At a Glance
- Tasks: Create eye-catching visuals that enhance the IKEA shopping experience and tell engaging stories.
- Company: Join the creative team at IKEA Southampton, known for its innovative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 15% discount, free meals, and great retirement savings options.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive environment that values diversity.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for design with strategy to inspire customers every day.
- Qualifications: Education or experience in graphic design, plus proficiency in Adobe software.
The predicted salary is between 29200 - 29200 £ per year.
IKEA Southampton are looking to welcome a Graphic Communications Assistant to join our passionate and creative team. As a Graphic Communications Assistant at IKEA, you’ll turn everyday signage into eye‑catching storytelling — designing visuals that guide, inspire, and make people smile as they shop. You’ll mix creativity with strategy, using colour, typography, and layout to bring the IKEA brand to life across the store. If you’ve got a sharp eye, a love for design, and a knack for making complex things look simple, this role is for you.
WHAT WE OFFER
- The start date can be discussed at interview.
- Starting salary of £29,200 per annum, based on competence and experience, which can be discussed at interview.
- Full‑time, 39 hours a week working 5 days out of 7.
- Ordinary shifts will be between Monday to Friday, however, flexibility to work ad hoc shifts at the weekend to meet business needs is required.
- We can discuss flexibility to match your life and our business needs during the interview.
WORKING WITH US HAS ITS REWARDS
Our co‑workers bring unique ideas and talent to work every day, and we offer a variety of benefits that suit their and their family's everyday needs:
- 15% IKEA discount & discount portal helping you save £100’s on high‑street retailers.
- Life Assurance of 4 times your pay, enhanced statutory pension contributions & interest free loans.
- Free healthy meal option, salad bar, fruit, and hot/cold drinks.
- TACK - Swedish for “Thank you” is a program that contributes to your retirement savings after you have completed 5 years of service.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO HAVE
- Education in graphic communication design, media and/or typography, or relevant experience.
- Computer proficient with knowledge and experience of using graphic design software (Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and production tools.
- You are excited about home furnishings, design and how people live, and have the ability to generate new ideas to inspire our customers.
- Proven ability to prioritise and organise your workload in order to make the most efficient use of available time and meet agreed goals and deadlines.
- Clear communication with the ability to explain concepts verbally and with visual interpretation.
- You have a practical hands‑on approach, feeling at ease working with various hand tools and comfortable working at heights.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING DAY TO DAY
- Use graphic communication competence to strengthen the uniqueness and consistency of the IKEA identity in store communication by applying the principles of IKEA visual and verbal identity, agree and action plans in close co‑operation with stakeholders.
- Plan, implement and evaluate store communication to ensure that it conveys the benefits of the IKEA Concept as well as completes and enhances range presentation by using proven solutions, best practices, guidelines and national directions.
- Respect routines and responsibilities, work together with the stakeholders in the store, act quickly to capitalise on commercial opportunities and understand the impact of your actions on the financial results.
- Secure visual balance and consistency, quality and simplicity, cost‑efficiency and sustainability in producing and implementing store communication.
- Stay up to date with knowledge about home furnishing, communication and retail design trends to follow creative directions that inspire and surprise store visitors through the IKEA visual and verbal identity.
WE CARE FOR THE PEOPLE
It takes the diversity of thought, background, and culture to make great ideas a reality. We welcome candidates from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, to join us, and feel valued in the workplace. Come see the wonderful workday where we create a better everyday life for the many.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS INFORMATION
Let us know if you require any adjustments to be made during the interview process as soon as possible. Please attach an updated CV, Cover Letter and Portfolio with your application so we can get to know you better. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in‑person interview in‑store. We understand not everyone will be successful, but we promise to keep you informed either way. For any advice or support, email Recruiter ari.davies-ho4@Ingka.ikea.com and I will be happy to help!
Graphic Communications Assistant in Southampton employer: IKEA
IKEA Southampton is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. As a Graphic Communications Assistant, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits including a 15% discount, life assurance, and opportunities for personal growth within a supportive team. With a commitment to diversity and employee well-being, IKEA offers a unique environment that inspires you to turn your design passion into impactful storytelling for customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graphic Communications Assistant in Southampton
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.
✨Get Involved in Design Meetups
Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like IKEA.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like IKEA, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in landing your dream design job! Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with accounts from your desired companies—this could put you on their radar before they start hiring.
We think you need these skills to ace Graphic Communications Assistant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work IKEA does, so they can see you in action.
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at IKEA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at IKEA. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at IKEA.
How to prepare for a job interview at IKEA
✨Get Your Portfolio Ready
Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.
✨Passion Counts
For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to IKEA. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
