Designer in High Wycombe

Full Time (37hrs per week) - Permanent - High Wycombe Campus & Hybrid

Salary - £33,951 - £37,694 per annum

At Buckinghamshire New University, we are challenging the higher education status quo. We are doing things differently because our students, our staff, and our world need us to. It’s an exciting moment to join us. We are boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible. Our Creative team is absolutely central to that mission.

We are looking for a brilliant designer with a sharp eye and great creative skills to produce standout designs for BNU. Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary, and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.

What We Offer:

• A generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• Training & development support opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme
• Discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• A range of staff discounts with major retailers

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you. For further information about this role please contact Bryan Marshe, Senior Creative Lead.

All applications are to be made in full and online. BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce.

Job Purpose:

To report into the Senior Creative Lead, executing the artistic vision for BNU, translating creative concepts into technically perfect, brand-aligned artwork. This role will ensure the new brand position is applied with precision and consistency across all channels, delivering high-quality production assets that enhance BNU’s reputation and support strategic objectives.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Be a self-starting, multifaceted designer.
• Make sure artwork is consistent, accurate, and adheres to any brand rules.
• Production & Execution: Creating assets, layouts, typography, and print-ready files based on existing brand guidelines.
• Support Roles: Assisting senior designers with research, mood boards, and preparing pitch/presentation materials.
• Learning & Collaboration: Actively seeking feedback, asking questions, and collaborating within a team.
• Basic Tasks: Handling smaller, less complex components of larger projects.
• Conceptualisation: Developing original design concepts from briefs and pushing creative boundaries.
• Project Autonomy: Managing multiple projects simultaneously, from concept through to final production, with less supervision.
• Client Management: Liaising with clients, attending meetings, and presenting work, often taking a more central role in project communication.
• Brand Guardianship: Ensuring high-quality, consistent work across all digital and print touchpoints.
• Trend Awareness: Keeping up-to-date with design trends, techniques, and technologies.
• Time Management: Meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced agency environment.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements in all working practices.
• Act as design guardian for the BNU brand.
• Provide fresh thinking, strong ideas and a high level of craftsmanship that answer client challenges in a uniquely creative way.
• Have a good understanding of the creative process.
• Organise and maintain design files and master assets as needed.
• Build strong working relationships with all key internal and external stakeholders.
• Take pride in crafting the finest detail.
• Be able to talk passionately and knowledgeably about your work.

Person Specification - Essential Criteria:

• Qualified to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
• Maths and English GCSE at grade 4 or above (or equivalent qualification).
• A strong portfolio showcasing creative work and, for advertising, campaign thinking.
• Extensive experience working as part of an integrated Communications and Marketing team.
• Experience in a similar role.
• Some understanding of higher education or a related field or sector.
• Expertise in creative tools and software, including Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant platforms.
• Strong understanding of layout, colour theory, typography, and composition.
• Understanding technical processes for print, web, video, and broadcast.
• Excellent spatial awareness and top-quality layout skills.

BEHAVIOURAL INDICATORS:

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all university staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the university. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:

• Delivering excellent service
• Achieving results
• Working together