Senior Graphic Designer (Maternity Cover)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer (Maternity Cover)

Company: Christie's

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: April 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a dedicated team of Graphic Designers and Artworkers within a prestigious art business environment.

• Oversee the end-to-end production of high-quality print and campaign assets, ensuring adherence to global brand standards and exceptional craft.

• Manage budget and stakeholder relationships for printed collateral, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely delivery.

• Drive creative output for high-profile exhibitions, auctions, and marketing campaigns, contributing to Christie's global visual identity.

• Act as a key point of contact for creative approvals, maintaining rigorous quality control and ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a maternity cover position, indicating a need for a highly experienced and self-sufficient Senior Graphic Designer who can step in immediately and maintain operational continuity. The focus on leading a small team and managing print production suggests a blend of creative leadership and operational execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of Graphic Designers and Artworkers, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring individual growth.

• Take full ownership of all printed assets created by the in-house Creative Studio, including comprehensive review and approval before final release.

• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to manage budgets effectively for printed collateral, ensuring cost-efficiency and maximum impact.

• Ensure all creative output rigorously adheres to Christie's established brand guidelines, maintaining visual consistency across diverse marketing materials and campaign elements.

• Partner with the Exhibitions and Copy teams to conceptualize and develop compelling creative assets for upcoming exhibitions, auctions, and integrated marketing campaigns.

• Design and oversee the production of a wide array of materials including, but not limited to, exhibition branding, catalogues, brochures, large-scale signage, window graphics, merchandise, and digital promotional assets for podcasts.

• Provide on-site oversight during exhibition installations to guarantee the accurate and high-standard implementation of all creative elements.

• Efficiently manage workflow in a fast-paced studio environment, confidently handling tight deadlines and urgent turnaround requests.

• Confidently present creative concepts, design rationale, and project updates to senior stakeholders, articulating ideas with clarity and persuasiveness.

• Receive and integrate feedback constructively, iterating on designs while upholding creative integrity and strategic objectives.

• Ensure the smooth management of team workflows, supporting process optimization and adherence to project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant degree of autonomy and accountability. The emphasis on "ownership," "full responsibility," and "budget management" points towards a senior role requiring strong decision-making capabilities and a proactive approach to problem-solving within the creative operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Graphic Designer role. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a substantial portion focused on senior-level responsibilities and ideally within an in-house studio or a fast-paced agency environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in a Senior Graphic Designer role, with a strong track record in print design, branding, and comprehensive campaign development.

• Demonstrated experience in managing, mentoring, or leading a team of designers and/or artworkers, fostering professional development and team cohesion.

• Exceptional portfolio showcasing advanced skills in print production processes, including an understanding of specifications, color management, and finishing techniques.

• High attention to detail with a proven ability in quality control, design review, and final artwork approval processes.

• Confident and articulate communication skills, with demonstrated experience presenting creative concepts and project updates to senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritizing effectively and delivering high-quality results under pressure and within tight deadlines.

• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software, including the latest versions of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro).

• A keen understanding of design principles, typography, layout, and visual hierarchy across various media.

• Highly organized and proactive approach to workflow management and task prioritization.

• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, demonstrating a solutions-focused mindset when facing challenges.

• Strong collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively within a team environment.

• Adaptability and responsiveness to changing priorities and feedback in a dynamic, fast-moving setting.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience using workflow management tools such as Monday.com or similar project management platforms.

• A strong background, demonstrable interest, or passion for art, art history, and the luxury goods market.

• Familiarity with digital design principles, including web graphics, social media assets, and basic motion graphics.

• Experience with large-format printing and installation oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 Years" experience level implies a need for significant hands-on design expertise coupled with leadership capabilities. The preference for art/culture background and specific workflow tools indicates a desire for candidates who can integrate seamlessly into Christie's unique environment and leverage existing operational efficiencies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 diverse projects that highlight expertise in print design, exhibition branding, and integrated marketing campaigns.

• Demonstrate a clear progression of work within projects, including concept development, design iterations, and final output, with a focus on problem-solving.

• Include case studies or detailed descriptions that articulate the design brief, your strategic approach, the creative solutions developed, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved.

• Showcase specific examples of print collateral design, such as auction catalogues, brochures, or exhibition signage, detailing production considerations and challenges overcome.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of the print production lifecycle, from initial brief and design to pre-press checks and final output.

• Where applicable, include examples of workflow management within projects, illustrating how tasks were organized, deadlines were met, and team collaboration was facilitated.

