Graphic Designer (middleweight) in London

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a talented and experienced graphic designer to work in our Creative Studio at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) based at London Zoo. We’re looking for a great middleweight designer to work on a range of design projects from marketing collateral to zoo exhibits and everything in between. You’ll be a natural problem-solver, highly creative, love sharing and exploring ideas and have an imaginative and curious mind. You’ll join a small but mighty creative team that believes in the power of storytelling to connect audiences, and you’ll help to deliver innovative design that delivers exactly that.

You’ll manage design projects from concept to installation, combining strong conceptual thinking with exceptional attention to detail. Beyond the zoos, you’ll support the wider organisation’s design needs, collaborating with multiple departments to bring conservation stories to life. You will gain hands-on training with our in-house large format printer, giving you the skills to deliver high-quality, on-demand signage under tight timelines.

You’ll need a graphic design degree or equivalent, to be a whizz with creative cloud applications, the confidence to drive projects forward and the ability to work to tight deadlines without compromising accuracy or attention to detail. You’ll have excellent communication skills and enjoy working in a busy office environment. This hybrid role requires attendance in the office at London at least 3 days per week.

The selection process will include completion of a set task and up to two in-person interviews.

• Visitor Experience Design: Designing the graphic elements of the visitor experience for both London and Whipsnade Zoos, by developing innovative and engaging environments, interactive exhibits and learning opportunities, ensuring ZSL leads the field in zoo interpretation.
• Project Design Delivery: Delivering the design for zoo projects from initial brief, through all stages of design to final artwork, production and installation.
• Capital Projects: Working on the graphic design for large-scale capital projects with budgets, as well as small-scale refreshes, and business-as-usual updates across the zoo.
• Cross-Departmental Development: Developing any graphic design outputs required by ZSL across a whole range of departments including marketing, press, communications, events, conservation, commercial and discovery and learning.
• Attention to Detail: Demonstrating meticulous attention to detail across all outputs, including typography, image selection, layout and final artwork.
• Material Selection, Sustainability & Durability: Selecting appropriate materials with a strong understanding of durability, sustainability, accessibility, and visitor use in an outdoor and high-traffic environment.

• A design degree or equivalent with substantial experience in a similar design role.
• An exciting portfolio demonstrating ability to develop strong concepts and see them through to final execution and delivery.
• Experience designing for a variety of different media, physical, digital, small format, large format.
• Confidence in commissioning external work and managing contractors from brief to installation.
• A willingness to learn and develop new practical skills, with training provided on our in-house large format printer.
• Ability to work on-site at both ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos as required, supporting projects throughout their development and particularly during installation.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

• Purpose driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.
• Pension scheme – we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays.