Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer

Company: Clera

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Brand Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: August 15, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role offers a unique opportunity to take full ownership of brand design for a rapidly growing enterprise AI platform company.

• You will be responsible for defining and executing the brand's visual identity across all touchpoints, from digital platforms to physical spaces and merchandise.

• The position requires a blend of creative vision, hands-on design execution, and the ability to manage production and vendor relationships.

• This role is ideal for a seasoned brand designer seeking significant creative latitude and the chance to see their work have a direct and immediate impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Brand Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into "Creative Operations" due to the end-to-end ownership of physical and digital brand assets, vendor management, and production oversight. This suggests a need for strong organizational and project management skills alongside creative talent.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design System Ownership: Lead the development, maintenance, and evolution of the company's design system, ensuring consistency in components, visual tokens, and reusable patterns.

• Brand Experience Design: Create and implement cohesive brand experiences across various mediums, including digital interfaces, merchandise, office spaces, event activations, and conference booths.

• Merchandise Production: Manage the entire lifecycle of branded merchandise, from concept and design to supplier briefing, sample iteration, and final quality assessment.

• Spatial & Experiential Design: Shape physical environments, including office aesthetics and event setups, to reflect and reinforce the brand's identity and values.

• Creative Project Leadership: Drive high-impact creative projects from initial concept through to final delivery, including launch moments, marketing campaigns, and collaborative initiatives.

• Website Visual Quality: Independently maintain and update the website's visual and frontend quality, ensuring a polished and consistent user experience without relying on a traditional ticket queue.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams and external vendors, managing multiple projects concurrently and ensuring all brand touchpoints align with a unified, opinionated brand perspective.

• AI Tool Integration: Strategically leverage AI tools to enhance workflow efficiency and accelerate creative processes while maintaining high standards of design judgment and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of "shipping production-ready updates independently without a ticket queue" implies a need for frontend implementation skills and a proactive, self-sufficient approach to design execution, blurring the lines between pure design and development operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience in brand design and related fields is essential.

Experience: 5+ years of comprehensive brand design experience, with a proven track record of delivering end-to-end brand experiences.

Required Skills:

• Brand Design Expertise: Extensive experience in creating and managing brand identities across diverse platforms.

• Design System Management: Proven ability to build, maintain, and scale design systems, including components, tokens, and visual patterns.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for design creation and prototyping.

• Frontend Implementation: Demonstrated ability to ship production-ready designs, implying knowledge of frontend technologies (e.g., HTML, CSS) and practical implementation skills.

• Merchandise Production: Hands-on experience in designing, briefing suppliers, and managing the quality of branded merchandise.

• Spatial & Experiential Design: Experience designing for physical spaces, events, or exhibitions that effectively communicate brand messages.

• Vendor Management: Skill in briefing and managing external suppliers and vendors for production and creative execution.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple high-visibility creative projects concurrently from concept to completion.

• Problem-Solving & Ambiguity: Comfort in defining project briefs and strategies when clear direction is not initially provided.

• AI Tool Proficiency: Practical experience using AI tools to augment creative workflows and enhance productivity.

• Communication & Collaboration: Strong ability to articulate design decisions with clarity, defend creative choices with rigor, and collaborate effectively within a team.

Preferred Skills:

• Color Token Creation: Experience in developing and managing color systems within design systems, with an understanding of accessibility implications.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of accessibility best practices in design, particularly within design systems.

• Motion Design/Animation: Capabilities in motion design or animation to enhance brand storytelling and digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "shipping production-ready updates independently without a ticket queue" strongly suggests that candidates with direct frontend development experience (HTML, CSS, possibly JavaScript frameworks) will be highly competitive, as this capability is critical for this role's autonomous execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Brand Experience Showcase: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating ownership of brand design from concept to execution across multiple touchpoints (digital, physical, merchandise).

• Design System Case Study: Detailed examples of building and maintaining design systems, showcasing component libraries, token structures, and scalability.

