Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: JJ Rhatigan Building Contractors

Location: Galway, Ireland

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: June 15, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual storytelling and brand elevation through creative design solutions for a leading building contractor.

• Develop impactful digital and print assets, including proposals, infographics, presentations, and branded merchandise, aligned with brand standards.

• Create engaging multimedia content, such as animations and video overlays, to support internal and external communications and employer branding initiatives.

• Collaborate effectively with marketing and business teams to ensure cohesive visual identity across all channels, enhancing engagement and new business opportunities.

• Translate complex information into clear, compelling visual formats that resonate with target audiences and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring proven experience in both graphic and video design within a corporate or agency setting. The emphasis on "employer brand initiatives" and "new business opportunities" suggests a strategic role in shaping the company's external perception and internal communications, extending beyond basic design tasks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute creative design solutions for a diverse range of marketing and business collateral, including digital and print proposals, presentations, infographics, brochures, flyers, banners, site signage, and branded merchandise.

• Produce engaging visual content tailored for external platforms like the company website, social media channels, and industry-specific forums, as well as internal platforms such as SharePoint and business applications, ensuring brand consistency and audience appeal.

• Partner with marketing team members and broader business units to deliver cohesive visual assets for marketing campaigns, award submissions, conferences, events, and employer branding efforts.

• Transform abstract ideas and complex data into clear, engaging visual formats, including compelling graphs, infographics, animations, and narrative visuals that enhance comprehension and impact.

• Support the creation of multimedia content, such as video overlays and animations, by collaborating with internal teams and external agencies or suppliers.

• Uphold and enforce consistent application of brand guidelines across all visual outputs to maintain a strong, credible, and recognizable brand presence throughout the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility in design outputs, spanning both traditional print and dynamic digital/multimedia formats. The explicit mention of "employer brand initiatives" and "new business opportunities" indicates that the role is integral to business development and talent acquisition strategies, requiring a candidate who understands how design impacts these areas.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Multimedia Arts, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and After Effects and a strong portfolio.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of proven experience as a Graphic Designer, Video Editor, or in a similar creative role, preferably within a corporate, agency, or professional services environment.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in industry-standard design software, including the full Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Advanced skills in video editing and motion graphics, specifically with Adobe After Effects or comparable software.

• Exceptional visual storytelling capabilities, with a proven ability to translate concepts and messages into clear, engaging, and impactful designs for diverse audiences.

• Experience in designing for digital and social media platforms, understanding specific formats and best practices for maximum engagement.

• Strong understanding and application of brand guidelines to ensure consistency and brand integrity across all visual communications.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, effectively incorporating feedback and iterating on designs.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills, capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment and meeting multiple deadlines.

• Familiarity with UX/UI design principles to inform digital design outputs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in multimedia content creation beyond basic video editing, such as interactive assets or advanced animations.

• Knowledge of print production processes and specifications for items like site signage and branded merchandise.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Basic understanding of construction industry aesthetics and communication styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "After Effects or other similar in quality" suggests a need for candidates who can produce professional-grade motion graphics and animations. The mention of "UX/UI design principles" points towards an expectation that the designer can create user-friendly digital interfaces, even if not a primary UX/UI role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a diverse range of graphic and video design work.

• The portfolio should clearly demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and After Effects.

• Include case studies or examples that highlight visual storytelling capabilities and the ability to translate complex information into engaging visuals for both internal and external audiences.

• Showcase examples of digital design for social media, website banners, and other online platforms, adhering to best practices.

• Feature examples of print design, such as proposals, brochures, and signage, demonstrating an understanding of layout and typography. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial brief and concept development to final execution and delivery.

• Demonstrate how you incorporate feedback and iterate on designs to meet stakeholder requirements and brand standards.

• Provide examples of how you ensure brand consistency across various deliverables and platforms.

• Illustrate experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, showcasing organizational and time management strategies within your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "impactful creative," "visual storytelling," and translating "ideas and information into clear engaging visual formats," the portfolio should not just be a collection of static images but should tell a story about the candidate's problem-solving approach and design thinking process. Specific examples of how design contributed to business objectives (e.g., increased engagement, clearer communication in proposals) will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Graphic Designers with video editing skills in Galway, Ireland, the estimated salary range is €35,000 - €50,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the mid-level experience requirement (2-5 years), the specific technical skills (Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects), and the location in Galway.

Benefits:

• Attractive Terms of Employment, as stated by the company.

• Competitive Salary, commensurate with experience and skills.

• Excellent Career Progression opportunities, indicating potential for advancement within the company's creative or marketing functions.

• Opportunities to work on challenging and diverse projects and assignments, providing professional growth and skill development.

