Graphic Designer (Southampton)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Healf Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Marketing / Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-09-25T08:58:00 Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on hands-on graphic design, creating visual assets for print, packaging, and digital platforms to support a fast-growing wellbeing e-commerce company.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for developing and maintaining brand guidelines, ensuring visual consistency across all company outputs.
• A key aspect involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, including marketing and operations, to translate creative concepts into tangible design solutions.
• The position requires a proactive approach to supporting daily design needs and contributing to real-world projects from inception to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes a "hands-on," "practical," and "coordinating" aspect, suggesting this role may lean towards production and execution within a small team, rather than purely conceptual design. The inclusion of "operations" collaboration suggests a need for understanding how design integrates with business processes and product delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and create comprehensive brand guidelines and asset files for print, packaging, and physical product applications, ensuring brand consistency.
• Design simple, clean, and impactful visual assets that strictly adhere to established brand guidelines for various marketing and operational needs.
• Provide day-to-day graphic design support across all business functions, responding to creative requests efficiently.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, operations, and other internal teams to effectively translate creative briefs and business objectives into compelling visual communication.
• Prepare and optimize design files for both print and digital formats, ensuring proper specifications and quality for final output.
• Work onsite with the Healf team in Southampton five days a week, contributing actively to a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Assist in the coordination of design projects, liaising with stakeholders to manage feedback and ensure timely delivery of creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative output and project coordination, common in smaller, high-growth companies. The emphasis on "preparing design files for print or digital formats" and collaboration with "operations" suggests a need for understanding production workflows and cross-departmental communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree or equivalent qualification in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for this type of role.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of creating visual assets, preferably within a commercial or e-commerce setting.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated strong visual judgment and fundamental design principles, evidenced through a compelling portfolio.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on Adobe Illustrator, and functional knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all design outputs.
• A proactive and "can-do" attitude, eager to contribute and take initiative within a team setting.
• Willingness and ability to work onsite in Southampton full-time, especially during the critical early stages of growth.
• Demonstrated flexibility and a fast, proactive approach to task completion and problem-solving.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with print production processes and preparing files for various printing methods.
• Familiarity with digital design best practices for web and social media platforms.
• Understanding of branding principles and how to apply them consistently across different mediums.
• Basic knowledge of packaging design principles and dieline preparation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that while core design skills are essential, the company is looking for potential and a strong willingness to learn and grow within the role. The emphasis on "getting stuck in wherever needed" and "proactive" attitude points towards a candidate who is adaptable and eager to contribute broadly.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a focus on visual clarity, brand consistency, and successful execution of design briefs.
• Specific examples demonstrating capability in creating assets for both print (e.g., packaging mockups, flyers) and digital (e.g., social media graphics, web banners) applications.
• Projects that highlight problem-solving through design, such as adapting a design to different formats or constraints.
• Work that reflects a strong understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

Process Documentation:

• While explicit process documentation requirements are not listed, candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, from concept ideation and brief interpretation to final file preparation and handover.
• The ability to manage multiple design tasks concurrently and adhere to project timelines is implied, suggesting familiarity with basic project management principles within a design context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, the portfolio is the primary indicator of process capability. Candidates should select work that demonstrates a structured approach to design, even if not formally documented. The emphasis on "preparing files for print or digital formats" suggests a need for understanding output processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 0-2 years of experience in Southampton, UK, the estimated annual salary range is likely between £20,000 and £26,000.

Benefits:

• Premium Wellhub Membership: Provides unlimited access to a vast network of gyms, yoga studios, and fitness facilities, aligning with Healf's focus on wellbeing.
• Exclusive Healf Perks: Includes a significant discount (50%) on all Healf products and reduced pricing on Healf Zone blood testing, encouraging personal engagement with the company's offerings.
• Nest Pension: Contributions towards a Nest pension scheme, supporting long-term financial security.
• Wellbeing-Focused Workspace: Access to an office environment described as having great natural lighting and a focus on wellbeing, fostering a positive work atmosphere.
• Team Connection: Participation in an annual company-wide retreat designed for team bonding and recharging, promoting a strong team culture.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, implying approximately 40 hours per week, with an onsite presence required throughout the standard working week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical UK entry-level graphic design roles in regional locations outside of London, adjusted for the specific benefits offered which enhance the total compensation package. The benefits strongly reflect the company's mission and values.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Health & Wellbeing E-commerce, Health Tech. Healf operates at the intersection of personalized health, curated wellbeing products, and digital-first platforms, aiming to redefine how consumers engage with health and wellness.

Company Size: The description implies a growing, fast-moving, and relatively small team, particularly within the design and production unit. This suggests a dynamic environment where individuals can make a significant impact.

