Midweight Graphic Designer

M+C Saatchi Group
Full-timeLondon, United Kingdom

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Midweight Graphic Designer

Company: M+C Saatchi Group

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Experience Level: Midweight (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Develop compelling visual concepts for integrated campaigns, branding initiatives, and new business pitches, leveraging a strong foundation in graphic design principles.

  • Produce high-quality creative assets across a diverse range of media, including digital display, social content, print collateral, OOH advertising, and interactive experiences.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including strategists, senior UX/UI designers, motion designers, and developers, to ensure cohesive and impactful creative execution.

  • Drive innovation in digital design by embracing modern platforms, AI tools, and evolving best practices to enhance creative output and operational efficiency.

  • Translate complex information and strategic objectives into clear, accessible, and visually engaging communications that resonate with target audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Midweight Graphic Designer, suggesting a need for a candidate who can operate with a degree of autonomy, contribute to strategic creative direction, and mentor junior talent, while still reporting into senior creative leadership. The emphasis on digital platforms, AI tools, and interactive experiences indicates a forward-thinking agency environment that values adaptability and technological fluency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Conceptualize and design engaging visual assets for advertising campaigns, branding projects, pitch materials, and new business opportunities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

  • Create high-fidelity graphic design deliverables for presentations, print collateral, outdoor advertising, social media content, and digital platforms.

  • Design and iterate on digital experiences, including websites, landing pages, interactive content, and campaign-specific digital assets, with a focus on user engagement and accessibility.

  • Rapidly explore and develop multiple design directions for branding and campaigns, articulating the strategic rationale and creative intent behind each option.

  • Translate complex data and information into clear, concise, and visually compelling narratives through effective information design and visual storytelling.

  • Develop storyboards and visual frameworks for motion graphics, collaborating closely with motion designers throughout the production lifecycle to ensure creative integrity.

  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of reusable design assets, shared frameworks, and design systems to promote consistency and efficiency.

  • Work collaboratively with developers and digital specialists to ensure designs are technically feasible and accurately implemented across various platforms.

  • Present design concepts, rationale, and project outcomes clearly and persuasively to internal teams, stakeholders, and clients.

  • Apply responsive and accessible design principles to all digital work, ensuring broad reach and inclusivity.

  • Stay abreast of emerging design trends, digital platforms, AI tools, and evolving creative best practices to maintain a cutting-edge approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional graphic design skills and a strong digital focus. The emphasis on rapid concept development, translating complex information, and collaborating with technical teams suggests a need for a designer who is not only creatively adept but also strategically minded and technically proficient in digital workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Digital Media, or a related field is typically expected for a Midweight role. Equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio will be considered.

Experience: 3-5 years of professional design experience, preferably within a dynamic agency setting or an in-house creative team, demonstrating a track record of successful project delivery.

Required Skills:

  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with deep expertise in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for print and digital asset creation.

  • Strong working knowledge of Figma for digital design, prototyping, collaborative workflows, and design system development.

  • Exceptional graphic design skills, encompassing strong typography, layout composition, visual hierarchy, and a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

  • Proven ability to develop compelling visual concepts for branding and integrated campaigns, showcasing strategic thinking and creative exploration.

  • Solid understanding of digital design principles, including responsive layouts, designing for various screen sizes, and user experience considerations.

  • Experience designing for digital platforms such as websites, landing pages, social media, and digital display advertising.

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate creative rationale and technical specifications clearly to diverse audiences.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, prioritizing tasks effectively.

  • Capacity to balance creative ambition with user needs, technical feasibility, budget constraints, and project timelines. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing for multilingual or global audiences, understanding cultural nuances and localization requirements.

  • Understanding of UI (User Interface) and user-centered design (UCD) principles, with an appreciation for user flows and interaction design.

  • Experience collaborating with developers using Figma Dev Mode or similar workflows for efficient handoffs and implementation.

  • Foundational knowledge of HTML/CSS, enabling better understanding of web development constraints and possibilities.

  • Motion design experience using Adobe After Effects or similar software, contributing to dynamic visual content.

  • Experience utilizing generative AI systems and AI-assisted workflows to accelerate ideation, concept development, and production processes.

  • Proven experience designing accessible digital content and interfaces that adhere to WCAG guidelines.

  • Familiarity with digital display advertising, rich media formats, or AdTech creative production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills emphasize adaptability and a forward-looking approach, particularly the integration of AI and accessibility. Candidates with these additional skills will likely stand out. The mention of HTML/CSS and UI/UX understanding, while not essential, signals a strong preference for designers who can bridge the gap between creative and technical execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a diverse range of branding and visual identity projects, demonstrating conceptual thinking and execution across various touchpoints.

  • Include examples of integrated campaign concepts and advertising across multiple formats (digital, print, OOH), highlighting strategic application.

