Graphic Designer - 6 month FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - 6 Month FTC

Company: Biffa Waste Services

Location: Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2025-10-08T06:03:49.348

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

Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid options may be available, to be confirmed)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the delivery of high-quality design collateral across both digital and physical channels, ensuring brand consistency and campaign alignment.

• The Graphic Designer will interpret creative briefs, develop visual concepts, and produce brand-aligned assets for a variety of marketing and communications initiatives, including digital, social, PR, sales enablement, internal communications, and events.

• A key aspect involves acting as a brand guardian, working closely with the Brand team to ensure all visual outputs adhere to Biffa's brand guidelines and maintain a cohesive visual identity.

• The position requires strong project management skills to manage design projects from brief to delivery, including stakeholder communication and utilizing a digital workflow management tool.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job type is listed as "CONTRACTOR," the "FTC" (Fixed-Term Contract) designation clarifies it's a 6-month temporary position. The "TELECOMMUTE" location type combined with the specific Milton Keynes address suggests a hybrid work arrangement is likely, though "On-site" is the primary classification. This role falls under Marketing Operations and Creative Services due to its focus on design collateral supporting marketing initiatives and brand consistency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the creation and delivery of engaging, brand-aligned design collateral across diverse media, including digital, social, PR, sales enablement, internal communications, and event materials.

• Interpret creative briefs to conceptualize and develop compelling visual designs that effectively communicate the Biffa brand message and support campaign objectives.

• Produce and adapt key design templates and Biffa’s established “house style” for various touchpoints, such as sales presentations, case studies, brochures, product sheets, Mailchimp campaigns, posters, and other customer-facing collateral.

• Manage assigned creative projects autonomously, overseeing the entire design process from initial brief to final delivery, ensuring adherence to agreed deadlines.

• Effectively communicate with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, incorporating feedback and managing revisions to ensure successful project outcomes.

• Utilize and manage jobs within Biffa's digital workflow management tool, ClickUp, to track progress and ensure efficient project execution.

• Collaborate closely with the wider Group Marketing team to maintain visual consistency across all marketing efforts and contribute proactively to problem-solving through innovative design solutions.

• Act as a proficient brand guardian, upholding the integrity and consistency of the Biffa visual identity across all internal and external touchpoints.

• Champion the use and management of the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, ensuring all approved brand collateral is accurately uploaded and accessible, while also supporting business users in leveraging the platform effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and operational project management. The mention of "Biffa’s ‘house style’" and "brand guardian" role highlights the importance of brand adherence, a critical function within marketing operations. The specific mention of ClickUp as the workflow tool is a key detail for candidates to note.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Demonstrated graphic design experience within a UK or International B2B brand environment. Experience managing design processes from brief inception through to final delivery is essential.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) for professional design output.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams) for content creation and collaboration.

• Strong understanding of layout, typography, and visual hierarchy principles.

• Proven ability to interpret creative briefs and translate them into effective visual concepts.

• Excellent project management skills, with a track record of managing design projects to deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to act as a brand guardian, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and maintaining visual consistency.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively present design concepts and incorporate feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems.

• Familiarity with digital workflow management tools, specifically ClickUp.

• Understanding of design for various digital and print channels (e.g., social media, web, print collateral).

• Experience in content planning and collaborating with marketing teams.

• A proactive approach to problem-solving through design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a B2B brand background and a portfolio demonstrating specific skills like attention to detail and understanding of layout/typography are crucial for this role. The inclusion of ClickUp as a required tool suggests candidates familiar with it will have an advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of design projects that demonstrate creativity, strong conceptual thinking, and meticulous attention to detail.

• The portfolio should clearly illustrate an understanding of layout, typography, and visual hierarchy across different media.

• Include examples of B2B marketing collateral, highlighting the ability to translate brand guidelines into effective visual communications.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, the role implies a need for understanding and potentially contributing to design process documentation.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow and how they manage projects efficiently using tools like ClickUp.

