Job Description

MKM is the UK's leading independent builders' merchant, with over 135 branches and 3000+ employees nationwide. With a unique business model that empowers local branch directors, MKM fosters a high-performance culture and continues to grow rapidly. The Senior Graphic Designer will play a pivotal role in shaping and evolving the MKM brand across all touchpoints, ensuring creative excellence and consistency.

Purpose of Role

We're on the lookout for a creative powerhouse to take the reins as our

Senior Graphic Designer

. This is a big role with big impact--you'll shape how MKM looks, feels, and speaks across everything we do.

You'll be the guardian of our

visual identity and tone of voice

, leading the charge on campaigns, content, and media that connect with our customers and communities. You'll head up a talented design team, work closely with teams across the business, and bring fresh thinking to how we show up in the world.

Role Scope

Lead the creative development and execution of MKM's brand across digital, print, and multimedia platforms. Manage the design team and external creative partners. Collaborate closely with marketing team to align creative strategy with business goals.

Qualifications and Skills

Minimum of 5 years of experience in graphic design, preferably in a senior or lead role. Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro). Strong understanding of typography, layout, colour theory, and visual storytelling. Knowledge of print production processes and digital media requirements. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Strong project management and organisational abilities. Ability to lead and mentor a creative team. Up-to-date with the latest design trends, techniques, and technologies.

Visual Storytelling

- Ability to craft compelling visuals that grab attention and tell a story at a glance.

Platform Knowledge

- Understanding what works best on each social platform (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.) in terms of format, tone, and timing

Key Relationships

Internal: Branch Directors, Marketing, Digital, Procurement, New Branches
External: Creative agencies, freelancers, video production teams, media partners

What You'll Be Doing

Own and evolve MKM's brand identity, tone of voice, and creative direction

Lead design across campaigns, content, packaging, and marketing materials

Oversee video, photography, and multimedia production, including editing and delivery

Create standout content for social, web, and advertising

Keep everything on-brand, on-time, and aligned with business goals

Drive creative for national and local campaigns, plus strategic growth projects

Present ideas, take feedback, and keep pushing the work forward

Mentor and inspire a high-performing design team

Collaborate with marketing, digital, and wider teams to bring ideas to life

Manage freelancers, agencies, and production partners

Stay on top of design trends, tools, and technologies

Use insights and performance data to refine and improve creative output

Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative creative culture

What You'll Bring

A strong portfolio and 5+ years' experience in design, with time in a senior role

Expert in Adobe Creative Suite; motion/video skills a bonus

Sharp eye for layout, typography, colour, and storytelling

Confident taking a brief and running with it--big campaign or quick turnaround

Organised, collaborative, and calm under pressure

Passionate about brand consistency and what works for the audience

Curious, creative, and always looking for ways to raise the bar

What Success Looks Like

Campaigns and content delivered on time and to a high standard

Creative work that's on-brand, effective, and engaging

A motivated, growing, and well-supported design team

Strong relationships across teams and with external partners

Positive feedback from stakeholders and measurable impact on brand awareness and engagement

Our benefits:

A competitive pay package.

Generous discretionary bonus scheme.

People orientated culture.

Substantial Employee Discount

Training and development opportunities.

Holiday scheme which rewards length of service.

Perkbox discounts

Contributory pension scheme

Performance related bonus

Financial Planning Support

Cycle to work scheme

Free parking

Enhanced Maternity

Enhanced Paternity

Employee Assistance Programme

Mental Health Support

MKM is the leading independent builders' merchant in the UK, and we were established in 1995. Our people are what make us unique in what we do. Today we have more than 135 branches and over 3200 employees nationwide. Whilst we continue to grow, we are constantly striving to always attract, recruit, retain, promote, and support a diverse mix of colleagues that create a sense of belonging to the 'MKM family' for everyone. We hope you will join us on our journey!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Financial planning services Free parking On-site parking
Application question(s):

Do you have a minimum of 5 years experience in graphic design? Are you proficient in the use of Adobe Creative suite?
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person