Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer Company: ICON plc Location: Sofia, Bulgaria Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: August 20, 2025 Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the visual brand consistency and impact across all ICON digital and print marketing materials.
• Support a global marketing and communications team by translating internal client needs into high-visual-impact, brand-compliant design solutions.
• Develop a wide range of marketing collateral, including digital assets, presentations, and print materials, ensuring technical correctness and timely delivery.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external agencies to ensure creative execution aligns with campaign objectives and brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities indicate a strong focus on marketing collateral creation and brand adherence, aligning this role within a broader Marketing Operations or Creative Services function, requiring an understanding of how design supports GTM strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive design support from project inception through to final execution, working closely with the Senior Marketing Designer.
• Maintain strict adherence to ICON's brand visual identity standards across all design outputs to ensure consistent brand representation.
• Develop a diverse array of collateral, including PDF brochures, factsheets, PowerPoint presentations, conference support materials, and digital graphics for web and social media.
• Take ownership of design projects, ensuring artwork is technically accurate for its intended medium and delivered within agreed-upon project timelines.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues in marketing and communications, as well as external agencies, to execute creative campaigns and collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for project management skills within a design context, emphasizing the importance of delivering on time and to specification, typical of operations roles that manage creative workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1-2 years of graphic design experience, demonstrated through a strong portfolio or a track record of successful projects.
• Experience working within the constraints of robust visual identity guidelines and brand systems.
• Experience in a client-service-oriented marketing environment (e.g., marketing agency, professional services firm, or B2B environment) is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard graphic design software: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, with a particular emphasis on presentation design within Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Proven ability to work within and maintain strict brand visual identity standards.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to design execution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for clear stakeholder interaction.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for digital channels, including websites and social media platforms.
• Familiarity with project management principles and tools to manage multiple design tasks.
• Understanding of marketing campaign workflows and how design integrates into them.
• Ability to adapt quickly to feedback and iterate on designs efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint proficiency, coupled with brand guideline adherence, points to a need for candidates who can efficiently produce on-brand materials that support marketing operations and sales enablement efforts.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of brand guidelines and their application across various design projects.
• Showcase a range of collateral types, including digital assets, print materials, and presentation decks.
• Highlight projects where design directly supported marketing objectives or campaigns, illustrating impact.
• Include examples that showcase technical proficiency in design software and attention to detail.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should implicitly demonstrate a structured design process, from brief interpretation to final output.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, including how they manage feedback and revisions to ensure project success.
• Highlight any experience with project management or task tracking systems used in creative operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of design capability, brand compliance, and efficiency. It's not just about aesthetics, but about how design functions within a marketing operations framework to achieve communication goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for Junior Graphic Designers in Sofia, Bulgaria, with 1-2 years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between 1,800 BGN to 2,800 BGN gross per month. This range can vary based on specific skills, portfolio strength, and interview performance.

Benefits:

• Various annual leave entitlements, providing work-life balance opportunities.
• A range of health insurance offerings to cater to individual and family needs.
• Competitive retirement planning offerings to support long-term financial security.
• Global Employee Assistance Programme (TELUS Health) offering 24-hour access to professional support services for well-being.
• Life assurance coverage for added peace of mind.
• Flexible, country-specific optional benefits, which may include childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, and subsidized travel passes.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for 3 days in the office and 2 days remote, offering flexibility in managing work schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market data for junior creative roles in Bulgaria. Benefits are comprehensive, reflecting a focus on employee well-being and work-life balance, which is attractive in operations-adjacent roles where sustained productivity is key.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Intelligence and Clinical Research Organization (CRO). ICON plc operates at the forefront of clinical development, providing essential services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. This industry context implies a need for professional, accurate, and compliant visual communication. Company Size: ICON plc is a large, global organization, indicated by its extensive operations and employee base. This scale suggests well-defined processes, opportunities for specialization, and a structured corporate environment. Founded: ICON plc was founded in 1990, indicating a long-standing presence and established reputation in the CRO sector. This history suggests stability and a wealth of experience in managing complex global operations.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of a dynamic global marketing and communications team, working under the guidance of a Senior Marketing Designer.
• The role involves collaboration with various internal departments (clients) and potentially external agencies, requiring effective cross-functional communication.
• The team structure supports a hybrid work model, emphasizing collaboration and communication tools that facilitate seamless interaction between in-office and remote team members.

Methodology:

• Design processes will likely be data-informed, ensuring that visuals align with marketing objectives and brand performance metrics.
• Workflow planning will be crucial for managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
• Automation and efficiency practices are implied through the use of standard software and the need for template-driven work where appropriate.

