Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Commercial Services Group (The Education People)

Location: Aylesford, Kent, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: February 11, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the visual identity of "The Education People" and its sub-brands, requiring a strong command of graphic design principles and creative execution across both print and digital mediums.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for end-to-end creative delivery, from conceptualization to final artwork, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to accessibility standards across all generated content.

• Key contributions will include developing engaging visual assets for marketing campaigns, supporting central events, and creating essential templates for internal documentation, thereby directly impacting brand recognition and communication effectiveness.

• The position demands proficiency in industry-standard design software and a proactive approach to managing multiple projects and deadlines within a dynamic, collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is categorized under Creative & Media, Art & Design, and Marketing, reflecting its core functions. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a blend of remote and on-site work, likely with specific days expected in the Aylesford office for collaboration and team engagement, particularly given the mention of supporting central events. The experience level is inferred from the responsibilities and required skills, typically aligning with 2-5 years of dedicated graphic design experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce high-quality, impactful designs for a diverse range of print and digital marketing materials, including flyers, social media graphics, brochures, case studies, email assets, event visuals, merchandise, and signage.

• Create engaging visual content for marketing campaigns, new service launches, and ongoing promotion, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• Execute basic video edits for use in campaigns and social media channels, and produce engaging presentation decks for internal and external use.

• Support the design and visual needs for centrally organized events, such as "The Education People Show," by creating branded materials and dynamic visual assets.

• Act as a subject matter expert on visual design, providing guidance on best practices, accessibility standards, and brand consistency to internal stakeholders.

• Contribute to brand development initiatives, including the creation and refinement of brand guidelines and the development of a visual identity roadmap.

• Design and implement standardized templates for common internal documents such as PowerPoint presentations and Word documents to ensure consistent branding and efficiency.

• Proactively manage design workload and project timelines using tools like Asana, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality creative output.

• Drive continuous improvement in design processes, actively exploring new tools, software, and creative methodologies to enhance efficiency and output quality.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, accessibility updates, and emerging creative technologies to ensure the organization's visual communications remain modern and effective.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are framed to highlight the strategic and operational aspects of graphic design within a corporate marketing context, emphasizing efficiency, brand stewardship, and cross-functional collaboration. The mention of "Asana" points to a need for project management discipline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant focus on marketing or campaign environments.

• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple design projects simultaneously for various brands, ideally within a fast-paced team setting.

• Proven ability to interpret creative briefs, ask clarifying questions, and deliver high-quality design solutions under tight deadlines.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Digital Design Tools: Proficiency with Canva and Microsoft PowerPoint for a range of design outputs.

• Design Principles: Strong understanding of typography, color theory, layout, composition, and visual hierarchy.

• Brand Management: Ability to maintain and apply brand consistency across all design collateral and formats.

• Accessibility Standards: Awareness and practical application of accessibility guidelines in design.

• Project Management: Capability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines, ideally with experience using project management tools like Asana.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for stakeholder engagement and brief interpretation.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to artwork production, proofreading, and quality assurance.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic video editing skills for campaign and social media content.

• Experience in creating animated graphics or motion design elements.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Understanding of print production processes and best practices.

• Experience in developing and maintaining brand guidelines documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of technical proficiency with creative and strategic capabilities, crucial for a Graphic Designer influencing brand perception and marketing effectiveness. The "2-5 years" experience level is an inference based on the breadth of responsibilities and the need for independent project management and stakeholder interaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects across both print and digital media.

• Demonstrate successful application of design principles, creativity, and technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and PowerPoint.

• Include examples of campaign development, social graphics, brochures, event materials, and template creation.

• Highlight projects where brand consistency and accessibility standards were a key consideration, with clear explanations of the design rationale and impact.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples or descriptions of how you approach design briefs, including your process for understanding requirements, asking clarifying questions, and developing concepts.

• Illustrate your workflow for managing projects from initial concept through to final artwork delivery, including any quality assurance steps.

• Describe your methodology for incorporating feedback from stakeholders and managing revisions effectively to meet deadlines.

• Detail your approach to ensuring brand consistency and accessibility in your design output.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, the portfolio is paramount. This section emphasizes not just the visual output but also the candidate's process, problem-solving approach, and ability to articulate their design decisions and project management strategies, aligning with operations' focus on process and efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £31,680 per annum.

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: 25 days, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service, providing ample opportunity for rest and personal pursuits.

• Life Assurance: Cover equivalent to 4 times your annual salary, offering financial security for your beneficiaries.

• Pension Scheme: Generous scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 2% employee contribution, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Discount Schemes: Access to retail and gym discounts, promoting employee well-being and savings.

• Health Cash Plan: A health cash plan to help manage healthcare costs.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Encouraging sustainable commuting and offering cost savings on bicycles.

• Volunteer Days: Paid time off for volunteering, supporting community engagement and corporate social responsibility.

• Wellbeing Programme: Comprehensive support and resources dedicated to employee mental and physical health.

• Learning and Development: Tailored support and opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the organization.

Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week.

