At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the KITKAT Innovation team to create stunning designs and impactful marketing materials.
- Company: Nestlé, a global leader in confectionery R&D with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, gym facilities, and comprehensive support.
- Other info: Build your network and learn from experienced professionals in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in graphic design while working on exciting projects with a renowned brand.
- Qualifications: Studying Graphic Design or related degree; creativity and collaboration skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 26000 £ per year.
Scheme: Graphic Design Placement
Start date: 14th June 2027
Scheme duration: 12 months
Salary: £26,000 per annum pro rata + excellent benefits
Location: Nestlé Product Technology Centre, York
Work pattern: Full time, 5 days per week in the office
Joining this Graphic Design Placement Scheme will see you embark on an exciting 12-month journey working in our KITKAT Innovation team at our Nestlé Product Technology Centre Confectionery (NPTC). You will be a motivated and collaborative individual who will support all elements of design; from understanding consumers, to exploring new trends, to mapping out new and marvellous confectionery creations.
A little bit about us:
NPTC Confectionery, York is Nestlé's leading centre for confectionery Research & Development (R&D), working in partnership with 3 development centres in Chile, China, and Ivory Coast. In York we are a team of 170 amazing people from over 30 nationalities and a variety of academic backgrounds.
What will you do?
- We will support you to further develop your graphic design capabilities by providing varied experiences across a range of projects and briefs.
- You will work with the iconic brand KITKAT, bringing ideas to life with stunning visualisations via digital mock-ups and artworks.
- Acting as our content creator to design and edit internal marketing communications whilst getting hands on with prototyping; think print media, 3-D printing, and packaging.
- You will also design and deliver outstanding presentations, videos, and infographics, all whilst exploring new trends, understanding consumers, and contributing to idea generation in workshops.
What makes this graphic design placement scheme exciting?
- Hands-on experience: You’ll continue to expand on your Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro & After Effects) and MS Office 365 experience, working across a range of projects and briefs. Having an interest to explore the latest generative AI tools to complement your creative output is also key.
- Mentorship opportunities: Work alongside experienced professionals who will provide valuable insights and guidance to help you grow your capabilities.
- Impactful contributions: Bring your passion, curiosity, and creativity to turn your ideas into meaningful outcomes.
- Networking: Build lasting relationships with colleagues across a range of teams and locations, opening doors for collaborative opportunities.
What will you learn?
- Technical capabilities: Learn how to navigate the complexities of a fast-paced R&D environment, where your ideas and decisions will have impact, all whilst developing your graphic design skills further.
- Problem-solving: Utilise the skills you develop during the scheme to respond to challenges of varying types and scales, while identifying opportunities and implementing solutions for sustainable success.
- Adaptability: Embrace the opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams, cultures, and navigate different briefs and processes.
- Stakeholder management: Balance the needs of cross-functional stakeholders, honing your interpersonal skills and building your unique professional brand in the process.
- Continuous Learning: Gain firsthand experience of industry trends and external factors that influence Nestlé as you progress through the 12 months placement.
Our commitment to you:
- We will support you every step of the way, the following are just some of our offerings to enable you to thrive with us.
- Flexible working options
- Inclusive culture, join our variety of employee run networks!
- Comprehensive benefits
- Pastoral support
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Potential relocation support (£2,000)
- Gym facilities
- Prayer rooms
- Rewards and recognition
Eligibility requirements:
You will need to have the right to work in the UK that is not time-limited and does not require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route either at the start of the scheme or on completion. You will have graduated or be in your penultimate or final year of university studying towards a Graphic Design or related degree.
The recruitment journey:
Application closing date: 27th November 2026. After you click "apply" you’ll be prompted to answer a few questions to determine your eligibility for the scheme. You’ll also be asked to upload your CV and design portfolio; we can’t wait to see your creativity, experience and passion for graphic design!
