Middleweight Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Middleweight Graphic Designer

Company: Rowden

Location: Bristol, UK

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-04-13T16:20:46

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute high-quality visual assets for both digital and print media, ensuring consistent brand application across all Rowden communications.

• Translate complex engineering and technology concepts into clear, compelling visual narratives for marketing, bids, internal communications, and brand initiatives.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, marketing, and leadership teams to support campaigns, product launches, and strategic brand development.

• Contribute to the evolution of brand guidelines and design templates, playing a key role in embedding design excellence within a rapidly scaling technology company.

• Manage design projects from concept to production, demonstrating strong attention to detail and an understanding of technical subject matter.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a rapidly growing engineering and technology firm specializing in national security and resilience. The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in shaping visual communications for a technically complex domain, requiring a strong ability to bridge the gap between advanced engineering concepts and accessible design. The role emphasizes strategic brand development and cross-functional collaboration, offering significant impact potential.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce compelling visual assets for a range of digital platforms (website, social media, digital ads) and print materials (brochures, reports, event collateral).

• Maintain and enforce brand identity guidelines across all visual outputs, ensuring a cohesive and professional brand presence for Rowden.

• Create engaging graphics for marketing campaigns, sales presentations, technical bid documents, and internal communications that effectively convey key messages.

• Partner closely with subject matter experts (engineers, marketers, leadership) to understand technical nuances and translate them into clear, impactful visual designs.

• Support the planning and execution of creative elements for marketing campaigns, product launches, trade shows, and other company events.

• Manage a diverse workload, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, while ensuring high standards of quality and accuracy in artwork preparation for production.

• Contribute to the ongoing refinement and development of the Rowden brand identity, including the creation and updating of brand guidelines and design templates.

• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance visual communication strategies and improve design processes within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility in design applications, from marketing collateral to highly technical bid graphics. The emphasis on translating complex technical ideas into clear visuals is a critical differentiator for this role, suggesting a need for a designer comfortable with abstract concepts and technical detail. The expectation to contribute to brand evolution indicates a strategic rather than purely execution-focused role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is highly recommended to demonstrate foundational knowledge.

Experience: A minimum of three years of professional experience in graphic design, preferably within an in-house team or agency setting, with a demonstrable track record of delivering high-quality design solutions.

Required Skills:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a breadth of graphic design skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a keen eye for detail across digital and print mediums.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Experience with digital design tools such as Figma, essential for collaborative design workflows and prototyping.

• Solid understanding of branding principles and the ability to apply and maintain visual identity systems consistently.

• Proven experience designing for both digital outputs (web, social media, digital advertising) and print publications (brochures, reports, collateral).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for the technology, engineering, or defense sectors, demonstrating an ability to grasp and visualize complex technical concepts.

• Familiarity with motion graphics or basic video editing software to enhance digital content.

• Experience in developing and managing brand guidelines and design systems.

• Basic understanding of UI/UX principles for digital asset creation.

• Knowledge of print production processes and pre-press requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3+ years of experience and proficiency in specific Adobe Creative Suite tools (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and Figma, alongside a strong portfolio, indicates a need for a designer who can operate independently and contribute effectively from day one. The emphasis on communicating with non-designers is crucial for this role, suggesting a need for strong interpersonal and presentation skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects that highlight proficiency in the required software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma).

• Include case studies demonstrating the design process, from initial concept and problem definition through to final execution and impact.

• Present examples of brand application, illustrating consistency across various media and the ability to adapt to different project requirements.

• Feature work that translates complex information or technical concepts into visually accessible formats, demonstrating strategic communication through design.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, briefly outline the design brief, your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved.

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow management, showing how projects were organized and executed within given timelines.

• Highlight any collaboration with technical or marketing teams, detailing how feedback was incorporated and how design decisions were justified.

• Showcase an awareness of design for production, including considerations for print specifications or digital optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving not just as a showcase of aesthetic skills but also as evidence of problem-solving capabilities, technical understanding, and process management. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects, explaining their strategic thinking and how they translated complex information into effective design solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £40,000 per year. This range is based on the provided salary information and aligns with typical market rates for a Middleweight Graphic Designer in the Bristol area with 3-5 years of experience in a technology-focused company.

Benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, allowing for a better work-life balance.

• Hybrid working model, offering a blend of office-based collaboration and remote work flexibility (average of 3 days in the office).

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, including being a Disability Confident Committed company.

• Opportunities for workplace adjustments to support individuals with disabilities or health conditions.

