Creative Designer (MARI)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Creative Designer

Company: MARI Group

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: April 10, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead conceptual and visual design initiatives for MARI's tennis event assets, focusing on impactful B2C campaigns and B2B commercial materials.

• Drive visual identity development and brand exploration across print, digital, social, and experiential platforms for EMEA event brands.

• Execute high-level design directions from brief to final delivery, ensuring alignment with brand identity and strategic business objectives.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, agencies, and partners to produce compelling visual storytelling assets that support revenue-driving initiatives.

• Stay abreast of contemporary design trends, researching new ideas to elevate output across all business units and maintain international standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for shaping the visual narrative of MARI's premium tennis events, requiring a blend of creative vision, strategic execution, and strong stakeholder management. The emphasis on both B2C and B2B design indicates a need for versatility and the ability to adapt creative concepts for diverse audiences and commercial objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver bold, business and consumer-facing campaigns with compelling artwork tailored for on-event applications and mobile-first social platforms.

• Oversee the entire design process from initial brief to final delivery, ensuring exceptional quality and strict alignment with brand identity and project requirements.

• Manage and elevate EMEA event brands, ensuring they remain at the forefront of international standards to support overarching business growth strategies.

• Create next-level visual solutions across print, digital, email, out-of-home, and social content for all MARI's EMEA brands.

• Develop and implement innovative design directions with meticulous attention to detail and execution.

• Successfully manage multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, consistently delivering high-quality, on-brand assets under tight deadlines.

• Support the commercial team by providing essential B2B design support, including the creation of partnership rights frameworks, pitch decks, hospitality packages, and brand guidelines for sponsors and stakeholders.

• Adapt creative concepts effectively for both B2C marketing and B2B commercial use cases, ensuring a cohesive and consistent brand message across corporate, client-facing, and consumer-facing materials.

• Produce high-quality visual assets that enhance brand storytelling for partners, stakeholders, and internal teams, including case studies, recap reports, event wrap-ups, and corporate marketing tools.

• Ensure all design outputs rigorously meet strategic objectives, actively support revenue-driving initiatives, and strengthen MARI's competitive positioning.

• Continuously research and integrate new ideas and contemporary digital, social, and B2B design trends to elevate output across all MARI business units.

• Demonstrate flexibility and work effectively during live event periods, including occasional activity across time zones and outside standard office hours as required.

• Collaborate confidently with a diverse range of stakeholders, including internal teams, external agencies, media partners, and event sponsors, ensuring all communications are consistent, timely, and aligned with the MARI brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for robust project management skills, particularly the ability to juggle multiple high-priority projects with demanding deadlines, common in event-focused operations. The dual focus on B2C and B2B necessitates a strategic understanding of different audience needs and marketing objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3+ years of professional experience in a graphic design role, with a strong emphasis on conceptual design and campaign development.

Required Skills:

• Creative Design: Demonstrated ability to generate innovative and impactful design concepts.

• Visual Identity Development: Expertise in creating and maintaining cohesive visual identities for brands and events.

• Adobe Creative Cloud Proficiency: Advanced skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in Keynote and PowerPoint for creating compelling visual presentations.

• Design Principles: Strong command of typography, layout, color theory, photography, and motion graphics.

• Project Management: Excellent organizational skills with the proven ability to manage multiple projects and work streams simultaneously under pressure.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities, essential for stakeholder collaboration.

• Adaptability: Sound judgment and adaptability across a wide variety of project types and stakeholder needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with 3D and AI tools for creative development.

• Proficiency in Dropbox for file sharing and collaboration.

• Experience with project management tools such as Wrike or Asana.

• Passion for tennis, sports, and entertainment industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications and presentation software indicates a high technical requirement. The preference for 3D/AI tools and project management software suggests an employer looking for forward-thinking candidates who can leverage emerging technologies and streamline workflows. A passion for the industry is a strong indicator of cultural fit.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, curated portfolio showcasing conceptual design ability, creative versatility, and expertise across key digital platforms (social media, digital ads) and various mediums (print, OOH, email).

• Demonstrations of end-to-end design process management, from initial brief to final delivery, highlighting problem-solving and execution.

• Examples of visual identity development and brand exploration for events or similar projects.

• Case studies that illustrate how design initiatives supported business objectives, particularly B2C campaigns and B2B commercial needs.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing multiple projects simultaneously, detailing workflow strategies and deadline adherence.

