Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer Company: Activ8 Energies Location: Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Ireland Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing & Creative Operations Date Posted: January 13, 2026 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the creation and execution of high-quality digital and print design assets to uphold and enhance the Activ8 Energies brand identity across all marketing and sales channels.
• Collaborate closely with the marketing, sales, and commercial teams to ensure design outputs are strategically aligned with campaign objectives and project goals, driving brand consistency and impact.
• Manage and organize design files, including preparing print-ready artwork and maintaining an efficient asset library, crucial for operational efficiency and brand governance.
• Contribute to the development of visual content for social media campaigns, sales collateral, presentations, and internal communications, directly supporting GTM (Go-To-Market) initiatives.
• Work under the guidance of senior designers, assisting with layout, image editing, and version control, fostering a learning environment and developing core design operations skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is identified as "Junior Graphic Designer" and the description emphasizes supporting senior designers and creating assets for marketing and sales teams. This suggests a role within a broader marketing operations or GTM support function, focusing on the execution of visual content necessary for sales enablement and campaign delivery, rather than strategic brand direction. The emphasis on "brand standards" and "asset library" points towards operational responsibilities in maintaining brand consistency and accessibility of creative assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of visual assets for print (brochures, flyers, posters) and digital platforms (social media graphics, web assets, presentations), strictly adhering to Activ8 brand guidelines and best practices.
• Prepare print-ready artwork, ensuring correct specifications for bleeds, trims, and colour profiles, to guarantee seamless execution of physical marketing materials and reduce production errors.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, and Commercial teams to understand project briefs, gather requirements, and deliver creative solutions that effectively support business objectives and GTM strategies.
• Assist senior designers with various tasks, including layout adjustments, image retouching, content formatting, and maintaining version control of design files to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the design workflow.
• Support the creation of engaging content for paid and organic social media campaigns, contributing to audience engagement and lead generation efforts.
• Maintain an organized and efficient digital asset management system, ensuring easy accessibility and retrieval of brand assets for all relevant teams.
• Contribute to photo and video shoots by assisting with logistics and adapting captured media into branded formats suitable for marketing and sales collateral.
• Participate actively in design reviews, constructively incorporating feedback to iterate and finalize designs, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outlined focus heavily on the execution of design tasks that directly support sales and marketing operations. This includes preparing assets for specific channels (print, digital, social), ensuring technical specifications for production, and collaborating with commercial teams. The iterative design process and asset library management highlight operational aspects of the creative function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Qualification in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Multimedia, or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on executing design projects from concept to completion. Experience in a marketing or GTM support role is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio Demonstration: A strong portfolio showcasing design capabilities, including college projects, personal work, or previous professional assignments.
• Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign are mandatory for asset creation and manipulation.
• Design Fundamentals: Solid understanding of typography, colour theory, layout principles, and visual hierarchy to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.
• Brand Adherence: Ability to consistently apply and maintain brand standards across all design outputs, ensuring brand integrity.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to take direction, interpret briefs, and work effectively within a team environment.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in design execution, file preparation, and adherence to project specifications.
• Deadline Management: Proven ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• UI/UX Basics: Foundational knowledge of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) principles, or web layout design, to inform digital asset creation.
• Print Production: Experience with preparing artwork for professional printing, including understanding of colour profiles, resolution, and imposition.
• Social Media Content: Familiarity with creating graphics optimized for various social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn).
• Asset Management: Basic understanding of digital asset management (DAM) principles and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical design skills and software proficiency, crucial for operational execution. The mention of UI/UX and web layout principles suggests an understanding of how design integrates with digital platforms, a key aspect of modern GTM operations. The strong focus on brand adherence and deadline management highlights the operational demands of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Capability Showcase: The portfolio should clearly demonstrate a range of design skills, including layout, typography, colour application, and imagery use, across different mediums (print, digital, social).
• Brand Consistency Examples: Include examples of how you have applied or maintained brand guidelines in previous projects, illustrating your understanding of brand governance.
• Project Workflow Illustration: For key projects, briefly outline the process from brief to final delivery, highlighting problem-solving and iterative design steps.
• Technical Proficiency Evidence: Showcase work that clearly utilizes Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, demonstrating mastery of their core functionalities relevant to graphic design.

