Brand & Marketing Designer - (Fixed Term - 12 months)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand & Marketing Designer - (Fixed Term - 12 months)

Company: SumUp

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary

Category: Marketing Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site (Office-first)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute high-impact brand and marketing assets across diverse channels, ensuring visual consistency and brand integrity.

• Collaborate closely with marketing campaign managers, copywriters, and channel specialists to deliver integrated creative solutions.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, from brief interpretation to final production-ready assets, maintaining clear communication on timelines and deliverables.

• Apply and uphold SumUp's visual identity and brand guidelines across all creative outputs, ensuring accuracy and craft.

• Contribute innovative ideas and feedback during the creative brief and design review stages, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on tactical design execution within a marketing operations framework. While not a traditional "operations" role, it requires strong process adherence, project management, and efficiency in asset creation, which are core tenets of operations. The emphasis on "delivering on-brand assets across the full marketing funnel" and "applying brand guidelines across different touchpoints" highlights the operational aspect of maintaining brand consistency at scale.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and deliver visually compelling assets for campaigns, paid and organic social media, email marketing, display advertising, Out-of-Home (OOH), print collateral, web pages, and event materials.

• Translate creative briefs and strategic direction into polished, production-ready designs that accurately reflect SumUp's established visual identity.

• Partner with campaign managers, copywriters, and channel specialists to ensure seamless integration of creative elements across all marketing touchpoints.

• Proactively manage a portfolio of multiple design projects, providing regular status updates, identifying potential blockers, and ensuring timely delivery.

• Participate actively in design review sessions, incorporating feedback constructively and contributing creative concepts from the initial briefing stage.

• Maintain a strong understanding of SumUp's brand guidelines and ensure their consistent application across all design outputs.

• Explore and integrate AI tools and creative automation techniques to enhance design efficiency and workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed emphasize a hands-on design role with a strong operational component in managing project workflows, adhering to brand standards, and collaborating across teams. The inclusion of "AI tools and creative automation" points towards an expectation of leveraging technology for efficiency, a key operational objective.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-5 years of proven experience in brand and marketing design, preferably within an in-house creative team or agency environment.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience executing brand and marketing design across a wide spectrum of formats, including digital (social, web, email, display) and print.

• Strong command of fundamental design principles: typography, layout, colour theory, and visual hierarchy, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetic quality.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Figma for efficient design creation and collaboration.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to evolving priorities while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.

• Proven ability to apply and adapt brand guidelines consistently across diverse marketing touchpoints.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and incorporate feedback effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity and practical experience with AI tools and creative automation technologies to streamline design workflows.

• Experience in designing for a global or multi-market brand.

• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for web and app interfaces.

• Experience with motion graphics or video editing software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from "Proven experience" and typical mid-level designer expectations. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is standard for design roles, and the preference for AI/automation tools aligns with modern design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects showcasing brand and marketing execution across digital (social media campaigns, web banners, email templates) and print (brochures, OOH ads, event collateral) channels.

• Case studies demonstrating the application of brand guidelines and the ability to maintain visual consistency across multiple touchpoints.

• Examples of projects where design solutions addressed specific marketing objectives or briefs.

• Evidence of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, highlighting workflow and collaboration methods.

• Projects that illustrate strong typography, layout, and colour theory application. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how design processes were managed, including brief interpretation, feedback incorporation, and final asset delivery.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the full creative lifecycle, from concept development to production-ready output.

• If applicable, include examples of how design systems or style guides were developed or utilized to ensure consistency.

• Highlight any instances where design efficiency was improved through process optimization or the use of specific tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for design roles. These requirements are tailored to showcase the operational aspects of design execution – consistency, process management, and effective collaboration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Brand & Marketing Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Berlin, Germany, the estimated annual salary range is €45,000 - €60,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Berlin, the company's likely scale (SumUp is a well-established fintech), and the fixed-term nature of the contract.

Benefits:

• Generous time off: 28 days of paid leave per year, plus bank holidays and special leaves.

• Dedicated annual L&D budget for professional development, conferences, and further education.