• Potential for part-time working arrangements to be discussed.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered within the hybrid working model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined. The benefits emphasize flexibility and inclusivity, which are key considerations for many professionals. The hybrid model with a stated average of 3 days in office provides a concrete expectation for on-site presence.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Technology, with a focus on national security and resilience, leveraging advances in sensing, AI, and communications for operational capability in demanding environments.

Company Size: Approximately 160 employees, indicating a mid-sized company that is past the startup phase but still agile and growing rapidly. This size often fosters a collaborative environment with direct access to leadership.

Founded: Rowden is actively building its in-house design capability, suggesting a relatively recent or evolving emphasis on design within the company's history. The company is described as a "fast-growing engineering business," implying a dynamic and forward-thinking culture.

Team Structure:

• The Design department is likely a growing function within the company, with this role reporting to the Head of Design (Owen Davies).

• Collaboration will be essential, involving close partnerships with engineering teams to understand technical nuances, marketing teams for campaign execution, and senior leadership for strategic brand alignment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's focus on technology and engineering implies a data-informed approach to decision-making, which designers will need to embrace.

• Agile Development: Given the fast-paced nature of technology and engineering, design processes may need to be agile, adapting quickly to evolving project requirements and technical advancements.

• User-Centricity: Although the primary "users" might be customers, partners, or internal teams, a focus on clear communication implies a user-centric approach to design problem-solving.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Rowden operates in a critical, high-stakes industry. This context suggests a culture that values precision, reliability, and clear communication. The company is actively investing in design, indicating a progressive mindset and an openness to new ideas, which is a positive sign for a creative professional. The "fast-growing" nature implies a dynamic, sometimes demanding, but potentially rewarding environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Middleweight Graphic Designer," typically indicating an individual contributor with 3-5 years of experience who is expected to work with some autonomy, manage their own projects, and contribute creative solutions. They are beyond entry-level but not yet senior or managing a team.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to Owen Davies (likely Head of Design or Design Lead). This suggests a relatively flat reporting structure within the design function, offering direct access to leadership and opportunities for mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work will directly influence Rowden's brand perception, market positioning, and the clarity with which its complex technologies are understood by critical stakeholders (customers, partners, government bodies). This role has a significant impact on sales enablement, bid success, and internal cohesion by making advanced technology accessible and credible through visual communication.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., technical illustration, data visualization, motion graphics) as the company's needs evolve.

• Brand Development Leadership: As the company grows and invests in design, there may be opportunities to take on more responsibility for shaping brand strategy, developing comprehensive design systems, and potentially leading design initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of engineering, AI, and communication technologies, which can lead to more specialized design roles within complex industries.

• Mentorship and Team Growth: Potential to mentor junior designers as the design team expands and to contribute to establishing best practices and workflows within the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The middleweight designation implies a solid foundation of skills and a growing capacity for independent project management. The company's investment in design and its rapid growth suggest a fertile ground for career advancement, particularly for individuals who can demonstrate adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates a hybrid working model, indicating a physical office space equipped for collaborative work, alongside the flexibility of remote work. This suggests a modern workspace designed to foster both focused individual work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Bristol, UK. The office is likely situated in a location accessible for commuting within the Bristol area, with considerations for hybrid work patterns.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional work suggest an office environment that encourages interaction, brainstorming, and team meetings.

• Tools and Technology: Expect access to standard design software and hardware, with potential for specialized tools as the design capability is built out. Collaboration platforms will be key for hybrid communication.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with engineers, marketers, and leadership will be a core part of the daily experience, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is anticipated, with flexibility around start/end times and the ability to work remotely for part of the week, as per the hybrid model. This schedule needs to accommodate project deadlines and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment, offering a blend of autonomy and collaboration. The office space will likely be a hub for team meetings, client interactions, and focused creative work, while remote days allow for deep work and personal flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the role and alignment with required skills.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A session focused on discussing the candidate's portfolio in detail. Expect to walk through selected projects, explaining design choices, creative process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work. This may also involve technical questions about software proficiency and design principles.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with team members from marketing, engineering, or leadership to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit within the broader organization. This stage will likely explore how you translate complex technical information into visual assets.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, career aspirations, and overall fit with Rowden's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills relevant to Rowden's industry (technology, engineering, security) and the role's responsibilities (translating complex ideas, brand consistency, digital/print).

• Tell the Story: For each project, articulate the brief, your thought process, challenges, solutions, and measurable outcomes. Emphasize your role and contributions.

• Highlight Technical Translation: Include examples where you've successfully simplified or visualized complex technical information.

