Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Costello Medical

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-02-24

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead creative projects within the healthcare sector, from initial concept to final production, offering significant autonomy and creative input.

• Design a wide array of visually appealing materials, including infographics, posters, and event materials, for both internal teams and external clients.

• Collaborate closely with project managers and creative colleagues to define project scope, objectives, and strategic design approaches, ensuring alignment with client needs.

• Leverage proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign and Illustrator, to produce high-quality design deliverables and provide technical guidance.

• Contribute to the enhancement of scientific content communication through innovative data visualization and digital project development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, indicated by the requirement for proven agency/commercial experience and a degree-level qualification alongside a strong portfolio. The responsibilities suggest a blend of individual contribution and collaborative project involvement, typical of a designer expected to manage projects from ideation to completion with minimal supervision. The focus on healthcare sector clients and data visualization points to a specialized area within graphic design operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a diverse range of creative design assets, including infographics, posters, event materials, and other visual content for internal stakeholders and external healthcare clients.

• Engage in early-stage project collaboration with creative colleagues, project managers, and clients to meticulously define project scope, objectives, and overarching strategic design approaches.

• Produce high-quality design materials, offering technical insight and guidance to ensure project success and adherence to best practices in visual communication.

• Contribute to digital and motion projects, such as interactive exhibition materials, video editing, animations, and eLearning modules, based on individual skillset and project requirements.

• Uphold the highest standards of quality and service delivery, ensuring all projects are completed within agreed-upon timelines and budgets, while fostering strong working relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a comprehensive involvement in the design lifecycle, from strategic conceptualization to final production, with a strong emphasis on client-facing deliverables and internal collaboration. The mention of motion and digital projects suggests a need for versatile design skills beyond traditional graphic design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree-level or higher qualification in a design-related discipline (minimum 2.1 or equivalent).

Experience:

• Proven experience working in an agency or commercial environment.

• Demonstrated ability to generate, execute, and oversee a variety of creative concepts from inception to completion.

Required Skills:

• Extensive proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.

• Familiarity with other software within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

• A strong understanding of aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail.

• A problem-solving mindset and the ability to think creatively and "outside the box."

• Confidence in presenting design work to a wide range of audiences, including internal colleagues and external clients.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, leading to high productivity.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in data visualization and enhancing the communication of scientific content.

• Familiarity with motion graphics, video editing, animation, or eLearning module creation.

• An enthusiasm for learning new technologies and design methodologies.

• Interest in the healthcare industry and its unique communication challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong foundation in design principles and software proficiency, coupled with crucial soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and client management. The preference for experience in healthcare and data visualization indicates a specialized niche within the broader graphic design landscape.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A highly innovative and well-curated PDF portfolio or a link to an online portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects.

• Demonstrations of concept generation, execution, and oversight across various creative projects.

• Examples of work that highlight meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of aesthetics.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies within the portfolio should illustrate the design process from initial brief to final delivery, including concept development, iteration, and final production.

• Showcase the ability to manage project timelines and adhere to delivery schedules, demonstrating effective project lifecycle management.

• Illustrate collaboration with project managers and clients, detailing how feedback was incorporated and how challenges were overcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component, expected to not only display creative output but also the candidate's process, problem-solving abilities, and project management skills within a design context. Emphasis on innovation and healthcare sector relevance suggests a need for strategic thinking beyond purely aesthetic execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £28,000 to £33,000 per annum, depending on previous experience.

Benefits:

• Discretionary profit share bonuses paid twice per year.

• Hybrid and flexible working options, with up to half time from home after probation.

• Generous holiday allowance: 25 days plus bank holidays, with a holiday buy and sell scheme.

• Private medical insurance on a "medical history disregard" basis.

• Critical illness cover, income protection, and life assurance.

• Full funding for external training and paid study leave.

• Flexible benefits scheme offering cash payments, additional pension contributions, and more.

• Paid and unpaid sabbaticals based on length of service.

Working Hours: Full-time, permanent role. The company offers flexible working hours. Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility to balance personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined, indicating a structured compensation band. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, which are attractive incentives for creative professionals. The hybrid working policy offers significant flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Communications, Market Access, Health Economic and Outcomes Research.

Company Size: Costello Medical is a rapidly growing global healthcare agency. (Specific employee count not provided, but "rapidly growing global" suggests a significant and expanding organization.)

Founded: Costello Medical has been listed in the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For list since 2017 and achieved B Corporation accreditation in 2022.

Team Structure:

• The Creative team is a core part of the agency, working closely with project managers and other departments.

• Collaboration is key, with designers working alongside colleagues to develop project scope and objectives.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data visualization and enhancing the communication of scientific content.

• Commitment to supporting pro bono work for charities and the public sector, alongside commercial projects.

• Focus on delivering high-quality creative projects for clients in the healthcare sector.

• A data-driven approach is implied by the focus on scientific content and data visualization.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Costello Medical positions itself as a reputable and socially conscious organization within the healthcare sector, evidenced by its awards and B Corp accreditation. The culture appears collaborative, focused on impactful work, and supportive of professional growth, particularly within the creative and scientific communication domains.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level Graphic Designer position. It requires a degree and proven agency/commercial experience, suggesting a candidate ready to take ownership of projects and contribute strategically, rather than an entry-level position. The opportunity to work on diverse projects allows for skill expansion.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will work closely with creative colleagues and project managers. The exact reporting line is not specified, but it's implied that they will report into a Creative Lead or Manager within the Creative team.

Operations Impact: As a Graphic Designer, the impact is primarily on the visual communication of scientific and healthcare-related information for clients. This involves translating complex data into understandable and engaging formats, thereby enhancing client understanding, engagement, and the overall effectiveness of medical communications. The role also contributes to the company's brand perception and internal communication efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to contribute to motion and digital projects (animation, video editing, eLearning) can broaden skillsets beyond traditional graphic design.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in data visualization and scientific content communication within the healthcare sector.

