Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: PZ Cussons

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design

Date Posted: March 06, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to PZ Cussons' marketing function, specifically within the Content team, driving brand visibility and consumer engagement through compelling visual design across both digital and print mediums.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end creation of visual assets, ensuring brand consistency and high-quality execution for various platforms, including social media, websites, e-commerce, packaging, and point-of-sale materials.

• This position requires a strong understanding of brand stewardship, translating established brand guidelines into innovative and effective visual communications that resonate with target consumer demographics.

• The role involves active collaboration with content managers, copywriters, marketing teams, and external agencies to deliver cohesive and impactful campaigns, acting as a key contributor to the overall brand narrative.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job description is for a Graphic Designer, this enhancement is tailored to highlight its relevance to operations by focusing on the operational aspects of creative production, brand consistency, workflow management, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical for efficient Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute engaging visual assets tailored for diverse digital platforms, including social media, website content, digital shelf presence, email marketing, and e-commerce channels.

• Develop and produce compelling visual assets for offline materials such as packaging, point-of-sale (POS) displays, and traditional print advertisements.

• Translate and uphold strict brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency, quality, and brand integrity across all consumer touchpoints and marketing collateral.

• Support the conceptualization and creative execution of integrated marketing campaigns, contributing innovative design ideas that align with strategic objectives and enhance consumer engagement.

• Edit and produce short-form videos and motion graphics for social media and digital advertising, focusing on high-quality storytelling and adherence to brand identity.

• Act as a primary point of contact for managing multiple design projects simultaneously, overseeing timelines, resource allocation, and coordination with internal teams and external vendors.

• Collaborate closely with content managers, copywriters, and broader marketing teams to ensure cohesive content development and a unified brand message.

• Manage relationships and workflow with external agencies, photographers, illustrators, and printers to facilitate the production of design assets and campaigns.

• Maintain and actively evolve the visual identity of PZ Cussons brands, ensuring all creative output reflects the brand's tone, values, and strategic goals.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, emerging tools, and technological advancements within the graphic design and digital content space, proposing novel creative formats and visual approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to emphasize the operational execution of creative tasks, including project management, vendor coordination, and workflow efficiency, which are critical for a smooth and effective GTM process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience in graphic design, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), retail, or consumer brand environments.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional visual storytelling capabilities and strong conceptual thinking to translate marketing objectives into impactful designs.

• Meticulous attention to detail and superior layout and composition skills, ensuring aesthetic appeal and functional clarity.

• Proven ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet project deadlines in a dynamic workflow.

• Collaborative mindset with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective teamwork and stakeholder engagement.

• A genuine passion for branding, design principles, and understanding consumer engagement strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects) for creating dynamic visual content.

• Skills in video editing software (e.g., Premiere Pro) for producing short-form video assets.

• Familiarity with 3D design software or principles, offering an advantage in creating advanced visual assets.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems and understanding of content workflows.

• Knowledge of web design principles and UI/UX considerations for digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills and qualifications have been augmented to include operational aspects such as project management, workflow understanding, and the ability to work within established brand governance frameworks, crucial for maintaining GTM operational efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive and well-curated design portfolio showcasing a diverse range of work across both digital and print mediums.

• Clear case studies demonstrating the application of design principles to solve specific marketing challenges or achieve business objectives.

• Examples of how brand guidelines were interpreted and applied consistently across different projects and platforms.

• Visualizations of successful campaign assets that illustrate impact on consumer engagement or brand perception.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from brief to final delivery, highlighting key stages, decision points, and quality control measures.

• Documentation or examples of how feedback from stakeholders (marketing, brand managers) was incorporated and managed throughout the design lifecycle.

• Demonstrations of how design assets were prepared and optimized for various delivery channels (e.g., web optimization, print specifications).

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the operational aspects of a design portfolio, focusing on process, efficiency, and measurable outcomes, which are critical for roles that intersect with GTM operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive annual salary with potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs, including access to private medical insurance.

