Mid-Weight Graphic Designer (Hospitality)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mid-Weight Graphic Designer (Hospitality) Company: THG Ingenuity Location: Manchester, UK Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: 2025-09-18T10:21:18 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design visually compelling creative assets for the THG Experience portfolio, encompassing hospitality and lifestyle brands.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to ensure all design outputs align with brand identity, campaign objectives, and channel-specific requirements.
• Develop and execute creative concepts for a diverse range of marketing touchpoints, from digital social media campaigns to offline print collateral.
• Maintain a high standard of design quality and attention to detail across all projects, acting as a guardian of brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not explicitly in Revenue or Sales Operations, the graphic design function is critical for the go-to-market (GTM) strategy of the THG Experience portfolio. The designer's work directly influences brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, revenue generation through effective marketing materials. The focus on brand, hospitality, and lifestyle suggests a need for strong visual storytelling and understanding of customer segmentation within these sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute design briefs to produce exceptional creative work across digital and print mediums for THG Experience properties (e.g., King Street Townhouse Hotel, Hale Country Club & Spa).
• Develop innovative concepts, graphics, and layouts, making informed decisions on typography, imagery, and readability to resonate with target audiences.
• Produce a variety of design assets, including social-first creative, digital screen content, email designs, web graphics, menus, Point of Sale (PoS) materials, and posters.
• Liaise effectively with external printers and production teams to ensure timely delivery and the highest quality of finished printed materials.
• Proactively pitch creative ideas, thinking outside the box to gain stakeholder buy-in and drive brand innovation.
• Stay current with evolving design trends and advancements in design software to maintain a cutting-edge approach.
• Work closely with in-house photographers to create captivating visual assets that enhance brand storytelling.
• Manage and update property digital screen systems and ensure online digital links (e.g., digital menus, corporate brochures) are accurate and current.
• Collaborate with the Head of Brand on evolving brand identity, creating digital assets, and maintaining brand guidelines.
• Ensure all design output adheres strictly to brand standards concerning color, typography, and visual equities.
• Organize and maintain design files and master assets efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility in design execution, covering both digital and print channels, as well as an understanding of motion graphics. The emphasis on managing digital screen systems and ensuring accurate online links points to a requirement for digital asset management and workflow efficiency, common in operations-adjacent roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in Graphic Design or a related creative field is required.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, gained either in an agency setting or in-house.
• Proven experience in the hospitality, lifestyle, or luxury brand sectors is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced skills in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator are essential.
• Concept Development: Ability to translate creative briefs into strong visual concepts and compelling design solutions.
• Brand Stewardship: Demonstrated ability to understand and apply brand guidelines consistently across various assets.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with marketing teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design execution, ensuring accuracy and high-quality output.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics & Video Editing: Experience with AfterEffects and Premiere Pro for creating dynamic visual content.
• Social-First Design: Familiarity with designing for social media platforms and experience with social media content creation software (e.g., CapCut).
• Print Production Knowledge: Understanding of print processes, pre-press requirements, and liaising with printers.
• Digital Asset Management: Experience organizing and maintaining digital files and master assets.
• Trend Awareness: Keen eye for current design and industry trends, particularly within hospitality and lifestyle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for AfterEffects and Premiere Pro, alongside social media software, indicates a need for a designer who can contribute to dynamic digital campaigns and potentially support content creation workflows, which often intersect with marketing operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 years of graphic design work, with a focus on the hospitality, travel, or lifestyle sectors.
• Demonstrate a range of design capabilities, including branding, digital marketing assets (social media, web banners, email templates), print collateral (brochures, menus, posters), and ideally, motion graphics.
• Include case studies or examples that illustrate the design process from brief to final execution, highlighting problem-solving and creative decision-making.
• Showcase an understanding of brand identity development and application across multiple touchpoints.
• Present work that reflects strong conceptual thinking, aesthetic quality, and commercial awareness.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for this role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including how they manage feedback, iterate on designs, and ensure projects meet deadlines.
• Be ready to articulate how you maintain design consistency and uphold brand standards throughout a project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a creative role, a structured approach to design and project management is crucial. The portfolio should reflect not just aesthetic output but also the candidate's process and ability to manage tasks efficiently, hinting at operational awareness within a creative context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the mid-weight level and location in Manchester, UK, a competitive annual salary is expected. Industry benchmarks for a Mid-Weight Graphic Designer in this region typically range from £28,000 to £38,000 per annum, depending on experience, specific skills, and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Exclusive room rates for you and your family at THG Experience properties.
• Discounts on dining at THG hotels (20%) and Hale Country Club & Spa (50%).
• Significant discounts (up to 50%) on THG brands such as Myprotein, Lookfantastic, and ESPA.
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing support, including in-person or video GP consultations, discounted prescriptions, and physiotherapy.
• Generous holiday allowance that increases with service, plus your birthday off.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
• A referral bonus of £250 for introducing a successful candidate.
• Complimentary meals provided during shifts.
• Uniforms provided where applicable.
• Mandatory compliance training (Food Hygiene, Alcohol Responsibility).
• Access to an in-house Wellbeing Program.
• Pension scheme to support financial stability.