• Training: Full funding for external training and paid study leave supports continuous learning and professional development.

• Mentorship: The opportunity to work alongside experienced colleagues suggests access to one-to-one training in technical aspects, project management, and client communication.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Creative Lead, or Art Director roles within the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is clearly defined, offering both technical skill enhancement and potential for career advancement within a specialized field. The company's investment in training and development is a significant factor for career-minded professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is available in multiple office locations (Cambridge, London, Manchester, Bristol) with a hybrid working policy. This suggests a modern office environment designed to accommodate collaborative work and individual focus, while also supporting remote contributions.

Office Location(s): Global Headquarters in Cambridge, as well as offices in London, Manchester, and Bristol. The specific role is advertised for London.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages face-to-face interaction for community building and collaboration, while remote work allows for focused individual tasks.

• Tools & Technology: Access to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and other necessary design software and hardware.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with other designers, project managers, and potentially client teams, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, with a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid policy allows for up to half of the working time to be from home (measured across a 2-week rolling period), with 1 day per week from home during the probationary period (first 6 months).

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature of the work environment, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration and culture with the flexibility of remote work. This arrangement is designed to support work-life balance and employee well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: CV, cover letter (explaining suitability and interest with examples), and a PDF portfolio or online portfolio link.

• Video Interview: A self-recorded video interview assessed by the Talent Acquisition team.

• Assessment: An assessment to be completed in the candidate's own time.

• Final Interview: An in-person or virtual interview with senior members of the Creative team, including a portfolio review.

• Timeline: Standard process typically lasts 3-4 weeks, adaptable as needed.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills in concept development, execution, and problem-solving, particularly those relevant to healthcare and data visualization.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, your solutions, and the impact or outcome. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator is evident through the quality and complexity of your work. Showcase versatility within the Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Demonstrate Innovation: Emphasize unique concepts and creative approaches that go beyond standard execution.

• Tailor to Costello Medical: Include projects that align with the company's focus on healthcare communications, scientific content, and data visualization.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a practical design task that may assess your ability to interpret a brief, work within constraints (e.g., brand guidelines, time limits), and produce a polished output.

• Conceptual Thinking: Practice articulating your thought process and creative rationale clearly and concisely.

• Client Communication Simulation: Be ready to present your work as if to a client, addressing potential questions about strategy, execution, and feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is multi-stage, emphasizing a thorough assessment of both creative output and candidate suitability. The portfolio review is a significant component, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just design skill but also strategic thinking and communication ability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Extensive use of Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator is mandatory. Familiarity with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications is expected.

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard design software for layout, illustration, and potentially digital asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this graphic design role, but an understanding of how design assets are used within marketing and communication workflows may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus is on the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with specific emphasis on InDesign and Illustrator. This aligns with standard requirements for graphic design roles. The implicit need for data visualization skills suggests an appreciation for how design serves analytical and communication goals.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Contributing innovative ideas to enhance creative service offerings.

• Excellence: Delivering consistently exceptional service to colleagues and clients.

• Collaboration: Working closely with creative colleagues, project managers, and clients.

• Data-Driven Approach: Passion for data visualization and enhancing the communication of scientific content.

• Impactful Work: Commitment to supporting projects where skills can make a meaningful difference (including pro bono work).

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail is a core requirement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with project managers and other creative staff from the outset of projects.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and project approaches.

• Client Partnership: Building strong working relationships with internal teams and external clients is essential for exceptional service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values innovation, quality, and collaboration, with a distinct focus on making a meaningful impact within the healthcare sector. The emphasis on data visualization and scientific communication suggests a team that is both creative and intellectually rigorous.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Information: Effectively visualizing and communicating intricate scientific and healthcare data in an accessible and engaging manner.

• Balancing Creativity and Client Needs: Meeting client expectations and brand guidelines while maintaining design integrity and innovation.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to changing deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic agency setting.

• Staying Current: Keeping up with evolving design trends, software updates, and technologies in the digital and motion graphics space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to develop skills in motion graphics, video editing, animation, and eLearning module creation.

• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise in healthcare communications and data visualization.

• Professional Training: Full funding for external qualifications and paid study leave provides formal learning opportunities.

• Mentorship: Access to one-to-one training from experienced colleagues for technical, project management, and client communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a design role in a specialized agency, requiring adaptability and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for skill enhancement and career progression within the firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to visualize complex scientific data. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, tools, and impact).

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative freedom with strict client brand guidelines. How did you navigate this?" (Highlight problem-solving and client management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Costello Medical, specifically within the healthcare communications sector?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent work).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially within a hybrid work setup?" (Provide examples of teamwork and communication).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the brief, your role, the problem, your solution, and the results. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Show sketches, wireframes, or iterations to demonstrate your thought process and problem-solving.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any positive outcomes or feedback received from clients or stakeholders.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your software choices and techniques used.

• Enthusiasm for Healthcare: Convey genuine interest in the healthcare sector and the impact of design within it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative skill, strategic thinking, and strong communication abilities, tailored to Costello Medical's sector and values. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your CV and a cover letter via the online application form. In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are suited for the role and why you wish to join Costello Medical, providing specific examples to support your claims.

• Ensure your CV explicitly states the dates of all qualifications achieved and grades obtained, where applicable.

• Prepare a PDF portfolio or a link to your online portfolio that showcases your best work, with a focus on relevant projects and demonstrating your process.

• Be ready for a self-recorded video interview, which will be the first stage of assessment.

• Thoroughly research Costello Medical, its work in healthcare communications, and its company culture to inform your cover letter and interview responses.

• Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, explaining your design process, and articulating the impact of your 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.

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