• Comprehensive private health insurance, including optical and dental coverage.

• Commuter benefits designed to simplify daily travel.

• Retirement scheme with a 7% company match (when you contribute 5%).

• Life insurance coverage equivalent to 2x your annual salary.

• 1-month sabbatical after 3 years of service.

• Referral Bonus program for successful candidate referrals.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with an office-first setup. Flexibility may be available based on team needs and project deadlines, but the role is primarily based in the Berlin office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on research for similar roles in Berlin. SumUp is a global company, and their benefits package is robust, reflecting industry standards for tech companies. The "office-first" setup is noted as a key aspect of the work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (Fintech). SumUp provides payment processing and financial services to small businesses globally.

Company Size: Over 3,000 employees globally. This indicates a structured organization with established processes, but also a dynamic and growing environment.

Founded: SumUp was founded in 2012. This suggests a mature company with a proven track record, likely possessing well-defined operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Central Marketing Creative Team, specifically within the Brand pillar.

• This team is responsible for SumUp's overall visual identity and brand presence.

• You will report directly to the Head of Brand and Marketing Design.

• Day-to-day collaboration will be with designers, campaign managers, content strategists, and channel specialists. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied by the fintech industry context and focus on empowering small businesses.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical for a fast-paced creative team managing high output.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, especially with the mention of AI tools.

Company Website: https://sumup.com/careers/

📝 Enhancement Note: SumUp's position in the fintech sector suggests a focus on efficiency, scalability, and data-informed strategies. The "office-first" approach implies a culture that values in-person collaboration and synergy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level (2-5 years of experience), focusing on executing design tasks with a degree of autonomy and contributing to creative strategy. It serves as a key contributor within the Brand pillar of the Marketing Creative Team.

Reporting Structure: You will report directly to the Head of Brand and Marketing Design, indicating a clear line of management and mentorship. Collaboration will be extensive with peers across marketing functions.

Operations Impact: As a Brand & Marketing Designer, your work directly shapes how SumUp is perceived by millions of small businesses worldwide. High-quality, consistent design is crucial for brand trust, customer acquisition, and retention, thus having a significant impact on overall business success and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in digital and print design, brand governance, and potentially explore AI-driven creative tools.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Senior Designer role, specialize in specific marketing channels (e.g., campaign design, social media), or move into design leadership roles within SumUp.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with diverse marketing functions provides a broader understanding of Go-To-Market strategies.

• L&D Budget: A dedicated budget allows for targeted learning, such as attending industry conferences (e.g., Adobe MAX, design thinking workshops) or pursuing certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term nature (12 months) suggests this role might be project-based or to cover a specific need. Growth opportunities within this timeframe would likely focus on skill enhancement and project impact rather than immediate promotion, though performance could lead to further opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Office-first," meaning the primary work location is SumUp's Berlin office. This setup emphasizes in-person collaboration, team synergy, and a structured work environment.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. This location offers a vibrant cultural and professional hub. Specific details about office amenities and accessibility would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office-first setup fosters direct interaction with colleagues, promoting spontaneous idea-sharing and teamwork.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and potentially internal tools for project management and asset sharing.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings with marketing teams.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the "office-first" and "fixed-term" nature may imply a need for flexibility to meet project deadlines and campaign timelines. Clear communication regarding working hours and expectations will be vital.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "office-first" approach is a key differentiator, suggesting a preference for traditional office collaboration over remote work, which can be beneficial for team cohesion and spontaneous problem-solving in creative fields.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruitment team.

• Portfolio Presentation & Skills Assessment: An interview with the Head of Brand and Marketing Design, likely involving a walkthrough of your portfolio. Expect questions about your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you handle feedback. You may be asked to complete a short design task or case study.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with other members of the creative or marketing team to assess collaboration style and cultural alignment with SumUp's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior marketing leader to discuss broader strategic alignment and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your brand and marketing design skills, especially those aligning with SumUp's aesthetic and target audience.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your design process, the tools used, and the outcomes. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Showcase Brand Application: Emphasize how you applied brand guidelines and maintained consistency across different channels.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., engagement rates, conversion improvements).

