Mid-weight Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mid-weight Graphic Designer

Company: Pact Coffee

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-11-05T11:29:30.057

Experience Level: Mid-weight (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual storytelling and brand consistency across all Pact Coffee's customer touchpoints, from digital channels to physical products.

• Collaborate with the Lead Designer and cross-functional teams to translate creative briefs into high-impact graphic design solutions.

• Develop print-ready artwork for diverse applications, ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to brand guidelines for packaging and marketing collateral.

• Leverage proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and an understanding of print production to deliver exceptional visual assets that reinforce the Pact Coffee brand identity.

• Contribute fresh ideas and innovative approaches to design challenges, while embracing feedback to continuously improve creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Mid-weight Graphic Designer," implying a need for independent execution of design tasks, creative problem-solving, and the ability to take ownership of projects. The emphasis on translating "brand, marketing, and creative strategy into high-quality designs" suggests a strategic component to the role, requiring an understanding of how design contributes to broader business objectives within the FMCG sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate creative briefs from various departments (Marketing, Brand, Product) into compelling visual designs across digital platforms (website, digital ads, social media) and print materials (packaging, event graphics).

• Partner closely with the Lead Designer to conceptualize and execute design solutions that align with Pact Coffee's refreshed brand identity and overarching creative strategy.

• Produce print-ready artwork for a range of assets, including packaging labels, cards, point-of-sale materials, and large-format graphics, ensuring technical specifications and production requirements are met.

• Conceptualize and develop engaging visual content for email marketing campaigns, social media posts, and digital advertising, optimizing for platform-specific best practices.

• Contribute to photography and videography briefs, providing art direction and assisting on shoots to ensure visual assets align with brand aesthetic and campaign objectives.

• Perform image retouching and post-production adjustments on photography to ensure final assets are polished and ready for multi-channel deployment.

• Maintain meticulous organization of design files, master assets, and project archives, ensuring easy accessibility for all team members and stakeholders.

• Act as a proactive brand ambassador, championing the Pact Coffee visual identity and contributing to a positive and collaborative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility across digital and print design, with a strong emphasis on packaging and FMCG-specific applications. The inclusion of photography support and retouching indicates a holistic approach to visual content creation, extending beyond traditional graphic design tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree or equivalent professional qualification in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related creative field is preferred, though not strictly required if compensated by extensive experience.

Experience: 3-5 years of professional experience as a Graphic Designer, with a proven track record in either an agency or in-house setting. Experience within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, specifically with branding and packaging design, is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Strong understanding of print production processes, including pre-press, color management, and preparing artwork for various printing techniques.

• Demonstrated experience in creating engaging visual assets for digital channels, including social media, digital advertising, and email marketing.

• Ability to conceptualize and execute creative ideas from initial brief to final artwork, showcasing a strong sense of design aesthetics and typography.

• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and receive constructive feedback effectively.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion design software (e.g., After Effects) to create engaging GIFs, short videos, and animated social media content.

• Familiarity with AI tools for design process acceleration, demonstrating an openness to adopting new technologies to enhance efficiency without compromising creative integrity.

• Experience in art directing or supporting photo and video shoots, including an understanding of visual storytelling through imagery.

• Photography and coffee-making skills are considered a bonus, indicating a potential interest in the company's core product and brand ethos.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3-5 years of experience aligns with a "Mid-weight" designation, suggesting that candidates should be capable of working independently on most tasks while still benefiting from the guidance of a Lead Designer. The emphasis on FMCG, packaging, and print production is critical for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects that demonstrate your graphic design capabilities across digital and print mediums.

• Specific emphasis should be placed on examples relevant to FMCG branding, packaging design, and marketing collateral.

• Include at least one project that is directly comparable to Pact Coffee's brand aesthetic or product offerings, illustrating your understanding of their market position and visual language.

• Showcase your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and your ability to execute designs from concept to final production-ready artwork.

• Clearly articulate your role, the design process, challenges faced, and the impact of your work on each project presented. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the end-to-end design process, from receiving and interpreting creative briefs to final asset delivery.

• Provide examples of how you manage feedback and iterate on designs to achieve optimal results, highlighting your collaborative approach.