Once you have completed this stage, we’ll let you know if you’ve been selected to attend an in-person assessment day at our York offices in January 2027. It may take us a little bit of time to get back to you; we really appreciate your patience.
Adjustments:
We recognise that each candidate has unique needs, and we are committed to ensuring an inclusive application process. You will have the opportunity to discuss any specific requirements or adjustments you may need as you navigate through our recruitment process.
We may occasionally close job advertisements early in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please don’t delay in submitting your application.
At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect for our employees, our customers and our consumers. That’s why championing diversity and inclusion is so important to us; when we embrace different perspectives and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our business. We are committed to equal opportunity for all and we may collect relevant data for monitoring purposes during our candidate registration process.
Graphic Design Placement (York, YN, GB, YO91 1XY) employer: Nestle UK and Ireland
Nespresso is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Nottingham that champions diversity and inclusion. With benefits like a complimentary Nespresso machine and a monthly allowance of capsules, employees enjoy a rewarding environment that fosters personal growth and development. Join us to be part of a brand synonymous with quality and innovation, where your contributions directly impact the customer experience and the success of our boutique.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graphic Design Placement (York, YN, GB, YO91 1XY)
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Join local graphic design meetups or online platforms like Behance and Dribbble. These communities are goldmines for networking and often share job openings and placement opportunities that aren't listed elsewhere.
✨Show Off Your Work!
Create a strong online portfolio showcasing your best design projects. Display your creativity and skills on platforms like your personal website or design-specific sites, making it easy for companies like Nestle UK and Ireland to see your potential.
✨Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Use Instagram and LinkedIn to share your designs and connect with industry professionals. Tag companies you're interested in, like Nestle UK and Ireland, and engage with their posts to get on their radar — make sure they see the unique style you bring!
✨Tap into University Resources
Don’t forget to check in with your university’s career services for advice and placement opportunities. They often have exclusive access to job openings and can help you connect with companies actively looking for fresh design talent.
We think you need these skills to ace Graphic Design Placement (York, YN, GB, YO91 1XY)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:As a graphic design placement applicant, having a killer portfolio is a must. Include a variety of your best work that showcases your skills, creativity, and versatility. Make sure to tailor your portfolio to highlight any specific projects relevant to Nestle UK and Ireland’s style or ethos.
Tailored CV with Design Skills:When crafting your CV, focus on design skills that align with the graphic design role. Mention software proficiencies (like Adobe Creative Suite) and any relevant courses you’ve taken. Remember to keep the layout visually appealing, reflecting your design sensibility.
Inject Your Personality into Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you want to work at Nestle UK and Ireland but also give a glimpse of your unique style and personality. Talk about what inspires you as a designer and how you’ve applied that in your previous projects or studies. Make it personal!
Research Nestle UK and Ireland’s Design Style:Before submitting your application, take some time to understand Nestle UK and Ireland’s brand and design aesthetic. Tailoring your application materials to reflect their style shows initiative and genuine interest, which can make a huge difference in a competitive placement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nestle UK and Ireland
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to have a polished portfolio that highlights your best graphic design work. Focus on pieces that not only display your creativity but also demonstrate your problem-solving skills, as this is key for graphic design placements. Prepare to discuss your design choices and the process behind each project!
✨Master the Tools of the Trade
Be ready to chat about your experience with design software like Adobe Creative Suite. Employers want to know you're comfortable with tools like Photoshop and Illustrator — they might even test your knowledge in a practical assessment. Brush up on quick tricks and shortcuts to show you're a pro!
✨Understand Design Principles
Expect some technical questions that gauge your understanding of design principles like colour theory, typography, and composition. We should be able to articulate how these principles influence our design decisions, so have some examples in mind to back you up when discussing your approach!
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As this is a placement role, the company will be looking for someone keen to learn and grow within the team. Be sure to convey your excitement about gaining real-world experience and how this opportunity aligns with your career goals. They want to know you’re ready to embrace every challenge that comes your way!