At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative digital designs for high-end advertising projects and impactful presentations.
- Company: Join the Guardian, a diverse and inclusive global organisation committed to fearless journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, private healthcare, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making a real impact in the media industry.
- Qualifications: Proven design experience and expertise in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.
We are now looking for a Digital Designer to join the Advertising team and design for high end rich media and native advertising projects and impactful pitch concepts and presentations. This role is a 12 month fixed term contract.
About the role
- Creative Execution & Format Delivery: Generate innovative, engaging, and responsive branded design solutions across native and general display formats, optimised for seamless delivery across all digital platforms.
- Figma Template & Spec Maintenance: Design, build, and maintain Digital Ad Production (DAP) formats and templates (e.g., native ad and shoppable formats) and maintain client-facing build guides and format specification documents within Figma.
- Format Innovation & Optimisation: Analyse and improve the behaviour and functionality of existing advertising formats, playing a key role in innovating new creative formats.
- Multimedia & Motion Graphics Support: Experience with Adobe After Effects to provide flexible support for the Advertising Multimedia team as required is highly preferential (e.g., assisting with bespoke motion graphics, updating templates, and scaling assets across different titles).
About you
- Proven Design Experience: Demonstrated commercial experience in a digital design role, or a qualification in Graphic Design, digital media, or equivalent professional certifications (e.g., UX/UI, Motion Design, etc), backed by an exceptional eye for layout, typography, and visual storytelling.
- Figma Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Figma for digital design, UI layout, prototyping, and component/template maintenance.
- Adobe Creative Suite: Solid working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro and After Effects (preferred) for artwork and asset production.
We actively encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media. We operate in a hybrid environment working 3 days a week from our offices in Kings Cross, London and 2 days a week remotely.
Benefits
- You’ll have 30 days of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days.
- Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age).
- We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving.
- Season ticket loans are also available.
- You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests.
- You can also opt in to dental insurance.
- We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place.
- We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss and trans equality policy.
The closing date for applications is 6pm, Friday 5th June 2026. All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply.
Digital Designer — Native & Display Ads (12‑Month) employer: GUARDIAN NEWS AND MEDIA
At the Guardian, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity and inclusivity within a dynamic and innovative work environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes, generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave, and a supportive culture that values every voice. Join us in Kings Cross, London, where you can contribute to impactful journalism while enjoying a flexible hybrid working model and a range of unique employee support initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Designer — Native & Display Ads (12‑Month)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially projects that highlight your skills in digital design and Figma. We want to see your creativity shine through, so include a variety of formats and styles.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Guardian on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the team and culture, plus it might just help us remember your name when we see your application!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common design questions and showcasing your problem-solving skills. We love candidates who can think on their feet, so be ready to discuss how you’d tackle real-world design challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our diverse and inclusive team at the Guardian.
We think you need these skills to ace Digital Designer — Native & Display Ads (12‑Month)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:When you're putting together your application, make sure to showcase your best design work. Include a portfolio that highlights your experience with digital design, especially in native and display ads. We want to see your creativity and how you approach visual storytelling!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send the same application everywhere! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight your Figma expertise and any experience with Adobe Creative Suite. We love seeing candidates who take the extra step to connect their skills with what we’re looking for.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value diversity and want to know who you are beyond your skills. Share your passion for design and why you want to join our team at the Guardian. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at GUARDIAN NEWS AND MEDIA
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Make sure you're well-versed in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects. Bring examples of your work that showcase your design prowess, especially in digital formats.
✨Showcase Your Creative Process
Prepare to talk about your design process from concept to execution. Be ready to explain how you generate innovative ideas and optimise existing formats. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively, which is key for a Digital Designer role.
✨Understand the Brand and Its Audience
Research the Guardian's brand identity and its audience. Think about how your design work can align with their values and mission. Being able to articulate how your designs can enhance their storytelling will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about multimedia and motion graphics, especially if you have experience with Adobe After Effects. Prepare to discuss how you've used motion graphics in your previous roles and how they can enhance advertising projects.