• Illustrate your knowledge of print production workflows, including file preparation, color correction, and liaising with printers.

• Showcase your ability to maintain organized digital asset management and file structures for efficient team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The request for a portfolio with specific relevance to FMCG and packaging is a critical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design process, demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities relevant to a consumer goods brand.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Up to £45,000 per annum. This figure represents the upper limit for this position based on the information provided. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's specific requirements.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Model: Offers flexibility with a structured approach, requiring office presence on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to foster collaboration.

• Flexi-time Working: Core working hours are from 10:00 to 16:00, allowing for flexibility around daily schedules.

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 23 days of annual leave, increasing annually up to 27 days.

• Additional Leave: 3 extra days of leave between Christmas and New Year, plus a day off for your birthday.

• Monthly Coffee Allowance: A monthly allowance for coffee delivered to your home, aligning with the company's core product.

• Enhanced Workplace Pension: A competitive pension scheme to support long-term financial security.

• Income Protection: Provides financial support in case of long-term illness or injury.

• Group Life Assurance: Offers financial security for dependents in the event of death.

• Bereavement & Probate Support: Additional support services for employees experiencing loss.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Encourages sustainable commuting with tax benefits.

• Workplace Nursery Benefit: Support for childcare costs.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Comprehensive support services, including counselling, for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours: The role involves a standard 40-hour work week, with flexi-time options and core hours of 10:00–16:00. The hybrid model includes set office days (Tuesday-Thursday).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly defined as "up to £45,000," indicating a ceiling for this mid-weight role. The benefits package is extensive and notably includes perks directly related to the company's product (coffee allowance), demonstrating a strong employee-focused culture within the FMCG sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage, specifically specialty coffee. Pact Coffee operates within a dynamic and competitive market, focusing on direct-to-consumer subscriptions, retail partnerships (Waitrose, Ocado), and B2B sales (offices, cafes, restaurants). The company emphasizes freshness, quality sourcing, and customer experience.

Company Size: 70 employees. This indicates a growing, yet still relatively intimate, company environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. It suggests a culture that values teamwork and close collaboration.

Founded: Pact Coffee was founded with the mission to revolutionize the coffee industry by making exceptional coffee accessible and convenient. Its growth to over half a million kilograms of coffee roasted annually and a team of 70 reflects a successful trajectory and a commitment to innovation and quality.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the "Brand and Comms team," working closely with the Lead Designer.

• This structure suggests a collaborative creative department that supports broader marketing and business objectives.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with teams involved in marketing, digital, product development, and potentially sales, to ensure cohesive brand messaging across all touchpoints. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the company's growth and presence across multiple channels (subscription, retail, online) imply a data-informed approach to marketing and brand strategy, which the design team would support.

• Customer-Centricity: The emphasis on customer experience ("better experience for our customers, online and off") suggests that design decisions are made with the end-user in mind.

• Agile & Collaborative: As a growing company with a hybrid model, Pact Coffee likely fosters an agile and collaborative work environment where ideas are shared freely, and teams work together to achieve common goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "engaged, collaborative," and "supportive." The size of the team (70) suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions are significant. The "hybrid, flexible working environment" is a key cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Mid-weight Graphic Designer." This typically means a designer with 3-5 years of experience who can work independently on assigned projects, contribute creatively, and execute designs with a high degree of craft. They are expected to take ownership of tasks, manage their time effectively, and collaborate with senior team members.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to the Lead Designer within the Brand and Comms team. This implies a direct mentorship and guidance relationship, offering opportunities to learn from a more experienced designer and refine design strategy and execution.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work will have a direct and visible impact on Pact Coffee's brand perception and customer engagement. Their designs will be instrumental in:

• Enhancing the customer experience across digital platforms and packaging.

• Communicating brand values and product quality effectively to a broad audience.

• Supporting marketing campaigns and driving customer acquisition and retention.

• Maintaining a consistent and strong brand identity across all touchpoints. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as packaging design, motion graphics, or digital asset creation under the guidance of the Lead Designer.

