Midweight Designer

A bit about usWe are ZEAL, a brand activation group that helps fast-moving brands grow faster by turning apathy into action in the moments that matter most.

Powered by our ZEAL-EQ process, we create powerful emotional engagement, unlock hidden shopper buying triggers and give brands the ‘cheat codes’ to win in their key retail channels.

Born in Manchester, we are an independent group with 150 people across Manchester, London, Singapore and Los Angeles, delivering integrated activation across shopper marketing, experiential, partnerships, PR, social, influencer and digital.

We work with leading global brands including Nestlé, Carlsberg Britvic, Suntory, Kraft Heinz, Kellanova, Arla, Bacardi, Essity, Froneri, Weetabix and Revlon.

Our work has been recognised across the industry, including three consecutive IPM Agency of the Year titles (2023–2025), FMBE Brand Experience Agency of the Year 2026, and the Campaign Experience Awards’ Best Integrated Campaign (2025). We have also been shortlisted for Independent Agency of the Year at the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards 2025 and are proud to be listed in Campaign’s Top 100 Best Places to Work.

Role in summaryWe’re looking for a talented and ambitious Designer to join our growing team in Manchester. While this role is aimed at a Midweight Designer, we’d also love to hear from exceptional Junior Designers who are ready to take the next step in their career.

This is an opportunity to work on some of the world’s biggest brands, creating everything from brand identities and shopper campaigns to key visuals, social content and integrated marketing campaigns. You’ll play a key role in shaping creative work from concept through to delivery, bringing fresh thinking, exceptional craft and attention to detail to every project.

At Zeal, we believe great design can come from anywhere. We’re building a culture that champions creativity, collaboration and continuous learning. Whether it’s emerging AI workflows, motion, brand design or creative technology, we’re committed to helping our people develop their skills, embrace new ways of working and push their craft forward.

We’re particularly interested in designers who are AI native, creatively curious and excited by the rapid evolution of our industry. Whether it’s experimenting with new software, exploring emerging workflows or learning new skills, you’ll be someone who actively seeks opportunities to grow and bring fresh thinking to the team.

What you’ll be doingCreating standout visual ideas and campaign assets across a range of channels and touchpointsTaking projects from initial concepts and research through to final artwork and deliveryWorking across a broad portfolio of global and UK brandsCollaborating closely with Creative, Client Services, Strategy and Production teams to bring ideas to lifePresenting and articulating your design thinking with confidence, both internally and directly with clientsSupporting and inspiring junior team members, helping raise creative standards across the studioExploring new tools, technologies and creative workflows that enhance the quality and effectiveness of our workWhat you’ll bring to the roleExperience as a midweight designer or similar level in a creative agency is a mustA polished portfolio of design work, including creating toolkits for FMCG (or similar) clientsThe ability to generate exceptional design ideas put together with precision, craft and polishProficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop.Good organisational skills and a high attention to detailExperience working collaboratively within a teamAbility to communicate clearly and concisely to both creative and non‑creatives stakeholders.What You’ll GetThe opportunity to work on ambitious projects for leading global brandsA collaborative and supportive team environment where creativity is encouraged and celebratedOngoing training, mentoring and development opportunitiesExposure to emerging creative tools, AI workflows and innovative ways of workingThe chance to shape your career within one of the UK’s fastest growing independent agenciesA team that genuinely invests in helping its people grow, develop and do the best work of their careersHow we reward you24 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays)Contributory pension schemeAnnual company bonus schemePrivate Medical InsuranceLife AssuranceContinuous learning and developmentEnhanced parental benefitsAdditional benefitsThe last Friday of every quarter is a ZEAL Day offChristmas closureWork from home budget to help you achieve your dream set upDog friendly officesA wealth of social events from our seasonal gatherings to our quarter review get togethers