Graphic Designer (Maternity Cover: 14-month Fixed Term Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Maternity Cover: 14-month Fixed Term Contract) Company: Monica Vinader Location: London, United Kingdom Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Date Posted: 2026-02-05T17:38:14 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days in London Head Office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the Brand team in delivering visually compelling creative assets across digital and physical touchpoints, ensuring brand consistency and aesthetic appeal.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end design process, from concept development to final artwork, for a variety of marketing and brand initiatives.
• A key aspect of this position involves leveraging design tools and project management systems to efficiently manage workload and collaborate effectively with the wider team.
• This is a fixed-term contract position, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a leading sustainable jewellery brand during a period of maternity cover.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core function is graphic design, the emphasis on "digital and physical touchpoints," "brand consistency," and the use of "Monday.com" for project management indicates a need for an operations-minded designer who can manage workflows and deliverables efficiently within a fast-paced marketing environment. This role is not purely creative; it requires organizational skills and an understanding of project timelines and stakeholder needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of digital assets, including web graphics, email banners, paid social advertisements, and organic social media posts, ensuring they align with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.
• Create engaging motion graphics for social and digital channels using After Effects and/or Premiere Pro to enhance brand storytelling and campaign impact.
• Develop and artwork a variety of print materials, such as window vinyls, large format graphics, in-store POS, signage, packaging, and event collateral, ensuring print-readiness and quality.
• Utilize Figma for the majority of design work, including web assets, emails, presentations, and collaborative brainstorming, demonstrating advanced proficiency.
• Master and apply expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) for detailed design work and artworking.
• Manage design projects efficiently using Monday.com, meticulously updating task statuses and flagging any potential roadblocks or capacity concerns to the Senior Graphic Designer to ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate proactively with the wider Brand team and other cross-functional departments, communicating effectively to gather requirements, present concepts, and ensure alignment.
• Maintain a high level of technical delivery and provide guidance to others in Figma and Adobe CC, acting as a subject matter lead where appropriate.
• Translate campaign briefs and commercial objectives into high-quality design solutions that solve real problems and drive business value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: creative output and operational efficiency. The explicit mention of "managing projects using Monday.com," "taking full responsibility for updating the statuses of your work," and "ensuring smooth delivery" points to the need for a candidate who can not only design but also manage their workflow and communicate project progress effectively, a key trait in operations-oriented roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is beneficial but not strictly required if compensated by strong practical experience.

Experience:

• Proven experience as a Graphic Designer, with a portfolio showcasing a strong command of both digital and print design.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, with a track record of meeting deadlines.
• Experience working within a Brand or Marketing team, preferably in the retail or luxury goods sector.

Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for UI/UX design, web assets, and collaborative design workflows.
• Adobe Creative Cloud Expertise: High proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator for a wide range of design and artworking tasks.
• Motion Graphics Creation: Experience designing and producing engaging motion graphics for social media and digital campaigns using After Effects and/or Premiere Pro.
• Print Design & Artworking: Extensive experience in designing and preparing artwork for large-format print, signage, and point-of-sale materials.
• Project Management Tool Proficiency: Experience using workflow management tools such as Monday.com for task tracking and project updates.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to articulate design concepts clearly, present work effectively, and communicate with stakeholders across different departments.
• Collaborative Spirit: Proven ability to work effectively within a team, build alignment, and foster open dialogue.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the jewellery or luxury fashion industry.
• Understanding of e-commerce visual merchandising principles.
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials.
• Familiarity with A/B testing principles for digital design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, Adobe CC, motion graphics, print artworking, and specifically Monday.com for project management, alongside "technical delivery" and "guidance to others," points towards a mid-level role where operational efficiency in design execution is as critical as creative talent. The "Master & Apply" and "Drive & Deliver" frameworks suggest a need for someone who can not only execute but also manage their work and contribute to team processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase a diverse range of projects highlighting proficiency in both digital (web assets, social media, email) and print (large format, POS, packaging) design.