• Brand Strategy Contribution: As the candidate grows, they can contribute more significantly to the development and evolution of the brand's visual identity and creative strategy.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Working across various departments provides exposure to different business functions, potentially opening doors to broader marketing or brand management roles in the future.

• Leadership Potential: With consistent high performance and growth, there's potential to move into senior design or even art direction roles within the company or similar organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly defined as mid-weight, suggesting a focus on execution and creative contribution rather than high-level strategic decision-making, though strategic input is welcomed. Growth opportunities are tied to developing design expertise and potentially moving into more senior roles within the creative department.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Pact Coffee operates with a hybrid working model. The head office is located near London Bridge, providing a central urban workspace. This model balances the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The Head Office is situated in London Bridge, a well-connected and vibrant area of London. The roastery is located in Surrey, suggesting that while the primary design role is based in London, there might be occasional interactions or site visits relevant to product packaging and branding.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model, with designated office days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), is designed to foster collaboration, team cohesion, and spontaneous idea-sharing. The "engaged, collaborative approach to work" suggests an open and interactive office culture.

• Tools and Technology: As a modern design role, the workspace will be equipped with the necessary hardware and software for graphic design, likely including high-performance computers, relevant Adobe Creative Suite licenses, and potentially access to photography equipment or studios for shoots.

• Team Interaction: The designated office days ensure regular face-to-face interaction with the Lead Designer and other members of the Brand and Comms team, as well as colleagues from other departments, facilitating seamless communication and project alignment.

Work Schedule: A flexible working arrangement is offered, with core hours between 10:00 and 16:00. This allows individuals to structure their working day around personal needs while ensuring availability for essential team interactions and meetings. The standard working week is 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment, requiring candidates to be comfortable working both remotely and in the London Bridge office on specific days. This structure is designed to optimize collaboration and team dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess suitability based on experience, skills, and portfolio relevance.

2. First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (Lead Designer or Head of Brand/Marketing) to discuss experience, motivations, and initial creative approach. This stage will heavily focus on your portfolio.

3. Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A more in-depth session where you present your portfolio, discuss specific projects, and potentially undertake a practical design exercise relevant to Pact Coffee's needs. This might involve interpreting a brief or solving a specific design problem.

4. Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or other key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your FMCG, packaging, and digital design skills. Ensure at least one project directly relates to the coffee industry or a similar consumer product.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the creative process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the measurable impact or outcome. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding of the design workflow, from initial concept development and sketching to final artwork preparation and production considerations.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio reflects your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of print production requirements.

• Tailor to Pact: Emphasize how your skills and aesthetic align with Pact Coffee's brand identity and mission. Be prepared to discuss why you're a good fit for their specific needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Pact Coffee's current branding, marketing campaigns, target audience, and competitive landscape.

• Anticipate Briefs: Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a social media post, email graphic, or a concept for new packaging, based on a realistic brief.

• Focus on Strategy: Demonstrate that you can translate a brief into a design solution that meets strategic objectives, not just aesthetic preferences. Think about how your design will communicate a message or drive an action.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a realistic timeframe, as challenges will likely have time constraints.

• Articulation: Be ready to clearly and concisely explain your design choices, rationale, and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio review. Candidates must be prepared to present their work comprehensively, demonstrating not just creative skill but also strategic thinking and an understanding of the FMCG market and Pact Coffee's brand. A practical design challenge is highly probable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency expected in Adobe InDesign (for layout and print collateral), Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations), and Adobe Photoshop (for image editing, retouching, and digital assets).

• Motion Design Software: Familiarity with at least one motion design tool (e.g., Adobe After Effects) is preferred for creating engaging GIFs and short videos for digital channels.

• AI Design Tools: Openness to using AI tools for accelerating repetitive design tasks is mentioned, indicating a forward-thinking approach to workflow optimization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary requirement for the designer, an understanding of how design impacts key metrics (e.g., click-through rates on ads, engagement on social media, conversion rates on packaging) would be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) could be an advantage. CRM & Automation:

• Direct CRM or automation tool experience is not specified for this design role. However, understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms (e.g., email marketing software) or CRM-driven campaigns would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around the Adobe Creative Suite. The mention of AI tools indicates a modern workplace that embraces technological advancements to improve efficiency in the design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A strong emphasis on producing high-quality, well-executed designs that reflect the premium nature of Pact Coffee's products.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh thinking and new ideas to keep the brand visually engaging and relevant.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A "close-knit team" environment where individuals support each other, share ideas, and work together towards common goals.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the end-user in mind, ensuring that visual communications resonate with customers and enhance their experience with the brand.

