Graphic Designer, Client Project Manager - Gallagher Benefit Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Client Project Manager

Company: Gallagher Benefit Services

Location: Houston, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Consulting / Human Resources

Date Posted: April 06, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (implied by 5+ years experience requirement)

Remote Status: On-site (implied by location and lack of remote designation)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role blends creative design expertise with client-facing project management, focusing on developing compelling employee benefits communication materials.

• It requires a strategic approach to visual problem-solving, translating complex benefits information into clear, engaging print and digital assets for diverse clients.

• The position involves end-to-end project ownership, from conceptualization and design to production, vendor management, and client relationship building.

• Success in this role hinges on strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, and a keen understanding of branding and editorial standards within the benefits consulting space.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid "Graphic Designer, Client Project Manager," indicating a need for both strong design execution skills and the ability to manage client expectations, timelines, and project deliverables. The "boutique agency" comparison suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a focus on client service and tailored solutions within the specialized field of employee benefits communication.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and refined graphic design solutions across a variety of print and digital media, including multi-page benefit brochures, direct mail pieces, digital newsletters, and presentations, ensuring alignment with client objectives.

• Articulate creative strategy, present design concepts effectively, explain design rationale, and actively solicit and incorporate feedback from account managers and clients.

• Manage and update client benefit communication packages on an annual basis, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and relevance of information.

• Oversee production processes, including meticulous proofing, packaging files for various outputs, and managing relationships with translation and print vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery.

• Proactively manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and adhering to strict deadlines in a dynamic client service environment.

• Proofread all materials to guarantee consistent editorial style, grammatical accuracy, and strict adherence to established brand guidelines for both Gallagher and its clients.

• Contribute innovative and creative ideas to expand the practice's service offerings and enhance client engagement strategies within the benefits consulting domain.

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams (account managers, strategists) and external stakeholders (vendors, clients) to ensure seamless project execution and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative output and project execution. The emphasis on "owning and updating client benefit communication packages on an annual basis" indicates a recurring project management aspect tied to client retention and service delivery. The role requires acting as a visual problem solver and communicator, bridging the gap between complex benefits information and end-user comprehension.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Communications, Marketing, or a related field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of related experience in graphic design or communications is required.

• Preferred experience of at least 5 years in graphic design, communications, or a similar client-facing role, particularly within an agency or consulting environment.

Required Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of graphic design principles, concepts, and techniques across both print and digital mediums.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat, for creating and manipulating design assets.

• Familiarity with working within established brand guidelines and consistently applying them across various projects.

• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Word for presentations, document creation, and collaboration.

• Strong understanding of creative and technical copywriting and copy-editing, essential for refining communication content.

• Demonstrated experience in proofreading materials for accuracy and consistency.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in employee benefits communication or a related consultative service industry.

• Familiarity with digital design principles, including UI/UX considerations for web and email.

• Experience managing vendor relationships (e.g., print shops, translation services).

• Strong client relations and account management skills, including presenting creative concepts and managing feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience positions this as a mid-level role. The "Proven project management capability and experience" is emphasized as a critical requirement, alongside design skills. The mention of CPD as "highly advantageous" suggests a company that values continuous learning within its professional staff.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design samples, demonstrating proficiency in both print and digital media (e.g., brochures, newsletters, presentations, direct mail).

• Demonstrated ability to articulate the creative strategy and design rationale behind portfolio pieces, explaining how they addressed client objectives and solved specific communication challenges.

• Examples within the portfolio should highlight experience with brand guidelines and the ability to produce polished, professional materials suitable for client delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design processes, from initial brief and concept development through to final production and delivery, emphasizing workflow efficiency.

• Provide evidence of managing project workflows, including task prioritization, timeline management, and coordination with external vendors (e.g., print, translation).

• Showcase how you have used proofreading and quality assurance processes to ensure the accuracy and brand compliance of all communication materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is explicitly required, serving as a primary tool for evaluating design skills and project management capabilities. The emphasis on "design samples" and "proven project management capability" means the portfolio should not just be a collection of visuals but should also tell a story about process, problem-solving, and project ownership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee wellbeing.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions, supporting long-term financial security.