• Figma & Adobe CC Showcase: Include examples that clearly illustrate your skill set in Figma, Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, detailing your role in each project.
• Motion Graphics Examples: Provide links or embedded videos of motion graphics created for social or digital campaigns.
• Project Management Integration: Briefly describe your process for managing projects, including how you utilized tools like Monday.com (or similar) to track progress and ensure timely delivery. Case studies that show problem-solving through design are highly valued.
• Brand Consistency: Highlight projects where you maintained strict brand consistency across multiple assets and platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you approach design briefs, manage your workflow, and optimize your process for efficiency, especially in a fast-turnaround environment.
• System Utilization: Be ready to explain your experience with project management tools (e.g., Monday.com) and how you use them to organize tasks, track progress, and communicate status updates.
• Quality Assurance: Discuss your approach to design review and artworking for print or digital, ensuring accuracy, brand compliance, and technical suitability for the intended medium.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on project management tools and efficient delivery, a portfolio that demonstrates not just creative output but also process and organizational skills will be highly advantageous. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow and how they ensure quality and timeliness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated £30,000 - £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday (pro-rata for fixed term contract) plus bank holidays.
• Generous staff discount on Monica Vinader jewellery.
• Hybrid working model, offering flexibility between home and office.
• Pension scheme contribution.
• Opportunities for professional development and learning.
• Access to employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
• Potential for travel to other company offices (e.g., Norfolk), with expenses covered.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid working requires a minimum of 3 days per week in the London Head Office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on London-based mid-level graphic designer roles in the retail/fashion sector, considering the fixed-term nature of the contract. The benefits are standard for a company of this size and industry, with specific perks like jewellery discounts and travel opportunities highlighted. The hybrid arrangement with specific office days is critical for understanding the daily work structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Goods / Retail / E-commerce (Sustainable Jewellery) Company Size: Monica Vinader is a well-established, growing global brand. While the exact number of employees isn't specified, their presence in multiple locations and the complexity of their operations suggest a mid-to-large sized organization (likely 250-1000+ employees). Founded: Monica Vinader was founded in 2009, positioning it as a relatively modern and digitally-savvy luxury brand.

Team Structure:

• Brand Team: This role sits within the Brand team, reporting to the Senior Graphic Designer. The Brand team is likely composed of designers, copywriters, content creators, and brand managers.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with Marketing, E-commerce, Digital, Retail, and potentially Product Development teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging and visual execution across all channels.
• Reporting Hierarchy: The direct reporting line is to the Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a collaborative environment where senior team members provide guidance and oversight.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: Monica Vinader emphasizes being "Commercial" and "Customer Obsessed," suggesting that design decisions are informed by data, customer insights, and commercial objectives.
• Agile & Fast-Paced: The company values being "Fast Paced," implying a dynamic work environment where quick turnarounds and adaptability are essential.
• Sustainability Focus: A core company value is sustainability, which likely influences design choices and material considerations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on sustainability, luxury, and an omni-channel approach shapes its culture. The emphasis on "Customer Obsessed," "Caring," "Fast Paced," "Exceptional," and "Commercial" values provides insight into the expected work ethic and interpersonal dynamics. For a graphic designer, understanding the brand's aesthetic and its commitment to sustainability will be key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level Graphic Designer role. It requires a solid foundation of technical design skills, the ability to work independently on assigned projects, and an understanding of how design contributes to business objectives. It's a hands-on execution role with some project management responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Senior Graphic Designer. This suggests opportunities for mentorship, skill development under experienced guidance, and exposure to more complex design challenges and strategic thinking.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the customer's perception of the brand and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. High-quality, on-brand visuals are critical for driving e-commerce sales, enhancing brand loyalty, and supporting retail initiatives. The efficiency with which designs are produced also impacts marketing campaign timelines and budgets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, web design, or print artworking based on project needs and personal interest.
• Project Ownership: Increased responsibility for larger or more complex design projects as experience is gained.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to collaborate on projects with various departments, gaining broader business understanding.