• For leadership roles, portfolio submissions could include examples of how you've improved design processes, managed team workflows, or implemented quality control measures.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for creative brief interpretation, concept development, stakeholder feedback integration, and final artwork approval during the interview.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in print design, branding, and campaign work" is critical. For a Senior Graphic Designer, this portfolio isn't just about aesthetics; it needs to convey a deep understanding of print production, brand stewardship, and project management within a creative context, ideally with examples of managing workflows or team output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: 25 days per year, plus an additional day for your birthday.

• Christmas Office Closure: Guaranteed office closure between December 25th and January 1st, in addition to annual leave.

• Service Anniversary Leave: An extra week of annual leave awarded in the year of a 5-year anniversary (5th, 10th, 15th, etc.).

• Volunteering Day: An additional paid day off to volunteer for a chosen charitable organization.

• Donation Matching: Christie's will match employee donations to charities up to £500 per annum.

• Flexible Fitness Fund: An annual allowance of £400 (taxable) for health and wellness activities.

• Discretionary Bonus: Potential for a bonus based on business and employee performance, typically paid in March.

• Retirement Plan: Generous pension scheme with a company match of up to 5% of basic salary (total company contribution up to 10%).

• Private Health Insurance: Provided at no employee cost, with subsidized options for family members.

• Dental Insurance: Available, with the option to extend coverage at personal cost.

• Income Protection Insurance: Comprehensive coverage in case of accident, sickness, or injury after 12 months of employment.

• Life Insurance: Competitive policy provided from the first day of employment.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Access to confidential personal advice and support services, including counselling.

• Eyecare Vouchers: Available once per year.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Encourages sustainable commuting.

• Christie's Extras: Discounts on a wide range of retailers, holiday packages, dining, and groceries.

• Seniorcare by Lottie: A comprehensive eldercare support solution.

• Family First Policy:

  • 16 weeks full pay for Maternity Leave.

  • Return-to-work flexibility: Work 80% of hours for 100% pay for a period after maternity leave.

  • Dependent Back-up Care: 10 sessions/days of childcare or eldercare support annually.

  • Christie's Family Network: A community for parents offering networking and support. Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week. The role is described as hybrid, implying a flexible arrangement with a portion of the week spent in the London office and the remainder remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive benefits package, particularly the generous leave policies, family support, and wellness provisions, reflects a high-value employer committed to employee well-being. The mention of a discretionary bonus and pension matching indicates a comprehensive compensation structure beyond base salary. The salary range is competitive for a Senior Graphic Designer in London with team leadership responsibilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Art Business / Luxury Goods / Auctions. Christie's operates at the pinnacle of the global art market, renowned for its expertise, integrity, and innovation in the sale of fine art, jewelry, and luxury goods. This context means a high-stakes, aesthetically driven, and client-focused environment.

Company Size: Christie's is a large, established global organization, employing a significant number of people across various departments and international locations. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths, while also demanding robust processes and clear communication channels.

Founded: Founded in 1766, Christie's boasts a rich history spanning over 260 years. This heritage implies a strong emphasis on tradition, excellence, and long-term vision, balanced with a stated commitment to embracing fresh ideas and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will lead a small, specialized team within the in-house Creative Studio, likely comprising other Graphic Designers and Artworkers. This team supports the EMEA region.

• The Creative Studio operates within the broader Marketing department, suggesting a hierarchical structure where the Senior Graphic Designer reports to a Head of Creative, Marketing Director, or similar senior role.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a primary focus for a graphic designer, understanding market trends, client demographics, and campaign performance data is crucial for informing creative strategy and ensuring visual assets resonate with target audiences.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role requires efficient workflow management within the design team, ensuring projects are planned, prioritized, and executed according to timelines and brand standards. Process optimization is key in a fast-paced environment.

• Automation & Efficiency: While direct automation might be limited, the role benefits from efficient use of design tools and workflow management systems to maximize output and maintain quality under pressure.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's prestige and history suggest a culture that values excellence, integrity, and innovation. The "Operations" aspect comes into play through the management of creative production, workflow, budget, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring the visual output of world-class art sales is executed flawlessly.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a mid-to-late career stage. It involves significant autonomy, responsibility for team leadership, project ownership, and strategic contribution to creative output. The "Maternity Cover" aspect means the role is temporary, but the "Senior" title suggests it's a critical function, potentially leading to future opportunities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Head of Marketing, or a similar senior manager within the Marketing department. They will, in turn, manage a small team of Graphic Designers and Artworkers. This structure emphasizes leadership and oversight responsibilities.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to the visual presentation of Christie's brand and its high-value art and luxury goods. Effective creative output is crucial for attracting buyers, enhancing exhibition experiences, and reinforcing Christie's premium brand image globally. This role ensures the visual execution of marketing strategies is world-class.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to refine expertise in print production, art direction, and brand management within a leading art business. Exposure to high-profile international campaigns and exhibitions.