  • Present digital display, social media, or AdTech creative work, emphasizing engagement and platform-specific considerations.

  • Feature examples of information design, presentations, and visual storytelling that effectively communicate complex ideas.

  • Include designs for websites, landing pages, or interactive experiences, demonstrating an understanding of user flow and digital engagement.

  • Provide storyboards or examples of creative thinking for motion design projects, illustrating conceptual development.

  • Showcase projects that clearly demonstrate the exploration of multiple design directions and the strategic thinking that informed the final selection.

  • Include examples of AI-assisted creative workflows, where relevant, to highlight innovative production methods. Process Documentation:

  • Demonstrate a clear process for concept development, from initial brief interpretation to idea generation and refinement.

  • Illustrate how you translate strategic objectives and complex information into tangible design solutions.

  • Showcase your workflow for iterating on designs based on feedback from internal teams and stakeholders.

  • Detail your approach to collaborating with developers and other specialists to ensure successful implementation of design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are extensive and clearly indicate the agency's need for a designer who can handle a broad spectrum of creative challenges. Emphasis is placed on strategic thinking, multi-format execution, and innovative approaches, including AI. Demonstrating process is as important as the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the Midweight level (3-5 years experience) in London, and the competitive benefits package, the estimated salary range is £35,000 - £48,000 per annum. This range reflects the agency's size, industry reputation, and the comprehensive benefits offered.

Benefits:

  • 27 days holiday per year, providing ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

  • Pension contributions, supporting long-term financial planning.

  • Private healthcare, ensuring access to quality medical services.

  • Discounted dental insurance, contributing to overall well-being.

  • Enhanced maternity/parental leave, supporting employees during significant life events.

  • Cultural stimulation allowance of £250 per person per year, encouraging personal growth and exploration.

  • Half days off before bank holidays, offering extended breaks.

  • Emergency care days for dependants, providing flexibility during unforeseen circumstances.

  • Up to 5 days volunteering leave per year, supporting community engagement.

  • Up to 10 days special emergency leave per year, offering support for critical personal situations.

  • Season Ticket loan, assisting with commute costs.

  • Payroll Giving Scheme, facilitating charitable contributions.

  • Inclusive bank holidays, reflecting a commitment to diversity and equity.

  • Access to learning opportunities around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I).

  • Participation in targeted mentoring programs.

  • Opportunities to join and participate in Employee Led Networks and events.

  • Comprehensive personal development support tailored to set the individual up for success.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. The agency's culture and benefits (e.g., half days before bank holidays) suggest a focus on work-life balance within these hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical London agency rates for a Midweight Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience, considering the prestige of M+C Saatchi Group. The extensive list of benefits indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, which are significant draws for candidates in the creative industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing Communications. M+C Saatchi Group operates within a highly creative and competitive industry, known for its innovative campaigns, strategic thinking, and client-centric approach. The agency's focus on "Brutal Simplicity of Thought" suggests a culture that values clarity, impact, and bold ideas.

Company Size: M+C Saatchi Group UK is a significant player, indicating a medium to large agency environment with structured departments and cross-functional teams. This size offers opportunities for exposure to diverse projects and specialized learning, while also requiring efficient processes and clear communication.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated in the provided text, M+C Saatchi is a well-established global brand, implying a rich history of creative excellence and a solid reputation in the industry. This history likely contributes to a culture that respects heritage while embracing innovation.

Team Structure:

  • The design team likely includes a Design Director, Senior UX/UI Designers, and various levels of Graphic Designers, fostering a collaborative environment where mentorship and skill-sharing are encouraged.

  • Designers will report into senior creative leadership, with direct collaboration expected across strategy, creative, motion design, development, and account management teams.

  • Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers expected to work closely with strategists for insights, creatives for concept development, motion designers for integrated campaigns, and developers for technical execution. Methodology:

  • Data Analysis & Insights: Design concepts are expected to be informed by strategic insights, client objectives, and potentially user data, ensuring creative solutions are effective and targeted.

  • Workflow Planning & Optimization: The emphasis on Figma, AI tools, and reusable assets suggests a focus on efficient, scalable design workflows that streamline the creative process.

  • Automation & Efficiency: The encouragement to use AI tools and best practices highlights a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance productivity and speed up ideation and production cycles.

Company Website: https://careers.mcsaatchi.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's reputation and stated values ("Brutal Simplicity of Thought") suggest a dynamic, fast-paced, and intellectually stimulating work environment. For a graphic designer, this means being part of a team that values strong ideas, strategic thinking, and high-quality execution across a broad range of media.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Midweight," indicating a designer with 3-5 years of experience who is moving beyond foundational tasks. They are expected to contribute significantly to creative concepts, manage their own projects with moderate supervision, and begin to influence design quality and process. This level is crucial for developing into a Senior Designer or specialized roles.

