Creative & Design.

We are looking for a Senior Graphic Designer to join an established in-house creative team on a 12 month maternity cover contract. Senior Graphic Designer Salary: £38,000 - £40,000Location: ManchesterWorking Pattern: Hybrid, 3 days office / 2 days homeContract: 12 month FTCExperience: 7+ yearsDomain: Retail, fashion, consumer or digital brands The Role We are looking for a Senior Graphic Designer to join an established in-house creative team on a 12 month maternity cover contract. This is a hands-on role working across a portfolio of well-established outdoor and lifestyle brands, with a strong focus on consumer and retail campaigns. You will develop creative campaigns across omnichannel marketing, working closely with marketing and retail activation teams from concept through to delivery. The role is approximately 60% print and 40% digital, with no direct people management responsibility. Key Responsibilities Develop creative concepts and campaigns across print, digital, social, advertising and wider marketing channels. Take projects from initial concept through to final production. Create layouts, graphics and supporting campaign assets. Translate marketing briefs and business objectives into effective creative. Maintain brand consistency across all visual communications. Prepare artwork for print, digital, video and production. Collaborate with marketing and retail activation teams. Manage multiple projects and deadlines using Monday.com. Support video editing and campaign content using Premiere Pro. What We're Looking For 7+ years' graphic design experience, including senior-level experience. Strong portfolio demonstrating campaign design, branding, typography, layout and visual storytelling. Experience working with large brands, retail or digital businesses. Strong experience across both print and digital design. Advanced Adobe Creative Cloud skills, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Premiere Pro experience preferred, with After Effects advantageous. Strong conceptual thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines. Confident communicator who enjoys collaborating and sharing ideas. A background heavily focused on illustration is not required. The Team & Working Environment You will join a friendly, collaborative in-house design team where ideas are shared and designers work closely together across campaigns and day-to-day creative activity. The role is based in Manchester, with three days in the office and two from home. Tuesday and Wednesday are fixed office days. There is on-site parking, a tram stop approximately five minutes away and Fridays finish at 3pm. Interview Process Stage 1: Teams interview Stage 2: Face-to-face interview and a small creative campaign task As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff.Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.

We are looking for a talented Midweight Designer with packaging design experience to join a growing in-house creative team. Midweight Designer (£40k - £45k) Overview:This role offers the chance to work on a variety of projects, from packaging design for seasonal product launches to broader design tasks across digital and print channels. Key Responsibilities: Create high-quality packaging designs for a wide range of products, ensuring compliance with technical specifications such as box dimensions, materials, and production standards. Collaborate with the Senior Designer and other team members to deliver creative solutions that align with brand guidelines. Support the development of packaging-specific design principles and templates for future use. Assist with other design tasks during quieter periods, including retail store assets, email campaigns, website banners, and social media content. Work closely with internal teams, including buying, marketing, and suppliers, to ensure design projects meet business objectives. Requirements: Demonstrable experience in packaging design, with knowledge of technical requirements such as compliance, materials, and production processes. Strong design skills with a portfolio showcasing packaging work, ideally within retail or product-led industries. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; familiarity with project management tools such as Monday.com is a plus. Ability to work collaboratively in a team and communicate effectively with stakeholders. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to contribute to the development of the design function. Benefits: Competitive salary (£40k - £45k). Flexible working arrangements, including three days in the office and two days remote. Core working hours of 10am to 4pm, with flexibility to start early or finish late. Generous staff discount scheme. Opportunity to work in a collaborative environment and contribute to the growth of a new design department. These roles offer the chance to work on exciting projects and play a key part in building a new in-house design team. If you have the relevant experience and are looking for a fresh challenge, we would love to hear from you.   As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff.Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Designer with a strong background in packaging design to join a growing in-house creative team. Senior Designer (£50k - £55k) Overview:This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape a new design department, working on a diverse range of projects across packaging and broader design functions. Key Responsibilities: Lead the design team, managing two other designers (including one existing graphic designer and a new midweight hire). Oversee the creation of packaging designs for seasonal product launches, ensuring compliance with technical requirements such as box dimensions, materials, and production standards. Collaborate with internal teams, including buying, marketing, and suppliers, to deliver high-quality packaging that aligns with brand objectives. Develop and implement packaging-specific brand guidelines and design principles. Support broader design needs, including retail store assets, digital marketing materials, and social media content during quieter periods. Act as the key point of contact for design-related decisions, working closely with senior stakeholders and the board. Requirements: Proven experience in packaging design, including technical knowledge of compliance, materials, and production processes. Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and mentor a team. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; familiarity with project management tools such as Monday.com is a plus. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally across departments. A portfolio showcasing high-quality packaging design work, with a focus on retail or product-led designs. Benefits: Competitive salary (£50k - £55k). Flexible working arrangements, including three days in the office and two days remote. Core working hours of 10am to 4pm, with flexibility to start early or finish late. Generous staff discount scheme. Opportunity to build and shape a new design department, working closely with senior stakeholders in a collaborative environment.       As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff.Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.