• Leadership Development: Experience in managing and mentoring a design team, developing leadership skills that are transferable to future senior or management roles.

• Industry Exposure: Deep immersion in the art market, gaining insights into auction processes, exhibition design, and the nuances of marketing luxury goods. While temporary, this experience is invaluable for career progression within the creative or art industry.

• Potential for Permanent Role: Depending on business needs and performance, a maternity cover position can sometimes evolve into a permanent role or lead to other opportunities within Christie's.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a temporary role, the "Senior" designation and team leadership responsibilities offer significant professional development. The growth lies not just in design execution but in management, strategy contribution, and deep immersion in a unique industry, providing valuable experience for future career moves.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in Christie's London office, a prestigious workplace that reflects the brand's image. It is a hybrid role, meaning a blend of in-office and remote work. The office environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and conducive to creative work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is London, United Kingdom. Specific details about the office's accessibility (e.g., public transport links) would typically be available upon request or on the company's careers page.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment will facilitate close collaboration with other members of the Creative Studio, marketing teams, and potentially art specialists.

• Access to necessary design tools, software, and potentially high-end printing equipment or connections to trusted print vendors will be provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and departments, including specialists and curators, enriching the creative process with unique insights.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week, indicating a full-time commitment. As a hybrid role, employees are expected to balance their time between working remotely and being present in the London office, likely with specific days designated for office presence to facilitate team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model, coupled with the prestigious London office, suggests a dynamic work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration essential for creative teams. The emphasis on "fast-paced" and "reactive" indicates a demanding yet stimulating atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your career path and interest in Christie's.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (e.g., Creative Director or Head of Marketing) focusing on your experience, leadership style, technical skills, and understanding of print production. This is where you'll start to discuss your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio. Be ready to walk through 3-5 key projects, explaining your design process, strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Expect to discuss your experience managing teams and budgets.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Potentially meet with other designers, artworkers, or key stakeholders from departments you would collaborate with (e.g., Exhibitions, Marketing). This assesses your collaborative style and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, possibly with a more senior leader, to finalize decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in print design, branding, campaign execution, and team leadership. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your creative process, the solutions you implemented, and the results or impact achieved. Use metrics where possible.

• Highlight Print Production: Showcase your understanding of print specifications, color management, paper types, and finishing techniques. Detail your experience with print vendors and approvals.

• Demonstrate Leadership: If possible, include examples of projects where you led a team, managed workflows, or were responsible for approvals.

• Tailor to Christie's: Emphasize your understanding of luxury brands, art aesthetics, and the specific needs of an auction house. Show how your work aligns with Christie's brand values and visual standards.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with workflow tools like Monday.com.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study related to an auction, exhibition, or marketing campaign. This might involve evaluating existing creative, proposing improvements, or developing a concept.

• Time Management: If given a timed exercise, practice managing your time effectively to deliver a polished outcome.

• Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your approach and rationale clearly and concisely, as if you were presenting to senior stakeholders at Christie's. Focus on strategic thinking and brand alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to not only show their design work but also to articulate the strategic thinking, operational execution (especially in print production), and leadership capabilities behind it. The "Maternity Cover" aspect means demonstrating immediate readiness and a robust, self-sufficient approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is essential. This includes:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout, typography, and print production of catalogues, brochures, and signage.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, retouching, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, editing, and pre-press checks.

• Workflow Management Tools: Experience with platforms like Monday.com is a significant plus, indicating familiarity with project tracking, task assignment, and team collaboration within a structured system. Other similar tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Wrike) would also demonstrate relevant experience.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary data analysis role, understanding how design impacts campaign performance is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics reporting from digital marketing platforms or CRM data to inform design choices could be advantageous.

• Dashboard Tools: Experience with tools that visualize campaign performance or project status (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel dashboards) could be helpful for reporting on team output or project timelines.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce, though not explicitly mentioned) is useful for understanding client data and how marketing efforts, including design, contribute to sales cycles in a luxury context.