• Generous annual leave entitlement, with opportunities to purchase additional days.

• Company pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Employee discount on PZ Cussons products.

• Hybrid working model offering flexibility between home and office-based work.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The role operates on a hybrid model, allowing for a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration at the Manchester Head Office. Specific in-office days can be discussed and agreed upon.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for the UK market has been provided, reflecting industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the FMCG sector. Benefits have been detailed to align with typical offerings for such roles in the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), with a focus on Hygiene, Baby Care, and Beauty products. PZ Cussons operates in a dynamic and competitive market, requiring agility and innovation.

Company Size: PZ Cussons is a global company with a significant employee base, operating across multiple continents. This size offers stability and resources while maintaining an environment where individual contributions are recognized.

Founded: Established in 1884, PZ Cussons has a long history of adaptation and evolution, demonstrating resilience and a forward-thinking approach to business and consumer needs.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer is part of the Content team within the broader Marketing function.

• This team likely works closely with brand managers, digital marketing specialists, copywriters, and potentially product development teams.

Methodology:

• PZ Cussons emphasizes a data-driven approach to understanding consumers and market trends to inform brand strategy and product development.

• The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, encouraging employees to propose new creative formats and visual approaches.

• Emphasis is placed on brand stewardship, ensuring all creative output aligns with brand tone, values, and strategic objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context has been enriched to highlight the operational implications of working within a global FMCG company, emphasizing market dynamics, brand management, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in design and marketing efforts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It offers a solid foundation in brand design within a corporate setting, with opportunities to develop specialized skills in digital content creation and campaign support.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a Content Manager or Head of Content within the Marketing function. This structure provides clear guidance and opportunities for feedback on creative output and project execution.

Operations Impact: While primarily a creative role, the Graphic Designer's output directly impacts the operational success of marketing campaigns by ensuring visually compelling and brand-consistent materials. This efficiency in asset creation and brand representation contributes to smoother Go-To-Market execution and stronger consumer engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, video editing for social media, or digital asset management.

• Brand Ownership: Take on greater responsibility for the visual identity of specific brands within the PZ Cussons portfolio.

• Project Leadership: Lead design aspects of larger marketing campaigns, coordinating with multiple stakeholders and potentially junior designers.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with product development, sales, and e-commerce teams to understand broader business operations.

• Training & Development: Access to internal and external training programs to enhance technical skills and creative thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on how this design role contributes to operational efficiency within marketing and GTM, and outlines potential growth paths that leverage operational skills and strategic thinking.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at PZ Cussons' UK Head Office in Manchester, described as a "stunning, recently refurbished office" which suggests a modern, well-equipped, and collaborative workspace.

Office Location(s): Manchester, United Kingdom. This location offers access to a major city's amenities and transport links.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as dynamic and fast-paced, typical of the FMCG sector, requiring adaptability and efficiency.

• A collaborative atmosphere is encouraged, with opportunities to interact with marketing teams and other departments.

• The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, balancing focused individual work at home with collaborative sessions and team engagement in the office.

• Access to modern design tools and technology is expected within the office setting.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model offers flexibility, with standard working hours. This flexibility is crucial for managing design projects effectively, allowing for deep work sessions and participation in team meetings and brainstorming sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description highlights operational considerations such as flexibility, collaboration tools, and the pace of work, which are key factors for professionals in operations-focused roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience and design skills.

• Creative Assessment/Task: Candidates may be asked to complete a design task or present a case study from their portfolio that demonstrates their approach to a specific design challenge relevant to FMCG brands.

• Interview Panel: Meeting with the hiring manager and potentially members of the marketing or content team to discuss experience, creative philosophy, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior marketing leader to discuss strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and experience in FMCG/consumer brands. Ensure a mix of digital and print work.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, and the final outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., engagement metrics, brand consistency improvements).

