At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative campaigns and shape our visual identity while mentoring junior designers.
- Company: Join Manchester Metropolitan University's award-winning in-house Creative Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and commitment to inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact with your design skills in a collaborative and innovative setting.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in graphic design, strong portfolio, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 35750 £ per year.
Are you an experienced designer with a passion for designing impactful creative campaigns, building brands and developing designers? We're looking for a talented and ambitious Senior Graphic Designer to join our growing Design team. As one of the key creative leads within the Creative Services team you'll play an integral role in shaping and evolving our visual identity and delivering high-profile, strategic creative marketing campaigns (as well as getting stuck in on the day-to-day).
You'll build strong relationships, support the Design Manager in leading our creative direction, champion best practice, and support the development of other designers within the team. You'll bring conceptual thinking, design expertise, strong project management skills and the confidence to challenge, influence and inspire.
You'll have extensive experience using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and After Effects), a strong understanding of both print and digital design, and a proven track record of delivering high-quality creative solutions in a fast-paced agency or in-house environment.
About You- Experience working as a Senior/Lead Designer in a fast-paced agency or in-house team, managing multiple projects and deadlines
- A strong portfolio showcasing your creative thinking and exceptional design work for integrated marketing campaigns
- Experience acting as a brand guardian, delivering consistent and impactful creative
- Excellent understanding of design for both print (including large format and publications) and digital channels (social media, web, email and digital advertising)
- Solid skills in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and After Effects)
- Confident presenting your ideas and providing constructive feedback to colleagues and stakeholders
- Experience mentoring, coaching or supporting the development of more junior designers with excellent collaboration and communication skills
- Commercial awareness and a genuine passion for design, creativity and emerging industry trends
- Bonus if you have experience working in thebrief.ai (Creatopy), Miro, Jira or Float or designing to public sector accessibility standards
- Excellent work-life balance
- Competitive annual leave, plus discretionary Christmas closure
- Generous pension scheme
- Hybrid working (2 days a week on-site at our All Saints Campus)
- A supportive, collaborative and creative environment
- Be part of an ambitious in-house Creative Services team creating award-winning work for the Modern University of the Year 2026
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.
Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.
Senior Graphic Designer in Manchester employer: Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment for students, providing flexible shifts that fit around academic commitments. As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll gain valuable experience in a dynamic catering setting while enjoying opportunities for personal growth and development. Join a supportive team that values your contributions and fosters a sense of community on campus.
Contact Details:
Manchester Metropolitan University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Graphic Designer in Manchester
✨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 Manchester Metropolitan University.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Manchester Metropolitan University, 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 Senior Graphic Designer in Manchester
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 Manchester Metropolitan University 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 Manchester Metropolitan University.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Manchester Metropolitan University. 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 Manchester Metropolitan University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Metropolitan University
✨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 Manchester Metropolitan University. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
