Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Travel Counsellors

Location: Manchester, UK

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: Mid-weight (4-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative excellence by producing high-quality graphic assets for digital and print channels to support a global business.

• Collaborate closely with marketing and commercial teams to develop compelling campaign assets and content across various formats, including digital publishing platforms.

• Design and produce engaging social media assets, encompassing static imagery, short-form video, and basic motion graphics, to enhance online presence.

• Ensure brand consistency and integrity by managing and maintaining all brand assets, including imagery, supplier content, and logos.

• Support the ongoing development and adherence to brand guidelines across all creative outputs, reinforcing the premium brand aesthetic.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-weight Graphic Designer, indicating a need for a candidate who can operate with a significant degree of autonomy while also collaborating effectively within a team. The emphasis on "global business," "campaign assets," and "brand guidelines" suggests a strategic operational component to the role, requiring an understanding of how creative assets contribute to broader marketing and business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute visually appealing and effective graphic designs for digital platforms (websites, social media, email campaigns, digital ads) and print materials (brochures, event collateral, internal communications).

• Translate marketing briefs and commercial objectives into creative visual solutions that resonate with target audiences.

• Develop engaging social media content, including static graphics, GIFs, and simple animations, to boost engagement and brand awareness.

• Maintain a comprehensive library of brand assets, ensuring all materials are up-to-date, organized, and accessible to relevant teams.

• Create and refine artwork templates for recurring needs, promoting efficiency and brand consistency across various marketing initiatives.

• Design comprehensive branding elements for internal and external events, including signage, presentations, and promotional materials.

• Contribute to the evolution and enforcement of brand guidelines, ensuring all visual communications align with the company's premium brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and brand stewardship. For operations professionals, understanding how these creative outputs support sales enablement, lead generation, and customer engagement is key. The emphasis on "pace" and "shifting priorities" suggests a need for efficient workflow management and adaptability, common in fast-paced GTM environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree or diploma in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field is preferred, providing a foundational understanding of design principles and practices. Experience:

• A minimum of 4-5 years of professional graphic design experience, ideally gained across a combination of in-house marketing teams and creative agency environments, to ensure a well-rounded perspective on design challenges and delivery. Required Skills:

• Strong Portfolio: A robust portfolio showcasing a diverse range of digital and print design projects, demonstrating proficiency in typography, layout, brand application, and creative problem-solving.

• Digital Design Proficiency: Expertise in creating assets for web, social media, email, and other digital channels using industry-standard design software.

• Print Design Expertise: Proven ability to design for print, understanding production requirements and best practices for various collateral types.

• Brand Application: Demonstrated skill in applying and maintaining brand guidelines consistently across diverse creative outputs.

• Creative Thinking: Ability to generate innovative design concepts and solutions that meet project objectives and brand standards.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy in typography, color, layout, and production specifications.

Preferred Skills:

• Social Media Content Creation: Experience in designing static images, short-form videos, and simple motion graphics specifically for social media platforms.

• Luxury/Premium Brand Experience: A proven track record of working with or a strong understanding of premium brand aesthetics and design principles.

• Travel Industry Familiarity: Experience within the travel sector or a demonstrable passion for travel, which can inform design choices and brand understanding.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential; familiarity with After Effects or Premiere Pro for motion graphics is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for experience in luxury/premium brands and the travel industry suggests that candidates should tailor their portfolios and interview responses to highlight any relevant work or demonstrate an understanding of these specific market nuances. This is crucial for aligning with the company's established brand identity and target customer.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate End-to-End Design Process: Showcase projects that illustrate the entire design lifecycle, from initial brief and concept development through to final asset delivery and implementation.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Include case studies that specifically address how brand guidelines were applied and maintained across multiple touchpoints and formats.

• Showcase Digital and Print Versatility: Present a balanced selection of work that clearly illustrates proficiency in both digital design (web, social, email) and print collateral.

• Illustrate Problem-Solving: Feature projects where design challenges were overcome through creative thinking and strategic application of design principles, leading to measurable outcomes (if possible).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Visualization: Be prepared to discuss and visually represent typical design workflows, including stages for concept, feedback, revisions, and finalization, especially in a hybrid or remote collaboration setting.

• Asset Management Strategy: Demonstrate an understanding of how design assets are organized, stored, and managed for efficient retrieval and consistent application across global teams.

• Collaboration and Feedback Integration: Be ready to explain how feedback from stakeholders (marketing, commercial teams) is incorporated into the design process and how revisions are managed effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is not just a gallery of work but a demonstration of process and operational thinking. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, how they manage projects, and how they ensure brand consistency, which are critical operational aspects for a marketing team.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Mid-weight Graphic Designer with 4-5 years of experience in the Manchester, UK region, a competitive salary range would likely be between £30,000 and £45,000 per annum. This estimate considers the company's premium brand positioning and the benefits package offered. Benefits:

• Competitive Salary & Annual Bonus: A strong base salary complemented by an annual bonus structure, recognizing performance and contribution.

• Flexible Hybrid Working: The ability to balance office-based collaboration with remote work, promoting work-life integration.

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, and pathways for professional growth within the company.

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 28 days after five years of service, providing ample time for rest and personal pursuits.

• Enhanced Family Leave: Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay, supporting employees during significant life events.

• Charitable Contribution: One paid day per year dedicated to volunteering or supporting charitable causes.

• Company Culture & Events: Opportunities to participate in company events and incentives that foster team cohesion and engagement.

• Financial Security: A death-in-service benefit equivalent to three times the annual salary, providing peace of mind.

• Retirement Planning: Access to a company pension scheme to support long-term financial planning.

• Health & Wellness: Private Medical Insurance or a Healthcare Cash Plan, offering comprehensive health coverage and support.