• Merchandise Production Examples: Case studies illustrating the process of designing and producing branded merchandise, including supplier interaction and quality control.

• Spatial/Experiential Design Projects: Visual documentation of designed physical spaces, event setups, or exhibition booths that highlight brand integration.

• Frontend Implementation Evidence: Examples or clear descriptions of designs that have been implemented directly into a live digital product, showcasing the transition from design to production.

• AI Tool Integration Examples: Demonstration of how AI tools were used to enhance creative output or streamline workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcasing how you approach designing and refining creative workflows, especially for managing diverse projects and vendor interactions.

• Implementation & Automation: Evidence of implementing designs directly into production environments and leveraging tools (including AI) to automate repetitive tasks.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Examples of how you measure the success and impact of your design initiatives, even if qualitative (e.g., brand perception, user experience improvements).

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on independent production deployment, candidates should be prepared to discuss their technical workflow and how they ensure design integrity and functionality in a live environment, rather than just handing off to a separate development team.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Brand Designer with 5+ years of experience in Berlin, Germany, and the significant responsibilities outlined, the estimated salary range is €60,000 - €85,000 annually. This range accounts for the on-site nature of the role, the company's growth stage (startup backed by VC), and the high level of autonomy and required technical skills.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.

• Opportunity to shape the brand identity of a fast-growing enterprise AI platform.

• Significant creative freedom and direct impact on company output.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment in a dynamic startup setting.

• Potential for professional growth and skill development in a cutting-edge industry.

• [Specific benefits like health insurance, paid time off, professional development stipends, etc., would typically be detailed here by the employer.]

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an expected commitment of approximately 40 hours per week. The company culture appears to value output and efficiency, suggesting flexibility within a structured workday, especially for on-site employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for similar Brand Designer roles in Berlin, considering the specified experience level (5+ years), the "enterprise AI platform" industry, and the significant responsibilities including frontend implementation and end-to-end ownership. Actual compensation may vary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Enterprise AI Platform (Software/Technology). Clera operates in the rapidly evolving AI sector, focusing on enabling large organizations to adopt AI safely and flexibly. This industry context suggests a culture that is likely innovative, data-driven, fast-paced, and focused on cutting-edge technology.

Company Size: 51–200 employees. This indicates a mid-stage startup environment, where roles often have broad responsibilities, and individuals can make a significant impact. It's large enough to have established processes but small enough to maintain agility and a close-knit feel.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company is described as "early-stage venture funding backed," implying a relatively recent founding and a strong growth trajectory.

Team Structure:

• Creative Team: The role is part of a "small, high-output creative team," suggesting close collaboration and shared responsibility within a specialized group.

• Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, this role likely reports to a Creative Director, Head of Marketing, or a similar senior creative lead.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Brand Designer will collaborate extensively with product, engineering, marketing, and potentially sales teams to ensure brand consistency across all company functions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: In the AI and enterprise software space, decisions are typically informed by data, user feedback, and market analysis.

• Agile Development: The company's focus on AI and rapid growth suggests an agile approach to product development and marketing, requiring adaptability in creative processes.

• User-Centric Design: Given the enterprise focus, understanding user needs and delivering intuitive, valuable experiences will be paramount.

Company Website: https://www.getclera.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "enterprise AI platform" context implies a need for sophisticated design that conveys trust, security, and advanced technology, differentiating Clera from consumer-facing AI products. The company size suggests that the Brand Designer will have a high degree of influence and visibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor, a "Brand Designer" with significant autonomy and end-to-end ownership. It represents a mid-to-senior level in a creative career path, demanding extensive experience and the ability to operate independently.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Designer will likely report to a Creative Lead or Head of Marketing. They will be a key member of a small creative team, collaborating closely with other designers, marketers, and product stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's work will directly influence Clera's market perception, customer acquisition, and brand loyalty. By owning the visual identity and brand experience, they will play a crucial role in communicating the company's value proposition, establishing trust with enterprise clients, and differentiating Clera in the competitive AI landscape. Their ability to manage production and ensure consistent brand representation across all touchpoints directly impacts operational efficiency and brand equity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as design systems, motion design, or experiential branding within the AI sector.