Reporting Structure: The Midweight Graphic Designer will report to senior creative leadership, likely a Design Director or Creative Director. They will also collaborate closely with Senior UX/UI Designers, indicating a peer-level interaction focused on digital product design. This structure allows for guidance from experienced professionals while fostering autonomy in day-to-day tasks.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's impact extends beyond aesthetics. They are instrumental in translating brand strategy into compelling visual narratives that drive client objectives, whether for new business pitches, campaign effectiveness, or digital engagement. By contributing to high-quality, accessible, and innovative design, they directly influence brand perception, client satisfaction, and ultimately, business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in digital design, branding, campaign development, and interactive experiences. Gaining proficiency in advanced Figma features, AI tools, and accessibility standards will be key.

  • Learning & Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like motion graphics (with After Effects), UI/UX design principles, or AI-driven creative workflows. The company's commitment to development suggests support for acquiring new skills.

  • Leadership Potential: As a Midweight designer, there's a clear path to Senior Designer roles, which involve leading projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more significantly to creative strategy and client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Midweight" designation signifies a critical career juncture. Candidates at this level are expected to demonstrate leadership potential and a proactive approach to skill development, aligning with the agency's emphasis on innovation and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are framed around expanding technical skills and strategic contribution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in London, with a Hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing designers to benefit from team synergy and focused individual work. The M+C Saatchi Group's London office at 36 Golden Square is a central location, likely fostering a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.

Office Location(s): 36 Golden Square, London, W1F 9JX, United Kingdom. This central London location offers excellent accessibility via public transport and places the agency within a vibrant creative hub.

Workspace Context:

  • The office environment is expected to be collaborative, with designers working alongside strategists, creatives, motion designers, and developers, facilitating easy communication and cross-pollination of ideas.

  • Access to modern design tools and technology, including the specified Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, is a given, supporting efficient and high-quality creative output.

  • Opportunities for spontaneous ideation sessions, design critiques, and team brainstorming are inherent in a hybrid agency setup, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The role is Full-Time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in how these hours are structured, balancing in-office collaboration days with remote work. The agency's culture and benefits like half-days before bank holidays suggest a supportive approach to work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration for creative brainstorming and team building with the flexibility of remote work. The central London location also signifies a professional and accessible workplace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios to assess core design skills, relevant experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

  • Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design processes, strategic thinking, and how they've applied relevant tools (Adobe CC, Figma, AI). This stage will also involve behavioral questions about teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.

  • Creative Challenge (Potential): A short, timed design task or case study may be given to assess practical design skills, conceptual thinking, and ability to work under pressure.

  • Final Interview: Meeting with senior creative leadership or department heads to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and confirm suitability for the team and agency.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your versatility across branding, campaigns, digital design, and visual storytelling. Prioritize quality over quantity.

  • Highlight Process: For each project, clearly explain the brief, your strategic approach, the challenges faced, your design process, and the final outcome. Use case study formats to articulate your thinking.

  • Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Explicitly show how you've used Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, and any AI tools. Visual examples of wireframes, prototypes, or AI-generated concepts can be impactful.

  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback on the success of your designs (e.g., engagement rates, client satisfaction, campaign performance).

  • Showcase Versatility: Include examples of projects that demonstrate your ability to adapt to different brand voices, target audiences, and media formats.

  • Address AI Integration: If you have examples of using AI in your workflow, present them clearly, explaining the benefits and your role in the process.

  • Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio aligns with the requirements and preferences outlined in the job description, emphasizing digital design, campaigns, and AI.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the objectives, target audience, and constraints. Ask clarifying questions.

  • Strategic Thinking: Focus on developing a concept with a clear strategic rationale, not just aesthetically pleasing visuals.

  • Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across ideation, design execution, and presentation preparation.

  • Presentation Clarity: Prepare to articulate your thought process, design decisions, and the intended impact of your work concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a thorough assessment of creative skills, strategic thinking, and technical proficiency, particularly with Figma and AI. A well-structured portfolio that clearly articulates the candidate's process and impact is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential for graphic design tasks, including Illustrator for vector graphics, Photoshop for image manipulation and digital assets, and InDesign for layout and print design.

  • Figma: Critical for digital design, prototyping, collaborative workflows, and potentially design system development. Proficiency in Figma and FigJam is a must.

  • AI-Assisted Creative Tools: Experience with tools like ChatGPT or other generative AI systems is highly desirable for ideation, concept development, and accelerating production workflows.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly a designer's tool, an understanding of how designs perform using analytics (e.g., for digital display or web) is beneficial. Familiarity with how designers' work contributes to performance dashboards is a plus.