• Mentorship: Learning from the Senior Graphic Designer, potentially leading to a more senior design role or specialized creative position within the company in the future.
• Portfolio Enhancement: The variety of projects will significantly enrich the designer's professional portfolio, a crucial asset for future career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how this role, while fixed-term, can serve as a stepping stone. The emphasis on "operations impact" highlights how design execution directly affects business outcomes, a perspective valuable for operations professionals. The "fast-paced environment" and "quick turn-arounds" also imply a need for efficiency and adaptability, traits often sought in operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with a minimum of 3 days required in the London Head Office. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and focused work. Office Location(s): London Head Office (Wellington House, WC2R 0AP) and potentially a Norfolk office for occasional travel. The London office location implies a central, accessible urban workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The London office likely serves as a central point for team collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and meetings with other departments.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma) and project management tools (Monday.com) is expected.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the Senior Graphic Designer and other members of the Brand and Marketing teams will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours per week).
• The hybrid nature requires proactive time management to balance office presence with remote work, ensuring deliverables are met regardless of location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid structure and the specific requirement of 3 days in the office are key operational details. Candidates should consider how they manage their time and collaborate effectively within this hybrid model. The description of the office environment implies a professional setting conducive to creative and collaborative work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio by the recruitment team and hiring manager.
• Creative Assessment: Candidates will likely be asked to complete a design task or present a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating their skills and approach to a specific brief. This will assess technical proficiency, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
• Interview with Hiring Manager: A discussion focusing on experience, technical skills, understanding of the brand, and cultural fit. Questions may cover workflow management, project handling, and collaboration.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues and discuss collaboration dynamics and how the candidate would integrate into the team.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in Figma, Adobe CC, motion graphics, and print artworking, aligning with Monica Vinader's brand aesthetic.
• Showcase Process: Include brief explanations of your design process, the problem you were solving, your role, and the outcome. Highlight how you used tools like Monday.com for project management.
• Highlight Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative results that show the impact of your design work (e.g., engagement rates for social ads, effectiveness of POS materials).
• Quality over Quantity: Focus on a few strong, well-executed projects rather than a large volume of less relevant work.
• Clear Navigation: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and that all links (especially for motion graphics) are functional.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Task: Be prepared for a timed design challenge that mimics a real-world brief. Focus on delivering a clear, on-brand concept within the given constraints.
• Workflow Discussion: Be ready to articulate your design process, how you manage your time, and how you'd approach a typical brief from start to finish, including using project management tools.
• Brand Alignment: Research Monica Vinader's brand identity, target audience, and recent campaigns to ensure your approach and examples align with their aesthetic and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical skills and workflow management. The portfolio review tips are tailored to showcase not just creative talent but also operational efficiency and brand understanding, aligning with the role's requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for digital design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows. Advanced proficiency is a must.
• Adobe Creative Cloud:
  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, digital asset creation.
  • InDesign: For layout design, print materials, and multi-page documents.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
• Motion Graphics Software:
  • After Effects: For creating animated graphics and visual effects.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing and incorporating motion graphics into video content.
• Project Management:
  • Monday.com: Explicitly mentioned for managing projects, tracking tasks, and updating statuses. Proficiency or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to such tools is crucial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility, understanding how design assets perform (e.g., social media engagement, click-through rates on emails) would be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) can provide context for design optimization.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly involved, but an understanding of how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is critical for operations-focused candidates. The explicit mention of specific tools like Figma and Monday.com, alongside the Adobe suite, highlights the technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with these tools in detail.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsessed: All design work should ultimately serve the customer experience and brand perception.
• Caring & Collaborative: Open communication, respect, and a supportive approach are expected when working with the Brand team and other departments.
• Fast Paced & Adaptable: The ability to respond quickly to briefs, manage changing priorities, and deliver under pressure is highly valued.
• Exceptional & Commercial: Striving for high-quality, impactful design that also meets commercial objectives and aligns with brand values.