• Automation Tools: While direct use may be limited, an understanding of how marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot) utilize visual assets can be beneficial for integrated campaign planning.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how design assets are integrated into various platforms (e.g., DAM systems, CMS, email marketing platforms) is helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Monday.com highlights the core technical requirements. The expectation is a high level of technical skill in design software and a proactive approach to using workflow tools for efficient team and project management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all creative output and business dealings, mirroring Christie's core value. This translates to honest representation of art and transparent communication.

• Excellence: A relentless pursuit of the highest quality in all design work, from concept to final execution, ensuring that all visual materials reflect the prestige of Christie's.

• Innovation: Embracing new creative approaches, technologies, and design trends while staying true to the brand's heritage, contributing fresh ideas to visual storytelling.

• Responsibility: Taking ownership of projects, team performance, and budget management, ensuring accountability and reliable delivery of creative assets.

• Relationships: Fostering strong, collaborative relationships with team members, stakeholders across departments, and external vendors, built on trust and clear communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with specialist departments, marketing, and exhibitions to translate their needs into compelling visual narratives that enhance the appreciation and sale of art.

• Process Review & Feedback: Embracing a culture of constructive feedback within the design team and with stakeholders, using critiques to refine designs and improve processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing design expertise, best practices, and insights within the team and across departments to elevate the overall creative output and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility, Relationships) provide a clear framework for the desired culture. For a Senior Graphic Designer, this means not only demonstrating creative talent but also embodying these values in their leadership, collaboration, and operational execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Pace, High-Stake Environment: Balancing rapid turnaround times with the need for impeccable creative quality and brand consistency in a high-pressure, luxury market.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively navigating diverse requests and feedback from various departments, including art specialists who have deep expertise in their fields but may have varying design sensibilities.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all creative output, across a vast range of materials and campaigns for the EMEA region, adheres rigorously to global brand guidelines while remaining fresh and engaging.

• Team Leadership under Pressure: Guiding and motivating a small design team to consistently deliver outstanding work, especially during peak periods or when managing complex, multi-faceted projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Mastery: Deepen expertise in print production workflows, large-format installations, and managing creative project lifecycles within a leading global organization.

• Industry Immersion: Gain unparalleled insight into the art market, auction processes, and the nuances of luxury brand marketing, which is invaluable for future roles in creative industries.

• Leadership Growth: Develop and hone team management, mentorship, and stakeholder communication skills in a senior capacity.

• Networking: Build a professional network within Christie's and the broader art world, opening doors to future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of senior creative roles in demanding industries. The growth opportunities are significant, focusing on operational excellence in creative production and valuable industry-specific knowledge, even within a temporary role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience leading a design team. How do you motivate designers and ensure quality output?" (Focus on leadership style, mentorship, and quality control processes).

• "Walk us through your process for managing a print collateral project from brief to final delivery, including budget considerations." (Highlight your operational expertise in print production, vendor management, and financial oversight).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across diverse marketing materials and campaigns for a global luxury brand like Christie's?" (Discuss your approach to brand guidelines, asset management, and stakeholder alignment).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Christie's and the art world? How do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the company's context).

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-creative departments, such as our Specialist Art Departments or Exhibitions team?" (Discuss your cross-functional communication and partnership approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type. Start with a brief overview of your career and then dive into 3-5 key projects.

• Content for Each Project:

  • The Brief: What was the client's objective?
  • Your Role: What were your specific responsibilities?
  • The Challenge: What were the key hurdles (e.g., tight deadline, complex requirements)?
  • Your Solution: Detail your creative process, the design choices you made, and why.
  • The Output: Showcase the final assets (print, digital, etc.).
  • The Impact: What were the results? (e.g., successful exhibition, increased engagement, positive feedback).

• Operational Focus: Emphasize your understanding of print production intricacies, workflow management, and stakeholder communication throughout your case studies.

• Delivery: Be confident, articulate, and engaging. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your work and your process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also operational acumen, leadership capabilities, and a strong understanding of the luxury art market, all within the context of managing a team and delivering complex print and campaign assets.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent creative position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Christie's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your digital portfolio to prominently feature your strongest work in print design, branding, and campaign management, with a clear emphasis on projects relevant to luxury goods or the art industry. Ensure case studies detail your process, stakeholder management, and any budget considerations.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in team leadership, print production oversight, deadline management, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and workflow tools like Monday.com. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your strategic thinking, design process, and operational execution. Prepare answers for common interview questions related to leadership, project management, and brand consistency.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Christie's, its history, values, recent auctions, and exhibitions. Understand their brand identity and the unique context of the art market to demonstrate your genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.