• Examples of adapting creative concepts for different audiences (B2C vs. B2B), showcasing strategic thinking in design application.

• Documentation of how contemporary design trends were researched and integrated into projects to elevate output.

• Demonstrations of collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams, agencies, and partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role like this, the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare to walk through their process for select projects, emphasizing strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the impact of their design work. Highlighting experience with event-specific design or sports marketing within the portfolio would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Hybrid work environment (blend of in-office and at-home days) for work-life balance.

• Pension match and access to a bespoke pension scheme, contributing to long-term financial security.

• Paid Parental Leave, supporting employees during significant life events.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential support for personal and professional well-being.

• Enhanced access to gyms, wellness programs, and financial wellbeing apps via Wellhub, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• Occasional requirement to work extended hours, especially during live event periods or due to tight deadline demands, including potential activity across time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for mid-level Creative Designers in London. The hybrid nature of the work arrangement is a key benefit, but candidates must be prepared for the occasional need for extended hours, a common requirement in the live events industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global Events and Experiences (Sports, Art, Entertainment, Lifestyle)

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, MARI Group's portfolio suggests a substantial global organization with multiple divisions and potentially hundreds to thousands of employees.

Founded: MARI Group is actively building its portfolio, implying a dynamic, growth-oriented company that may have undergone recent consolidation or strategic expansion.

Team Structure:

• The Creative Designer will likely be part of a central marketing or creative team, reporting to a Creative Director or Head of Design.

• This role will involve close collaboration with marketing, commercial, events, and digital teams across various MARI properties.

Methodology:

• Data-driven campaign development and performance analysis to inform creative strategies.

• Agile project management methodologies to adapt to fast-paced event cycles and evolving market demands.

• Emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing to foster innovation and continuous improvement in design output.

• Commitment to maintaining international standards of excellence in live experiences and brand presentation.

Company Website: [MARI Group Website URL - To be provided by the applicant or found via search]

📝 Enhancement Note: MARI Group's focus on "world-defining live experiences" and a portfolio of premium brands suggests a culture that values excellence, innovation, and high performance. The emphasis on collaboration and adaptability is crucial for success in the dynamic events industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-level individual contributor position, focusing on specialized creative execution and design leadership within specific projects. It's a stepping stone towards senior design roles or specialized creative management positions.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Designer will report to a senior member of the creative or marketing team, likely a Creative Director or Head of Design. They will collaborate extensively with project managers, marketing specialists, and commercial teams.

Operations Impact: The Creative Designer's work directly influences brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and commercial success. By creating compelling visual assets, they enhance audience engagement, support sales efforts (B2B pitch decks, sponsor materials), and strengthen MARI's overall brand equity in competitive markets. Their output is integral to revenue-driving initiatives and strengthening the business's presentation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design for event platforms, or experiential design for live activations.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Creative Designer role, mentoring junior designers, leading larger creative projects, or managing specific brand identities within the MARI portfolio.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Transition into broader marketing management roles or brand strategy positions by leveraging a deep understanding of visual communication and its impact on business goals.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in event branding and sports/entertainment marketing design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers clear pathways for growth within a specialized creative function or into broader marketing and brand management. The emphasis on impact and revenue generation means that demonstrating tangible results through design will be key to career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): London, United Kingdom. Specific office details (e.g., amenities, accessibility) would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest an environment that encourages teamwork, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing when in the office.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and project management tools, facilitating efficient workflow and creative output.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to connect with a diverse range of professionals across different departments, fostering a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The primary schedule is full-time (approx. 40 hours/week), with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. However, candidates must be prepared for periods of increased workload and non-standard hours, particularly during major events or critical project phases, reflecting the demands of the live events industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, but the requirement for occasional in-office days and potential for extended hours underscores the need for strong time management and self-discipline, especially when working remotely.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and creative alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and how their work aligns with MARI's brand and objectives. This stage will assess conceptual thinking, technical proficiency, and communication skills.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise may be given to evaluate specific design skills, creative problem-solving under pressure, and ability to adhere to brand guidelines or project briefs.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members and potential collaborators across marketing, commercial, and events departments to assess cultural fit, teamwork, and strategic understanding.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, covering overall fit, career aspirations, and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills (conceptual design, B2C/B2B adaptation, digital/print versatility, motion graphics, brand identity).

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome/impact. Use visual aids to support your narrative.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., engagement rates for social campaigns, conversion improvements for digital assets, feedback from stakeholders).

