Working at Dark Horse
Real autonomy, real responsibility, and the support to grow into both
We ask a lot of the people who work here. You will own your work, talk directly to clients, and make decisions without waiting for permission — and you will have experienced people around you who want you to get it right.
That combination is the point. Autonomy without support is just being left alone; support without autonomy is being managed. We aim for both.
How we’re structured
We are not a hierarchical agency.
There are no unnecessary layers, no unnecessary people on calls, and no miscommunications between the person who took the brief and the person doing the work. Everyone here operates with real autonomy and real accountability.
That flat structure is not accidental. It keeps us operationally tight — able to react quickly, make decisions fast, and preserve the kind of tacit knowledge that only comes from being genuinely close to a client’s business over time.
A converted barn in the Gloucestershire countryside is not your typical agency setting, and that is exactly the point.
What we offer
Open roles
Account Managers
The day-to-day partner for our client teams — close to the work, trusted with the relationship, and never relaying messages between the two. If you know this industry and like being the person who actually has the answer, we would like to hear from you.
Potential apprenticeships
We are always interested in people starting out. If you are considering an apprenticeship in design, artwork, digital or account handling, tell us what draws you to it — we will be honest with you about what we could offer and when.
Roles are not always advertised. If something here sounds like you, get in touch — we would rather have the conversation early.
We are always interested in hearing from good freelancers
Work comes in waves, and the people we call on are the ones we already know and trust. If you are a freelance designer, developer, audio visual specialist, artworker, illustrator or photographer — particularly if you have worked in healthcare and know the codes we operate within — send us your portfolio and your rates. We will keep you on file and come to you when the right project lands. The worst we can say is not right now.
Whichever of these applies, the route in is the same: email tom.mardling@darkhorseagency.com or call 01452 310567. Full details are on the get in touch page.