Portland is a global communications consultancy trusted by some of the highest profile organisations, governments, and individuals in the world with offices in London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Washington D.C., Singapore, Doha and Nairobi.

The work that we do is exciting, challenging and genuinely interesting. We design and deliver communications strategies for some of the world’s highest profile organizations, governments, individuals and some of the most exciting, purpose-led corporations and philanthropic organisations, across a range of sectors including health, government advisory, digital and crisis comms.

We are pioneers in integrated communications campaigns that help clients manage their reputation, improve their visibility and media coverage – and deliver global communications campaigns across multiple platforms.

Our teams of experienced and multilingual consultants invest time to understand clients from the inside out, work with them to set clear strategic direction, and then bring the whole of Portland’s abilities to bear to deliver their objectives.

At Portland we never rest on our laurels; we constantly strive to improve our work and be at the forefront of the industry.

Portland’s Creative team draws together design, brand strategy, web development, data visualisation and film & video production. Our integrated team supports clients across Portland, producing content and collateral for public affairs, communications and stakeholder campaigns.

The role

Portland is looking for a talented Design Consultant to join our existing team of designers in the Creative team. Motivated by adding visible value, the candidate will work across all areas of the business to help account teams deliver award winning creative.

This role requires an integrated Designer with over five years of experience, who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and has strong leadership experience.

The Digital Designer will be responsible for the quality, creativity and delivery of projects throughout the business.

In this role, the fullest understanding of graphic design, typography, digital interfaces and content creation is as essential as the experience to execute projects of all sizes – from innovative content for social media, to full-scale advertising campaign creative development.

The ideal candidate will be independent and self-guided, with experience in three or more design disciplines – e.g. branding, editorial, web design, interaction design, etc. A natural with clients and speaks convincingly about every project to different stakeholders.

This candidate would report directly to our Lead and Design Director.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Ability to quickly understand, analyse and respond to client briefs
• Work with specialists to develop and deliver unique creative concepts
• Creativity of output (innovation and aesthetics)
• Liaise with clients and account teams – providing account teams with creative ideas, technical suggestions and indicative costs to support a campaign
• Ability to multi-task, meet tight deadlines, and adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment
• Look after Portland’s brand, keeping brand guidelines up to date, design of marketing collateral and support with design assets for new business proposals
• Oversee design projects, from the initial concept phases to delivery
• Support with the design and moderation of creative workshops
• Developing, articulating and negotiating ideas supporting the seniors/managers to produce exceptional work for the company
• Conduct competitor’s analysis and brand recommendations
• Effectively communicate research findings, conceptual ideas, detailed design and design rationale both verbally and visually
• Staying on track with emerging design trends, innovation and culture
• Promote the value of design and creativity across the business
• Mentor and coach junior members of the team
• Delegate tasks and provide support for less senior members of the team - providing creative input and feedback on the on-going projects

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• An outstanding online portfolio of work showcasing your experience in one or more design disciplines – e.g. branding, editorial, digital, web design, illustration, etc.
• Strong background in design and an excellent eye for details
• Strong knowledge of design process and project management
• Exceptional knowledge and proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, Figma
• Understanding of emerging web standards, plus proven web experience and architecture knowledge
• Ability to multi-task, meet tight deadlines, and adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment
• Knowledge of UX strategy and processes
• Understanding and knowledge of design requirements for different social media platforms and paid advertising
• Hands-on experience across multiple content management systems
• An understanding of popular EMS (Email Management Systems) and the process involved in the design and development of HTML emails
• A high level of organisational and problem-solving skills
• Ground knowledge in web design
• Motion graphics production – desirable
• Experience with audio-visual technologies, like video editing, animation, etc. - desirable
• Previous experience in-house or in an agency, designing for editorial design, campaigns creation and social media
• Great communication skills (written and verbal) - you know how to set expectations with teammates, ask the right questions, explain what you’re capable of, and talk about design decisions clearly and persuasively to non-designers
• A high level of organisational and problem-solving skills
• An interest in any of the issues we tackle – communications and the media, politics or public affairs, and / or international relations – would be advantageous although is not essential

An exceptional online portfolio showcasing innovative design concepts and highly considered visual executions

Portland is a very results-driven business, with an unswerving focus on quality. To achieve this, we need to work collaboratively in a fun environment. We laugh, we strategise, we discuss, but we remember what is most important; advancing the interests of our clients, whilst advancing the careers of our people.

At Portland, we are client-centric but put people first. We have a culture where everyone is trusted and valued in equal measure, whatever your role in the company.

Our aim is to recruit, develop and retain world class people, who come to Portland to do the best work of their careers.

We are committed to employee development and you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced people in the business.

We regularly reward and promote success, encouraging staff to take on new challenges and responsibilities to aid progression. Personal development and well-being are a key focus; there's regular training, lunch & learn sessions along with well-being workshops and activities.

Our remuneration package includes our competitive pension, private healthcare, life assurance cover and company contribution to gym membership. In addition, every permanent member of staff that works at Portland is eligible for our annual profit share bonus.

At Portland we take a flexible approach to work and encourage our colleagues to do the same. All of our roles are open to flexible working requests, and we will consider all options during our recruitment process. This includes but is not limited to: hybrid working, flexible hours, compressed hours and job sharing.

We currently work a combination of days in the office and work from home.

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive it is not possible to respond directly to all applicants, only to those whose candidacy is being pursued. The length of the recruitment process varies based on the vacancy needs. Traditionally, the process takes approximately 3-4 weeks.

Please let us know if you need any adjustments made during the recruitment process.