Graphic Designer - Maternity Cover (FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Maternity Cover (FTC)

Company: The Works

Location: Coleshill, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (1-2 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical support function within The Works' creative team, focused on enhancing product and packaging design for a diverse range of consumer goods.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in maintaining brand integrity and visual consistency across multiple product categories, from toys and games to stationery and seasonal gifts.

• Success in this position requires a blend of creative flair, technical proficiency in design software, and strong collaboration skills to work effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.

• This fixed-term contract (FTC) position offers an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic retail environment during a key period for the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on graphic design for physical products, this enhancement positions it within a broader Go-To-Market (GTM) operational context. The core responsibilities directly impact product appeal, shelf presence, and ultimately, consumer purchasing decisions, which are key GTM considerations. The emphasis on brand guidelines and cross-functional collaboration highlights the operational interdependencies required for successful product launches and ongoing brand management within a retail setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive creative support for all aspects of product and packaging design across key retail categories including toys, games, arts, crafts, stationery, and seasonal gifting.

• Execute own-label product and packaging designs with meticulous adherence to established brand guidelines, ensuring a consistent and high-quality visual identity.

• Collaborate effectively and efficiently with the internal creative team, buyers, suppliers, and other cross-functional departments to ensure the timely delivery of all creative projects.

• Contribute creative input on emerging design trends and play a role in the successful launch of cross-category seasonal ranges, driving market relevance and appeal.

• Manage workload independently and cooperatively with the Commercial team, balancing multiple simultaneous projects to meet deadlines and align project implementation schedules with overall business objectives.

• Drive improvements in product and design delivery processes, overseeing the entire lifecycle from initial concept development through to final packaging execution.

• Ensure all final designs meet organizational standards for quality, brand expectations, and regulatory compliance where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been detailed to highlight the operational aspects of design execution. This includes project management (meeting deadlines, scheduling), supply chain collaboration (working with suppliers), and process improvement (improving product and design delivery). The emphasis on "own label" design also points to brand management and GTM strategy implementation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Graphic Design, Art, or a related discipline.

Experience: Minimum of two years' professional experience in graphic design, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked within a creative agency or a retail environment.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional creativity and proven innovative design skills, with a portfolio demonstrating a strong aesthetic sensibility.

• Proficiency in core design software: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, enabling clear articulation of design concepts and project requirements.

• Strong presentation skills, capable of effectively communicating design ideas to stakeholders.

• Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills, essential for meeting deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.

• A proactive attitude and a desire to continuously build and enhance skill sets through ongoing education and training opportunities.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for asset management and deployment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in product and packaging design specific to the retail sector.

• Knowledge of current design trends across relevant product categories (toys, games, arts, crafts, stationery, gifting).

• Basic photography skills or experience working with photography assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement has been framed to emphasize its relevance to the operational realities of a retail environment, where speed, efficiency, and stakeholder alignment are paramount. The distinction between required and preferred skills helps candidates prioritize their development areas.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of two years of professional graphic design work, with a focus on product and packaging design.

• Demonstration of ability to follow and apply brand guidelines consistently across multiple projects and product types.

• Examples of creative problem-solving within design constraints, illustrating how challenges were overcome to achieve project goals.

• Inclusion of case studies or project breakdowns that highlight the design process from concept to final execution, including any revisions or collaborative input received. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing design projects from brief to final artwork, including any workflow or process mapping undertaken.

• Examples of how design assets were organized and delivered to suppliers or production teams, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

• Demonstration of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., buyers, marketing) in the design process, illustrating communication and feedback integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role within a retail operations context, a portfolio is not just about aesthetics but also about demonstrating an understanding of process, brand stewardship, and collaborative execution. This section emphasizes the need to showcase the designer's ability to integrate into existing operational workflows and deliver tangible results that align with business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While not specified, for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Coleshill, UK area, a typical full-time salary range would be between £25,000 and £35,000 per annum, depending on specific experience and the scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• 25% Colleague Discount: Significant discount on products, enhancing personal value and brand advocacy.

• Double Discount Days: Additional opportunities for savings, increasing overall benefit value.

• MyWorks: Access to exclusive online discounts across a wide array of retailers, utilities, and services, extending benefits beyond company products.

• Family Friendly Leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay, supporting critical life events.

• Holiday: 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays), providing ample time for rest and personal pursuits.

• Holiday Purchase: Option to purchase an additional 5 days of holiday, offering greater flexibility in managing personal time.

• Can-Do Academy: Instant access to training and development resources, supporting continuous learning and career growth within the company.

• Stream: Early access to earned wages (up to 50%), providing financial flexibility for unexpected needs.

• Share Scheme: Opportunity to become a shareholder, aligning personal financial goals with company success.

• 24/7 Support: Employee Assistance Programme through the Retail Trust, offering confidential support for employees and their families.

• Healthcare Cash Plan: Assistance with everyday healthcare costs, promoting employee well-being.

