At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging designs for client presentations and tenders while collaborating with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Howden, a forward-thinking insurance company that values creativity and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, hybrid working options, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities available for aspiring designers to develop their skills.
- Why this job: Be part of a people-first culture that encourages creativity and innovation in design.
- Qualifications: Strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite and a passion for visual storytelling are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. Our people are our biggest asset as well as our largest shareholder group and are everything that makes us unique; our inclusive culture, the quality service we offer our clients, and our continued growth, all come from our people-first approach.
Are you a creative with a passion for design? Join our team of dynamic Bid Designers and play a pivotal role in shaping high quality, client facing tender responses and client presentations. Reporting to the Senior Designer, you will use your creativity and showcase your technical expertise to elevate the team’s output by making the look and feel engaging and visually compelling.
Collaborate closely with Design Team colleagues, the Group Creative Studio and our Bid Managers on visual materials that align with Howden’s global brand, growth aspirations and effectively communicate key messages.
- Creative Design & Production
- Apply your strong understanding of branding, typography, layout, and data visualisation skills, to create compelling designs across a range of formats.
- Assist in the development and execution of creative, engaging and visually cohesive concepts for tenders and proposals.
- Understanding of visual storytelling via the application of brand assets whilst remaining within the brand framework.
- Collaborate with Bid Managers and other stakeholders to tailor design solutions to specific business needs.
- Build an exceedingly strong rapport with our Group Creative Studio team to share knowledge and participate in output review workshops.
- Ensure all design concepts adhere to Howden’s brand guidelines.
- Contribute to design concept sessions, offering fresh ideas and creative solutions to complex problems.
- Help the Design Team to deliver change projects such as template roll outs.
- Help to develop design apprentices and juniors by mentoring, coaching and supporting.
- Prepare and format documents for both digital and print distribution.
- Liaise with external print providers to ensure quality production of printed materials.
- Take full responsibility for design proofreading and refining layouts before final submission.
- Stay updated on industry trends and competitor design capabilities.
- Assist in identifying new creative tools and solutions that differentiate Howden’s tender responses.
- Work closely with various teams to align design concepts with client objectives.
- Strong skills in editing images, creating diagrams, charts, and tables to enhance presentations.
- Accomplished in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat.
- Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities and creative briefs.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Howden we value diversity - there is no one Howden ‘personality type’. We consider our people our chief competitive advantage and as such we treat colleagues, candidates, clients, and business partners with equality, fairness, and respect – regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or family circumstances.
We’re committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours or hybrid working.
If you’re excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.
Our governance processes, company policies, and review systems are all geared towards our goal of making a positive impact in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Designer in London
✨Join Design Communities
Get involved in online platforms like Behance or Dribbble, where designers showcase their work. These communities often have job boards or contests that can help you land that entry-level graphic design gig we’re all after!
✨Attend Local Design Meetups
Check out local design meetups or workshops in your area. They’re fantastic for networking, and who knows? You might meet someone from Howden looking for fresh talent like you to join their team!
✨Build Your Portfolio
We can't stress this enough—having a strong portfolio is key! Even if you lack professional experience, use class projects or personal work to showcase your skills. Make sure to include it in your application when you apply at Howden.
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to send your application directly through our website! It shows you’re proactive and really interested in the position. Plus, it helps us keep track of applicants much more efficiently!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Designer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure to showcase your best work, including any projects from school or personal endeavours. We want to see your creativity in action, so highlight different styles and techniques that represent your unique flair.
Tailor Your CV for Design Roles:When you're putting together your CV, lean into the graphic design lingo. List relevant skills like software proficiency (think Adobe Creative Suite) and any design techniques you're familiar with. Since it's entry-level, don’t sweat too much about experience – showcase your passion for design instead!
Craft a Design-Savvy Cover Letter:Your cover letter shouldn't just be text on a page; it’s your chance to show your design skills! Use layout and typography to create something eye-catching while keeping it professional. Talk about why you're interested in Howden and the role of Graduate Designer – we love seeing enthusiasm!
Be Ready to Discuss Your Design Process:In addition to your written application, be prepared to discuss your design process in interviews. Whether it's how you come up with ideas or the steps you take to finalise a project, being able to articulate your approach impressively shows your depth as a designer and will set you apart!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a slick, well-organised portfolio showcasing your best graphic design work. Include a variety of projects that highlight different skills—think branding, digital design, and print. Be ready to discuss your creative process and the tools you used, like Adobe Creative Suite.
✨Know Your Design Principles
Brush up on fundamental design principles like typography, colour theory, and composition. You might get asked about how these concepts influence your work or even face some design-based challenges. Keep it fresh, and be prepared to chat about why you made certain creative choices in your projects.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As it’s an entry-level role, emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow. Talk about any relevant coursework, internships, or personal projects you've taken on that reflect your passion and adaptability in a fast-evolving field like graphic design. This will resonate with Howden as they look for fresh talent with potential.
✨Prepare for Feedback Questions
Expect questions about how you handle feedback—it's a big part of design work. Be ready to share specific examples of when you received constructive criticism on your designs and how you implemented it to improve your work. This shows that you're open to collaboration and iteration, which is key in graphic design.