Working Hours:

• The role is expected to be full-time, likely aligning with standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM or 10 AM to 6 PM), with a typical 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed benefits are extensive and indicate a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and perks, which can be a significant draw for talent. The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for the role and location and should be confirmed during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Commerce, Technology, Hospitality, Lifestyle. THG Ingenuity operates a diverse ecosystem, with THG Experience focusing on luxury properties and events. Company Size: THG is a large, global company with a significant workforce, offering opportunities for growth and exposure to diverse projects. Founded: THG was founded in 2004. Its expansion into THG Experience represents a strategic move to leverage its digital commerce expertise into the high-touch hospitality sector.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the marketing department within THG Experience.
• They will collaborate closely with other marketing professionals, including brand managers, content creators, and potentially digital marketing specialists.
• Reporting lines will likely be to a Marketing Manager or Head of Brand, with close interaction with property-specific teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving teams responsible for events, operations, and potentially sales within the THG Experience portfolio.

Methodology:

• THG Ingenuity, as a digital commerce ecosystem, likely employs data-driven approaches to marketing and customer engagement.
• The design function will need to align with marketing strategies that are informed by customer insights and performance metrics.
• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial in a fast-paced environment to ensure timely delivery of creative assets.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely leveraged across THG's broader operations, and designers may interact with systems that support these.

Company Website: https://www.thg.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: THG's business model as a digital commerce ecosystem suggests a culture that values innovation, speed, and data-informed decision-making. For a designer, this means understanding how creative work contributes to broader business objectives and customer acquisition/retention strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-weight creative role, positioned between junior and senior designer levels. It requires a solid foundation of design skills and a growing ability to manage projects independently and contribute to strategic concepts. Reporting Structure: The designer will report into a marketing leadership role within THG Experience, likely a Head of Brand or Marketing Manager. They will collaborate across various property teams and with other marketing functions. Operations Impact: While not a direct operations role, the designer's output significantly impacts the operational aspects of marketing campaigns. High-quality visuals drive customer engagement, support sales efforts by providing compelling marketing materials, and contribute to the overall brand experience, which can influence customer loyalty and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer: Progression to a senior role with increased responsibility for leading design projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more heavily to brand strategy.
• Art Director: Potential career path to oversee the visual direction of campaigns and brands, managing creative teams and external agencies.
• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design for digital platforms, or brand identity development.
• Cross-functional Movement: With experience in THG's diverse ecosystem, opportunities to move into related marketing roles or even areas touching brand management or digital production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "continuous learning and development opportunities" mentioned in the benefits suggest a company culture that supports professional growth. For a designer, this could mean training in new software, workshops on emerging design trends, or opportunities to gain experience in different facets of marketing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Manchester, UK, and is on-site. This implies working within a corporate office environment, likely with modern facilities supporting creative work. Office Location(s): Manchester, England, United Kingdom. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with marketing colleagues and other creative professionals.
• Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided.
• The environment is described as fast-paced, emphasizing the need for efficiency and adaptability.
• The role involves working closely with an in-house photographer, suggesting a hands-on approach to asset creation.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely Monday to Friday, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in Manchester provides exposure to a vibrant city and a large corporate environment, which can be beneficial for networking and professional development within the THG ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit CV and a strong portfolio.
• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications and portfolios for suitability.
• Creative Assessment/Task: Candidates may be asked to complete a short design task or case study to assess practical skills and creative thinking relevant to the hospitality sector.
• Interview(s): Typically involves interviews with the hiring manager (e.g., Head of Brand or Marketing Manager) and potentially other team members. This will cover experience, portfolio, creative approach, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with more senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant pieces, focusing on hospitality, lifestyle, or brand-focused projects.
• Showcase Process: Briefly explain the brief, your concept development, and the rationale behind your design decisions for key projects. Highlight how you addressed client needs or campaign objectives.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a mix of digital and print work, and if applicable, motion graphics or social media content.
• Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., improved engagement on social media, successful campaign launch).
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a PDF or an online link.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of brand identity and how to apply it consistently.
• Think about how you would approach designing for different audiences within the hospitality sector (e.g., luxury hotel guests vs. event attendees).
• Familiarize yourself with THG Experience's current brands and marketing materials to understand their visual language.
• Be ready to articulate your workflow and how you manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, the portfolio is paramount. The interview process will heavily weigh the quality and relevance of the candidate's visual work and their ability to articulate their creative process and strategic thinking behind it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator.
• Motion Graphics/Video Editing Software: AfterEffects, Premiere Pro (preferred).
• Social Media Content Creation Tools: CapCut (preferred).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., click-through rates, engagement) is beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) or social media analytics tools would be a plus for understanding campaign performance.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified as primary requirements for this design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud is non-negotiable. Experience with motion graphics and social media tools will differentiate candidates and align with the modern digital marketing needs of the THG Experience portfolio.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, original ideas and push creative boundaries.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high standards of design excellence and meticulous attention to detail.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A proactive approach to working with others, sharing ideas, and supporting team goals.
• Brand Focus: A deep understanding of brand identity and the ability to translate it visually across all touchpoints.
• Commercial Awareness: The ability to balance creative vision with business objectives and target audience needs.