• Growth & Learning: A willingness to learn new skills, embrace feedback, and contribute to team development.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating the Senior Graphic Designer and stakeholders on project progress and potential issues.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Working closely with marketing and other teams to ensure design assets meet campaign goals and brand consistency.
• Feedback Integration: Openness to constructive criticism and incorporating feedback to refine designs.
• Solutions-Focused: Approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, leveraging design expertise to find effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values ("Customer Obsessed," "Caring," "Fast Paced," "Exceptional," "Commercial") directly translate into expected behaviors for team members. For a designer, this means understanding how their creative output contributes to these broader business goals and how they should interact with colleagues.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast Turnarounds: The "fast-paced environment" and "quick turn-arounds" mean consistently delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Balancing Digital & Print: Managing diverse creative output across very different mediums requires strong organizational skills and adaptability.
• Maternity Cover Context: Stepping into an existing role without full-time handover requires quick assimilation into team processes and brand guidelines.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs, from social posts to large-format prints, adhere to Monica Vinader's specific brand aesthetic and values.
• Project Management Load: Effectively managing multiple projects and updating status diligently in Monday.com alongside creative tasks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Design Expertise: Gaining extensive experience with Figma and Adobe CC in a professional, high-volume context.
• Motion Graphics Development: Enhancing skills in After Effects and Premiere Pro through practical application on social media campaigns.
• Print Production Knowledge: Expanding understanding of large-format printing, signage, and artwork preparation for diverse physical applications.
• Brand Strategy Insight: Learning how design directly supports marketing campaigns, e-commerce strategies, and the overall brand narrative.
• Industry Exposure: Working for a recognized brand in the luxury and sustainable jewellery sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges helps candidates prepare. The emphasis on the "fast-paced environment" and "project management" frames these challenges from an operational perspective, requiring strategic planning and execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize, and what tools did you use?" (Focus on workflow, project management, and prioritization skills).
• "Describe your process for creating motion graphics for social media. What elements do you consider to make them engaging and brand-aligned?" (Assess creative process and technical application).
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across both digital and print assets for a luxury brand like Monica Vinader?" (Evaluate understanding of brand stewardship and versatility).
• "Walk me through a project from your portfolio that you're particularly proud of. What was the brief, your role, your process, and the outcome?" (Demonstrate design thinking, execution, and impact).
• "How do you use tools like Figma and Monday.com in your daily workflow? Can you give an example of how they helped you deliver a project successfully?" (Highlight technical proficiency and operational efficiency).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Monica Vinader and our brand values, particularly our commitment to sustainability?" (Assess research and alignment with company mission).
• "How would you approach collaborating with a Senior Graphic Designer and other teams in a hybrid work environment?" (Evaluate teamwork and communication style).
• "How do you stay up-to-date with design trends and best practices in the digital and luxury retail space?" (Gauge continuous learning and industry awareness).
• "This is a maternity cover role. How do you approach stepping into an existing team and taking on responsibilities quickly?" (Assess adaptability and proactivity).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected project, tell a clear story: the challenge, your creative solution, the process (including tools like Figma and Monday.com), and the results.
• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to briefly explain the technical aspects of your work, especially for motion graphics or complex print artwork.
• Highlight Operations: For projects managed with Monday.com or similar, explain how you tracked progress, managed feedback, and ensured timely delivery.
• Brand Alignment: Explicitly connect your chosen portfolio pieces to Monica Vinader's brand aesthetic and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also the operational skills required for efficient project execution, workflow management, and cross-functional collaboration, especially within the context of a hybrid work environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Monica Vinader careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects showcasing Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, motion graphics, and print artworking relevant to a luxury retail brand. Include examples demonstrating your project management approach using tools like Monday.com.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly outlines your experience with the required design software, project management tools, and your ability to work in a fast-paced, hybrid environment. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, workflow management strategies, and how you contribute to team collaboration and brand consistency. Prepare to discuss your portfolio and experience with specific tools.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Monica Vinader's brand, values (especially sustainability), target audience, and recent campaigns to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.