoint for designing enterprise proposals and pitch decks.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Design Workflow Automation: Experience with scripting, batch processing, or utilizing plugins within Adobe Creative Suite to automate repetitive design tasks.
Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira for managing design projects and collaborating with teams.
GenAI Tools: Proactive interest and preferably some experience with AI-powered design tools (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly) for concept generation or asset creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "automation" and "GenAI" suggests that Go Swag is keen on adopting cutting-edge tools to enhance productivity. Candidates who can demonstrate practical application of these technologies in a design context will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the company's mission to reinvent corporate gifting through unique design and tech solutions.
Precision & Quality: Essential for delivering premium products and maintaining trust with elite enterprise clients. This translates to meticulous attention to detail in all design outputs.
Efficiency & Automation: A drive to streamline processes and leverage technology to achieve more with less, reflecting a startup's need for scalability.
Sustainability: A commitment to ethical sourcing and eco-friendly materials, influencing design choices and material selection.
Collaboration & Ownership: Encouraging a flat structure where individuals act like owners, contributing ideas and working together across departments.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with sales, product, and executive teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate business needs into creative solutions.
Proactive Partnership: Designers should actively contribute ideas, challenge briefs, and partner with stakeholders to elevate the final output, rather than passively receiving instructions.
Feedback Exchange: An environment where constructive feedback is shared to improve designs and processes, fostering continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Go Swag seems to value individuals who are not only creative but also pragmatic, efficient, and collaborative. They are looking for "builders" who can contribute to the operational framework of the design function while pushing creative boundaries.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Creativity with Startup Speed: Delivering high-quality, agency-standard creative work within the fast-paced, often demanding timelines of a startup.
Translating Concepts to Physical Products: Bridging the gap between abstract ideas and technically viable, mass-producible physical items, especially with sustainable materials.
Automating Design Workflows: Identifying and implementing effective automation solutions for repetitive design tasks in a practical and scalable manner.
Managing Diverse Client Needs: Adapting design style and output to meet the distinct brand requirements of a wide range of elite enterprise clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

AI in Design: Gaining hands-on experience with GenAI tools and exploring their integration into professional design workflows.
Industrial Design Principles: Deepening understanding of physical product design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Sustainable Design Practices: Becoming an expert in sourcing and designing with eco-friendly materials.
Sales & Business Acumen: Developing a stronger understanding of how design directly impacts sales, client relationships, and business growth by working closely with C-suite and sales teams.
Process Improvement: Leading or significantly contributing to the development and refinement of Go Swag's design operations processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a designer in a scaling tech startup, offering significant opportunities for professional growth beyond traditional design roles. The company's investment in training and development further supports this.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a time you had to translate a complex brand strategy into a physical product design. What was your process?" (Focus on concept architecture, problem-solving, and execution.)
"How would you approach automating the creation of digital proofs for a new line of branded merchandise?" (Demonstrate workflow autonomy, technical skills, and understanding of automation tools.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"Why Go Swag, and what excites you about our mission to reinvent corporate gifting through technology?" (Show genuine interest in the company's unique value proposition.)
"How do you balance creative vision with the need for speed and efficiency in a startup environment?" (Address the blend of creativity and operational pragmatism.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation to tell a story for each project, highlighting the problem, your solution (design process), and the outcome/impact.
Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved client feedback, reduced production errors, faster turnaround times).
Highlight Automation/Efficiency: Specifically call out any projects where you implemented efficiency gains, used AI tools, or automated parts of your workflow.
Focus on Precision: For proof examples, clearly explain the detail and care taken to ensure accuracy for the client.
Engage and Discuss: Be prepared to answer questions about your choices, discuss alternatives, and engage in a conversation about your design approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process aims to gauge your ability to think strategically about design within a business context, your technical prowess, and your fit within a dynamic, growth-focused company. Prepare to discuss your process, problem-solving skills, and how you contribute to operational efficiency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application through the Go Swag careers portal link provided.
Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating concept design, production precision, and any experience with workflow automation or AI tools. Select 2-3 strong case studies that align with Go Swag’s enterprise client base and focus on physical product design.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "concept architect," "production precision," "workflow autonomy," "GenAI," "industrial design," and "startup environment." Quantify achievements where possible.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving strategies, and how you contribute to operational efficiency. Prepare specific examples for the interview questions.
Company Research: Thoroughly research Go Swag's mission, clients, and recent news. Understand their approach to technology, sustainability, and corporate gifting to articulate your alignment with their values and goals.

⚠️ 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