• Proactiveness & Ownership: Taking initiative, looking for ways to improve outcomes, and owning projects from start to finish.

• Adaptability & Resilience: The ability to handle feedback constructively, adapt to changing priorities, and remain calm under pressure.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Team: The hybrid model and mention of a "close-knit team" suggest a highly collaborative and communicative environment.

• Feedback Loop: A culture where feedback is welcomed, acted upon, and used for continuous improvement is explicitly stated. Designers are encouraged to discuss ideas with the team before proceeding.

• Cross-functional Synergy: The role requires working with various departments, implying a need for clear communication, understanding of different team objectives, and the ability to translate diverse needs into cohesive design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values appear to center around quality, creativity, and strong teamwork. The emphasis on receiving and acting on feedback is a key aspect of their collaborative culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Freshness: Maintaining the established Pact Coffee brand identity while consistently introducing fresh, engaging designs across diverse channels can be a creative challenge.

• Rapid Iteration in a Growing Company: As a growing company, the pace can be fast, requiring the ability to adapt quickly to new briefs, evolving marketing strategies, and tight deadlines.

• Translating Strategy into Visuals: Effectively interpreting complex brand, marketing, and creative strategies into compelling visual designs that resonate with the target audience.

• Managing Diverse Asset Creation: Producing a wide range of assets, from intricate packaging details to dynamic social media content, requires versatility and meticulous attention to detail.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship from Lead Designer: Direct guidance and learning opportunities from a more experienced designer, focusing on advanced design techniques, strategic thinking, and brand stewardship.

• Exposure to FMCG Market Dynamics: Gaining deeper insights into the specific design challenges and opportunities within the competitive FMCG and specialty coffee sectors.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to develop new skills, such as motion graphics or photography support, based on project needs and personal interest.

• Contribution to Brand Evolution: Playing a key role in shaping the visual presentation of a growing brand, offering a sense of ownership and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a mid-weight designer in a growing consumer brand, focusing on execution, speed, and strategic alignment. Growth opportunities are tied to mentorship and exposure to the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex marketing strategy into a visual design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your strategic thinking, process, and ability to link design to business goals.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially if you initially disagree with it?" (Highlight your adaptability, collaboration skills, and commitment to the best outcome.)

• "Walk us through a packaging design project from your portfolio. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure it was print-ready?" (Demonstrate your technical understanding, problem-solving, and attention to detail for print production.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Pact Coffee's brand and mission?" (Show genuine interest and research into the company.)

• "How do you see yourself fitting into a hybrid working environment and contributing to a close-knit team?" (Emphasize your collaborative spirit and comfort with flexible work arrangements.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how might you bring fresh thinking to Pact Coffee's visual identity?" (Showcase your passion for design and proactive learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a clear structure: Brief -> Your Role -> Process -> Challenges -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that showcase FMCG, packaging, and digital design experience. If you have coffee-related work, lead with that.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Suite and your understanding of print production requirements.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, discuss the results of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch).

• Engage and Discuss: Treat the portfolio review as a conversation, not just a presentation. Be open to questions and discussions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic design thinking, strong technical skills in relevant software, a solid understanding of print production, and cultural fit with a collaborative, hybrid team. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Mid-weight Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this role via the application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features your strongest work, with a specific emphasis on FMCG branding, packaging design, and digital assets. Include at least one project that demonstrates relevance to the coffee industry or Pact Coffee's brand.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3-5 years of design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, knowledge of print production, and any experience with motion design or FMCG branding. Use keywords from the job description to align with ATS scanning.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and discuss case studies that showcase your problem-solving abilities and creative thinking.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Pact Coffee's brand, mission, products, and recent marketing activities. Understand their target audience and competitive landscape to better articulate your fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.

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