Lead Designer, Financial Services

Review: Experienced Graphic Designer at a Leading UK Employee-Owned Business

This job description presents an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Graphic Designer to join one of the UK's most cherished and largest employee-owned businesses. If you're looking to elevate your creative impact within a dynamic and supportive environment, this role merits your close attention.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Broad Creative Scope & Impact: This isn't just a design role; it's a chance to be a true brand guardian. You'll lead creative projects, develop award-winning concepts, and deliver across a full spectrum of omni-channel touchpoints – from brand campaigns to direct response. The promise of "no two days will be the same" truly stands out, indicating a diverse and stimulating workload.
• Competitive Compensation: With a listed pay range of £48,000 to £76,000 annually (up to £65,000 depending on experience for the specific role), this position offers attractive remuneration for the right candidate.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working Model: The Partnership embraces a modern hybrid working approach, allowing a blend of office and home-based work. The team aims for approximately one day a week in the office for connection, with ad-hoc visits for key meetings. This commitment to work-life balance is a significant draw, and they are open to discussing further flexible arrangements.
• Unique Partnership Culture: As the UK's largest employee-owned business, you won't just be an employee; you'll be a Partner. This unique model means you share in the responsibilities and rewards, contributing your voice to the company's success and fostering a truly collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to thrive.
• Leadership and Mentorship Opportunities: Beyond your individual creative output, you'll support junior team members, guiding them on brand application and fostering their growth. This adds a valuable leadership dimension to the role.
• Prestigious Industry Experience: The role offers valuable exposure to financial services marketing and communications within a prominent retail context, enhancing your specialist portfolio.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Fixed-Term Contract: It's important to note that this position is offered as a secondment/fixed-term contract for 6 months. Candidates should assess how this aligns with their long-term career aspirations. While it offers an excellent opportunity for short-term engagement and experience with a leading brand, it's not a permanent role.
• Regulatory Compliance Focus: A critical aspect of this role is ensuring all creative work meets Financial Promotions regulatory, legal, and compliance standards. Candidates must possess a sound understanding of these principles and be adept at creating clear, fair, and non-misleading communications. Experience in financial services marketing is essential.
• High Standards & Performance: The description emphasizes aiming for "award-winning design solutions" and requiring "best in class design skills." This indicates a high-performance environment where excellence and innovation are expected.
• London Central Office Presence: While hybrid, the role is based out of the London Central Office, requiring occasional in-person attendance for team connection and key meetings. Candidates should factor in commuting convenience.
• Pre-employment Vetting: Some roles within the Partnership are subject to pre-employment vetting, which may include DBS and financial probity checks. Candidates should be prepared for this as part of the recruitment process.

Who Should Apply:

This role is ideal for a highly experienced and innovative Graphic Designer with a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional brand and direct response campaigns. You should be a collaborative team player, comfortable making strong creative decisions, and passionate about brand guardianship. A critical requirement is demonstrable experience in financial services marketing and a solid grasp of regulatory compliance in creative output. If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact environment and are looking for a unique opportunity to contribute to an employee-owned business, this could be your next significant career step.

We encourage qualified candidates to apply promptly, as vacancies can close early due to high applicant volumes.