• Paid time off (PTO) including vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays, promoting work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and ongoing learning resources to enhance design and project management skills.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week.

• The role may require some flexibility to meet client deadlines or production schedules, potentially involving occasional extended hours during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided job description does not specify a salary range. The estimated range is based on current market data for similar roles in Houston, TX, considering the experience level and hybrid nature of the position. Gallagher is a large, established organization, so a comprehensive benefits package is expected, including health, retirement, and PTO.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "communications team" in Houston, which operates "similar to a boutique agency." This suggests a specialized, collaborative unit focused on client deliverables.

• Team members are described as "visual problem solvers who wear many hats," indicating a cross-functional and adaptable team dynamic.

• The reporting structure likely involves a Creative Director or Communications Manager, with direct collaboration with account managers and client service teams.

Methodology:

• The team's methodology is centered around creating "custom communications that turn complex benefits jargon into easy-to-understand information." This implies a focus on clarity, user-centric design, and strategic communication.

• Emphasis is placed on visual problem-solving and acting as "writers, strategists, designers, productions artists and project managers," indicating a holistic approach to communication projects.

Company Website:

• https://jobs.ajg.com or https://www.gallagher.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The "boutique agency" analogy for the internal communications team is key. It suggests a dynamic, client-focused environment within a large corporate structure, offering the best of both worlds: stability and resources from Gallagher, combined with the agility and project variety of an agency. This is a significant differentiator for candidates interested in this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in employee benefits communication design, develop advanced project management skills, and potentially lead larger or more complex client projects.

• Learning & Development: Access to Gallagher's professional development programs, workshops, and potentially industry conferences related to design, communication, and employee benefits.

• Leadership Potential: Potential to move into senior designer roles, team lead positions within the communications team, or transition into broader account management or strategic consulting roles within Gallagher Benefit Services, leveraging both design and client management experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is likely bifurcated: deepening specialization in benefits communication design and project management, or leveraging the client-facing and project ownership aspects to move into client management or strategic roles within the broader benefits consulting practice. The "boutique agency" model within a large corporation suggests opportunities to influence processes and take on increasing responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction within the communications team and with account management.

• Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and relevant office productivity tools (Microsoft Office) will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with standard working hours likely aligning with the 40-hour work week.

• Flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines or client demands, which is common in agency-style environments and client service roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly state remote or hybrid, the provision of a specific street address and the absence of remote work language strongly suggest an on-site or potentially hybrid model requiring regular office presence. The emphasis on collaboration and a "boutique agency" feel points towards an office environment that facilitates teamwork and client interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess design skills, project management experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, creative strategy, and project management approach for selected pieces. A practical design exercise or case study related to benefits communication may be administered.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and team members to assess problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, client communication skills, and cultural fit within the "boutique agency" team and Gallagher's broader culture. Questions will likely focus on how candidates handle pressure, manage multiple tasks, and communicate complex ideas.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm alignment with the company's strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your range in print and digital design, specifically highlighting any experience with complex information design or employee communications.

• Tell the Story: For each piece, explain the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the design solutions you developed, and the outcome or impact. Emphasize your role as both designer and project manager.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from initial brief and concept development to production and delivery. Detail how you managed timelines, coordinated with stakeholders, and ensured quality.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools.

• Adapt to the Context: Tailor your presentation to Gallagher's focus on employee benefits and their "boutique agency" model. Demonstrate an understanding of their client base and communication needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Tasks: Be prepared for a potential design exercise that might involve creating a concept for a brochure or digital asset based on a provided brief, possibly related to employee benefits.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse explaining your design decisions and project management approach concisely and persuasively. Focus on clarity, creativity, and problem-solving.