• Potential for additional benefits common in the Irish market, which may include pension contributions, health insurance, and paid time off.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week, with an on-site work arrangement. Flexibility may be available depending on project demands and company policy, but core hours will likely be aligned with standard business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for Ireland and a mid-level graphic designer role. The actual salary will depend on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio quality, and negotiation during the interview process. The company explicitly mentions "Attractive Terms of Employment" and "Competitive Salary," suggesting they are prepared to offer a good package for the right candidate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Building Contractors. JJ Rhatigan Building Contractors operates within a sector that demands reliability, professionalism, and strong visual communication to convey expertise and secure projects. The company has operations in both Ireland and the UK, indicating a significant scale of operations.

Company Size: JJ Rhatigan Building Contractors is a leading company in its field, suggesting a medium to large-sized organization. While exact numbers aren't provided, "leading" implies a substantial workforce and established operational structure.

Founded: Information on the founding date is not provided, but the company's status as a "leading" contractor suggests a long-standing presence and established reputation in the market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Communications department. This team is responsible for shaping the company's external image and internal communication strategies.

• Collaboration is expected with the wider business teams, including project managers, business development, and HR (for employer branding).

• The reporting structure is likely to be to a Marketing Manager or Head of Communications, who oversees the strategic direction of visual assets. Methodology:

• Design work will be guided by brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and reflecting the company's established identity within the construction industry.

• A collaborative approach is emphasized, requiring designers to work closely with various stakeholders to understand project needs and translate them into visual concepts.

• Emphasis on delivering "impactful creative" and "compelling content" suggests a focus on results-driven design that supports business objectives.

• Data-driven insights may inform design choices, especially for digital and social media content, to optimize engagement.

Company Website: [JJ Rhatigan Building Contractors website details would be inserted here if available, e.g., www.jjrhatigan.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating in the construction sector means design work needs to balance creativity with professionalism and an understanding of the industry's practicalities. Visuals often need to convey strength, reliability, and scale, which might influence the aesthetic direction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is identified as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer (2-5 years experience). It implies a level of autonomy in executing design tasks and the ability to manage projects independently, while still benefiting from guidance from senior marketing or management personnel. The responsibilities suggest a step beyond junior design work into strategic visual communication.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Head of Communications. This structure allows for strategic direction and alignment with broader company goals, while providing opportunities for direct mentorship and feedback. Collaboration with various departments is key, indicating a cross-functional integration typical of effective creative roles.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the company's brand identity and perception. Their work directly influences:

• Business Development: High-quality proposals, presentations, and marketing materials can enhance credibility and attract new clients.

• Employer Branding: Engaging visual content for recruitment drives and internal communications helps attract and retain talent.

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified visual presence across all touchpoints reinforces the company's professionalism and market position.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Clear infographics and visual narratives can improve understanding and communication with clients, partners, and employees.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like motion graphics, video editing, UX/UI design, or digital marketing design.

• Leadership Potential: As experience grows, potential to move into Senior Graphic Designer roles, lead design projects, or even transition into a Marketing or Brand Management position.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in design for the construction sector, becoming a valuable asset for the company.

• Cross-functional Development: Gain exposure to broader marketing strategies, project management, and business development through collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly mentions "Excellent Career Progression," suggesting a structured path for growth. For a mid-level designer, this could mean opportunities for more complex projects, greater creative input, or mentorship roles for junior designers as the team expands.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Galway, Ireland, indicating a traditional office-based work environment within JJ Rhatigan Building Contractors. This setting typically fosters direct collaboration, spontaneous idea exchange, and a clear separation between work and personal life.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in Galway. While specific details about the office amenities are not provided, a "leading" construction company would likely offer a professional and well-equipped workspace. Accessibility information would typically be available upon request or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role emphasizes collaboration, suggesting an open-plan office or team-based workspace where designers can easily interact with marketing colleagues and other business unit representatives.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects) and hardware will be provided. The company's commitment to visual storytelling implies investment in necessary creative tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, project reviews, and informal discussions will be part of the daily routine, facilitating knowledge sharing and creative problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM), Monday to Friday. While the role is on-site, the fast-paced environment may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a construction company's office environment implies a professional, business-oriented atmosphere. The designer will be immersed in the company's operations, which can be beneficial for understanding context and creating relevant visuals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and creative output.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (e.g., Marketing Manager) to discuss experience, skills, approach to design, and cultural fit. This may include a brief overview of the company and role expectations.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated part of the interview process where the candidate walks through their portfolio, explaining their design process, rationale, and the impact of their work on specific projects. This is crucial for assessing visual storytelling and problem-solving skills.

• Skills Assessment (Optional): A practical design test or a case study presentation may be assigned to evaluate specific skills (e.g., creating a social media graphic from a brief, or presenting a concept for a proposal).

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or department head to finalize the decision, discuss terms of employment, and assess overall fit with the company's strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best work that directly aligns with the job description, focusing on graphic design, video editing, infographics, and digital/social media content.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcome or impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%").

