Graphic Designer - 6 month FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - 6 Month Fixed-Term Contract

Company: Biffa Waste Services

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2025-10-08

Experience Level: Mid-Level

Remote Status: On-site (with potential for hybrid elements implied by "TELECOMMUTE" tag and emphasis on digital channels)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the delivery of high-quality design collateral across both digital and physical channels within Biffa Waste Services.

• You will be instrumental in creating engaging, brand-aligned assets that support a wide range of marketing, communications, and sales enablement initiatives.

• This position requires active participation in regular content planning, collaborating with marketing teams to ensure strategic alignment and campaign effectiveness.

• A key aspect of the role involves acting as a brand guardian, working alongside the Brand team to uphold visual identity consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across all business touchpoints.

• The position is a 6-month fixed-term contract, indicating a project-based need for specialized design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the location_type is listed as "TELECOMMUTE," the description and derived ai_work_arrangement suggest an on-site or hybrid role in Birmingham. The "TELECOMMUTE" tag might indicate flexibility or a preference for candidates within the UK, rather than full remote work. Operations professionals should clarify the exact work arrangement during the application process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the end-to-end delivery of creative design solutions across diverse media, ensuring strict alignment with overarching brand guidelines and specific campaign objectives.

• Interpret creative briefs to conceptualize and develop compelling visual assets that effectively bring the Biffa brand to life across digital platforms, social media, public relations, sales enablement materials, internal communications, and event collateral.

• Produce and adapt key design templates and maintain Biffa’s established “house style” for critical customer-facing touchpoints, including sales presentations, case studies, brochures, product sheets, Mailchimp campaigns, posters, and other marketing materials.

• Take full ownership of assigned creative projects, encompassing comprehensive project management from initiation to delivery, ensuring all milestones are met within agreed-upon deadlines.

• Manage stakeholder communication effectively, incorporating feedback and driving project progression within Biffa's digital workflow management tool, ClickUp.

• Collaborate proactively with the broader Group Marketing team to ensure consistent visual messaging across all initiatives and contribute to the resolution of design-related challenges.

• Serve as a dedicated brand guardian, actively contributing to the maintenance and integrity of the Biffa visual identity across all internal and external touchpoints.

• Champion the effective utilization of the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, ensuring all approved brand collateral is accurately uploaded and readily accessible, while also supporting business users in leveraging the platform to achieve their objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for project management skills within a design context, emphasizing the ability to manage tasks within a digital workflow tool like ClickUp. This is a key indicator for operations-minded candidates who can bring structure and process to creative output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Art, Fine Art, or an equivalent field of study.

Experience:

• Proven graphic design experience within a UK or international B2B brand environment.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in visual design principles, including layout, typography, and color theory.

• Creative Concept Development: Ability to translate marketing objectives and brand messaging into impactful visual concepts.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Confident and proficient use of industry-standard software, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Strong understanding and consistent application of brand guidelines to ensure visual integrity.

• Project Management: Experience in managing design projects from brief to completion, including timeline management and stakeholder communication.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Competence in using PowerPoint for presentations, Excel for data organization (if applicable to design needs), Outlook for communication, and Teams for collaboration.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Familiarity with DAM systems and best practices for asset organization and retrieval.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp).

• Familiarity with project management software beyond Adobe Suite, such as ClickUp.

• Experience in B2B content creation for sales enablement (e.g., case studies, sales presenters).

• Understanding of social media visual best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on B2B brand experience and the specific mention of sales enablement collateral (sales presenters, case studies) suggests that candidates with experience in designing for enterprise or industrial markets will be highly valued. The requirement for Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office is standard, but the explicit mention of ClickUp as the workflow tool is a key differentiator for candidates to highlight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Creativity & Brand Application: Showcase a range of design projects that highlight creative thinking and the ability to apply and adapt brand guidelines effectively for B2B contexts.

• Technical Proficiency: Include examples that clearly demonstrate expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and an understanding of typography, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Process Management: Present case studies or project examples that illustrate your ability to manage design projects from brief to final delivery, including stakeholder communication and feedback incorporation.

• Versatility Across Media: Feature examples of design work for both digital (e.g., social media graphics, web banners, email templates) and print (e.g., brochures, posters, reports) channels.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates may be asked to discuss their approach to managing design briefs, including how they gather requirements, develop concepts, and incorporate feedback.

• Be prepared to articulate your workflow for creating templates and ensuring brand consistency across multiple collateral types.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design supports broader marketing and sales objectives, and how you measure the effectiveness of your visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should curate their portfolio to specifically showcase B2B design work, project management capabilities in design, and adaptability across various media. Highlighting a systematic approach to design, akin to operations process management, will be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a 6-month fixed-term contract (FTC) and no salary is provided, a competitive rate for a mid-level Graphic Designer with B2B experience in Birmingham, UK, would likely fall in the range of £28,000 - £40,000 per annum, pro-rata for the contract duration. This estimate is based on typical market rates for contract roles in the UK, considering the specialized skills and the fixed-term nature of the position.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to gain experience with a leading waste management and environmental services company.