• Leadership: Potentially grow into a lead designer or creative director role as the company scales, managing a larger creative team and setting broader brand strategy.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to frontend implementation, AI tool integration, and strategic brand management, broadening skill set beyond traditional design.

• Industry Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of the enterprise AI market, understanding the unique design challenges and opportunities within this sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "end-to-end ownership" and "creative latitude" indicate a role with significant growth potential for an ambitious designer who can demonstrate strategic thinking and execution excellence, moving beyond pure design execution to brand strategy and operational integration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Berlin, Germany. This suggests a traditional office setting designed to foster collaboration and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. As a tech hub, Berlin offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for creative professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role is embedded in a "small, high-output creative team," implying a close-knit and collaborative workspace where ideas are shared freely.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, and likely other creative software. The company's focus on AI suggests potential integration of AI-powered design tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with designers, marketers, product managers, and potentially engineers to ensure brand alignment and project success.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (approximately 40 hours/week). While on-site, there might be a degree of flexibility typical in startup environments, balancing structured work with project-driven output. The emphasis on "shipping production-ready updates independently" suggests a need for focused, self-directed work periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Berlin is a key factor. Candidates must be able to commute to the office regularly, and the company does not offer visa sponsorship, requiring candidates to already have the right to work in Germany.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, focusing on relevant case studies that demonstrate end-to-end brand ownership, design system expertise, merchandise production, and frontend implementation capabilities.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a practical design exercise or case study focusing on a specific challenge relevant to Clera's brand or a hypothetical project, assessing problem-solving, creative thinking, and execution speed. This might involve tasks related to design systems, brand extensions, or frontend considerations.

• Team/Culture Fit Interviews: Meetings with team members and leadership to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment with Clera's values.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, long-term vision, and overall fit for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Highlight projects that directly address the core responsibilities: design systems, merchandise, spatial design, and importantly, examples where you've directly implemented designs into production.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (including vendor management and AI tool usage), the solutions you developed, and the impact of your work. Quantify results where possible.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files and explain your frontend implementation process. Showcase your understanding of design tokens and scalable visual patterns.

• Showcase AI Integration: If you've used AI tools, clearly explain how they enhanced your workflow, improved efficiency, or contributed to the final output without compromising quality.

• Address Ambiguity: Include a project where you had to define the brief or navigate significant ambiguity, demonstrating your proactive approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Clera: Understand their current brand, product, target audience, and competitors. Identify potential areas for brand enhancement.

• Anticipate Design System Questions: Be ready to discuss best practices for design system maintenance, scalability, and accessibility.

• Prepare for Frontend Discussions: Brush up on your understanding of how designs translate to code and be ready to discuss your experience with production deployment.

• Merchandise & Spatial Design: Think about how you would approach designing merchandise for an enterprise AI company or conceptualizing office branding elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on shipping production-ready updates means candidates should prepare to discuss their technical workflow and demonstrate their ability to execute designs independently, not just conceptually.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for design creation, prototyping, and design system development. Proficiency is a must-have.

• Design System Management Tools: While not explicitly named, tools or methodologies for managing design tokens, component libraries, and style guides within Figma or a connected platform.

• AI Design Tools: Various AI-powered tools for ideation, image generation, workflow automation, or content assistance. Candidates are expected to leverage these to accelerate their work.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Website Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics to understand website performance and user behavior, informing design decisions for the website.

• Performance Metrics: Understanding how to track and report on the success of brand initiatives, potentially using internal dashboards or project management tools.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing creative projects, tasks, and deadlines.

• Vendor Management Platforms: Systems or processes for managing communication, briefs, and deliverables with external suppliers.