• Tailor to MARI: Highlight projects that resonate with the sports, entertainment, or events industry, or showcase adaptability to different brand voices.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, software proficiency, and how you handle feedback and tight deadlines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with MARI's brands (Madrid Open, Miami Open, Frieze, Barrett-Jackson, TodayTix Group) and their current visual identities.

• Practice creating design concepts quickly based on hypothetical briefs, focusing on strong visual communication and strategic relevance.

• Prepare to articulate your design rationale clearly and concisely, justifying your choices based on brand objectives and audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio that tells a story about the design process and its impact is crucial. Candidates should anticipate a design challenge that tests their ability to think creatively and execute efficiently under pressure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Premiere Pro for graphic design, illustration, layout, motion graphics, and video editing.

• Presentation Software: Keynote and PowerPoint for creating pitch decks, reports, and internal communications.

• Cloud Storage/Collaboration: Dropbox proficiency is preferred for efficient file sharing and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Project Management Tools:

• Proficiency in tools like Wrike or Asana is preferred, indicating a need for candidates experienced in structured project management and workflow tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Familiarity with project management tools like Wrike or Asana will streamline workflow and indicate a candidate's ability to integrate into MARI's operational processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion & Curiosity: A drive to create world-defining live experiences and a curiosity to explore new design trends and technologies.

• Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to producing high-quality, cutting-edge design that sets industry standards.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are valued.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on design that supports business objectives, drives revenue, and strengthens brand equity.

• Adaptability: Embracing change and thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving project needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with marketing, commercial, and event teams to ensure design is strategically aligned and effectively executed.

• Feedback & Iteration: Open to constructive feedback and willing to iterate on designs to achieve the best possible outcome.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing insights, trends, and best practices within the creative team and beyond.

📝 Enhancement Note: MARI's culture appears to value proactive, collaborative individuals who are passionate about live experiences and driven by results. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion is a key cultural pillar.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Tight Deadlines & High Volume: Managing a demanding workload with frequent tight deadlines, especially during live event periods, requiring exceptional time management and prioritization skills.

• Balancing B2C & B2B Needs: Adapting creative vision to serve both broad consumer audiences and specific commercial partner requirements without diluting brand integrity.

• Global Brand Consistency: Ensuring visual consistency across diverse EMEA event brands while maintaining freshness and international appeal.

• Evolving Trends: Staying ahead of rapid changes in digital, social, and AI-driven design trends to ensure MARI's visual output remains contemporary and impactful.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like motion graphics, UI/UX, 3D design, or AI-powered creative tools.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining firsthand experience with major international sports and art events, offering unique insights into event branding and marketing.

• Cross-Departmental Learning: Collaborating with various teams provides exposure to different facets of the events and experiences business.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior designers and creative leaders within the MARI Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges stem from the fast-paced nature of the events industry and the need for versatility. Growth opportunities are abundant for individuals willing to expand their skill sets and contribute to MARI's dynamic portfolio.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to deliver a high-impact campaign under a very tight deadline. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses project management, pressure handling, and results orientation).

• "How would you approach developing a visual identity for a new tennis tournament, considering both B2C engagement and B2B partnership needs?" (Evaluates conceptual thinking, strategic design, and audience adaptation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about MARI Group's portfolio of events and experiences?" (Assesses genuine interest and cultural alignment).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends, particularly in digital, social media, and AI?" (Evaluates proactive learning and industry awareness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your slides are clean, well-designed, and easy to follow. Use high-resolution images.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most relevant projects and details. Be prepared to go deeper if asked, but avoid lengthy explanations that lose audience attention.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, problem-solving, and how you arrived at the final design.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present metrics or tangible outcomes that demonstrate the success of your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic design thinking, strong execution capabilities, and an understanding of how design drives business objectives. Be ready to articulate your process and showcase the impact of your work through your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Creative Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the MARI careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your most relevant work, focusing on campaign design, visual identity development, and experience with digital, print, and social media applications. Prioritize projects that showcase adaptability for B2C and B2B audiences.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and presentation software, and any experience with project management tools or emerging design technologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, conceptual thinking, and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and be ready for a potential design challenge. Research MARI Group's brands and recent campaigns.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with MARI Group's portfolio, including the Madrid Open, Miami Open, Frieze, Barrett-Jackson, and TodayTix Group. Understand their brand identities and marketing approaches 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.