Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: STARK Building Materials UK

Location: Coventry Central Office, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary (12-month contract)

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day WFH)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Marketing and Communications team in developing and delivering creative assets for campaigns across digital and print mediums, including social media.

• Ensure all design work strictly adheres to and effectively represents the brand guidelines for all STARK UK brands.

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Graphic Designer - Customer Insights and Engagement to align creative delivery with the overarching marketing and communications plans.

• Liaise with external creative agencies, acting as an extension of their teams to generate assets based on their outputs and briefs.

• Contribute to building STARK UK's corporate and business brands for customers, suppliers, and internal colleagues, fostering engagement and loyalty.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Junior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities listed extend into broader marketing and communications support, emphasizing brand building and stakeholder engagement. This suggests the role requires not only design execution but also an understanding of marketing objectives and brand strategy. The emphasis on "driving strong results" for campaigns indicates a need for design that is results-oriented rather than purely aesthetic.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce creative concepts for various marketing materials, including social media graphics, digital banners, internal communications, and print collateral.

• Execute design tasks efficiently while maintaining high quality and adherence to brand consistency across all STARK UK and associated business unit brands.

• Translate marketing briefs and campaign objectives into compelling visual designs that resonate with target audiences.

• Assist in managing and briefing external creative agencies for larger projects, ensuring their outputs can be effectively integrated into STARK UK's marketing materials.

• Collaborate actively with team members in Marketing and Communications, providing design support for their respective projects and initiatives.

• Work closely with the Senior Graphic Designer to understand project priorities, receive feedback, and ensure timely delivery of creative assets.

• Proactively contribute ideas and solutions, demonstrating initiative and an energetic approach to design challenges.

• Foster collaborative working relationships across the organization to achieve shared business goals and enhance brand presence.

• Uphold and demonstrate STARK Group's values of decency, passion, and price in all interactions and work outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of execution and collaboration, typical for a junior role within a larger marketing function. The emphasis on "delivering the creative to meet the needs of the full Marketing and Comms plan" implies a need for the designer to understand the broader marketing strategy and how their creative contributions fit into it.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Higher National Diploma (HND) or Degree in Graphic Design, or a closely related creative field.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a graphic design role, ideally within a corporate or agency setting.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator are essential for creating high-quality digital and print assets.

• Design Principles: Solid understanding of fundamental print and web design principles, including typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Brand Adherence: Ability to meticulously follow and apply brand guidelines to all design outputs.

• Creativity & Originality: Demonstrated ability to generate original, unique design concepts and visual solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven experience working effectively within a team environment, taking direction, and contributing to shared goals.

• Time Management & Organization: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities for clear briefing, feedback, and liaison with internal stakeholders and external agencies.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design execution, ensuring accuracy in grammar, punctuation, and spelling for all text-based elements.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing & Motion Graphics: Desirable ability in video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects) for creating dynamic visual content.

• Digital Marketing Understanding: Basic awareness of how design supports digital marketing objectives, such as social media engagement and web performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "video editing and motion graphics abilities are desirable" indicates a growing need for dynamic content within the marketing team. Candidates with even basic exposure to these areas should highlight them. The requirement for "thorough knowledge of rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling" is unusual for a pure design role and suggests the designer may also be involved in content creation or review for marketing materials.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Diverse Project Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects across digital (social media, web banners) and print (brochures, flyers) mediums.

• Brand Guideline Application: Examples clearly illustrating how you have applied and maintained brand consistency across different projects and brand identities.

• Concept Development: Showcase of the design process, from initial concept sketches or mood boards to final polished assets, highlighting creative problem-solving.

• Technical Proficiency: Evidence of strong skills in core design software (Adobe Creative Suite), with examples that reflect quality and attention to detail.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement, candidates who can articulate their design workflow—from receiving a brief to final asset delivery—will be at an advantage. This includes how they manage feedback, iterate on designs, and ensure project timelines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's junior level, the portfolio is the primary gatekeeper. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also demonstrate an understanding of how design serves marketing objectives and adheres to brand standards. A portfolio that includes case studies or explanations of the design rationale behind projects will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Base Salary

• Discretionary Bonus

• Retirement Savings Plan

• Life Assurance

• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave

• Holiday Buying Scheme

• Discounted Gym Membership

• Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme

• Cycle2Work Scheme

• Benenden Healthcare

• Access to a wide range of Health & Wellbeing services, including:

  • Online GP Appointments
  • Mental Health Support

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role requires availability for ad-hoc out-of-hours work as needed.