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Demonstrate how you've effectively applied or evolved brand guidelines, showing an understanding of brand stewardship.

• Visual Storytelling: Present your portfolio in a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate format. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and high-quality imagery.

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with PZ Cussons' brands (Carex, Cussons Baby, Sanctuary Spa, St. Tropez, Childs Farm, Original Source, Imperial Leather) and their current visual presence.

• Understand the FMCG market and current design trends relevant to these categories.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a design brief for a new product launch or a campaign refresh for one of their brands.

• Be ready to articulate your problem-solving process and how you ensure design effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific advice on portfolio presentation and interview preparation, focusing on how to demonstrate operational effectiveness and strategic thinking within a design context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic design and layout.

• Motion Graphics/Video Editing Software: Experience with tools like Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, or similar is a significant plus for creating dynamic content.

• 3D Design Software: Familiarity with tools like Cinema 4D, Blender, or similar is advantageous for advanced visual asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but awareness of how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms and CRM systems (e.g., for email campaigns) is helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology section is focused on design software, with a note on how design integrates into broader marketing technology stacks, aligning with operational workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to generate fresh ideas and novel visual approaches that capture consumer attention.

• Brand Stewardship: A commitment to upholding brand integrity, consistency, and values in all creative output.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work effectively with diverse teams, share ideas, and contribute to collective goals.

• Efficiency & Agility: The ability to manage multiple projects, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver high-quality work within deadlines.

• Consumer Focus: A dedication to understanding and engaging consumers through compelling and relevant visual communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive engagement with marketing and content teams to align on project objectives and creative direction.

• Openness to constructive feedback and iterative design processes.

• Effective communication with external partners (agencies, printers) to ensure smooth project execution.

• A supportive approach to knowledge sharing and problem-solving within the creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the company's stated values into operational expectations for a graphic designer, emphasizing how these values inform daily tasks and collaborations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design ideas within strict brand guidelines and strategic objectives.

• Managing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines and stakeholder requirements in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with rapidly changing digital platforms, content formats, and consumer expectations for visual content.

• Ensuring Global Brand Consistency: Adapting designs for different markets or regions while maintaining core brand identity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, motion graphics, or video editing tools.

• Brand Strategy Workshops: Gain a better understanding of the strategic marketing principles that guide design decisions.

• Industry Conferences: Attend design and marketing conferences to learn about emerging trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior designers or marketing leaders within PZ Cussons.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed within an operational context, highlighting the need for process management, adaptability, and strategic execution, while growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement relevant to both design and broader GTM operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a strong creative vision with tight brand guidelines. How did you achieve both?" (Focus: Brand Stewardship, Creative Problem-Solving)

• "Walk us through your process for designing a visual asset for a social media campaign, from brief to final delivery." (Focus: Workflow, Process Management, Digital Asset Creation)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What are your thoughts on PZ Cussons' brand portfolio? Which brands do you find most creatively compelling and why?" (Focus: Brand Awareness, Market Understanding)

• "How do you see your role contributing to the success of our marketing and content teams?" (Focus: Collaboration, Operational Impact)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, outline the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution (design process), and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, successful brand recall).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase a range of projects that highlight your skills across different media (digital, print, motion) and for various brand types.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to verbally walk through your design thinking, problem-solving approach, and technical execution for each selected piece.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is geared towards showcasing operational strengths within a design context, emphasizing process, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the PZ Cussons Careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate experience with FMCG brands, digital content creation, and brand guideline adherence. Prepare a concise presentation of 3-5 key projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, your ability to manage multiple projects, and any relevant experience in fast-paced consumer goods environments. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Research PZ Cussons' brands and recent marketing campaigns. Prepare to discuss your design process, creative philosophy, and how you collaborate with marketing teams. Practice articulating your portfolio projects concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PZ Cussons' mission, values, and their commitment to sustainability and their brands. Understand their market position and target consumers.

⚠️ 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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