Graphic Designer and Artworker, Assistant (12 Month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer and Artworker, Assistant (12 Month FTC) Company: Lloyds Banking Group Location: Bristol, Birmingham, Halifax, Leeds, Edinburgh (Hybrid) Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-25 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 Years)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a crucial support position within the Group Corporate Affairs (GCA) division, focusing on bringing creative ideas to life for internal and external communications.
• The Graphic Designer and Artworker will be responsible for crafting on-brand assets across multiple channels, with a strong emphasis on social-first content and digital platforms.
• The position requires a blend of creative concepting, meticulous art-working, and a keen understanding of brand consistency and visual storytelling.
• This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract (FTC) offering a hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of two days per week in an assigned office location.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the explicit job title is "Graphic Designer and Artworker, Assistant," the responsibilities and required skills (proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, creative concepting, digital design) suggest a mid-level contributor role rather than a strictly entry-level assistant. The FTC nature means it's a project-focused opportunity. The category is placed under Marketing/Creative Operations due to the focus on brand communication, asset creation, and supporting campaign execution within a corporate affairs context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Production Manager, Creative Lead, and other creatives to develop and execute on-brand visual assets that align with brief objectives.
• Produce a diverse range of creative assets for various channels and platforms, including infographics, social media templates, and exhibition banners, with a social-first approach.
• Manage the art-working process for creative concepts, ensuring high standards of visual design, typography, and brand consistency across all deliverables.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, effectively articulating creative rationale and design decisions.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, including emerging AI tools, to enhance efficiency, unlock new creative possibilities, and continuously improve individual and team skill sets.
• Ensure the quality and consistency of creative output, offering insights and suggestions to elevate brand representation and communication strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to asset creation and a collaborative working style within a creative team. The mention of "content performance" and "social-first approach" indicates a need to understand how visual assets perform digitally. The role requires not just execution but also strategic thinking about brand communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree or equivalent qualification in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related creative field is typically expected for roles requiring proficiency in design software and creative concepting.

Experience:

• Proven experience working in a fast-paced creative environment, either within an agency setting or an in-house creative team.
• Demonstrated experience in visual design, art-working, typography, digital design, and brand application across various media.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Strong understanding of visual design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and composition.
• Experience in crafting assets suitable for multiple digital channels and platforms, with an emphasis on social media formats.
• Ability to translate creative briefs into compelling visual concepts and execute them with precision.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design work.
• Strong command of English grammar and spelling for clear communication and asset creation.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in PowerPoint for creating presentations and visual aids.
• Experience with motion graphics/video editing software such as After Effects.
• Familiarity with collaborative design tools like Figma.
• Understanding of and interest in leveraging AI tools for creative acceleration and efficiency.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new digital systems and platforms (e.g., SharePoint Online, social media management tools, web content management systems).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant" in the title might imply less experience, but the required software proficiency and creative concepting responsibilities point towards candidates with a solid foundation (2-5 years). The inclusion of After Effects and Figma as "equally great" suggests these are valuable additions but not strictly mandatory. The emphasis on AI tools indicates a forward-thinking team.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A high-quality portfolio must be submitted or linked, showcasing a range of design work that demonstrates versatility and creative skill.
• The portfolio should highlight examples of on-brand communication, visual design execution, and art-working capabilities across different media.
• Include case studies or project examples that illustrate the process from brief to final output, showcasing problem-solving and creative rationale.
• Demonstrate proficiency in digital design, including social media assets, infographics, and potentially web or presentation graphics.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly required for submission, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:
  • Workflow for concept development and client feedback integration.
  • Methods for ensuring brand consistency and quality control.
  • Approach to managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously within a team environment.
  • Strategies for leveraging design tools and technology for efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio is critical. For operations-focused roles, a portfolio often showcases process improvements or system implementations. Here, it's about demonstrating creative output and process. Candidates should curate their portfolio to highlight projects that show a strong understanding of brand guidelines, effective communication through design, and technical proficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £39,825.00 - £59,738.00 per annum. Benefits:

• A generous pension contribution of up to 15%.
• An annual performance-related bonus.
• Share schemes, including free shares.
• A range of benefits adaptable to lifestyle needs, such as discounted shopping.
• A minimum of 28 days of holiday, plus bank holidays.
• A comprehensive suite of wellbeing initiatives.
• Generous parental leave policies.