• Demonstrate experience in managing design feedback loops and implementing revisions effectively to achieve optimal design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should curate their submissions to highlight B2B experience and the entire design lifecycle management, not just final creative output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a fixed-term contract (FTC) role for 6 months, a specific salary range is not provided. However, for a mid-level Graphic Designer with B2B experience in Milton Keynes, UK, the typical contract rate (PAYE or via an umbrella company) would likely range from £20 - £30 per hour, depending on experience and the specific demands of the role. This equates to an annualised salary of approximately £40,000 - £60,000, but the actual pay will be determined by the contract terms.

Benefits:

• As a 6-month fixed-term contract position, standard full-time employee benefits may not apply. However, typical benefits for contract roles can include:

• Access to Biffa's Digital Asset Management (DAM) system and workflow tools (e.g., ClickUp).

• Opportunity to work on diverse projects for a well-established B2B brand.

• Potential for professional development through exposure to various marketing initiatives.

• Contribution to a company focused on sustainability and waste management innovation.

• Potential for a hybrid working arrangement, offering flexibility.

Working Hours: The role specifies a standard working week, likely aligning with the UK’s average full-time hours. Based on industry standards and the AI-derived value, this is estimated at 40 hours per week. The exact daily schedule will be confirmed during the hiring process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical UK contract rates for mid-level Graphic Designers in similar locations and industries. It's crucial for candidates to clarify the exact compensation structure, payment terms (PAYE, Ltd company), and any applicable benefits with Biffa's recruitment team.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Waste Management & Environmental Services. Biffa is a leading player in the UK’s waste management sector, focused on transforming waste into resources and promoting sustainability.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (likely 10,000+ employees, based on company description). This indicates a structured environment with established processes and a significant market presence.

Founded: Biffa was founded in 1917, giving it over a century of experience in the waste management industry. This longevity suggests stability and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Group Marketing team, collaborating with other marketing specialists, brand managers, and potentially communications professionals.

• The role involves close collaboration with the Brand team for guardianship and with wider marketing functions for campaign support.

Methodology:

• Biffa emphasizes a data-driven approach to marketing and operations, as evidenced by the use of DAM systems and workflow tools for efficiency.

• The company values brand consistency and a strategic approach to marketing collateral development, with regular content planning and reviews.

• A commitment to sustainability and innovation is a core tenet of Biffa's operations and brand identity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Biffa's focus on sustainability and its long history provide a unique context for a creative role. The company's size suggests established brand guidelines and marketing processes that a Graphic Designer must adhere to and support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of dedicated graphic design experience, particularly within a B2B environment. It requires independence in managing projects and a solid understanding of brand guardianship.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Group Marketing department, likely a Marketing Manager or a Creative Lead. Collaboration will extend across various marketing functions and potentially other departments requiring design support.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is directly tied to enhancing Biffa's brand perception and effectiveness of its marketing communications. High-quality, on-brand design collateral supports sales enablement, customer engagement, and internal communication efforts, ultimately contributing to business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• For a 6-month FTC, direct career progression within Biffa may be limited. However, the role offers significant opportunities for skill enhancement.

• Gain extensive experience in B2B brand management and multi-channel design within a large, established organization.

• Develop proficiency in using specific workflow management tools (ClickUp) and Digital Asset Management systems (DAM).

• Build a strong portfolio with diverse case studies demonstrating project management and brand guardianship capabilities.

• Potential for future contract extensions or opportunities within Biffa or the broader waste management/environmental services sector based on performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the fixed-term nature, the focus is more on skill development and portfolio building rather than long-term career pathing within Biffa. However, successful contractors often have opportunities for future engagements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is classified as "TELECOMMUTE" but specifies "Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom," suggesting a hybrid working model with a primary on-site presence. This typically means a blend of office-based work and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom. This location is a significant economic hub with good transport links.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, typical of a large corporate organization.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware will be provided.

• The role involves close interaction with marketing teams and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative design culture.

• The use of a digital workflow management tool (ClickUp) indicates a structured, process-oriented environment for managing creative tasks.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is anticipated, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and Biffa's hybrid working policy. The specific daily hours will be confirmed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should clarify the exact hybrid working policy, including expected days in the office versus remote work, during the application process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the role and required skills.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior member of the marketing team. This will focus on your experience, design process, project management capabilities, and understanding of B2B branding. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Skills Assessment/Task: You may be given a short design task or asked to present a case study from your portfolio in more detail, demonstrating your creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to adhere to brand guidelines.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior stakeholder, focusing on cultural fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with Biffa's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest B2B projects that best represent your skills in layout, typography, brand consistency, and project management.