Company Website: https://iconplc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: ICON's position as a global leader in clinical research implies a need for high standards in all communications. The operations team likely supports a complex, regulated environment, where design must be precise, compliant, and effectively communicate technical information.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (Junior) position within the broader marketing and communications operations function. It serves as a foundational role for developing skills in brand management, creative execution, and marketing collateral production. Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will report to the Senior Marketing Designer, who provides mentorship and oversight. Collaboration will extend to various internal clients within marketing and communications, as well as potentially other departments utilizing design services. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the company's external brand perception and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. By creating visually appealing and brand-compliant materials, the designer supports sales enablement, lead generation, and overall corporate communication efforts, indirectly contributing to revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop advanced proficiency across the Adobe Creative Suite and deepen expertise in presentation design and digital asset creation.
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific areas of design, such as digital marketing design, event collateral, or internal communications graphics, within the marketing operations framework.
• Leadership Potential: Progression to a Mid-Level or Senior Graphic Designer role, with increased project ownership, client management, and potentially mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a corporate marketing operations structure, providing hands-on experience with essential design tools and processes that are transferable to various GTM functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Office with Flex," meaning it is primarily office-based with a hybrid component. This suggests a professional office setting designed for collaboration and focused work. Office Location(s): Sofia, Bulgaria. The specific office location within Sofia would need to be confirmed, but it is likely situated in a business district accessible to employees.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with the Senior Marketing Designer and other members of the marketing and communications team.
• Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided, supporting efficient workflow.
• The hybrid model allows for a balance between in-person collaboration and focused remote work, catering to different types of tasks and personal productivity needs.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time (40 hours/week). The hybrid arrangement allows for 3 days in the office and 2 days remote, providing flexibility in managing the work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is typical for many operations roles, balancing the need for team cohesion and in-person collaboration with the flexibility that remote work can offer for focused tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design capabilities.
• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth discussion about the candidate's portfolio, focusing on project rationale, design process, and technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint. This stage may include a practical design challenge.
• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with hiring managers or team members to assess communication skills, collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with ICON's culture.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to confirm suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant projects that showcase your skills in brand compliance, collateral development, and digital/print design.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, the challenges faced, and the outcome/impact. Use concise text and high-quality visuals.
• Highlight Process: Be prepared to discuss your workflow, how you manage feedback, and your approach to meeting deadlines.
• Brand Adherence: Emphasize projects where you successfully worked within strict brand guidelines, as this is a key requirement for ICON.
• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates mastery of the required software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge that may test your ability to create a piece of collateral (e.g., a factsheet, social media graphic, or presentation slide) within a set timeframe, adhering to brand guidelines.
• Focus on clear communication, efficient execution, and presenting your rationale effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should treat its preparation and presentation as a key part of the application process, demonstrating not just artistic talent but also operational efficiency and brand understanding.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop (essential for all graphic design tasks).
• Microsoft Office Suite: Microsoft PowerPoint (critical for presentation design), Word, Excel.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how design assets perform on digital channels (website, social media) might involve basic familiarity with web analytics or social media reporting tools.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this role, but familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint is non-negotiable. Candidates who can demonstrate efficient use of these tools for rapid, high-quality output will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Inclusion & Belonging: ICON fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, contributing to a richer creative output.
• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push boundaries and achieve high standards in all aspects of work, including design.
• Integrity & Compliance: A strong emphasis on ethical conduct, accuracy, and adherence to regulations and brand standards, crucial in the healthcare sector.
• Collaboration: Teamwork and open communication are key to success, especially within a global and cross-functional structure.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a blend of structured communication and open dialogue to ensure alignment on projects.
• Expect regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and collaborative work on shared projects, facilitated by modern communication tools.
• A proactive approach to sharing work, seeking input, and contributing to team goals is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: ICON's commitment to inclusion and excellence suggests a professional and supportive work environment. The operations team values individuals who can collaborate effectively and contribute to maintaining high standards across all communications.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Juggling numerous design requests simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying brand standards across a diverse range of collateral types and ensuring no deviation.
• Translating Complex Information: Visually communicating technical or complex information from the healthcare industry in an accessible and engaging manner.
• Adapting to Evolving Marketing Needs: Staying current with design trends and digital platform requirements to ensure assets are effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal training programs and potentially external courses to enhance design skills and software proficiency.
• Mentorship: Guidance from the Senior Marketing Designer on best practices, creative problem-solving, and career development within the operations/creative field.
• Industry Exposure: Working on projects for a leading global CRO provides exposure to the healthcare industry and its unique communication challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to hone essential operations skills like project management, stakeholder communication, and process adherence within a creative context, preparing individuals for more senior roles in marketing operations or design management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, explaining your design choices, process, and how you met client objectives.
• Brand Guideline Application: How do you approach working with strict brand guidelines? Provide an example.
• Time Management: How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple urgent design requests?
• Problem-Solving: Describe a time you received challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it?

Company & Culture Questions:

• What do you know about ICON plc and the healthcare research industry?
• Why are you interested in this Junior Graphic Designer role at ICON?
• How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?
• What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful projects and key takeaways.
• Clarity: Clearly articulate your role and contributions to each project.
• Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight skills and experience most relevant to ICON's needs (brand adherence, collateral development).
• Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor, be articulate, and demonstrate enthusiasm.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design skills but also their understanding of how design functions within a corporate marketing operations framework, emphasizing efficiency, brand consistency, and strategic communication.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application via the provided link, ensuring your resume and portfolio are attached.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to showcase projects that demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and adherence to brand guidelines. Select pieces that reflect experience with marketing collateral and digital assets.
• Resume Optimization: Highlight relevant experience, quantifiable achievements (if possible), and key skills like Adobe Suite proficiency, brand compliance, and project management. Use operations-relevant keywords such as "brand consistency," "collateral development," "marketing support," and "workflow efficiency."
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects and be ready to articulate your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you manage multiple tasks under pressure. Research ICON plc and its mission.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with ICON's services, industry position, and company culture, particularly their emphasis on inclusion and excellence, to better align 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.