• Additional Perks: Includes Long Service Awards, pension contributions, life assurance, Cycle to Work scheme, and optional charity giving, contributing to a comprehensive benefits package.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for 1-2 days per week at the Coleshill Support Centre.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical UK market rates for this role and experience level in the West Midlands region. The benefits are detailed to highlight their value proposition for potential employees, emphasizing aspects relevant to work-life balance, financial well-being, and professional development, which are key considerations for attracting and retaining talent in creative and operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Books, Toys, Stationery, Arts & Crafts). The Works operates within the competitive UK retail landscape, focusing on value and accessibility for creative and educational products. This industry context means a strong emphasis on visual merchandising, product appeal, and seasonal promotions, all of which the Graphic Designer directly supports.

Company Size: The provided data doesn't specify exact size, but "The Works" is a recognized national retailer, suggesting a medium to large organization with established operational structures.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but The Works has a significant presence in the UK market, indicating a history of growth and adaptation within the retail sector.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Creative or Marketing department, potentially consisting of other designers, artworkers, and creative managers.

• The role involves reporting to a Creative Lead or Head of Design, with a dotted line or close collaboration with the Commercial and Buying teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving regular interaction with teams responsible for product development, marketing campaigns, e-commerce, and potentially retail operations. Methodology:

• Data Analysis: While not directly responsible for deep data analysis, the designer will need to interpret market trends and potentially consumer feedback to inform design choices, especially for seasonal ranges.

• Workflow Planning: The role requires effective personal workflow planning to manage multiple simultaneous projects and meet varied deadlines, in coordination with the Commercial team's product launch schedules.

• Automation: Basic understanding of how design assets are managed and deployed via content management systems suggests an appreciation for workflow efficiency, even if not directly implementing automation.

Company Website: https://www.theworks.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company and industry context is fleshed out to illustrate how the Graphic Designer's role fits into the broader retail operational ecosystem. The emphasis on "value and accessibility" and "visual merchandising" provides operational context for the design work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring a foundational understanding of design principles and practical experience in a professional setting. It's a contributor role focused on executing design tasks rather than strategic design leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Lead or Head of Design. This structure implies regular feedback, guidance, and oversight, crucial for development in a fixed-term role. Collaboration with buyers and commercial teams signifies cross-functional integration.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual appeal and marketability of The Works' own-label products. High-quality, on-brand packaging and product design can influence consumer purchasing decisions, drive sales, and reinforce brand perception. In a retail context, effective design is a critical component of the Go-To-Market strategy, directly affecting product success on shelves and online.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in product and packaging design for the retail sector, potentially focusing on specific categories like toys or stationery.

• Brand Stewardship: Develop a strong understanding of brand guidelines and their application, a valuable skill for future roles in brand management or senior design positions.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse teams (commercial, buying, marketing), enhancing understanding of the broader retail operations and GTM processes.

• Training & Development: The "Can-Do Academy" and general encouragement for skill-building offer pathways for formal or informal learning in design or related areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Graphic Designer role within an operational career path. It highlights how the role contributes to business objectives and offers specific avenues for professional growth relevant to operations and GTM functions. The "Can-Do Academy" is directly linked to skill development opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with a requirement for 1-2 days per week at the Support Centre in Coleshill, Birmingham. This suggests a modern office setting designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for hybrid work is the Support Centre in Coleshill, Faraday Avenue. This location serves as the hub for central operations and creative teams.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely collaborative, encouraging interaction with other members of the creative team, buyers, and commercial staff.

• Access to standard design tools and technology is expected, including high-performance computers and relevant software licenses.

• Opportunities for team interaction will be present during in-office days, facilitating brainstorming sessions, project reviews, and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM), with the hybrid model offering flexibility for in-office days. The emphasis on meeting deadlines implies a dynamic work pace, particularly during peak periods or product launch cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment highlights the hybrid nature and its implications for collaboration and operational efficiency. It frames the office days as opportunities for focused teamwork and engagement with key operational stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess fundamental design skills, relevant experience, and alignment with role requirements. Candidates should ensure their portfolio clearly demonstrates product/packaging design and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Creative Assessment: Likely a practical design task or a detailed portfolio review focusing on problem-solving, creative thinking, and technical proficiency (e.g., demonstrating use of Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop). Be prepared to discuss your design process and rationale.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: Discussion with hiring manager and potentially members of the commercial or buying teams. Focus on collaboration, communication, time management, and understanding of the retail environment.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion on fit with company values ("Crafty, Caring, Can-do") and a review of how you would approach specific design challenges within The Works' context.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest work relevant to product and packaging design for a retail audience. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the final outcome. Highlight your specific contributions.

• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied strict brand guidelines, showing attention to detail.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: If possible, subtly indicate the software used for each project.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to articulate your design choices, justify your creative decisions, and discuss how your work aligns with business objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge that might involve adapting existing artwork, creating a new concept for a product line, or responding to a brief similar to those outlined in the responsibilities.