• Hybrid working model: 4 days per week in the Coventry office, 1 day working from home.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical UK market rates for junior design roles. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the health and wellbeing services and discount platform, offers significant value beyond the base salary. The hybrid working arrangement with a set number of office days is a key aspect of the work schedule.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials Distribution (Wholesale)

Company Size: STARK Building Materials UK is part of a larger European group, indicating a significant operational scale. The specific UK entity likely employs several hundred to a few thousand individuals.

Founded: STARK Building Materials UK operates under the broader STARK Group, which has a long history in the building materials sector. The UK operations have been consolidated and grown through acquisitions.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing Team, which works in close collaboration with Corporate Communications.

• The role reports to a Senior Graphic Designer and will liaise with various members of the broader Marketing and Comms teams.

Methodology:

• Marketing at STARK UK aims to build and manage business brands to drive awareness, engagement, loyalty, sales, and market share.

• The function partners with other departments to build trust and position STARK UK as the leading builders' merchant.

• A data-driven approach is implied, with the marketing team working to "drive strong results" and "exceed expectations."

Company Website: [STARK Building Materials UK - Company URL not provided, but likely starkbuild.co.uk or similar]

📝 Enhancement Note: STARK Building Materials UK operates within a traditional industry (building materials) but is clearly investing in modern marketing and brand-building strategies, as evidenced by the creation of this design role. The company culture appears to value collaboration, professional development, and a "quality" focus. The emphasis on "decency, passion, and price" are the stated group values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (Junior) role within the Creative Services/Marketing function. It's designed for individuals starting their careers in graphic design, offering practical experience and skill development.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will report to a Senior Graphic Designer, providing a clear line of mentorship and guidance. They will also work closely with other members of the Marketing and Communications teams.

Operations Impact: The design work directly supports marketing campaigns, aiming to increase brand awareness, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales. By ensuring brand consistency and delivering high-quality creative assets, the role contributes to the company's market positioning and reputation as the UK's leading builders' merchant.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially gain experience in video editing and motion graphics.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience in a specific industry (building materials) and understand how design supports B2B and B2C marketing efforts in this sector.

• Career Advancement: Successful performance in this role could lead to a Senior Graphic Designer position, or specialization in areas like digital design, branding, or motion graphics within STARK UK or the wider STARK Group.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from a Senior Graphic Designer and exposure to experienced marketing professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a 12-month fixed-term contract, this role is positioned as an excellent stepping stone for a junior designer. The company's stated commitment to "professional development" and "progress" suggests that individuals who excel may be considered for further opportunities, though this is not guaranteed. The hybrid model also offers a modern work experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Coventry Central Office, which serves as a hub for the company's operations and marketing functions. It's likely a modern office environment designed for collaboration.

Office Location(s): Coventry Central Office, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires working closely with the Marketing Team, Corporate Communications, and a Senior Graphic Designer, implying a dynamic and interactive workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment and the Adobe Creative Suite, likely on company-provided hardware.

• Team Interaction: Regular face-to-face briefings and edits with the team are expected, along with opportunities for informal collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

• The role operates on a hybrid model, with 4 days per week spent in the Coventry office and 1 day working from home.

• Ad-hoc out-of-hours work may be required, indicating a need for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, offering a blend of in-person collaboration and remote flexibility. The requirement for 4 days in the office suggests that team synergy and direct communication are highly valued for design work, especially for receiving feedback and engaging in creative discussions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of CVs and portfolios against the stated requirements.

• Portfolio Showcase: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, rationale, and how their work aligns with brand guidelines.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design test or task may be administered to assess proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and ability to work under timed conditions.

• Interview with Hiring Manager/Team: Discussion about experience, motivation, teamwork abilities, and cultural fit with the Marketing and Comms teams.

