At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop unique giftware and homeware collections from concept to final artwork.
- Company: Join WIDDOP and Co., a leading UK giftware supplier with a creative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy great benefits, hybrid work, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and diverse project involvement.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team creating trend-driven products for a global market.
- Qualifications: Strong design skills, proficiency in design software, and experience with licensed products.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
WIDDOP and Co. is one of the UK’s leading giftware suppliers known for bespoke design and innovative product development across categories such as photo frames, figurines, clocks, and stationery. Over 90% of its 8,000+ products are exclusively designed in-house, following market trends to ensure unique, affordable, and contemporary ranges. The company manages a strong portfolio of original brands, including Amore wedding gifts, Bambino baby gifts, and homeware brand Wm Widdop, alongside collaborations with major licensors such as Disney, Warner Brothers, Paramount, and Hasbro. WIDDOP and Co. is recognized for multi-award-winning customer service, supplying retailers across the UK, Ireland, and over 60 countries worldwide through showrooms in North Manchester and a dedicated sales force.
As we grow our sales in other countries and in particular on licensed products, we are looking for both a Designer and Senior Designer to join our amazing team. In these roles, you will contribute to the design and development of giftware and homeware collections, from concept to final artwork, aligned with brand identities and market trends. You will research consumer and design trends, generate mood boards, create sketches, and develop digital designs that translate into commercially viable products across multiple categories.
Day to day, you will collaborate with product development, buying, and sales teams to refine concepts, prepare technical specifications, and ensure designs meet cost, quality, and licensor guidelines. You will participate in presentations, contribute to brand and range development, and support the creation of packaging, POS, and marketing visuals as needed. This is a hybrid role based in the Manchester Area, United Kingdom, with a mix of on-site collaboration in the North Manchester showrooms and some work from home along with opportunities to travel to our offices, tradeshows and factories in Asia, Europe and the USA.
Qualifications
- Strong product and graphic design skills for giftware, homeware, or related consumer products, with the ability to translate trends into commercially focused designs.
- Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and confidence working from concept through to production-ready artwork.
- Experience in trend research, mood boarding, and concept development, ideally within branded or licensed product environments.
- Experience working on licensed products and the ability to interpret and apply brand and licensor guidelines, working accurately within technical and commercial constraints.
- Excellent attention to detail, layout, and typography, with strong skills in preparing artwork for print and manufacturing.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills, able to work closely with cross-functional teams and present design concepts clearly to factories and staff in non-creative departments.
- Strong organizational skills, able to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, seasonal product cycle.
- Relevant design qualifications and an openness to using technology, including AI, to support great product development.
This is an amazing pair of opportunities to work in an innovative, growing international team on some of the greatest gift and homeware brands in the industry. These roles come with great benefits and will provide an incredible platform for talented, willing and enthusiastic designers to achieve incredible experience across many categories.
Locations
Designer and Senior Designer in Cheshire, Warrington employer: WIDDOP and Co.
WIDDOP and Co. is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the heart of North Manchester. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides opportunities for designers to work on diverse, trend-driven collections while collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging in international travel. The hybrid work model, combined with competitive benefits and the chance to contribute to award-winning brands, makes WIDDOP and Co. a truly rewarding place for talented professionals seeking meaningful careers in design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer and Senior Designer in Cheshire, Warrington
✨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 WIDDOP and Co..
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like WIDDOP and Co., 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 Designer and Senior Designer in Cheshire, Warrington
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 WIDDOP and Co. 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 WIDDOP and Co..
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at WIDDOP and Co.. 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 WIDDOP and Co..
How to prepare for a job interview at WIDDOP and Co.
✨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 WIDDOP and Co.. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