• Be Ready for Feedback: Anticipate constructive criticism and be prepared to discuss your rationale and how you would iterate on designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand SumUp's Brand: Research SumUp's current visual identity, marketing campaigns, and target audience.

• Practice Design Briefs: Be prepared to tackle a hypothetical design brief that mimics SumUp's needs, focusing on speed, creativity, and brand adherence.

• Articulate Your Workflow: Clearly explain how you move from a brief to a final asset, including your decision-making process and any automation you might employ.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready about the team, the projects, and the company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a creative role heavily relies on the portfolio. Emphasizing the "office-first" and "fixed-term" aspects in your preparation can help tailor your responses to the specific context of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, illustration, and layout. Specific applications likely include Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Figma: Critical for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI design, especially for digital assets and web.

• Project Management Tools: Likely use of tools like Asana, Jira, or similar for managing project timelines and tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, an understanding of how design impacts marketing KPIs (e.g., click-through rates, engagement) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or internal dashboards may be useful for context. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM interaction expected, but understanding how marketing assets are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Mailchimp) can provide context for asset requirements.

• AI & Automation Tools: Familiarity with AI tools for design assistance (e.g., image generation, content suggestions) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is standard for design roles. The mention of AI tools is a forward-looking requirement, suggesting SumUp is keen on adopting modern design efficiencies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A high standard for visual output and attention to detail is paramount.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams is essential for integrated campaign success.

• Efficiency: The ability to deliver high-quality work at pace, leveraging tools and processes to maximize output.

• Brand Stewardship: A deep commitment to upholding and evolving SumUp's visual identity.

• Innovation: Openness to new ideas and technologies, including AI, to enhance creative output.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close partnership with campaign managers, copywriters, and channel specialists to ensure cohesive marketing efforts.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged to refine designs and improve creative quality.

• Agile Approach: The ability to adapt to changing priorities and deliver within tight timelines, common in fast-paced marketing environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: SumUp's stated values of inclusivity and continuous learning are likely reflected in the creative team's dynamic, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and professional growth is encouraged.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace and Volume: Delivering a high volume of on-brand assets within tight deadlines for a global brand.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining strict brand integrity across a wide array of marketing materials and channels.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Keeping up with evolving design tools, including AI, and integrating them effectively into workflows.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Navigating a 12-month contract requires a focus on immediate impact and efficient project completion.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in specific design areas or learn new software and techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience with a leading fintech brand and understand its marketing operations.

• AI Integration: Practical experience in using AI tools for creative automation and workflow enhancement.

• Cross-functional Learning: Understanding how design integrates with broader marketing strategies and campaign execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term nature of the role presents a unique challenge and opportunity. Candidates should focus on demonstrating immediate value and a strong ability to integrate quickly into the team and its processes.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?" (Focus on process adherence and creative problem-solving).

• "Walk us through your process for designing a marketing campaign asset, from brief to final delivery. How do you manage feedback and revisions?" (Highlight workflow, collaboration, and efficiency).

• "How have you used or how would you use AI tools to enhance your design workflow for marketing assets?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking and adaptability). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to SumUp and our mission to empower small businesses?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with company values).

• "How do you approach collaboration within a creative team and with non-design stakeholders?" (Emphasize communication and teamwork).

• "Describe your experience working in an 'office-first' environment. What are the benefits and challenges for you as a designer?" (Align with the company's preferred work model). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate your design methodology and how you arrived at your final designs.

• Brand Alignment: Explicitly mention how your work adheres to or evolves brand standards.

• Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used for each project, especially Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your portfolio and answers to reflect an understanding of SumUp's brand, its fintech context, and the operational requirements of a fast-paced creative team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand & Marketing Designer position:

• Submit your application through the SumUp careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features brand and marketing design work across digital and print channels, with clear examples of brand guideline application.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and any experience with AI tools or creative automation. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and preparing thoughtful questions about SumUp's brand and the creative team's workflow.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SumUp's mission, values, recent marketing campaigns, and their brand aesthetic. Understand the implications of an "office-first" and "fixed-term" role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.