• Research Gallagher: Understand Gallagher's services, their position in the benefits consulting market, and their company values. This will help you frame your responses and demonstrate cultural alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Client Project Manager" aspect of the title is crucial. Candidates must be prepared to discuss not just their design work but also their ability to manage projects, communicate with clients, and handle production logistics. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating this integrated skill set.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in InDesign (for layout and multi-page documents), Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation), and Illustrator (for vector graphics and illustrations). Acrobat is also listed for document handling.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong familiarity with PowerPoint (for presentations) and Word (for document creation and collaboration) is necessary.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this design role, but understanding how design assets integrate into broader client communication platforms or CRM systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically for print and digital design production. The inclusion of Microsoft Office tools indicates the need for integration with standard business workflows and client presentation needs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service Orientation: A strong focus on providing excellent service to both internal account teams and external clients, ensuring their communication needs are met effectively.

• Collaboration: A culture that encourages teamwork, idea sharing, and mutual support within the communications team and with other departments.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges in design, production, and client management.

• Efficiency & Organization: Valuing structured workflows, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively within a fast-paced environment.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and contributing to the continuous improvement and expansion of the practice's offerings.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with account managers to understand client briefs and feedback, and with production/vendor management for seamless execution.

• Feedback-Driven: An open environment for constructive feedback on designs and project approaches, fostering continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture where team members share insights, best practices, and creative solutions to elevate the team's collective output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a "community of bold explorers, trusted experts, and compassionate partners" at Gallagher. Within the communications team, the "boutique agency" model implies a hands-on, collaborative, and client-centric approach where individuals are empowered to contribute across different facets of a project.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Needs: Effectively translating diverse client requirements and brand guidelines into compelling, yet compliant, designs.

• Managing Competing Deadlines: Juggling multiple projects for various clients simultaneously, requiring exceptional time management and prioritization skills.

• Translating Complex Information: Simplifying intricate benefits jargon and technical details into easily understandable and engaging visual content.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with design trends, digital communication best practices, and the ever-changing landscape of employee benefits.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in specific areas of benefits communication design, such as interactive PDFs, data visualization, or motion graphics.

• Project Management Mastery: Developing advanced project management capabilities through hands-on experience with diverse client projects and vendor management.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of the employee benefits industry, which can open doors to more strategic roles.

• Professional Certifications: Potential support for obtaining certifications in design or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is likely the dual nature of the role—excelling in creative execution while rigorously managing project logistics and client expectations. Growth opportunities are tied to deepening expertise in a niche but critical area of communication and business consulting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical information into a clear and engaging visual design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses design strategy and communication clarity).

• "Walk me through a challenging project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders with competing priorities. How did you ensure successful delivery?" (Assesses project management and stakeholder management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Gallagher Benefit Services and our focus on employee communications?" (Assesses research and alignment with company mission).

• "How do you see your skills as a designer and project manager contributing to our 'boutique agency' model within a large corporation?" (Assesses understanding of the role and company structure).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest integrated design/project management examples first.

• Narrative: For each selected piece, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, your design process, your role as project manager, and the tangible results or impact.

• Demonstrate Tools: Be ready to speak to your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and how you leverage these tools.

• Client Focus: Frame your work in terms of client success and how you helped them achieve their communication objectives.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; present your most impactful work and be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus heavily on demonstrating the integration of design skills with project management capabilities. Candidates need to articulate not just what they designed, but how they managed the process and why their design choices were strategic for the client.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer, Client Project Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Gallagher careers portal or the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio that prominently features your best work in print and digital design, specifically highlighting examples that demonstrate your project management skills, ability to simplify complex information, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize achievements in both graphic design and project management. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "InDesign," "project management," "client communication," and "benefits communication." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed 15+ client projects annually, delivering on time and within budget").

• Interview Practice: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions related to design strategy, project management scenarios, client interaction, and problem-solving. Prepare to walk through 2-3 key portfolio pieces in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Gallagher Benefit Services, their market position, and their approach to employee benefits communication. Understand their values and the "boutique agency" context of the team.

⚠️ 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.