CRM & Automation: Designers may interact with project management tools or platforms that automate creative requests or asset distribution, but direct CRM or automation tool proficiency is not a primary requirement for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack is heavily focused on design execution and collaboration. The explicit mention of Figma and AI tools highlights the agency's commitment to modern, efficient creative workflows. Proficiency in these tools is not just a requirement but a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Creative Excellence & Craft: A commitment to producing visually stunning, impactful, and technically proficient work that meets high creative standards.

  • Strategic Thinking: Designs should be rooted in clear strategic objectives, client needs, and audience understanding, ensuring creative solutions are effective.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working harmoniously with multidisciplinary teams, sharing ideas, and contributing to a positive team dynamic.

  • Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies, platforms, and methodologies, including AI, to push creative boundaries and stay ahead of industry trends.

  • Efficiency & Agility: Utilizing tools and processes (like Figma and AI) to work effectively at pace, manage multiple projects, and deliver high-quality results within deadlines.

  • Curiosity & Continuous Learning: A desire to explore new ideas, learn new skills, and stay informed about the evolving landscape of design and technology.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to actively engage with strategists, creatives, developers, and account teams, fostering a seamless workflow from concept to execution.

  • Open Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and given, encouraging continuous improvement and shared learning.

  • Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing insights, techniques, and best practices, particularly around new tools and methodologies like AI-assisted workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values a blend of creative ambition and practical execution. Collaboration is key, and designers are expected to be proactive, open to feedback, and keen to leverage new technologies to enhance their work and the team's output.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creative Ambition with Constraints: Navigating client objectives, budgets, timelines, and technical feasibility while pushing creative boundaries.

  • Rapid Iteration and Concept Exploration: The need to quickly generate multiple design directions and adapt to evolving project requirements in a fast-paced environment.

  • Integrating AI Effectively: Learning to leverage AI tools ethically and efficiently to augment, rather than replace, creative thinking and craft.

  • Designing for Diverse Platforms: Adapting design solutions across a wide range of media, from traditional print to complex digital interfaces and emerging formats.

  • Staying Current: Continuously updating skills and knowledge to keep pace with rapid advancements in design software, digital technologies, and AI.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in digital design, branding systems, campaign development, and interactive prototyping through hands-on project experience.

  • Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend industry events, webinars, and workshops focused on design trends, digital innovation, and AI in creative fields.

  • Mentorship & Leadership: Potential for mentorship from senior designers and creative directors, paving the way for leadership roles within the design team.

  • Tool Proficiency: Advanced training or self-directed learning in Figma, AI creative tools, and potentially motion design software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a creative agency environment, emphasizing the need for adaptability, strategic thinking, and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are directly tied to overcoming these challenges and developing specialized skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to balance creative ambition with strict project constraints (budget, timeline, technical limitations). How did you approach it?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and compromise.)

  • "Walk us through your process for developing a campaign concept from initial brief to final execution. What role does strategic thinking play?" (Highlight your conceptualization process, research, and strategic rationale.)

  • "How do you ensure your digital designs are both visually engaging and functionally accessible? Provide an example." (Demonstrate understanding of accessibility principles and user-centered design.)

  • "Describe your experience using AI tools in your design workflow. What benefits did it bring, and what were the limitations?" (Be prepared to discuss specific tools and your approach to integrating AI.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What appeals to you about M+C Saatchi Group's 'Brutal Simplicity of Thought' philosophy, and how do you see it influencing your design work?" (Research the agency's ethos and connect it to your own approach.)

  • "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers (e.g., strategists, developers)? Describe a successful cross-functional project." (Emphasize communication, empathy, and shared goals.)

  • "How do you stay updated on design trends, new technologies, and AI advancements?" (Showcase your proactive learning habits.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your strategic approach, the creative solution, and the outcome/impact.

  • Focus on "Why": Explain the reasoning behind your design decisions. Why this color palette? Why this typography? Why this layout?

  • Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Include sketches, wireframes, mood boards, or early concepts to illustrate your thinking and iteration process.

  • Highlight Tool Usage: Explicitly mention and, if possible, visually demonstrate your proficiency with Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and any AI tools used.

  • Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well and stays within any time limits. Be prepared for questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but also strategic thinking, collaborative ability, and an understanding of modern design workflows, including AI. The portfolio is a critical tool for illustrating these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Midweight Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided link.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in branding, campaigns, and digital design. Ensure each project clearly articulates the brief, your strategic approach, design process, and outcome. Include examples of your work with Figma and any AI-assisted workflows.

  • Tailor Your CV: Highlight your 3-5 years of relevant experience, proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, and any experience with AI tools, motion design, or accessibility. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on your strategic thinking, creative process, and ability to collaborate. Be ready to discuss your approach to design challenges and your understanding of the agency's philosophy.

  • Research M+C Saatchi Group: Understand their recent work, client roster, and company values. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and creative output.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have 3-5 years of experience in a design agency or in-house team with a strong portfolio. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma is essential, along with excellent typography and layout skills.