Our client is a fast-growing fashion brand established in 2021, creating original, trend-led womenswear inspired by luxury fashion houses, whilst remaining accessible to a wider customer base. Senior Womenswear Designer Salary: £35,000 to £55,000+ depending on experienceLocation: ManchesterWorking Pattern: Hybrid, 4 days office / 1 day homeExperience: 4+ yearsDomain: Womenswear / Fashion About the Business Our client is a fast-growing fashion brand established in 2021, creating original, trend-led womenswear inspired by luxury fashion houses, whilst remaining accessible to a wider customer base. The brand has an in-house design team responsible for developing exclusive collections, with a strong focus on originality, attention to detail and commercial appeal. The Role We are looking for an experienced Senior Womenswear Designer to join an expanding creative team. Working closely with the Creative Director, Design and Production teams, you will play a key role in developing innovative, high-quality womenswear collections from initial concept through to launch. This role will suit a highly creative and commercially minded designer with strong technical knowledge, an excellent understanding of womenswear and the ability to work confidently in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Womenswear Design Work closely with the Creative Director and Design Team to conceptualise and deliver collections from concept through to launch. Design distinctive, on-brand womenswear across multiple product categories. Create highly creative, detail-oriented and commercially relevant designs. Contribute confidently to design direction meetings, bringing fresh ideas and newness to the team. Ensure all design work is delivered within agreed timescales. Technical Design & Development Collaborate with garment technologists and Product Development teams to create detailed technical design packs. Ensure garments meet high standards of quality and fit. Attend regular fit sessions, working closely with the technical team to communicate design vision and develop ranges. Apply strong technical knowledge across a wide variety of fabrics and construction methods. Use CAD illustration and technical packs to communicate designs effectively. Trend & Creative Direction Take ownership of trend direction across womenswear. Demonstrate strong knowledge of high fashion trends, underground street styles and wider cultural movements. Research and report on relevant trends and cultural influences to inform collections. Contribute fresh ideas and creative thinking throughout the design process. Develop print concepts and print designs where required. Collaboration Work collaboratively across the wider design environment whilst also being able to work independently. Build strong relationships with the Creative Director, Design, Production, Garment Technology and Product Development teams. Be proactive and reactive to changes within a fast-paced creative environment. Some international travel to factories and fabric shows may be required. Key Skills & Experience 4+ years' experience designing for a womenswear fashion brand. Excellent technical knowledge of womenswear design. Strong understanding of colour, fabric and garment construction. Confident with CAD illustration and technical packs. Strong knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Basic Excel knowledge. Strong understanding of high fashion trends, underground street styles and wider cultural movements. Experience in print design and print concept is preferable. Knowledge of knitwear is advantageous but not essential. Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills. Proactive, professional and flexible approach. Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider creative team. What's on Offer Salary of £35,000 to £55,000+ depending on experience. 10% annual bonus. 4 days in the office and 1 day working from home. Flexible working hours, including 8am to 5pm, 9am to 5pm or 10am to 6pm. Birthday day off. On-site parking. 30% staff discount. If you're an experienced womenswear designer with strong technical knowledge, a commercial mindset and a genuine passion for fashion, this is an opportunity to play a key role in the development of an expanding womenswear brand. As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff.Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.

We are working with a leading digital agency to appoint a Head of Design on a 12-month maternity cover contract, starting in December 2026. Head of Design Location: LeedsSalary: £55,000 to £65,000Contract: 12-month maternity coverWorking pattern: Hybrid, with a minimum of three days in the office The Opportunity This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced creative leader to take ownership of a multidisciplinary design function, shaping creative output across brand, digital, campaigns and performance marketing. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you will play a key role in setting creative direction, developing talent and ensuring consistently high standards across client projects. This is a strategic leadership position for someone who can bring together different creative disciplines, challenge thinking and deliver work that combines creativity with commercial impact. The Role Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary design team, driving creative excellence across brand, digital, campaigns, UX/UI, motion and performance creative. Set the creative vision and direction across a diverse portfolio of client projects, ensuring work is strategically aligned, distinctive and effective. Collaborate with senior stakeholders across digital, performance, activation and client services to deliver integrated creative solutions. Act as a senior creative partner to clients, presenting ideas, challenging briefs and building strong, trusted relationships. Support new business activity, contributing to pitches, proposals and the development of compelling creative concepts. Develop and mentor creative talent, fostering a collaborative culture that encourages innovation, accountability and continuous improvement. Oversee creative quality, ensuring work meets the highest standards from initial concept through to final delivery. Manage team capacity, resource allocation, budgets and utilisation to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and profitably. Champion new ideas, emerging trends and innovative approaches to creative problem-solving. About You Proven experience in a senior creative leadership role, such as Head of Design, Head of Creative, Design Director or Creative Director. Experience working within a digital, creative or integrated agency environment. A strong portfolio demonstrating creative direction across multiple disciplines, including brand, digital and campaign-led work. Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary creative teams, bringing together different skill sets to deliver outstanding work. Confident presenting creative concepts and strategic recommendations to senior clients and stakeholders. Strong commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets, resources, project delivery and team utilisation. The ability to balance creative ambition with client objectives, business priorities and measurable outcomes. A collaborative leadership style, with the confidence to challenge ideas, influence decision-making and raise creative standards. A broad understanding of digital design, UX/UI, performance creative and emerging creative technologies. What's on Offer? Salary of £55,000 to £65,000. A senior leadership position with genuine influence over creative direction and agency output. The opportunity to lead a talented, multidisciplinary creative team. Exposure to a varied portfolio of clients and projects across multiple creative disciplines. A collaborative working environment that values strategic thinking, innovation and creative excellence. Hybrid working, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. A 12-month maternity cover contract, starting in December 2026. This role would suit a commercially minded creative leader who combines strategic vision, strong people leadership and excellent creative judgement, and who enjoys bringing people together to deliver exceptional work.   As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff.Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.