Working Hours: Full-time, with an expectation of approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a standard benchmark for mid-level graphic design roles in the UK. The benefits package offered by Lloyds Banking Group is competitive and aligns with typical large financial institutions, covering financial security, work-life balance, and employee wellbeing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services. Lloyds Banking Group is one of the UK's largest financial institutions, offering a wide range of banking and financial services. Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This scale means opportunities for structured career development, access to extensive resources, and exposure to complex, large-scale projects. Founded: 1765. With a long history, the company has a deep-rooted presence and a significant impact on the UK economy and society.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Group Corporate Affairs (GCA) division, specifically in the Creative Studio.
• The immediate team includes a Production Manager and a Creative Lead, alongside other talented creatives.
• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, working with various departments that require creative support for their communications.

Methodology:

• The GCA division's mission is to protect and enhance the Group's reputation through tailored, on-brand communication strategies and multi-channel campaigns.
• There's a strong emphasis on data and insights to drive continuous improvement and ensure alignment with the company's overarching purpose.
• The team balances boldness with risk-awareness in their communication approaches.

Company Website: https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large, established financial institution like Lloyds Banking Group means operating within a structured environment with clear brand guidelines and compliance considerations. The GCA division plays a vital role in corporate reputation management, making this position key to how the company communicates externally and internally.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an Assistant Graphic Designer and Artworker role, classified as mid-level due to the required technical skills and creative execution responsibilities. As a 12-month FTC, it offers a focused experience within a specific team and project scope.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Production Manager and works under the guidance of the Creative Lead within the Creative Studio.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the company's brand perception and communication effectiveness by creating visually appealing and on-brand assets. High-quality creative output supports GCA's mission to enhance the Group's reputation, influencing how stakeholders perceive the company's activities and purpose.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, explore new design software (After Effects, Figma), and gain practical experience with AI tools in a professional setting.
• Industry Exposure: Experience within a large financial services organization provides insight into corporate communications, brand management, and large-scale campaign execution.
• Networking: Building relationships within the Creative Studio and across GCA offers opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and potentially explore future roles within Lloyds Banking Group.
• Portfolio Building: The FTC provides a defined period to create a substantial body of work for a reputable organization, enhancing a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is a fixed-term contract, it offers significant opportunities for professional development and skill acquisition in a corporate environment. The exposure to various creative projects and technologies can be a strong stepping stone for further career advancement in design or related creative fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Working Model. Colleagues are expected to spend at least two days per week, or 40% of their time, at one of the designated office locations.

Office Location(s): Bristol, Birmingham, Halifax, Leeds, Edinburgh. Candidates will likely be assigned to a primary office location based on business needs.

Workspace Context:

• The role is situated within a Creative Studio environment, suggesting a collaborative and visually stimulating workspace.
• The hybrid model allows for a balance between focused individual work (potentially at home) and in-office collaboration, team meetings, and brainstorming sessions.
• Access to company technology and resources within the office will support design tasks.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility indicated through the hybrid working arrangement. The focus is on achieving objectives and meeting deadlines, with flexibility in how and where work is completed, within the hybrid framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model reflects current workplace trends, balancing flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration essential for creative teams. Candidates should be comfortable with commuting to one of the specified office locations for a portion of their working week.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit CV and a link to a high-quality design portfolio.
• Initial Screening: Review of applications and portfolios to assess suitability against the required skills and experience.
• Interview Stage(s): Likely to involve interviews with the hiring manager (Production Manager/Creative Lead) to discuss experience, creative approach, and cultural fit. This may include a discussion about portfolio pieces.
• Skills Assessment (Potential): Candidates might be asked to complete a short design task or present a case study from their portfolio to demonstrate practical skills and creative thinking.
• Final Interview: Possibly with senior members of the GCA team or HR to confirm suitability and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best and most relevant work, focusing on projects that align with corporate communications, brand application, and digital design.
• Highlight Process: For key pieces, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Emphasize how your design solved a problem or communicated a message effectively.
• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Ensure examples clearly showcase proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and any other relevant software.
• Brand Consistency: Include examples where you've successfully applied brand guidelines or developed visual systems.
• Digital Focus: Prioritize digital assets (social media, web graphics, infographics) as the role emphasizes a social-first approach.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure the portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and professionally presented (e.g., a personal website, Behance, or a well-structured PDF).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your creative process, how you approach briefs, and how you ensure brand consistency.
• Prepare to talk about your experience with different design software and your interest in new technologies like AI in design.
• Think about examples where you've collaborated with teams and communicated your design decisions.
• Familiarize yourself with Lloyds Banking Group's brand and recent communications to demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates should treat its preparation and presentation as a primary task. Highlighting projects that demonstrate an understanding of corporate branding and effective communication is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency expected in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic design and art-working.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly PowerPoint for presentation design and asset creation.
• AI Tools: A keen interest in and willingness to use AI tools for speed and efficiency is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how visual assets perform on different channels (e.g., social media engagement metrics) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with digital systems like SharePoint Online for content management and distribution is mentioned as a learning opportunity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. The mention of AI tools indicates that the team is open to adopting new technologies to enhance productivity. Experience with Figma and After Effects would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Consistency: A strong emphasis on maintaining brand integrity and ensuring all creative output is on-brand.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team and with stakeholders across the organization is paramount.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, honing skills, and improving creative processes.
• Impact-Driven: Creating communications that effectively showcase the Group's positive impact on colleagues, customers, and communities.
• Data-Informed: Utilizing data and insights to refine communication strategies and improve creative performance.

Collaboration Style:

• The team works closely together, fostering a dynamic environment for creative exchange.
• Open communication and the ability to articulate creative rationale are valued.
• Expect a culture that encourages learning from peers and sharing knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: Lloyds Banking Group promotes a values-led culture focused on diversity, inclusion, and making a positive impact. The Creative Studio likely reflects this, valuing teamwork, creativity, and a professional approach to brand communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Working within corporate brand guidelines and brief objectives while still producing innovative and engaging creative.
• Pace of Work: Adapting to a fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects with varying deadlines effectively.
• Hybrid Work Integration: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication within a hybrid team structure.
• Staying Current: Continuously learning about new design trends, software updates, and AI tools to maintain relevance and drive efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Deepening: Advanced training or practical application of Adobe Creative Suite features, After Effects, or Figma.
• AI in Design: Gaining hands-on experience with AI tools for creative workflows.
• Corporate Communications: Understanding the nuances of brand communication within a large financial institution.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning about the communication needs of different business units within Lloyds Banking Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The FTC nature presents a challenge in terms of long-term job security, but it also offers a concentrated period for intensive learning and portfolio development within a respected organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Creative Process: "Walk me through your process for creating a social media graphic from brief to final delivery." "How do you ensure brand consistency across different digital platforms?"
• Software Proficiency: "Describe your experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for branding projects." "How have you used After Effects or Figma in your past roles?"
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you received challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it?" "How would you approach designing an infographic for a complex financial topic?"
• AI in Design: "What are your thoughts on using AI tools in graphic design, and how might you incorporate them into your workflow here?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Lloyds Banking Group and specifically within our Creative Studio?"
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?"
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and best practices?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For 2-3 key portfolio pieces, prepare a concise narrative covering the brief, your creative approach, challenges, solutions, and the impact of the design.
• Visual Clarity: Be ready to share your screen and clearly articulate your design choices and technical execution.
• Relevance: Emphasize projects that best demonstrate your skills in digital design, branding, and art-working relevant to corporate communications.
• Enthusiasm: Show passion for design and a clear understanding of how your skills align with the role and the company's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their portfolio in detail, demonstrating not just the final output but also the thought process, technical execution, and understanding of brand objectives behind each piece. Highlighting projects that show adaptability and a proactive approach to learning new tools will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Lloyds Banking Group careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, professionally presented, and clearly showcases relevant design work, particularly digital assets and examples of brand application. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, digital design, art-working, and any experience in corporate environments or fast-paced creative settings. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and preparing answers to common interview questions related to creativity, collaboration, and technical skills. Be ready to discuss your interest in Lloyds Banking Group.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Lloyds Banking Group's recent campaigns, brand messaging, and corporate responsibility initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and a good 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.