Founded: Founded by two brothers motivated by personal wellbeing journeys, Healf is built on principles of grit, determination, and a passion for improving lives through wellbeing. The company is in a scaling phase, with a forthcoming product launch (Healf Zone).

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a "small, fast-paced design and production team," indicating close collaboration and shared responsibilities within this unit.
• The reporting structure is not explicitly detailed but likely involves a Design Lead or Marketing Manager, given the role's responsibilities.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, with the designer expected to work closely with marketing, operations, and other departments, necessitating strong communication skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: While not explicit for this role, the company's use of "data that actually helps you feel your best" and the upcoming "Healf Zone" blood testing platform suggest a data-informed approach to product development and customer engagement.
• Workflow Optimization: The need for a "hands-on" designer who is "proactive, fast, and flexible" points to a methodology that values efficiency, agility, and continuous improvement in processes.
• Automation & Efficiency: While not directly stated for design, the company's overall growth trajectory and tech focus suggest an appreciation for tools and processes that drive efficiency.

Company Website: https://healf.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived: healf.com)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is strongly defined by "The Healf Standard" principles: working hard, continuous improvement, valuing talent and curiosity, living the lifestyle, and strong teamwork. This creates an environment that rewards dedication and personal commitment to wellbeing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to junior graphic design position (0-2 years experience). The role is positioned as "hands-on" and "practical," suggesting it's focused on execution and contributing to immediate design needs rather than strategic design leadership.

