At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative designs for reusable bags, from concept to production-ready artwork.
- Company: Join Solent Group, a leader in bespoke product innovation with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, and extensive benefits including mental health support.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making a real impact in sustainable product design.
- Qualifications: Experience in graphic or product design, with strong skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags.
We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation.
Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis - we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category
Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary.
We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers.
You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK
Location
- Hybrid (2-3 days per week in Christchurch, Dorset)
- Purpose of Role
- The
- Creative
Designer: Reusable Bags is responsible for delivering high-quality, commercially relevant creative development across Solent's Reusable Bags category, supporting a broad portfolio of UK and international retail customers
This is a hands-on creative role covering the full design journey, from trend and market research through concept development, print and pattern design, customer presentations and production-ready artwork
Working closely with Creative, Product, Commercial and Technical teams, the role is responsible for translating customer briefs, consumer trends and commercial opportunities into compelling reusable bag concepts that are creative, relevant and achievable to manufacture
As a fixed-term maternity cover position, the individual will be expected to quickly develop a strong understanding of the category and confidently take ownership of the day-to-day creative workload across assigned Reusable Bags projects
Role Position Within the Team
This role sits within the wider Creative team and provides dedicated creative support to the Reusable Bags division
The Creative Studio Manager retains responsibility for overall studio management, creative resource and workflow priorities, while the Creative Designer takes ownership of the creative development and delivery of assigned Reusable Bags projects
The role works closely with Product, Commercial and Technical colleagues throughout the development process, ensuring creative thinking is balanced with customer requirements, commercial opportunity and manufacturing considerations
This position requires a high level of independence and ownership but does not carry formal people-management responsibility
Key Responsibilities & Expectations
- Trend, Market & Creative Research
- Research and interpret emerging consumer, retail, fashion, lifestyle, print and pattern trends relevant to the Reusable Bags category
- Maintain awareness of competitor activity and wider developments within the retail and reusable bag market
- Use relevant trend, market and consumer insight to inform creative concepts and range direction
- Contribute creative thinking and new ideas that help strengthen the category and identify future opportunities
- Creative & Product Development
- Develop original 2D product concepts, print, pattern, typography and graphic designs for reusable bag ranges
- Translate customer briefs, brand requirements and commercial opportunities into compelling and well-considered creative solutions
- Develop multiple creative routes where appropriate and clearly communicate the thinking behind design recommendations
- Work within customer, brand and licensing guidelines while maintaining a high standard of creativity and originality
- Balance creative ambition with commercial relevance and manufacturing feasibility
- Customer & Commercial Support
- Create clear and visually engaging presentations for customer meetings, range reviews, new business pitches and internal presentations
- Work closely with Product and Commercial teams to develop creative solutions that respond effectively to customer requirements
- Attend relevant internal and external meetings and contribute confidently to creative and product discussions
- Present creative concepts and design rationale clearly and confidently where required
- Respond constructively to customer and stakeholder feedback while maintaining the quality and integrity of the final design
- Artwork, Production & Approvals
- Progress approved concepts through to accurate production-ready artwork
- Apply a strong understanding of print, colour, pattern placement and production requirements throughout the design process
- Work collaboratively with Product, Technical, suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure designs can be successfully translated into production
- Review samples, proofs and artwork as required and identify potential creative or production issues
- Support the product approval process to ensure accurate, consistent and well-designed products are delivered to the required standard
- Maintain organised and accurate design files, artwork and associated creative assets
- Project & Workflow Management
- Take ownership of assigned projects from initial brief through creative development, approval and final artwork delivery
- Manage multiple projects and competing deadlines, prioritising workload according to agreed customer and business requirements
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date project information within the agreed Creative workflow and project-management systems
- Proactively communicate progress, changing priorities, workload pressures and potential delivery risks
- Work efficiently and independently while seeking input or escalation where appropriate
- Ensure agreed Creative processes and ways of working are consistently followed
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Build strong working relationships across Creative, Product, Commercial, Technical and other relevant teams
- Work collaboratively throughout the product development process to resolve creative, technical and commercial challenges
- Contribute positively to wider Creative team discussions, inspiration and knowledge sharing
- Support a joined-up approach to delivering high-quality products for customers
- Sustainability & Innovation
- Maintain an active interest in sustainability, materials, manufacturing techniques and innovation relevant to reusable products
- Consider environmental impact alongside creative, commercial and manufacturing requirements during product development
- Identify opportunities to introduce new creative approaches, techniques or ideas into the category
- Key Relationships
Internal
Creative Studio Manager, Head of Marketing & Creative, Creative Team, Product Development, Commercial, Technical, Buying and Supply Chain teams
External
Customers, suppliers, manufacturing partners and licensing partners where required
Skills, Experience & Competencies
Essential
- Professional experience within graphic, product, print, pattern, packaging or textile design
- Strong portfolio demonstrating excellent print, pattern, colour and composition skills
- Advanced working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Experience developing creative work from initial concept through to production-ready artwork
- Good understanding of commercial print processes and preparing artwork for manufacture
- Strong creative thinking with the ability to interpret briefs and develop considered design solutions
- Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple live projects
- Experience working within brand guidelines and customer requirements
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong communication skills and the confidence to explain creative ideas and design rationale
Desirable
- Previous experience within reusable bags, textiles, fashion accessories, retail, FMCG or gifting
- Experience developing products for major UK or international retailers
- Experience working with overseas suppliers or manufacturing partners
- Experience working with licensed brands, style guides and licensed assets
- Illustration skills
- Wider Adobe Creative Suite knowledge
- Understanding of textile, bag or associated product manufacturing processes
- Ways of Working & Behaviours
- Creative, curious and trend-aware
- Commercially minded and customer-focused
- Proactive and comfortable taking ownership
- Collaborative and responsive to feedback
- Highly organised with strong prioritisation skills
- Detail-oriented and committed to delivering high-quality work
- Confident communicating progress, ideas and potential issues
- Adaptable and comfortable working within a fast-paced environment
- Positive team player who contributes constructively to the wider Creative team
- Success in Role Will Be Measured By
- Quality, creativity and commercial relevance of Reusable Bags design output
- Effective ownership and timely delivery of assigned creative projects
- Accuracy and quality of artwork through development and production
- Ability to effectively translate trend, customer and commercial insight into compelling product concepts
- Effective management of workload, deadlines and project information
- Strength of collaboration and communication across Creative and wider cross‑functional teams
- Ability to operate independently and reliably within the Reusable Bags category
What we offer
- Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
- 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
- Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
- Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff with an office presence ideally once a week
- Great learning and development and progression opportunities
- Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Generous Company Sick Pay
- Pension Scheme Contribution
- Annual social events
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free parking on Christchurch Quay
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Creativer Designer: Reusable Bags (Ftc Maternity Cover) in Christchurch employer: Solent Group
Join a dynamic and innovative company that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a competitive salary and extensive benefits including flexible working hours and a supportive work culture. As a B2B Sales Manager in the FMCG sector, you will lead a high-performing team while enjoying opportunities for professional development and a collaborative environment that values accountability and customer service. With a focus on achieving ambitious sales targets, you'll be part of a thriving organisation that rewards success and fosters a strong sense of community through social events and comprehensive support programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Creativer Designer: Reusable Bags (Ftc Maternity Cover) in Christchurch
✨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 Solent Group.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Solent Group, 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 Creativer Designer: Reusable Bags (Ftc Maternity Cover) in Christchurch
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 Solent Group 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 Solent Group.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Solent Group. 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 Solent Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Group
✨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 Solent Group. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
