COMPANY
The Fears Watch Company is one of Britain’s oldest watch companies, first established in Bristol in 1846. Today, Fears is a fast-growing company, hand-building high quality watches in the UK, selling direct and via our Bristol boutique as well as through a select group of Fears Authorised Stockists across the world. The company’s mantra is “Elegantly Understated” which is reflected in the watches made and the way the company operates.
The company’s Mission Statement is: “Building Luxury with Integrity”
Everyone who works for or with the company is expected to have high ethical and moral standards and work towards the 50-year vision of Fears to epitomise the British success of “Good Capitalism”.
JOB SUMMARY
This role forms part of Fears’ Design department:
Design manages the creative side of Fears, from the creation of branded assets and ephemera to products such as watches and accessories. This role is specifically based in our Head Office in Bristol.
The Design Assistant will be primarily expected to create branded assets and ephemera under the direction of the Design Manager. The role will involve managing several projects at once and the Design Assistant will be expected to self-organise their workload.
Fears is a fast-paced and dynamic company where every day poses new challenges, the Design Assistant must be equally matched to this working environment which at times can be demanding but also hugely rewarding.
SPECIFIC TO THIS ROLE
· Location: 2.5 Paintworks, Bristol, BS4 3EH (Head Office)
· Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) – Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm
· Report: Design Manager
· Commencing: July 2026
This role is primarily based in the Fears Head Office in Bristol, occasional travel around the UK may also be required.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
· Creation of physical ephemera
· Creation of digital and physical advertising
· Document layout and formatting
· Creation of decor and signage
· Photography editing
· Management of Fears' branded assets
JOB PROGRESSION
After a level of operational proficiency is consistently demonstrated, the Design Assistant may be given the opportunity to take on these additional duties:
· Creating on engravings and mock-ups with the Bespoke Department
· Reviewing technical drawings for watch components
· Managing watch design templates
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have exceptional attention to detail and be a proactive self-starter with a keen willingness to learn. Using initiative and problem solving will be vital in this role with each day bringing new and diverse challenges.
Candidates will need to provide a digital portfolio of graphic design work with a minimum of 3 different projects.
Previous Job Experience:
· Minimum 1 – 3 years of relevant design experience
Educational:
· Bachelor's degree or higher in a design-related programme
SKILLS
Essential:
· Excellent attention to detail
· High proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, especially in Illustrator and InDesign
· In-depth typographic knowledge
· Microsoft Office proficient
· Photo editing proficiency
· Good telephone and written manner
· Highly organised
Desirable:
· Photography and/or videography proficiency
· Proficiency in Adobe Express
· Interest in watches
Please note: No previous experience of working in the watch industry is required.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Holiday:
· Holiday allowance: 20 days per year + public holidays.
· In addition: between Christmas and the New Year the company is closed and these days (usually 3 – 4) are in addition to your holiday allowance.
Benefits:
· Birthday may be taken as an additional day off (this is in addition to your holiday allowance)
· Company pension with 5% contribution from Fears
· Ability to purchase a watch at wholesale price + VAT (after 1 year of employment)
Salary:
· £26,000 – £32,000 per year (depending on experience)
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this role please send an email with a portfolio, CV, and covering letter to:
careers@fearswatches.com
Deadline: 15 May 2026