• Frontend Implementation: Direct experience with technologies like HTML, CSS, and potentially JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React) for deploying designs directly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for direct frontend implementation means familiarity with web development basics is crucial, not just for understanding but for execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership & Autonomy: Employees are expected to take full responsibility for their work and operate with a high degree of independence.

• Creativity & Innovation: A culture that encourages pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI.

• Quality & Rigor: A commitment to high standards in design execution, brand consistency, and technical implementation.

• Collaboration & Kindness: Working effectively within a small team, fostering a supportive and respectful environment.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on work that has a direct and measurable impact on the company's growth and success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with various departments to ensure brand alignment across all company functions.

• Direct Communication: Open and clear communication channels, particularly within the small creative team, to facilitate rapid feedback and iteration.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture where constructive feedback is regularly shared and acted upon to improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "opinionated point of view" suggests a culture that values strong creative direction and conviction, balanced with collaborative input.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• End-to-End Ownership: Managing diverse responsibilities from conceptualization to production and vendor relations can be demanding.

• Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to the fast-paced nature of a growing startup and evolving brand needs.

• Balancing Creativity with Production: Maintaining creative integrity while meeting production deadlines and technical constraints.

• Defining Brand in a New Space: Establishing and evolving a strong brand identity for an enterprise AI platform, which may be a nascent or complex market.

• AI Integration: Effectively integrating AI tools into a creative workflow without compromising quality or originality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Deepening: Opportunities to master advanced design system principles, frontend implementation techniques, and AI-driven design workflows.

• Strategic Brand Building: Gaining experience in shaping the brand strategy for a B2B enterprise technology company.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning from and collaborating with product, engineering, and marketing teams, understanding their operational needs.

• Mentorship: Potential mentorship from senior creative leaders or founders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a proactive, adaptable, and technically proficient designer. The growth opportunities point towards a role that can significantly advance a creative professional's career in the tech industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you took ownership of a brand's visual identity end-to-end. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on design system, merchandise, spatial, and production aspects).

• "How do you approach building and maintaining a scalable design system? Walk us through your process for managing components, tokens, and visual patterns." (Prepare to discuss Figma and potential accessibility considerations).

• "Tell us about a project where you had to directly implement your designs into a live production environment. What were the technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Be ready to discuss frontend skills and workflow).

• "How do you leverage AI tools in your design process? Provide a specific example of how AI accelerated your work without compromising creative judgment." (Showcase practical application and critical thinking).

• "Describe your experience managing merchandise production or designing for physical spaces. How do you brief suppliers and ensure quality?" (Prepare specific examples of your process). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Clera and the enterprise AI space?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest).

• "How do you approach working within a small, high-output creative team? What's your ideal collaboration style?" (Highlight teamwork and adaptability).

• "How do you handle ambiguity or situations where a brief is not clearly defined?" (Showcase proactive problem-solving).

• "What are your thoughts on brand consistency across digital and physical touchpoints?" (Align with Clera's holistic brand vision). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type (design systems, merchandise, etc.) or by demonstrating your end-to-end process.

• Highlight Production Readiness: Clearly show how your designs translate to live products, emphasizing your frontend implementation skills.

• Showcase Vendor Management: Detail your process for working with suppliers for merchandise or other physical assets.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your projects.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect questions about your design choices, technical execution, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the unique blend of design, production, and frontend skills required, candidates should prepare to articulate their comprehensive workflow and demonstrate their ability to execute independently across multiple disciplines.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating end-to-end brand ownership, design system development, merchandise production, spatial design, and crucially, examples of direct frontend implementation.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5+ years of relevant experience, specific skills in Figma and frontend technologies, and achievements related to production deployment and vendor management.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, demonstrating your use of AI tools, and explaining your approach to managing production and physical brand elements. Be ready to present your portfolio with confidence.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Clera, its enterprise AI platform, target market, and current brand presence to tailor your application and interview responses effectively.

⚠️ 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.

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