Process Documentation:

• Design Brief Interpretation: Examples of how you interpret and translate design briefs into actionable visual concepts, showcasing your ability to understand project requirements.
• Asset Preparation Workflow: Demonstrate understanding of preparing files for print (e.g., CMYK, bleed, trim) and digital (e.g., RGB, file formats, optimization), indicating operational readiness.
• Feedback Integration: Show how you incorporate feedback into design iterations, emphasizing a structured approach to design refinement and stakeholder satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are geared towards demonstrating practical design execution and operational readiness. Emphasis on brand consistency, technical file preparation, and process interpretation is key for this role, aligning with the operational needs of a marketing and sales support function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Junior Graphic Designers in Ireland with 0-2 years of experience, and considering the location in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, a competitive salary range is estimated between €25,000 - €32,000 annually. This range accounts for the entry-level nature of the role and the specific regional market.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Reflecting market value and experience.
• Company Bonus: Performance-based incentive program.
• Pension Contribution: Employer contribution towards retirement savings.
• Laya Healthcare: Health insurance coverage.
• Gym Memberships: Support for employee wellness and fitness.
• Breakfast Bar: On-site amenities for employee convenience.
• Life Assurance: Financial protection for employees and their families.
• Flexi-Time: Flexible working hours to promote work-life balance.
• Additional Benefits: Further perks and advantages as part of the employee package.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with the provision of Flexi-Time allowing for flexibility in start and end times, promoting a better work-life balance essential for sustained creativity and productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimate is based on general Irish market data for entry-level design roles and adjusted for regional cost of living and typical compensation structures for such positions. The benefits listed are comprehensive and align with standard offerings for full-time employees in Ireland, with a particular emphasis on work-life balance (Flexi-Time) and employee well-being (healthcare, gym).

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Renewable Energy (Solar PV), with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental solutions. Activ8 Solar Energies is positioned as a leader in the Irish market. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the presence of a marketing team, sales, commercial teams, and a dedicated HR system (BambooHR) suggests a medium-sized enterprise, likely with 50-250 employees. This size typically allows for structured operations and cross-functional collaboration without excessive bureaucracy. Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's description as "one of Ireland’s leading renewable energy brands" indicates established market presence and growth.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Team: The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the marketing team, likely reporting to a Senior Designer or Marketing Manager.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with Sales and Commercial teams, requiring effective communication and understanding of their operational needs for collateral and presentations.
• Hierarchy: The role is junior, implying a clear reporting structure and opportunities for mentorship from senior design and marketing professionals.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: A core methodology is the consistent application of brand standards to ensure a unified and professional image across all touchpoints.
• Data-Informed Creativity: While the role is execution-focused, an understanding of how design supports campaign goals (e.g., social media engagement) implies a data-informed approach to creating impactful visuals.
• Agile Design Support: The need to support various teams and projects suggests an agile approach to design requests, prioritizing flexibility and responsiveness.