Reporting Structure: The graphic designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Creative Director, or Head of Marketing, within a small, fast-paced design and production team. Collaboration will extend across departments, including marketing and operations.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work will directly influence brand perception, marketing collateral effectiveness, and the visual presentation of products. By creating high-quality, on-brand assets, they will support marketing campaigns, sales efforts, and the overall customer experience, indirectly contributing to revenue generation and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to develop deeper expertise in specific design areas such as packaging design, print production, or digital asset creation based on project needs and personal interest.
• Broader Design Exposure: As the company grows, opportunities may arise to contribute to more complex design projects, brand strategy development, and potentially UI/UX design elements.
• Cross-Functional Learning: Close collaboration with marketing and operations teams offers exposure to different business functions, potentially opening doors to roles with broader responsibilities in brand management or creative production.
• Leadership Potential: Demonstrating strong performance, initiative, and alignment with "The Healf Standard" could lead to opportunities for increased responsibility and potentially team lead roles in the future as the design department expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Be a builder" statement in the "Why Join Healf" section strongly suggests that this role offers significant potential for growth and impact, moving beyond a purely execution-focused position for candidates who are proactive and align with the company's ethos.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a "Wellbeing-Focused Workspace" described as having "great natural lighting." This suggests a modern, pleasant, and health-conscious office environment designed to support employee wellbeing.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is specified as Southampton, England. The description also mentions an "Incredible Hammersmith office" in the benefits section, which might be a separate company office or a benefit related to the Wellhub membership, but the core role is based in Southampton.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to be collaborative, with the expectation of close interaction within a "small, fast-paced design and production team" and across other departments.
• The environment is likely equipped with standard design tools and technology, necessitating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members and stakeholders are abundant, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an onsite requirement. The specific daily hours are not detailed but are expected to align with typical business operations, likely around 8-9 hours per day to accommodate a 40-hour week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Wellbeing-Focused Workspace" and the company's core mission suggest that the physical work environment will be conducive to creativity and personal health, aligning with the "Healf Lifestyle" principle.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Healf will assess applications based on submitted resumes and portfolios, looking for demonstrated design skills and alignment with brand aesthetics.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design choices, and how their work aligns with Healf's brand and mission. This is a critical step for assessing visual judgment and communication skills.
• Skills Assessment: Practical design tests or challenges may be given to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and problem-solving abilities under timed conditions.
• Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews will assess alignment with "The Healf Standard" principles, focusing on work ethic, proactivity, collaboration, and passion for wellbeing. Expect questions about how you "Work Harder Than Anyone Else" and embody the "Healf Lifestyle."
• Team/Manager Interview: Discussions with the hiring manager or team members to evaluate technical skills, collaboration style, and suitability for the team dynamic.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills relevant to this role (print, packaging, digital assets).
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your process, creative decisions, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Highlight how you met the objectives.
• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you've successfully worked within or created brand guidelines. This is crucial for this role.
• Showcase Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates your command of Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Highlight Practicality: Given the "hands-on" nature, include work that shows attention to detail in file preparation and execution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a visual asset for a specific campaign or adapting an existing design.
• Focus on demonstrating quick thinking, adherence to brand guidelines, and efficient use of design software.
• Practice articulating your design process and rationale clearly and concisely.
• Showcase your ability to incorporate feedback and make design decisions that align with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, focusing not only on design skills but also on cultural fit and work ethic, given the strong emphasis on "The Healf Standard." The portfolio is paramount for demonstrating practical skills and visual acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for this role, with a specific focus on:
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and layout work for print and digital.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating raster-based graphics.
• Adobe InDesign: Likely required for creating print layouts, brochures, and brand guideline documents.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly a design tool, a basic understanding of how design assets perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement, website click-through rates) might be beneficial, though likely not a core requirement for this entry-level role.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the graphic design function, but awareness of how design assets are used within marketing automation or CRM platforms might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe Creative Suite applications is non-negotiable for this position. The company's focus on e-commerce and digital presence means digital design tools are as important as print.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• We Work Harder Than Anyone Else: Expect a demanding environment where dedication and effort are highly valued. This translates to a commitment to project completion and exceeding expectations.
• Never Settle: A drive for continuous improvement and innovation. In design, this means constantly seeking better ways to communicate visually and staying updated on design trends.
• Obsession Over Talent: Focus on growth, curiosity, and developing skills. This implies a culture that supports learning and personal development within the team.
• The Healf Lifestyle: A commitment to personal wellbeing that influences professional actions. This means embracing healthy habits and understanding the importance of wellbeing for productivity.
• Stronger Together: Emphasizes teamwork and collective responsibility. Designers are expected to support each other and contribute to the team's overall success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to collaborate closely with marketing, operations, and other departments, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate diverse needs into design solutions.
• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages open feedback on design work to ensure it meets objectives and aligns with brand standards.
• Knowledge Sharing: As a growing team, sharing best practices, techniques, and insights within the design department and across the company is likely encouraged to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Healf Standard" is central to the company's culture and will heavily influence how work is done and how individuals are expected to behave and contribute. Understanding and embodying these values will be key to success and integration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Keeping up with the rapid pace of a growing startup and managing multiple design requests concurrently can be demanding.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Execution: Ensuring all designs adhere strictly to brand guidelines while still being creative and impactful requires a keen eye and disciplined approach.
• Cross-Departmental Communication: Effectively interpreting and translating design needs from various departments (marketing, operations) can be challenging without clear briefs.
• Limited Resources (Potentially): As a growing company, designers might need to be resourceful and efficient with available tools and time.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gaining practical experience in print production, packaging design, and digital asset preparation for e-commerce.
• Industry Exposure: Learning about the health and wellbeing industry, its marketing nuances, and how design contributes to customer engagement in this sector.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced team members within a small, dedicated design or marketing team.
• Brand Building: Contributing to the visual identity of a rapidly scaling brand offers significant experience in brand evolution and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for entry-level roles in dynamic startups. They also represent significant opportunities for learning and skill development, particularly in adapting to different project demands and cross-functional collaboration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create design assets under a tight deadline. How did you manage your time and ensure quality?" Focus on your process, prioritization, and how you maintained attention to detail.
• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines, especially when working with different stakeholders?" Discuss your approach to understanding briefs, using style guides, and seeking clarification.
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the brief, your role, and the outcome?" Be ready to articulate your creative process, problem-solving, and the impact of your design.
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new software?" Showcase your proactivity and commitment to continuous learning.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Healf and our mission in the wellbeing space?" Research the company's values, products, and recent news. Connect your personal interests or experiences to their mission.
• "How do you embody 'The Healf Standard' principles in your work and approach?" Prepare specific examples for each principle, especially "Work Harder Than Anyone Else" and "The Healf Lifestyle."
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic." Highlight your collaborative nature and willingness to support colleagues.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure with Purpose: Organize your portfolio logically. For each piece, clearly state the client/project type, your role, the objective, your process, and the results.
• Highlight Relevant Work: Prioritize projects that showcase your skills in print, packaging, and digital asset creation, demonstrating your ability to adhere to brand guidelines.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, successful product launch), highlight these metrics.
• Be Enthusiastic and Confident: Present your work with passion and conviction, demonstrating your belief in your abilities and your excitement for the role at Healf.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should heavily focus on aligning your responses and portfolio with "The Healf Standard" and the company's mission. Demonstrating a proactive, hard-working, and wellbeing-conscious attitude will be as important as showcasing design skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Healf careers page.
• Curate your portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant design projects that showcase your skills in print, packaging, and digital asset creation, and demonstrate your ability to adhere to brand guidelines. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., PDF, online portfolio link).
• Tailor your resume: Highlight your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), any relevant experience (even internships), and emphasize your attention to detail, proactivity, and teamwork skills. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare for the portfolio presentation: Be ready to articulate your design process, rationale, and how your work aligns with Healf's brand and mission. Practice explaining your most impactful projects.
• Research Healf: Familiarize yourself with their brand, products, mission, and "The Healf Standard." Understand their commitment to wellbeing and how you can contribute to their growth.

⚠️ 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.