• Exposure to diverse marketing and communications initiatives within a large B2B organization.

• Potential to contribute to significant brand projects and campaigns.

• Fixed-term contract role, offering a defined period of employment and project focus.

Working Hours: The role implies a standard full-time working week. Based on the working_hours data point of 40 hours, this is likely a Monday to Friday schedule. While the location_type is TELECOMMUTE, the primary location being Birmingham suggests an on-site presence is expected for the majority of the contract, with potential for some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: For contract roles, candidates often negotiate a daily or weekly rate rather than an annual salary. The estimated annual range can be converted to a pro-rata weekly rate for negotiation purposes. It is crucial for candidates to clarify the exact expected working hours and any potential for hybrid work arrangements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Waste Management & Environmental Services. Biffa operates within a critical sector focused on sustainability, recycling, and resource management, aiming to transform waste into valuable resources. This context provides a unique backdrop for creative work, often involving messaging around environmental responsibility and circular economy principles.

Company Size: Biffa Waste Services is a large organization, with employee numbers typically in the range of 10,000+ (based on general knowledge of Biffa). This scale means the Graphic Designer will be part of a significant marketing function and will need to navigate larger corporate structures and processes.

Founded: Biffa has a long history, founded in 1917. This extensive heritage suggests a well-established brand with a rich legacy, requiring designers to balance modern aesthetics with brand continuity.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a central Group Marketing team, possibly reporting to a Marketing Manager or Head of Design.

• This team will collaborate closely with various departments, including Sales, Communications, PR, Operations, and potentially HR.

• The role requires working with the Brand team to ensure visual consistency across the entire organization.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the design output needs to be informed by marketing objectives and campaign performance data, ensuring visual assets contribute to measurable business outcomes.

• Agile Content Planning: Regular content planning and review cycles suggest an agile approach to marketing and design, requiring flexibility and adaptability.

• Brand Guardianship: A strong emphasis on maintaining brand integrity implies a structured approach to brand asset management and approval processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Biffa's commitment to sustainability and its B2B focus is key. The company culture likely values efficiency, compliance, and a forward-thinking approach to environmental solutions, which should be reflected in the designer's portfolio and approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level within the creative services function. It requires significant technical skill and project execution capability, moving beyond junior-level tasks to independent project management.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or a Head of Design within the Group Marketing team. This structure provides clear lines of communication and oversight for creative projects.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's external perception and internal communication effectiveness. High-quality, brand-aligned design is crucial for:

• Sales Enablement: Creating compelling materials that support the sales team in winning new business.

• Brand Perception: Reinforcing Biffa's image as a leader in waste management and sustainability.

• Internal Engagement: Ensuring clear and effective communication to employees.

• Campaign Success: Designing assets that capture attention and drive engagement for marketing initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas relevant to B2B marketing or digital media.

• Project Leadership: Gaining experience in managing complex design projects from start to finish, enhancing project management skills.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Developing a broader understanding of marketing, sales, and communications strategies by working across departments.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a strong portfolio with significant B2B brand experience from a well-recognized company.

• For a contract role, successful performance could lead to further contract extensions or opportunities within other departments if the candidate demonstrates strong operational alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a fixed-term contract, the experience gained at Biffa can be a significant stepping stone. Highlighting the ability to integrate into a large corporate structure and manage design projects efficiently will be key for future career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Given the "TELECOMMUTE" tag and the mention of "digital channels," the environment is likely a modern office setting that supports hybrid work. However, the primary location being Birmingham and the role being on-site suggests a significant office-based component.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Birmingham, England. Candidates should verify the specific office address and proximity to public transport or parking facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with marketing, brand, sales, and communications teams, suggesting an open or team-oriented workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, including computers, design software, and communication platforms (e.g., Teams, ClickUp, DAM).

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face or virtual interaction with colleagues for project discussions, feedback sessions, and team meetings.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule, likely Monday to Friday, with a 40-hour work week. Flexibility may be offered, but the on-site expectation for a contract role should be confirmed. The nature of design work can sometimes involve occasional periods of intense activity to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should inquire about the specific hybrid work policy, expected days in the office, and the general office culture to ensure it aligns with their preferences and working style.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess suitability and experience.

• Creative Assessment/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through the candidate's portfolio, discuss design choices, and evaluate technical skills. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, your role, and the outcomes.