Collaboration Style:

• The role emphasizes collaboration with the wider marketing team and across different properties within the THG Experience portfolio.
• Expect a dynamic environment where ideas are shared, feedback is given and received constructively, and team members work towards common marketing objectives.
• A proactive approach to communication and idea pitching is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values both creative expression and a results-oriented mindset, where design work directly contributes to business success in the competitive hospitality market.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Keeping up with multiple projects and tight deadlines in a dynamic marketing department.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Ensuring all designs adhere to brand guidelines while also being fresh and engaging.
• Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Catering to the specific requirements of different THG Experience properties and marketing initiatives.
• Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying current with new design trends, platforms, and technologies relevant to hospitality and lifestyle marketing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in motion graphics, video editing, or specific design software.
• Industry Exposure: Working within a large, diverse company like THG provides exposure to various marketing strategies and industry best practices.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced marketing professionals and senior designers within the organization.
• Portfolio Building: The role offers a chance to build a strong portfolio with high-profile hospitality and lifestyle brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for creative roles in fast-growing companies. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for professional development within the design field and the broader THG organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, explaining your creative process, design decisions, and the outcome.
• Brand Application: "How would you approach updating the visual identity for a luxury hotel brand while maintaining its established prestige?"
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to work under tight deadlines or with challenging feedback. How did you manage it?"
• Industry Relevance: "What are your thoughts on current design trends in the hospitality and luxury lifestyle sectors?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to THG Experience and this specific role?"
• "How do you stay updated on design software and industry trends?"
• "How do you collaborate with non-designers (e.g., marketers, photographers)?"
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation around the narrative of each project – the challenge, your solution, and the result.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly mention which skills (e.g., typography, layout, motion graphics) you utilized in each project.
• Focus on Relevance: Emphasize projects most similar to the hospitality/lifestyle context.
• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time; aim for brief, impactful descriptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate not only their design skills but also their understanding of brand strategy, client management, and how their creative work contributes to business objectives, especially within the hospitality context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

• Submit your CV and a strong, curated portfolio via the application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant work, ideally from the hospitality or lifestyle sectors, and clearly demonstrates your skills in both digital and print design.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and any experience with motion graphics or social media content creation. Use keywords from the job description.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with THG Ingenuity, THG Experience, and their portfolio of brands (hotels, clubs). Understand their current marketing and visual identity.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design process, portfolio pieces, ability to work under pressure, and understanding of brand guidelines, especially within a hospitality context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides insights and industry-standard context for a Graphic Designer role within THG Ingenuity's Experience division. While it draws on the provided information, candidates should verify all details directly with the hiring organization during the application and interview process.