Company Website: https://activ8energies.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on renewable energy provides a mission-driven context, which can be a significant motivator for employees. The implied company size suggests a dynamic environment where operations are likely well-defined but still adaptable. Collaboration across departments is a key operational characteristic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at the entry-level of graphic design within a corporate operations context. It's focused on executing established brand guidelines and supporting broader marketing and sales initiatives, rather than strategic creative direction. The experience level is typically 0-2 years. Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Senior Graphic Designer or a Marketing Manager. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight, crucial for skill development and adherence to operational processes. Operations Impact: The role's impact is primarily through the creation of high-quality, on-brand visual assets that support sales enablement, marketing campaigns, and overall brand perception. Effective design operations contribute to clearer communication, stronger lead generation, and improved customer engagement, indirectly boosting revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and develop specialized skills in areas like digital design, print production, or social media content creation.
• Industry Knowledge: Gain in-depth understanding of the renewable energy sector and its marketing and sales dynamics, becoming a valuable asset to a growing industry.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Develop strong working relationships and understanding of the operational needs of Sales, Marketing, and Commercial teams, potentially leading to future roles in marketing coordination or GTM support.
• Senior Design Mentorship: Learn best practices in design workflow, asset management, and brand governance from experienced professionals, paving the way for advancement to a mid-level designer or specialist role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is clearly defined within the design function or into broader marketing operations. The emphasis is on building foundational skills and understanding the operational context of design within a commercial organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, indicating a traditional office environment within the Activ8 Energies headquarters or a regional office. Office Location(s): Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Ireland (Postal Code: A81 XK73) - this location is specifically mentioned as commutable. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes collaborative spaces for team meetings and cross-functional brainstorming sessions, essential for design projects.
• Design Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware (computers, potentially large monitors) is expected.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the marketing team, senior designers, and other departments, fostering a supportive and communicative work culture.

Work Schedule:

• The role operates on a standard full-time schedule, likely Monday to Friday. The "Flexi-Time" benefit suggests a degree of flexibility in daily working hours, allowing employees to adjust their start and end times within reasonable parameters, accommodating operational needs while promoting work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and mention of "Breakfast Bar" and "Gym Memberships" suggest a company that invests in employee comfort and well-being within a physical workspace. Flexi-Time indicates a modern approach to operational scheduling.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design capability.
• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the hiring manager and/or senior designer, discussing their design process, rationale behind choices, and how they meet project briefs. This is a critical stage for evaluating design operations skills.
• Skills Assessment/Test: A practical design exercise may be given to assess proficiency in Adobe software, ability to follow a brief, and adherence to brand guidelines under timed conditions.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members or other department representatives to assess collaboration style and cultural alignment with Activ8 Energies' values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 strong, relevant pieces that showcase your best work and diversity of skills (print, digital, social). Tailor selections to highlight experience with brand standards and technical file preparation.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each piece, explain the brief, your design process (ideation, iteration, problem-solving), the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Focus on demonstrating your operational approach to design challenges.
• Highlight Brand Compliance: Clearly show examples where you have successfully applied brand guidelines or maintained visual consistency.
• Showcase Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your designs, such as file formats, colour profiles, and software techniques.
• Be Concise and Clear: Present your work professionally and speak confidently about your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Pay close attention to all details in any design test. Clarify any ambiguities before starting.
• Prioritize Brand and Deliverables: Focus on meeting the core requirements of the brief and adhering strictly to brand guidelines.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across concept, design, and final output. It's better to deliver a solid, complete piece within the time limit than an incomplete complex one.
• Prepare for Feedback: Be ready to explain your design decisions and how you would incorporate constructive feedback, demonstrating adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is designed to assess not just creative talent but also the candidate's ability to function effectively within an operational framework, adhering to briefs, brand standards, and deadlines. The practical design test is a common operational assessment tool for design roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, digital illustrations, and web graphics.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of brochures, flyers, presentations, and other multi-page documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts metrics for social media or campaigns is beneficial. Familiarity with tools that display campaign performance (e.g., social media analytics dashboards) could be an advantage.