• On-site Amenities: Free breakfast and beverages provided at the office, enhancing the daily work experience.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 37.5-40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexibility in location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general UK market data for graphic designers with mid-level experience in a major city like Manchester. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific skills, portfolio, and negotiation. The comprehensive benefits package underscores the company's commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which are attractive factors for operations professionals seeking stability and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel & Tourism (specifically, a travel agency network model). This industry requires a strong focus on customer experience, brand perception, and the ability to convey aspirational travel. Operations within this sector often involve managing complex logistics, agent support, and customer service excellence.

Company Size: Over 400 people in Support Offices, with 2,200+ independent travel agents worldwide. This indicates a medium-to-large organization with a distributed network, requiring strong internal communication and brand consistency across all touchpoints.

Founded: Over 30 years ago, suggesting a stable, established company with a proven business model and deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Team: The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team, reporting to the Design Studio Manager. This implies a structured creative department with clear reporting lines and specialized roles.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with marketing and commercial teams across the business, indicating a matrixed or project-based approach to creative asset development.

• Support Office vs. Agent Network: Understanding the distinction between the central support office functions and the independent travel agents is crucial for grasping the company's operational model.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes customers, communities, and colleagues, suggesting a culture that values strong relationships and personalized service.

• Empowerment Model: Supporting independent agents implies a methodology focused on providing robust tools, resources, and support that enable business success.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for design, a company of this size and age likely utilizes data to inform marketing strategies and operational improvements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on being a "Best Place to Work" and its long history suggest a stable, supportive, and professional environment. For operations roles, this translates to well-defined processes, opportunities for impact, and a culture that values continuous improvement. The hybrid working model reflects modern operational flexibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-weight Graphic Designer. This level signifies an individual who can execute tasks independently, manage multiple projects, and contribute meaningfully to creative campaigns and brand consistency efforts. They are expected to have a solid grasp of design principles and software, and begin to take on more responsibility in project management and concept development.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Design Studio Manager. This indicates a direct line of reporting within a creative department, with opportunities for mentorship and guidance from a senior creative lead.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and overall visual communication strategy. High-quality creative assets are essential for attracting and retaining both customers and independent travel agents, thereby contributing significantly to revenue generation and business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas such as motion graphics, digital publishing, or social media content creation, becoming a go-to specialist within the team.

• Creative Leadership: Progress into senior designer roles, potentially leading smaller projects, mentoring junior designers, or taking on more strategic creative responsibilities.

• Brand Strategy Involvement: Gain exposure to broader brand strategy discussions, contributing creative insights to campaign planning and brand evolution initiatives.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Through collaboration, gain a better understanding of marketing operations, campaign management, and commercial objectives, potentially opening doors to broader marketing roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals interested in creative roles, this position offers a clear path for skill development and career progression within a reputable company. The emphasis on "career development opportunities" in the benefits section is a strong indicator of the company's commitment to employee growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model. This means a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work, offering flexibility for employees. The office is located in Manchester, UK.

Office Location(s): The primary office is at 1 Old Park Ln, Manchester, M41 7HA, UK. This location in Trafford provides access to a professional workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, particularly important for creative teams like marketing and design, allowing for brainstorming sessions and real-time feedback.

• Resource Availability: Employees working from the office will have access to necessary design tools, technology, and a professional setting conducive to focused work.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for structured in-office days to maximize team interaction, relationship building, and spontaneous creative exchanges.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, with the flexibility provided by the hybrid arrangement allowing for a better work-life balance. Specific in-office days will likely be coordinated with the Design Studio Manager and the broader marketing team to optimize team synergy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a significant factor for many professionals. For operations roles, understanding how this model impacts team communication, project workflows, and access to resources is key. The emphasis on collaboration suggests that in-office days will be strategically utilized for team-centric activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Submission: Submit CV and a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant design skills and experience.

• Screening Call: A preliminary call with the Talent Acquisition team to discuss experience, motivation, and suitability for the role.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Potentially a practical design task or a case study presentation to assess creative thinking, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities under timed conditions.

• Interview with Design Studio Manager: A more in-depth discussion about design philosophy, project experience, and fit with the team's workflow and culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior marketing leader to assess strategic alignment and overall cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your ability to meet the requirements of this specific role, emphasizing digital and print design, brand application, and any relevant travel or premium brand experience.

• Showcase Process: For 2-3 key projects, briefly explain your design process, from understanding the brief to final execution. Highlight any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

• Highlight Impact (if possible): Where applicable, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement on social media, positive feedback on event materials).

• Quality over Quantity: Ensure high-quality presentation of your work, with clear visuals and concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Travel Counsellors' brand identity, target audience, and recent marketing campaigns.

• Prepare for Brand Application: Be ready to demonstrate how you would apply their existing brand guidelines to new creative concepts.

• Consider Social Media Trends: Familiarize yourself with current best practices and trends in social media design for the travel industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio upon application is critical. Candidates must ensure their portfolio is polished, relevant, and easily accessible. The emphasis on "creative campaign assets" and "global business" suggests that interviewers will be looking for strategic thinking behind design choices, not just aesthetic execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and editing a wide range of digital and print assets.

• Digital Publishing Platforms: Familiarity with platforms used for creating and distributing digital content (e.g., web content management systems, email marketing platforms).

• Social Media Design Tools: Experience with tools or techniques for creating static images, short-form videos, and basic motion graphics for social media.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Understanding of Analytics: While not a primary analytics role, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, social media engagement) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Awareness of Marketing Automation: Understanding how design assets are integrated into marketing automation workflows (e.g., email campaigns) can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement for this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and any other relevant design or content creation software they have utilized. The mention of "digital publishing platforms" suggests a need for adaptability to various content delivery systems.

👥 Team