• Final Round: Potentially a discussion with senior leadership or HR regarding the contract terms and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quality over Quantity: Select your strongest, most relevant pieces that demonstrate a range of skills and applications.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples where you've successfully worked within strict brand guidelines.

• Highlight Process: For key projects, explain your thought process, how you interpreted the brief, your design iterations, and the final outcome.

• Digital Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., a personal website, Behance, or a PDF).

• Tailor to STARK: If possible, include a concept piece that shows how you might approach designing for a company like STARK Building Materials.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to creative briefs, how you handle feedback and revisions, and your strategies for managing multiple design projects simultaneously.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your work achieves specific marketing objectives.

• Familiarize yourself with the STARK UK brand and its values, and consider how your design aesthetic aligns with them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should be ready to "walk through" their work, explaining their design choices and demonstrating their understanding of marketing objectives and brand consistency. The mention of "ad-hoc out of hours work" might also be a discussion point.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: Essential for layout and print design (brochures, flyers, internal documents).
  • Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: Necessary for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.

Video & Motion Graphics (Preferred):

• Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing.

• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and animation.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• While not explicitly listed, expect to use standard office productivity tools (Microsoft Office Suite/Google Workspace) and potentially project management software used by the marketing team for task tracking and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with video editing and motion graphics is a significant plus, indicating the company's interest in expanding its digital content capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality: Unwavering commitment to outstanding products and service—this extends to the quality of creative output.

• Supportive Environment: A culture that prioritizes growth, listening, and learning, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.

• Professional Development: Investment in employee success through training, mentoring, and opportunities for progression.

• Decency, Passion, and Price: Core group values that influence behavior, decision-making, and workplace interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working with other departments (Marketing, Comms, HR, Category) and external agencies.

• Feedback Exchange: An open environment where feedback is given and received to improve work and achieve business goals.

• Proactive Contribution: Encouragement to be energetic, use initiative, and contribute ideas to foster innovation and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and adherence to core values. The Junior Graphic Designer is expected to be a team player, contributing positively to the work environment and actively participating in team efforts.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creativity: The need to adhere to strict brand guidelines while still producing fresh, original designs.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design requests from different stakeholders with competing deadlines.

• Adapting to Industry Needs: Learning to design for the specific context of building materials and B2B/B2C marketing in this sector.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Working within a specified timeframe (12 months) requires efficient productivity and a focus on delivering impact quickly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and gain practical experience in video/motion graphics.

• Industry Insight: Develop an understanding of marketing within the building materials sector.

• Portfolio Building: Create a robust portfolio of professional work that can support future career progression.

• Professional Network: Build relationships with colleagues in the Marketing and Comms teams, as well as external agency contacts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for a junior designer to gain professional experience, build a strong portfolio, and develop a foundational understanding of corporate marketing and branding within a large organization. The fixed-term nature means candidates should be self-starters and eager to learn quickly.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to work within strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure your design met the requirements while still being creative?"

• "Walk us through your process for creating a social media graphic from brief to final delivery."

• "How do you prioritize your workload when you have multiple design requests with overlapping deadlines?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for STARK Building Materials UK, specifically in this Junior Graphic Designer role?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members and external stakeholders?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest work first.

• Narrative: For each selected piece, tell a story: the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, your solution, and the outcome.

• Metrics (if applicable): If any of your designs contributed to measurable campaign success, be ready to share those metrics.

• Technical Clarity: Be prepared to briefly explain the software and techniques you used.

• Enthusiasm & Professionalism: Convey your passion for design and your professional demeanor.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to demonstrate not just your design skills but also your understanding of how design serves business objectives, your ability to collaborate, and your alignment with STARK's values. The interview will likely assess your potential to grow and adapt within the team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the STARK UK Careers Workday portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases a diverse range of relevant work (digital and print), and clearly demonstrates your command of Adobe Creative Suite and brand adherence.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your graphic design education, any relevant internship or work experience, and key skills such as Adobe Suite proficiency, creativity, and communication. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your design process. Prepare to answer questions about your creative approach, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of brand consistency.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with STARK Building Materials UK, its brands, values (decency, passion, price), and its position in the market. Understand the hybrid working model and the office location.

⚠️ 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.

---