• Standard working hours are typically within the business day, with potential for some flexibility given the hybrid arrangement. The role involves managing deadlines, which may occasionally require adjusted working patterns, but the core hours are set at 37 per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated. Benefits are detailed to showcase the comprehensive package offered, emphasizing aspects that contribute 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: Education Support Services, Public Sector Solutions, Trading Company.

• Commercial Services Group (CSG) operates within a unique space, being the UK's largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO). This means it blends commercial enterprise with a public service mission, reinvesting profits into frontline services. "The Education People" is a key brand within CSG, focusing specifically on supporting the education sector. This duality fosters a culture that values both commercial acumen and social impact.

Company Size: Over 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai, and Bangkok.

• This substantial size indicates a well-established organization with diverse departments and a global reach. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for interaction with various business units, potential for complex project management, and exposure to different operational models. It also suggests robust internal processes and a structured environment.

Founded: Commercial Services Group was founded to support local authorities. The specific founding date of CSG is not provided, but its structure as a LATCO implies a history tied to local government services and evolution into a significant trading entity. "The Education People" as a brand likely has its own development timeline within CSG.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Communications team within "The Education People" or CSG. This team will probably include marketing specialists, content creators, and potentially other designers.

• The reporting structure will likely place the Graphic Designer under a Marketing Manager or Head of Communications, with direct interaction and collaboration with various departments within "The Education People" and potentially other CSG businesses.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: While not a primary data analysis role, the Graphic Designer will use insights from marketing campaigns and stakeholder feedback to inform design decisions and improve visual effectiveness.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role emphasizes improving design processes, managing workloads efficiently (e.g., using Asana), and exploring new tools to optimize output.

• Automation and Efficiency: Designing templates for recurring documents (PowerPoint, Word) is a form of process automation, increasing efficiency and brand consistency across the organization.

Company Website: https://careers.commercialservicesgroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of CSG as a LATCO is crucial for understanding its unique culture and mission. The size and global presence suggest potential for complex operational challenges and diverse stakeholder management for any role within the company, including this design position.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires independent execution of design tasks, project management capabilities, and the ability to contribute to brand strategy, moving beyond purely execution-based junior roles.

• The scope of work includes brand development, template creation, and advising on best practices, indicating a level of responsibility and strategic input beyond typical entry-level positions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing Manager or Head of Communications, who will likely provide strategic direction, manage project pipelines, and oversee performance. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while providing autonomy in design execution.

• Direct interaction with various departments and brands within CSG and "The Education People" is expected, fostering broad exposure to different business objectives and communication needs.

Operations Impact: While not directly an "operations" role in the traditional sense (e.g., Revenue Operations or Sales Operations), the Graphic Designer's work has a significant impact on the perceived professionalism, brand recognition, and communication effectiveness of "The Education People" and CSG.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of graphic design such as motion graphics, UI/UX design for digital platforms, or advanced brand strategy and development.

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading design projects, mentoring junior designers, or taking on a Brand Lead position.

• Cross-functional Development: Exposure to marketing strategy, campaign management, and other communication disciplines can open doors to broader marketing roles or integrated communications management.

• Skill Enhancement: The company's commitment to "Tailored learning and development support" suggests opportunities for formal training, workshops, and potentially certifications in new design software or methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Framing the growth potential within the context of operations roles involves highlighting how design contributes to operational efficiency (templates, brand consistency) and how skill development in design can align with broader GTM or marketing operations career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment.

• This indicates a flexible working model combining remote work with on-site presence, likely at the Aylesford office. The hybrid nature aims to balance employee autonomy with the need for in-person collaboration, team building, and access to office-based resources.

Office Location(s): Aylesford, Kent (primary mentioned).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates a culture that supports effective remote and in-person collaboration. This includes utilizing digital communication tools and fostering a team atmosphere where ideas can be shared regardless of physical location.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and professional design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, PowerPoint) is expected. Project management tools like Asana will likely be integrated into daily workflows.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person interaction with the marketing and communications team, as well as cross-functional teams, will be concentrated during office-based days. Remote days will rely heavily on digital communication channels for collaboration and feedback.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 37 hours per week.

• The schedule is standard full-time, but the hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in how those hours are structured, potentially allowing for some control over start and end times, subject to team needs and project deadlines. This flexibility is beneficial for managing personal commitments alongside work responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid aspect is key here, influencing expectations around collaboration tools, communication protocols, and the balance between independent work and team engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the role, focusing on design skills, experience, and alignment with company requirements.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (e.g., Marketing Manager) to discuss your experience, skills, and motivations. This stage will likely involve a deeper dive into your portfolio, asking about specific projects, your design process, and how you handle challenges.

• Design Task/Assessment: You may be given a practical design task to assess your skills in a real-world scenario, testing your ability to interpret a brief, apply brand guidelines, and deliver within a timeframe. This could also be a presentation of your existing portfolio.

• Final Interview: This may involve meeting with other team members, department heads, or HR to assess cultural fit, further clarify expectations, and discuss compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this specific role (print, digital, campaign work, template design).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges you faced, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable impact or outcome. Use case study-style descriptions.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples demonstrating your proficiency across different mediums and brands. Highlight your ability to maintain brand consistency and incorporate accessibility.

