Junior Graphic Designer (18 Month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer (18 Month FTC)

Company: SC Johnson

Location: Frimley, Surrey, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (Fixed-Term Contract)

Category: Marketing - Creative Studio

Date Posted: April 07, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (1 day per week remote available)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical entry point into packaging production within a fast-paced FMCG environment, focusing on translating approved creative into print-ready artwork.

• You will gain hands-on experience in technical packaging foundations, including layout, accuracy, regulatory requirements, and printer expectations.

• The position involves close collaboration with experienced artworkers, designers, and print vendors to ensure brand consistency and flawless execution across multiple markets and formats.

• This is an ideal opportunity for an emerging artworker to build expertise and accelerate their career in packaging specialization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the description heavily emphasizes "artworking" and "packaging production." This role is less about conceptual graphic design and more about the technical execution and preparation of artwork for print, requiring a strong understanding of production processes. The "18 Month FTC" indicates a fixed-term contract, which is important for candidates to note. The role reports to a "Marketing Operations Manager," suggesting a strong connection to operational efficiency and process within the marketing function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create, adapt, and finalize print-ready packaging artwork across multiple SKUs, variants, and formats with a high degree of precision and consistency.

• Translate master designs into production-ready files, ensuring accurate layout, alignment, and formatting for flawless execution in print.

• Apply essential technical elements such as cutter guides, die lines, finishes, layers, trapping, and emboss/deboss specifications according to print requirements.

• Maintain brand and artwork consistency across product ranges and markets by strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and artwork frameworks.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, regulatory) to accurately incorporate claims, ingredients, regulatory copy, and all necessary pack updates.

• Liaise directly with print vendors and suppliers to gather technical specifications, resolve production-related queries, and ensure all print expectations are met.

• Conduct meticulous artwork checks, including color accuracy, barcode integrity, content validation, and pre-press compliance, managing version control throughout the review and approval process.

• Deliver accurate, compliant work on deadline within a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong project management for artwork tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on technical execution, accuracy, and collaboration. The emphasis on "print-ready artwork," "cutter guides," "die lines," and "pre-press compliance" indicates a need for candidates who understand the print production lifecycle, not just aesthetic design. The mention of "regulatory copy" and "claims" points to the importance of accuracy and adherence to legal/marketing requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a foundation in graphic design, artwork, packaging production, or a related design/print field is expected.

Experience:

• A foundational understanding of artwork, packaging production, or a related design/print environment is required, with a demonstrated interest in developing deeper technical expertise.

Required Skills:

• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is essential.

• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all artwork tasks.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple artwork projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively.

• Excellent communication skills in English, enabling clear collaboration with internal teams and external print vendors.

• Eagerness to learn, adapt to feedback, and rapidly develop technical skills in packaging production.

• Basic understanding of print and production requirements, including how artwork is prepared for print.

Preferred Skills:

• Some exposure to packaging-specific design or production workflows.

• Familiarity with artwork management systems such as Figma, Esko, Workfront, or Wrike.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements for packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and a strong aptitude for detail and organization, crucial for packaging artwork. The preference for artwork management systems hints at the company's existing technology stack and workflow. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests this is an entry-level role, but with a strong emphasis on foundational skills and a willingness to learn.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing examples of print-ready artwork, demonstrating technical execution and understanding of production requirements.

• Include projects that highlight accuracy in layout, typography, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Showcase any experience with packaging dielines, cutter guides, or specific print finishes.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a documentation role, demonstrating an understanding of workflow, version control, and approval processes within your portfolio is beneficial.

• Show how you managed feedback and revisions to bring a design from concept to a final, production-ready state.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an artwork-focused role, the portfolio should heavily lean towards technical execution rather than purely conceptual design. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of their submitted work, such as the specific print requirements they addressed or how they managed file preparation for different printing methods.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive pay

• Free breakfast and snacks

• 25 days of annual holiday (pro-rated for FTC)

• Pension scheme

• Life cover

• Health insurance

• Volunteering days

• Season ticket loan

• Wellness days

Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement available, with the possibility of working remotely one day per week, once eligible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on UK market data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive and reflects a positive employer offering. The fixed-term nature of the contract is a key consideration for compensation and career planning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) / Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), specifically focusing on household cleaning and personal care products.