• Technical/Situational Interview: Questions focusing on design process, brand management, software proficiency, and handling feedback or challenging stakeholders.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity for the candidate to meet potential team members and for the company to assess how well the candidate aligns with Biffa's values and working style.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior marketing leader to discuss the role's strategic contribution and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for B2B: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with B2B clients or complex organizations, showcasing your ability to communicate sophisticated messages.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, include a brief overview of the brief, your design process, challenges faced, and how you overcame them to achieve the final outcome.

• Highlight Brand Guardianship: Include examples where you've successfully maintained or evolved a brand's visual identity, demonstrating an understanding of brand integrity.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs contributed to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign metrics), be ready to discuss them.

• Technical Skills Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design task or a discussion about how you would approach a specific design challenge relevant to Biffa's business (e.g., designing a new template for a sustainability report, creating social media assets for a new service).

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of Biffa's brand and industry. Research their current marketing efforts and sustainability initiatives.

• Practice explaining your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how they align with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the contract nature, interviewers may focus on how quickly a candidate can onboard and contribute. Demonstrating a structured approach to design and project management will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop are essential.

• Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint (for presentations), Excel (for data/tracking), Outlook (communication), Teams (collaboration).

• Digital Workflow Management Tool: ClickUp is explicitly mentioned as the tool for managing jobs. Familiarity with ClickUp or similar project management software is highly advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) might be useful for understanding sales enablement collateral needs, though not a direct requirement.

• Experience with email marketing platforms like Mailchimp for designing campaign assets is a plus.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Championing and using the DAM system is a stated responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a given. However, candidates should emphasize their experience with project management tools like ClickUp and their understanding of how design integrates with broader marketing technology stacks and business processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Reliability: As part of a large, operational business, there's an expectation of reliable output and efficient processes, especially for a contract role.

• Sustainability Focus: A core value for Biffa, designers should be mindful of how their work can communicate environmental responsibility and sustainability efforts.

• Brand Integrity: Maintaining a consistent and strong brand identity across all touchpoints is paramount.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within the marketing team and across departments is essential for project success.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While creative, the design should serve a purpose and be aligned with business objectives and data insights.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing managers, brand specialists, sales teams, and communications professionals.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture of receiving and acting upon feedback from various stakeholders is likely.

• Process-Aware: The use of a workflow management tool suggests a preference for structured collaboration and transparent project tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of Biffa's mission and values, particularly around sustainability. Showing an ability to collaborate effectively within a structured corporate environment will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Working on multiple projects with tight deadlines across different marketing initiatives.

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring all design outputs strictly adhere to Biffa's comprehensive brand guidelines across various media.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing feedback and expectations from diverse internal stakeholders.

• Adapting to B2B Context: Translating complex B2B services and environmental solutions into visually engaging and understandable assets.

• Contractual Limitations: Working within a fixed-term contract requires rapid onboarding and immediate contribution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience in the vital environmental services sector, understanding its communication needs.

• Project Management Skills: Hone project management abilities by working within Biffa's workflow system and managing multiple briefs.

• Brand Stewardship: Develop a deeper understanding of corporate brand management and its impact on business objectives.

• Portfolio Expansion: Add significant B2B design experience with a major UK corporation to your professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be hitting the ground running and delivering high-quality work within the 6-month timeframe. Candidates who can demonstrate a proactive approach to learning Biffa's brand and processes will thrive.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and brand adherence.)

• "How do you ensure your design work consistently aligns with brand guidelines while still being creative and engaging?" (Highlight your process for understanding and applying brand rules.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Biffa, and what do you know about our sustainability mission?" (Research Biffa's sustainability reports and initiatives.)

• "How do you approach working within a large corporate structure and collaborating with teams outside of marketing?" (Demonstrate adaptability and interpersonal skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Targeted Selection: Choose 3-5 of your strongest B2B projects that best align with the responsibilities outlined (e.g., sales collateral, digital campaigns, brand consistency examples).

• Narrative is Key: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design challenges, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and how you leverage specific features.

• Demonstrate Brand Awareness: Show how you've applied brand guidelines and maintained visual integrity.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, interviewers will be looking for someone who can quickly understand Biffa's needs and deliver. Practice articulating your contributions and processes clearly and concisely, focusing on efficiency and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link, ensuring your CV and portfolio are attached.

• Portfolio Customization: Select and curate your portfolio to highlight relevant B2B experience, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and project management capabilities. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a link to your website or a well-organized PDF).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Graphic Design," "B2B," "Brand Guidelines," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Project Management," and "ClickUp" (if applicable). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and prepare answers for common interview questions related to design process, brand management, and stakeholder collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Biffa Waste Services, focusing on their brand identity, sustainability initiatives, and recent marketing campaigns. Understand their position in the waste management industry.

⚠️ 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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