Job description
Graphic Designer | London
For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organisation, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.
Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others.
We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp. We are committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive society.
Role purpose
The Graphic Designer will play an essential role in delivering campaigns and execution of content, ensuring meticulous detail, quality and consistency of delivery across all channels. Working closely with Art Directors and Senior Art Directors, they will contribute to the creative development of campaign concepts and develop design solutions that translate the treatments across the required deliverables, including still and moving assets, audio-based projects and experiences. They will also be expected to lead on specifically assigned projects, taking them from conception to completion, under the mentorship of a Senior Art Director.
The role requires a strong understanding and experience of design for digital media. The role will focus on content creation for both product and editorial narratives, whilst also embracing the opportunity to respond to world and cultural events, and to resonate with our customer in a nuanced and meaningful way – driving our difference and brand values at all times. The role will involve working from concept through to final delivery across all digital and social channels, Aesop.com, email, paid media, and social platforms. A strong understanding of retail and eCommerce and how to effectively drive traffic through the stages of the customer journey is crucial, along with a strong aptitude for innovation and digital design trends, as we seek new ways to bring our ideas to life creatively through technology.
The role sits within the Creative team and will report to the Art Direction Lead. The Graphic Designer will work closely with Copy, Visual Merchandising and Finished Art teams to deliver assets to the highest standard and within the required timeframe. The role requires a collegial and diplomatic nature that builds strong relationships and is an ambassador of Aesop values both within the company and externally with our partners.
Role responsibilities include, but not limited to –
Deliver exceptional design that honours our aesthetic heritage across internal and external projects
Support development and delivery of campaigns, contributing conceptual thinking, production and design support
Lead on assigned projects and deliver them to an impeccable standard, ensuring they meet the defined KPI’s within the agreed timeframe and budget
Collaborate with the Finished Art team to ensure flawless delivery of all assets, recommending enhancements and efficiencies in the process
Collaborate with the digital team across content and ecommerce initiatives to drive aligned outcomes, including UX, module design and development across digital and social customer ecosystem
Collaborate with the social team to bring campaigns to life across all channels and progress our digital-first stance
Work closely with UX and Front-end Development to enhance Aesop.com e-commerce experience, focusing on mobile and responsive design, with future module and template creation
File preparation and management - ensure all work is filed and easily accessible as archives when required
Templates and Guidelines: Assist in the creation of digital templates, guidelines and specification documents, recommending enhancements and efficiencies
Work closely with Art Direction Lead, Senior Art Directors and Art Directors to chart objectives and creative ambitions for the team, supporting the continued quality of expression of the Aesop brand and driving innovation
Foster a positive work environment for your colleagues to flourish and remain engaged
Work closely with immediate manager and ensure they are kept informed of relevant developments
Develop and endorse Aesop’s culture and values
Develop a good understanding of the business and support annual objectives
This is a full time position operating with a hybrid working pattern.
What we are looking for
Open mindset and deep curiosity seeking to understand others, listen without judgement and act on diverse perspectives
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment
A bachelor’s degree (and preferably postgraduate studies or qualifications) with a major in one or more of the following fields: graphic design, visual communication, media and interaction design or equivalent experience
Strong portfolio with experience in digital design, preferably for a range of cultural and of commercial clients
Ability to clearly articulate design ideas and share them with the wider team in a concise and inspiring manner
Previous experience working across digital projects including, but not limited to: responsive experiences, e-commerce, email, CRM, social and digital in-store experiences
Strong understanding of UX and UI design and ability to prototype solutions in Figma, Adobe XD or other appropriate software
Solid working knowledge of video editing software and post-production process for motion
Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (CC) with an understanding of HTML/CSS and CMS systems
The ability to tailor communications to meet the needs of various audiences, across print and digital platforms, without compromising Aesop’s voice or spirit
An awareness of cultural sensitivities in the territories in which Aesop operates
The ability to manage multiple workflows and deliver within demanding deadlines
T he ability to collaborate effectively with art directors and other creatives, and a collaborative mindset in general
Conceptual, innovative, adventurous – while having an acute eye for detail and desire for quality
Passion for digital design and innovative technologies
Excellent organisation and project management skills
Exceptional visual, written and verbal communication.
What’s on offer
We take a holistic approach to employment, promoting professional development, career growth , employee wellbeing initiatives and encouraging deep connections with the local community through the Aesop Foundation, volunteering and matched giving programs. Employee benefits include -
Flexible, h ybrid working pattern
Generous product discount allowance and bi-annual complimentary product allocation
Paid volunteering allowance for all employees
Bonus opportunity based on personal, and business, performance
Suite of options to aid development, including complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning, in-house Product and Core skills training and study support opportunities
Access to employee assistance programmes, complimentary subscription to Headspace mindfulness app and summer hours options.
Please note, to be considered for this role, we kindly ask that you submit a sample of your creative work, either through a link or attached portfolio.
Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organisation. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.
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