• Focus on demonstrating efficiency, creativity, and adherence to brand constraints within a given timeframe.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to the commercial team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a graphic design role within a retail operations context. It emphasizes demonstrating practical skills, process understanding, and commercial awareness during the application and interview stages. The portfolio advice is geared towards showcasing operational relevance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and detailed illustrations used in packaging and product design.
  • InDesign: For layout and typesetting, crucial for packaging artwork, labels, and any multi-page design elements.
  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, retouching, and creating raster graphics for product visuals and marketing materials.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with CMS platforms for asset management and deployment of design files.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how design impacts sales via e-commerce platforms or how trends are identified through market analysis might be relevant. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design assets are requested and managed within broader business systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the essential software tools expected for a graphic designer. The emphasis on the Adobe Creative Suite is critical, and the mention of CMS highlights the need for understanding digital asset workflows within a retail operation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: The Works emphasizes three core values:

• Crafty 🎨 (Smart with what we've got): This translates to resourcefulness, efficiency, and making the most of available tools and budgets in design execution. For a designer, it means being innovative within constraints and delivering high-quality work efficiently.

• Caring 💛 (Heart in every action): This suggests a focus on empathy, whether towards customers, colleagues, or the brand itself. In design, it could mean creating user-friendly packaging or designs that resonate emotionally with the target audience.

• Can-do 🚀 (Energy that gets it done): This embodies a proactive, results-oriented approach. For the Graphic Designer, it means taking initiative, tackling projects with enthusiasm, and ensuring timely delivery even under pressure.

Collaboration Style:

• The company promotes listening and caring, suggesting an environment where feedback is valued and constructive.

• Cross-functional collaboration is actively encouraged, meaning the designer will need to work seamlessly with various departments, share ideas, and be receptive to input from non-designers.

• A culture that values continuous improvement is implied through the engagement survey and focus on feedback, encouraging an iterative approach to design and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are interpreted in the context of a graphic design role within a retail operations framework, highlighting how they translate into daily tasks and collaborative behaviors.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: Consistently delivering innovative designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines for numerous product lines.

• Managing Multiple Simultaneous Projects: Effectively prioritizing and delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines for various product categories and seasonal campaigns.

• Adapting to Fast-Paced Retail Environment: Quickly responding to market trends, commercial needs, and feedback from multiple stakeholders in a dynamic retail setting.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Navigating a role with a defined end date, requiring a focus on delivering immediate impact and potentially seeking long-term opportunities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Retail Design Skills: Gaining in-depth experience in product and packaging design specifically for the retail sector.

• Brand Management Acumen: Developing a strong understanding of how design contributes to overall brand strategy and perception in a competitive market.

• Cross-Functional Project Management: Enhancing skills in collaborating with diverse teams (buying, marketing, supply chain) to bring products to market.

• Utilizing the "Can-Do Academy": Leveraging company-provided training resources for skill enhancement in design software, new design techniques, or related areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges and growth opportunities from an operational perspective, focusing on the practicalities of the role and the retail environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines for a product or packaging design. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Tests adherence to brand ops and creative problem-solving).

• "Walk us through your process for managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How do you prioritize and ensure timely delivery?" (Assesses operational project management skills).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, particularly in the retail sector for categories like toys, stationery, or gifts?" (Evaluates proactive learning and market awareness relevant to GTM). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our values (Crafty, Caring, Can-do), how do you see yourself contributing to The Works' culture as a Graphic Designer?" (Assesses cultural fit and understanding of company ethos).

• "How would you collaborate with our buying or commercial teams to ensure product packaging design meets their market objectives?" (Probes cross-functional collaboration and commercial awareness).

• "Describe a situation where you received critical feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what changes did you implement?" (Tests receptiveness to feedback and iterative design processes). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Retail Relevance: Focus on projects that showcase product or packaging design, demonstrating an understanding of how design impacts sales and brand perception in a retail context.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for design, try to articulate the "why" behind your choices that led to positive outcomes (e.g., improved clarity, better shelf appeal).

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to articulate your workflow, from brief interpretation to final artwork delivery, including how you collaborate with stakeholders.

• Demonstrate Software Expertise: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions are designed to probe operational competencies, cross-functional collaboration, and the candidate's ability to apply creative skills within a structured retail environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer - Maternity Cover position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on The Works' careers page.

• Customize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in graphic design, specifically mentioning product and packaging design, and lists your proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Tailor the achievements to reflect operational efficiency and brand adherence.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases your strongest relevant work. Emphasize examples of product and packaging design, demonstrating your ability to follow brand guidelines and work within retail constraints. Include 2-3 detailed case studies if possible, explaining your process and contribution.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Be ready for a practical design task or a thorough portfolio review during the interview process. Practice articulating your design rationale and workflow clearly and concisely.

• Research The Works: Familiarize yourself with The Works' brand, product range, and values. Understand their market position and how your design skills can contribute to their objectives.

⚠️ 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.

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