Company Size: SC Johnson is a large, global, family-owned company. The Lifestyle Brands division (Method, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Babyganics, Ecover) operates with a degree of autonomy, described as a "growing house of like-minded brands" with around 650 employees within LSB. This suggests a blend of large corporate resources and a more agile, brand-focused operational structure.

Founded: SC Johnson was founded in 1886. The Lifestyle Brands division represents a more recent strategic acquisition and growth area.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Marketing - Creative Studio function.

• The direct reporting line is to the Marketing Operations Manager.

• The role involves close collaboration with experienced artworkers and designers within the Creative Studio.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with teams responsible for claims, ingredients, and regulatory copy.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a "force for bold, transformative growth" and a "focus on delivering positive impact for people and the planet."

• For this role, the methodology centers on meticulous execution, adherence to brand guidelines, and technical accuracy in print production.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the need to incorporate claims and regulatory copy accurately.

• The "Lifestyle Brands" ethos suggests a creative, innovative, and purpose-driven approach to marketing and product development.

Company Website: [SC Johnson Website URL - assumed to be scjohnson.com, Lifestyle Brands may have specific sub-sites]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as innovative, purpose-driven, and focused on positive impact, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The "Lifestyle Brands" division likely fosters a more dynamic and creative environment compared to traditional CPG operations, while still benefiting from the stability and resources of SC Johnson.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level "Junior Graphic Designer" or "Associate, Graphics" role with a 18-month fixed-term contract. It's positioned as a foundational role for developing expertise in packaging production and artworking.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Marketing Operations Manager. This indicates a focus on the operational aspects of creative production and efficiency, rather than purely creative direction.

Operations Impact: The Junior Graphic Designer's impact is primarily on the timely and accurate delivery of print-ready artwork, which directly influences product launch timelines, brand consistency in the market, and compliance with regulatory standards. Efficient artwork production is crucial for the speed-to-market of FMCG products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Significant opportunity to develop deep technical expertise in packaging production, print processes, and Adobe Creative Suite applications within a specialized context.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to an Artwork Specialist, Packaging Designer, or a more senior role within the Creative Studio or Marketing Operations team, either within Lifestyle Brands or broader SC Johnson.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in the FMCG sector, working with well-known brands, and understanding the nuances of global packaging production.

• Learning Resources: The company mentions providing tools, exposure, and support for career acceleration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a fixed-term contract, this role offers a structured learning path in a specialized area of marketing operations. The reporting line to Marketing Operations Manager suggests potential growth within operational efficiency roles, alongside traditional design career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Frimley, Surrey, UK, which is likely a corporate office environment. The company mentions a hybrid work arrangement, indicating a modern approach to work-life balance.

Office Location(s): Frimley, Surrey, United Kingdom. This location is noted as not eligible for relocation, suggesting candidates must be able to commute to this office.

Workspace Context:

• A hybrid work environment allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

• The office is expected to be equipped with the necessary design software and hardware for artwork production.

• Collaboration with colleagues and external partners will be a significant aspect of the daily work.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (likely 40 hours per week).

• Hybrid flexibility allows for one day of remote work per week for eligible employees, offering a degree of autonomy in managing one's work schedule within operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, offering flexibility. Candidates should be aware of the requirement to be present in the Frimley office for at least 4 days a week, implying a need for local or willing-to-relocate candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and portfolio by HR or a recruitment team.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects and their technical contributions. This may involve a practical design or artworking task.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Marketing Operations Manager and potentially other members of the Creative Studio team to assess skills, experience, cultural fit, and understanding of packaging production.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior member of the marketing or operations leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Production: Highlight projects where you demonstrated technical skill, accuracy, and understanding of print requirements.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Explain how you handled challenges related to artwork adaptation, regulatory compliance, or printer specifications.

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially in team-based work.

• Emphasize Detail: Point out specific elements of your work that demonstrate meticulous attention to detail (e.g., trapping, color profiles, pre-press checks).

• Include Packaging Examples: Prioritize any packaging artwork, dieline work, or print production examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a practical exercise that might involve adapting an existing design to a new format, incorporating new copy, or correcting a supplied artwork file based on specific instructions.

• Practice articulating your design/artwork process, focusing on efficiency, accuracy, and problem-solving.

• Understand common print terminology and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize the candidate's technical skills and attention to detail, as demonstrated in their portfolio and any practical assessments. The focus will be on production readiness rather than purely creative concept generation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector-based artwork creation, dieline manipulation, and final print file preparation.

• Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, retouching, and potentially creating raster-based elements for packaging.

• Adobe InDesign: May be used for layout of multi-page documents or complex packaging structures, though Illustrator is often primary for single packaging pieces.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Artwork Management Systems: Preferred skills include familiarity with Figma, Esko, Workfront, or Wrike. These systems are crucial for workflow management, version control, collaboration, and approval processes in creative production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, is non-negotiable. Familiarity with project/artwork management tools is a significant advantage, indicating the company's investment in efficient workflow and collaboration systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact & Purpose: The Lifestyle Brands division operates with a mission to "deliver positive impact for people and the planet." This suggests an environment where employees feel their work contributes to a larger good.

• Innovation & Boldness: The company culture is described as "fearless thinkers," "mad scientists," and "adventurous designers" who believe in "pioneering the future."

• Diversity & Inclusion: A strong commitment to creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued, listened to, and supported. They actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

• Efficiency & Collaboration: The role's connection to Marketing Operations implies a value placed on efficient processes, timely delivery, and effective teamwork.

• Curiosity & Growth: Eagerness to learn and develop technical skills is highly valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close working relationships with marketing, regulatory, and other creative teams.

• External Partnerships: Strong emphasis on working effectively with print vendors and suppliers to achieve production goals.

• Feedback Culture: The role involves receiving feedback from experienced artworkers and designers, indicating a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

• Teamwork: The description highlights working "side-by-side" with experienced colleagues, suggesting a supportive and collaborative team dynamic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of purpose-driven, innovative, and highly inclusive. For a junior role, a collaborative and learning-oriented approach is clearly expected.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The FMCG sector demands speed and accuracy; managing multiple artwork projects under tight deadlines will be a primary challenge.

• Technical Complexity: Mastering the intricacies of print production, dielines, and regulatory requirements for various markets can be demanding for an entry-level role.

• Version Control & Accuracy: Ensuring absolute accuracy in final artwork, especially with complex claims and regulatory text, requires meticulousness and robust processes.

• Adapting to Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying diverse brand guidelines across multiple brands and SKUs requires careful attention.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Deep dive into packaging production, print specifications, and artwork technicalities.

• Industry Insight: Exposure to the FMCG and CPG industry, understanding product development lifecycles.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced artworkers and designers.

• Software Proficiency: Advanced mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and potential exposure to artwork management systems.

• Career Path: Potential to grow into a dedicated packaging artwork specialist or related marketing operations role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designed for growth. The challenges are framed as opportunities to develop essential skills in a high-demand area of marketing operations and creative production.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Aptitude: Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, focusing on how you've used them for print production or artwork.

• Detail Orientation: Prepare examples of how you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work, especially when dealing with complex information or tight deadlines.

• Problem-Solving: Think about a time you had to adapt a design or artwork based on technical constraints or new information. How did you approach it?

• Collaboration: Discuss your experience working with others (designers, clients, printers) to achieve a common goal. How do you handle feedback?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Awareness: Show that you understand the Lifestyle Brands (Method, Mrs. Meyer's, etc.) and SC Johnson's mission.

• Inclusion: Be prepared to speak to your understanding of diversity and inclusion, as it's a strong company value.

• Motivation: Why are you interested in packaging production and artwork, specifically at Lifestyle Brands/SC Johnson? Why this FTC role?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each piece, explain the brief, your role, the technical challenges you overcame, and the final outcome.

• Focus on Production: Highlight the technical aspects of your work – e.g., how you handled dielines, color profiles, or specific print finishes.

• Demonstrate Accuracy: Point out specific elements that show your attention to detail (e.g., trap settings, font consistency, regulatory copy accuracy).

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, tools used, and any challenges faced.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily test practical skills and understanding of the production workflow. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their technical capabilities and their understanding of what makes artwork "print-ready."

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight print production, packaging artwork, and technical execution. Prioritize projects demonstrating accuracy, adherence to guidelines, and understanding of print requirements.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and any experience with packaging production, artwork management systems, or FMCG. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your process for creating print-ready files, managing revisions, and collaborating with teams. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SC Johnson and the Lifestyle Brands (Method, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Babyganics, Ecover). Understand their brand ethos, commitment to sustainability, and diversity & inclusion initiatives.

⚠️ 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.