• Showcase the Process: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the final outcome. Highlight how you acted as a brand guardian.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign delivery).

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Mention your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and any workflow tools like ClickUp.

• Tailor to Biffa: Briefly explain why your skills and experience are a good fit for Biffa and the waste management industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve adapting existing Biffa collateral or creating a new asset based on a provided brief.

• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of Biffa's brand guidelines and your ability to produce on-brand, effective designs quickly.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is the most critical element for this application. Candidates should be ready to "walk through" their portfolio and discuss their design thinking and project management approach in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (essential).

• Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams (essential for collaboration and content creation).

• Digital Workflow Management Tool: ClickUp (experience preferred/required).

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: Experience with DAM systems is preferred, and you will be expected to use Biffa's specific DAM.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• This role does not directly involve CRM or automation tool management, but an understanding of how design assets integrate with marketing automation platforms (e.g., for Mailchimp campaigns) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with ClickUp and DAM systems will significantly enhance a candidate's application.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to maintaining and upholding the Biffa visual identity and brand guidelines across all outputs.

• Quality & Detail: A focus on producing high-quality, error-free design collateral with meticulous attention to detail.

• Collaboration: A team-oriented approach, working effectively with marketing colleagues, brand managers, and other stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Adherence to project deadlines and efficient use of workflow tools to ensure timely delivery of design assets.

• Sustainability Focus: An understanding and appreciation for Biffa's mission to transform waste and its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Engaging with stakeholders early and often to ensure clear understanding of briefs and to manage expectations.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to constructive criticism and ability to effectively incorporate feedback into design revisions.

• Cross-functional Partnership: Working closely with marketing strategists, content creators, and potentially sales teams to ensure design solutions meet broader business needs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a collaborative environment by sharing design insights and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of how their creative role supports the broader marketing and operational goals of Biffa, aligning with the company's values of sustainability and brand stewardship.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: Effectively producing innovative designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and Biffa’s “house style.”

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Juggling feedback and competing priorities from various departments and individuals within a large organization.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines, common in fixed-term contract roles supporting ongoing campaigns.

• Adapting to a New Industry: Quickly understanding the nuances of the waste management and environmental services sector to create relevant and impactful designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Portfolio Diversification: Adding significant B2B and corporate brand experience to your portfolio.

• Process Mastery: Gaining hands-on experience with project management tools like ClickUp and enterprise-level DAM systems.

• Industry Exposure: Deepening understanding of marketing and communications within the environmental services sector.

• Brand Guardianship Skills: Developing expertise in maintaining brand consistency across a large organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents an excellent opportunity to hone skills in brand adherence and project management within a corporate setting, which are valuable for any designer’s career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from initial concept to final delivery. How do you ensure brand consistency throughout?" (Focus on your workflow, stakeholder management, and brand guardianship.)

• "Can you walk us through a B2B design project from your portfolio that you are particularly proud of? What were the objectives, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study, highlighting your problem-solving and creative execution.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize your collaborative approach and ability to find solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Biffa and our mission in the waste management industry?" (Research Biffa's website, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you see your role as a Graphic Designer contributing to Biffa's overall marketing and sustainability objectives?" (Connect your design skills to business impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, aim for a 2-3 minute explanation that covers the brief, your role, challenges, process, and results.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and loads quickly. Use high-quality mockups.

• Focus on B2B Relevance: Highlight projects that demonstrate your understanding of corporate branding and B2B communication needs.

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to discuss the why behind your design choices, not just the what.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to articulate your design process and demonstrate how you apply brand guidelines. The interview will likely assess both your creative talent and your operational project management capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application, including your CV and a link to your online portfolio, through the Biffa Waste Services careers portal on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features B2B design examples, showcasing your ability to manage projects from brief to completion and act as a brand guardian.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, project management, B2B branding, and any mentioned tools (ClickUp, DAM). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, presenting case studies from your portfolio, and researching Biffa's brand and sustainability initiatives.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Biffa's mission, values, recent marketing campaigns, and their commitment to environmental services.

⚠️ 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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