CRM & Automation:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, efficient management of design files suggests potential use of or familiarity with DAM principles or platforms for organizing and distributing assets.
• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com could be beneficial for managing design tasks and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack for this role is centered around the Adobe Creative Suite, which is standard for graphic design. The mention of UI/UX and social media suggests awareness of digital design principles and platforms, crucial for modern marketing operations. Familiarity with asset management and project management tools would enhance operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality design work that meets and exceeds standards, crucial for brand reputation and effectiveness.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and exploring new design approaches to keep the brand fresh and engaging, especially in a forward-looking industry like renewables.
• Respect & Inclusion: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where all team members feel valued and contribute effectively, essential for team cohesion and productivity.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of design tasks, ensuring deadlines are met, and delivering on commitments made to internal stakeholders.
• Safety: While primarily an operational value in energy, this translates to a culture of careful execution and attention to detail in design to avoid errors.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Synergy: Emphasis on working closely with Marketing, Sales, and Commercial teams, requiring clear communication, active listening, and a willingness to understand diverse operational needs.
• Constructive Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and giving feedback on designs in a constructive manner to drive continuous improvement and deliver the best possible outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design techniques, industry trends, and best practices within the team to foster collective growth and maintain a high standard of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values directly influence the expected behaviour and operational approach of team members. For a Junior Graphic Designer, this means being detail-oriented, collaborative, and committed to delivering high-quality, brand-aligned work that supports the company's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Constraints: Navigating the need for innovative design solutions while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and corporate requirements.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Demands: Juggling design requests from various departments (Marketing, Sales, Commercial) with potentially competing priorities and deadlines.
• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends & Technologies: Staying current with the latest design software features, digital trends, and platform requirements to ensure assets remain relevant and effective.
• Time Management Under Pressure: Effectively prioritizing and managing workload in a dynamic environment to meet tight deadlines for campaigns and sales support materials.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses to enhance proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or learn new design software/techniques.
• Industry Exposure: Learning about the renewable energy sector and how design contributes to its market penetration and public perception.
• Mentorship: Receiving guidance and training from senior designers on best practices in design operations, workflow management, and strategic creative thinking.
• Portfolio Expansion: Building a robust portfolio with diverse projects that demonstrate growth and readiness for more senior design roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational realities of a corporate design role, requiring adaptability and strong organizational skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards skill enhancement and career progression within the design or marketing operations field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for creating a social media graphic from brief to final delivery." (Prepare to discuss brief interpretation, ideation, tool usage, iteration based on feedback, and final output preparation.)
• Brand Adherence: "How do you ensure consistency in your designs, especially when working with established brand guidelines?" (Focus on your systematic approach, use of brand assets, and attention to detail.)
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to overcome a design challenge, perhaps with a difficult client brief or a technical limitation." (Share a specific example, highlighting your problem-solving skills and adaptability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working for Activ8 Solar Energies, and what excites you about the renewable energy industry?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. Connect your passion for design with their industry.)
• Teamwork: "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as marketing or sales teams?" (Emphasize your communication skills, ability to understand their needs, and willingness to work towards shared goals.)
• Feedback: "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Showcase your maturity and willingness to learn and improve.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select & Sequence: Choose 4-6 of your strongest and most relevant pieces. Start with a piece that best showcases your core skills and brand understanding. Arrange them logically.
• Tell a Story for Each Piece: For each project, briefly outline:
  • The brief/objective.
  • Your role and contribution.
  • Your design process and rationale.
  • The tools used.
  • The outcome or impact (if known).
• Highlight Operational Aspects: Emphasize your attention to detail in file preparation, adherence to brand guidelines, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss specific software features, file formats, colour modes, and other technical aspects of your work.
• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also an understanding of operational processes, brand governance, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a corporate structure. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase these operational capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Activ8 Energies careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible (e.g., a link to an online portfolio or a well-organized PDF) and clearly showcases your design capabilities, with specific examples of print, digital, and social media assets. Tailor the selection to highlight brand adherence and technical file preparation skills.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize relevant skills such as proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, experience with brand standards, and any experience in collaborative environments or meeting deadlines. Use keywords like "Graphic Design," "Visual Communication," "Brand Assets," and "Print-Ready Artwork."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and preparing answers to common interview questions regarding teamwork, problem-solving, and your interest in Activ8 Energies and the renewable energy sector.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Activ8 Energies' mission, values, and recent projects. Understand their position in the renewable energy market and how design supports their business objectives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.