• Highlight Process: Be prepared to discuss your design methodology, how you use tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva, and your approach to project management (e.g., using Asana).

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. A dedicated section for template design or brand guideline examples would be beneficial.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design task, read it thoroughly. Identify the target audience, key message, required formats, and any brand constraints.

• Focus on Efficiency and Brand: Demonstrate how you can deliver effective designs efficiently while strictly adhering to brand guidelines and accessibility standards.

• Articulate Your Rationale: Be ready to explain your design choices, connecting them back to the brief's objectives and best practices in graphic design and marketing.

• Time Management: Practice completing design exercises within a simulated timeframe to manage your workload effectively during the assessment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on providing actionable advice for candidates, emphasizing the importance of the portfolio and preparation for design-specific assessments, which are critical for creative roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential for professional graphic design. Proficiency in Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print design, digital publications) is paramount.

• Canva: Required for quick design tasks, social media graphics, and potentially template creation, indicating a need for versatility across different design platforms.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Crucial for creating presentations, templates, and visual aids, highlighting the role's integration with standard office productivity suites.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Project Management:

• Asana: Explicitly mentioned as a tool for managing workload, indicating its importance in the team's workflow for task tracking, project organization, and deadline management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section directly addresses the technical requirements, listing the specific software and tools the candidate will be expected to use, which is critical for operations and creative roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Productivity: The use of tools like Asana and the emphasis on creating templates point to a value placed on streamlined processes and maximizing output.

• Collaboration: The hybrid model and cross-functional responsibilities highlight the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and shared success.

• Creativity & Innovation: The core function of the role demands a focus on creative thinking, generating new ideas, and staying current with design trends.

• Quality & Attention to Detail: Producing high-quality work that adheres to brand and accessibility standards is a fundamental expectation.

• Impact & Purpose: As part of CSG and "The Education People," there's an underlying value of contributing to meaningful work that impacts education and public services.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Graphic Designer will work closely with marketing, communications, service delivery teams, and event organizers, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate diverse needs into visual solutions.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages feedback on designs and processes is implied, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging designers to share insights on trends, new tools, and best practices benefits the entire team and enhances collective capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are inferred from the job description's emphasis on efficiency, quality, brand consistency, and the company's mission. These are crucial for understanding how the role fits into the broader organizational culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Brands: Managing distinct visual identities and project requirements for "The Education People" and its sub-brands, as well as potentially the broader CSG group.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced environment and varied project requests can lead to pressure to deliver high-quality work quickly.

• Interpreting Diverse Briefs: Translating varied stakeholder needs and technical requirements into effective visual communications.

• Keeping Pace with Trends: Continuously learning and adapting to new design software, techniques, and accessibility standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to enhance proficiency in specific design software, explore motion graphics, or delve into UI/UX design.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend relevant design conferences, workshops, or webinars to stay current with industry best practices.

• Mentorship & Leadership: As the role matures, opportunities to mentor junior designers or take on project lead responsibilities.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gaining exposure to marketing strategy, content creation, and campaign management through collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role, while highlighting growth opportunities provides motivation and a clear path for career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for creating a marketing brochure from concept to final artwork." (Prepare to discuss brief interpretation, ideation, design execution, feedback incorporation, and final delivery).

• Brand Management: "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects and platforms for different brands?" (Focus on brand guidelines, design systems, and your role in upholding brand integrity).

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to deliver a complex design project under a tight deadline. How did you manage it?" (Highlight your project management, prioritization, and problem-solving skills).

• Accessibility: "What is your approach to ensuring design accessibility, and can you provide an example of how you've implemented it?" (Demonstrate awareness and practical application of accessibility principles).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in this Graphic Designer role at Commercial Services Group and 'The Education People' specifically?" (Research CSG's mission, LATCO model, and "The Education People's" role in education).

• Teamwork: "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with diverse teams." (Prepare examples of effective communication and collaboration strategies).

• Learning: "How do you stay current with design trends and new technologies?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business objective, your creative solution, and the tangible results or impact achieved. Use metrics where possible.

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation like a story – the challenge, your approach, the execution, and the outcome.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your technical skills and how you leverage tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva effectively.

• Brand Adherence: Emphasize how you applied brand guidelines and accessibility standards. If you created templates, explain the efficiency gains they provide.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it interactive. Ask questions, encourage discussion, and tailor your presentation to the interviewer's interests.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice for candidates to prepare for interviews, focusing on demonstrating relevant skills, understanding the company's mission, and effectively presenting their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Commercial Services Group careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating proficiency in print and digital design, campaign materials, template creation, and brand consistency, specifically aligning with the requirements of "The Education People."

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, PowerPoint, project management tools (like Asana), and your experience in marketing/campaign environments. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects with a focus on impact and strategy, and researching Commercial Services Group's mission and values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Commercial Services Group's role as a LATCO and "The Education People's" mission to support the education sector. Understand their brand identity and the importance of visual communication in their work.

⚠️ 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.