• Highlight Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to adapt your style and approach to different project types and target audiences.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your work clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and After Effects.

• Brand Consistency: Include examples where you successfully applied brand guidelines or developed new visual elements within an existing brand framework.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Industry: Research JJ Rhatigan Building Contractors, their current projects, their competitors, and the general visual landscape of the construction industry.

• Design Brief Interpretation: Practice quickly assessing design briefs, identifying key objectives, target audiences, and required deliverables.

• Visual Communication: Be prepared to articulate how your design choices support business goals and communicate complex information effectively.

• Feedback Integration: Demonstrate an openness to feedback and a structured approach to iterating on designs based on constructive criticism.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just the aesthetic quality of their work, but the strategic thinking behind it, and how their designs contributed to business objectives. Expect questions about how you approach tight deadlines and collaborate with non-design stakeholders.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required for Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic design tasks.

• Adobe After Effects: Critical for creating motion graphics, animations, and video overlays.

• Video Editing Software: Proficiency beyond After Effects, potentially including Premiere Pro or similar, for comprehensive video production.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility, familiarity with analytics tools for social media or website content (e.g., Google Analytics, social media platform insights) would be beneficial for understanding content performance.

• Understanding how visual assets contribute to campaign performance metrics will be important. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role, but an understanding of how design assets integrate with marketing automation platforms or digital campaign workflows might be advantageous. Other Potential Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly PowerPoint for presentation design.

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello) for team communication and workflow management.

• UX/UI Tools: Basic familiarity with tools like Figma or Sketch could be a plus, given the mention of UX/UI principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is a strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on After Effects. This indicates the company values dynamic visual content and is prepared to invest in high-quality creative output. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their mastery of these tools through their portfolio and interview discussions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, professional design that reflects the company's standing as a leading contractor.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional cooperation to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging fresh ideas and creative problem-solving to produce impactful visual content that stands out.

• Reliability & Professionalism: Upholding strong work ethics, meeting deadlines, and representing the company with professionalism in all interactions.

• Efficiency: A focus on streamlining processes and delivering effective solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer will work closely with marketing, business development, and other departments, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to understand diverse needs.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is shared and incorporated into design iterations to achieve optimal results.

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

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication with stakeholders regarding project status, challenges, and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture, as inferred from the job description, values a blend of creative talent and professional execution. The emphasis on collaboration and delivering "impactful creative" suggests a dynamic team environment where designers are integral to broader business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Consistency: Effectively translating innovative design concepts while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and the practicalities of the construction industry.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling requests and feedback from various departments, each with potentially different priorities and visual expectations.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting tight deadlines for multiple projects simultaneously, requiring efficient workflow management and prioritization skills.

• Translating Technical Information: Visually communicating complex construction projects, technical data, and proposals in an engaging and easily understandable manner.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in motion graphics, animated infographics, and potentially interactive design through challenging projects.

• Industry-Specific Design: Gaining deep expertise in visual communication strategies tailored for the construction sector.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about marketing strategy, business development processes, and project management within a large construction firm.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress into senior design roles, team lead positions, or even specialize in areas like digital marketing or brand management within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a corporate graphic designer role, especially in a sector like construction where practicality meets visual appeal. The growth opportunities are directly linked to the company's mention of "Excellent Career Progression," suggesting a commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a visual concept for a complex project, such as a construction bid proposal." (Focus on ideation, research, stakeholder input, and execution.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of digital and print materials while still maintaining creative flair?" (Highlight your approach to brand guidelines and your ability to innovate within constraints.)

• "Tell us about a time you had to translate technical or complex information into a clear and engaging visual format. What was your approach and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a design project?" (Demonstrate your collaboration and problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about JJ Rhatigan Building Contractors and the construction industry?" (Research the company's projects, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our employer brand initiatives?" (Think about how visuals attract talent and shape company perception.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with colleagues." (Align your response with the company's emphasis on teamwork and visual storytelling.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each piece, explain the "Why," "What," and "How." Why was this project needed? What was the objective? How did you approach it creatively and technically? What was the result?

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or tangible outcomes that your design work achieved (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity, successful bid win).

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques you used, especially for video and motion graphics.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to create compelling visuals for corporate communications, marketing campaigns, and potentially B2B audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss not just your creative output but your strategic thinking. The hiring team will want to understand how you approach design problems, how you collaborate, and how your work directly contributes to the company's business objectives in the construction sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on hirehive.com.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in graphic design, video editing, Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects, visual storytelling, and any relevant industry experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your best work related to digital design, print collateral, infographics, and motion graphics. Prepare to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Practice answering strategy, behavioral, and company-specific questions, focusing on your design process, collaboration skills, and understanding of the construction industry.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with JJ Rhatigan Building Contractors' projects, values, and brand identity to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.