• Showcase Brand Application: Demonstrate your understanding of brand consistency and identity systems.

• Prepare for Digital Presentation: Be ready to share your screen and present your portfolio smoothly, either digitally or in person.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Design Challenge: Be prepared for a short design exercise or a discussion around a hypothetical design problem related to Rowden's technology or a marketing campaign. Focus on your approach, rationale, and how you would gather information.

• Brand Consistency Exercise: You might be asked to critique existing materials or propose ways to enhance brand consistency.

• Technical Communication: Practice explaining how you would approach designing a visual asset for a piece of complex technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio as tangible proof of skills and experience. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their work in detail, demonstrating not only creative talent but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work effectively within a technical environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Illustrator (vector graphics, logos), InDesign (layouts, print collateral), and Photoshop (image manipulation, digital assets).

• Figma: Required for digital design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows, increasingly a standard for UI/UX and digital product design.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are typically used by graphic designers, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM visual components could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is non-negotiable for this role. The company is investing in its design capability, so there's potential for adoption of new tools or workflows as the team grows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Reliability: Given the company's focus on national security and critical technology, a strong emphasis on accuracy, attention to detail, and delivering dependable results is paramount.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: The company thrives on turning advanced technology into operational capability, suggesting a culture that values creative problem-solving and forward-thinking solutions.

• Purpose-Driven: Working on mission-critical technology for national security implies a strong sense of purpose and commitment to the company's mission.

• Collaboration & Communication: The need to translate complex technical ideas requires excellent communication and a collaborative spirit, working effectively across diverse teams.

• Adaptability & Continuous Improvement: As a fast-growing company in a dynamic industry, adaptability and a commitment to learning and evolving are key.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with engineers, marketers, and leadership, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to bridge technical and creative disciplines.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback will be essential for design iteration and improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: As the design team grows, an environment that encourages sharing best practices and learnings will be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values likely reflect the serious nature of its work, demanding a high level of professionalism, integrity, and dedication. For a designer, this translates to a need for clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of the client's needs, even when those needs are technical.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: The primary challenge will be to visually represent highly technical and often abstract concepts in a clear, accessible, and compelling manner for diverse audiences.

• Brand Evolution: Contributing to the development and consistent application of a brand for a rapidly scaling technology company, ensuring it resonates with stakeholders in security and defense.

• Balancing Technical Accuracy and Design Aesthetics: Ensuring that design elements do not oversimplify or misrepresent critical technical information, while still being visually appealing and effective.

• Pace and Adaptability: Working in a fast-growing company means adapting to changing priorities, new projects, and evolving company strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Design: Gaining expertise in designing for the technology, engineering, and national security sectors, understanding unique communication challenges and norms.

• Brand System Development: Opportunity to be involved in building and refining comprehensive brand guidelines and design systems from the ground up.

• Advanced Design Tool Proficiency: Potential to explore and implement new design tools and technologies as the company's design capabilities expand.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Deepening understanding of engineering, AI, and communication technologies through collaboration, enhancing the ability to visualize them effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working in a specialized, technical field. Overcoming them will require strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a proactive approach to learning. The growth opportunities are significant for a designer looking to make a strategic impact and develop expertise in a high-demand sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a visual asset to explain a complex AI algorithm or a sensor technology to a non-technical audience?" (Focus on your process, information gathering, and simplification strategies.)

• "Describe a time you had to translate technical information into a visual format. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight problem-solving, collaboration, and outcome.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Rowden and our mission?" (Research the company's website, focusing on their technology, market, and values.)

• "How do you see design contributing to national security and resilience?" (Connect your passion for design with the company's purpose.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The 'Rowden' Project: Consider preparing one specific project that best showcases your ability to handle technical complexity or a similar challenge.

• Process Over Polish: While polish is important, articulate the "why" behind your design choices and the problem-solving journey.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics (e.g., engagement rates, bid success contributions) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a set timeframe, highlighting the most relevant aspects for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to speak confidently about your design process, your ability to collaborate with technical teams, and your understanding of the company's mission-critical work. Your portfolio should be ready to be discussed in detail, with a focus on how you solve problems and deliver impactful visual communication.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Pinpoint HQ.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, branding, and any experience in technology or engineering sectors. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 projects that demonstrate your versatility, technical translation skills, and brand application. Prepare a brief narrative for each.

• Prepare for Technical Discussion: Be ready to articulate your design process, software proficiency, and how you approach visual problem-solving for complex subjects.

• Research Rowden: Understand their mission, technology, and recent news to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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