Careers

Work with us

We design wayfinding systems that help people navigate places with confidence. We work across graphic design, spatial thinking and user experience, delivering projects for towns and cities, urban extensions, and complex environments.

As a small studio, everyone plays an active role in shaping projects from concept to delivery. We value thoughtful design, collaboration and clarity, in our mission to cut through complexities and turn masterplans into destinations. Current opportunities are listed below.

How to apply
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‍Please send your CV and a concise portfolio demonstrating relevant project experience to info@placemarque.com.
Include a short covering note explaining your role on the projects shown.

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‍Manchester | Full time | 12 month fixed-term (maternity cover) contract, with potential opportunity to extend subject to business needs.

Placemarque is an award-winning wayfinding and placemaking consultancy based in central Manchester. We work across a range of sectors, including towns, cities, campus environments and visitor destinations.

It's not just the buildings that make a place work; it's the spaces between them.

Wayfinding is central to creating successful places that connect with people. We deliver strategic wayfinding, mapping, informational graphics and signage systems that are rooted in place, user experience and function.

We're looking for an experienced mid to senior level wayfinding designer to join our team on a maternity cover contract. This is a hands-on design role with responsibility for managing several workstreams, liaising with clients and coordinating outputs, supported by a small, experienced team. You'll be responsible for running a range of projects independently, from early concept through to delivery.

We aim to appoint before April.

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The role

You’ll take on the day-to-day project management of wayfinding projects, bringing your skills and experience of strong design thinking and practical delivery. You’ll be trusted to manage programmes, coordinate task requirements and maintain design quality.

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Key responsibilities include:

Managing wayfinding projects from inception to completion, including programmes, budgets and outputs
Leading design development across strategy, detailed design, signage & visitor mapping graphics
Producing clear, well-structured design reports, presentations and client facing material
Liaising directly with clients, consultants, suppliers and stakeholders
Directing and supporting junior designers where required
Preparing concept visuals, artwork and detailed design information
Leading site visits, consultation events, workshops and client meetings
Contributing to bids, tenders and new project opportunities
Managing your own workload and priorities across multiple projects
Supporting general admin tasks, including timesheets and project logs
Keeping directors updated on project progress
Attending weekly design team meetings

About you

We're seeking a confident designer who understands how projects are delivered. Someone who is comfortable making decisions, presenting ideas and taking responsibility for quality and outcomes.

You'll ideally have:

Significant professional experience in wayfinding, graphic design or environmental design
Proven experience running projects independently
Strong design, typographic and layout skills
Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite on Mac
Experience producing mapping, signage or information design systems
An understanding of 3D modelling software such as SketchUp (beneficial but not required)
Clear writing and verbal communication skills
The ability to manage time, priorities and deadlines effectively
Confidence working directly with clients and consultants

Experience in placemaking, urban design, transport, cultural or public realm projects is an advantage but not essential.

Location and working pattern

The role is based at our studio on Portland Street in Manchester and offers hybrid working, with flexibility for home working depending on project needs. Some UK travel will be required for site visits and meetings.

Salary

£36,000 - £45,000 per annum, depending on previous experience.

What we offer

A fixed-term maternity cover role, full time in a small, experienced consultancy
The opportunity to lead meaningful projects in real places
Direct involvement with clients and decision makers
A supportive, design-led working environment
Hybrid working with flexibility for home working as projects allow
28 days paid holiday including bank holidays, plus discretionary 3 days paid over Christmas period
Pension scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Travel card loan scheme
Access to staff benefits platform

How to apply

Please send your CV and a concise portfolio demonstrating relevant project experience to info@placemarque.com. Include a short covering note explaining your role on the projects shown.

What's keeping us busy...

Education + healthcare

Ray Dolby Centre

2025

Unique internal wayfinding for a unique research laboratory at the University of Cambridge’s world-renowned physics department, the Cavendish Laboratory.

Education + healthcare

Trinity Arts Building, Dublin

2019

For our second project for Trinity College Dublin, we eased navigation around this gloomy building, using icons, lightboxes and strategically-positioned signs.

Education + healthcare

Wilkins Quad, University College London

2026

UCL’s Main Quad and Wilkins Building have undergone some redevelopment works. We’ve been working on a signage refresh to give the area a unique look.

April 28, 2026

Catalogue versus custom made, and why bespoke wayfinding still matters

A unique place with off-the-shelf signage is an opportunity missed. Read our thoughts on why bespoke signage is so important for helping a person get under the skin of a place.

Read post

April 2, 2026

Stepping forward: reflections from our managing director

Our managing director, Sophie, reflects on her first year in the role, and explores where Placemarque is headed next.

Read post

January 17, 2026

Keeping your chin up: How good wayfinding can help you keep your spirits up this winter

The third Monday of January has, since 2005, been saddled with the unfortunate sobriquet “Blue Monday”, supposedly the most depressing day of the year. But getting out and about can help you keep your spirits up in winter.

Read post

Careers

Work with us

What's keeping us busy...

Ray Dolby Centre

Trinity Arts Building, Dublin

Wilkins Quad, University College London

What we're talking about...

Catalogue versus custom made, and why bespoke wayfinding still matters

Stepping forward: reflections from our managing director

Keeping your chin up: How good wayfinding can help you keep your spirits up this winter