Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer

Company: Clera

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Brand Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a rare opportunity to own end-to-end brand design for a fast-growing, seed-stage enterprise AI platform.

• You will shape the company's brand experience across all touchpoints, from digital assets to physical spaces and merchandise.

• The role offers significant creative latitude and immediate, visible impact within a small, high-trust team.

• You will work directly with stakeholders and suppliers, moving fluidly between design tools, vendor briefs, and production code.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input job title is "Brand Designer," the responsibilities described (owning design systems, shipping website updates directly, producing merchandise, shaping physical spaces, using AI tools) indicate a strong overlap with "Creative Operations" and "Product Design Operations" functions, particularly in a startup environment where roles are blended. This role requires not just creative execution but also process ownership and operational efficiency in design delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design System Ownership: Lead the evolution and maintenance of the company's design system, including components, design tokens, and scalable visual patterns to ensure brand consistency.

• Website Development & Maintenance: Directly implement website updates, ensuring visual and frontend quality without relying on a traditional developer handoff process.

• Merchandise Design & Production: Design and oversee the production of branded merchandise, making decisions on quality, materials, and briefing suppliers to ensure brand representation.

• Physical Space & Event Design: Conceptualize and design physical brand touchpoints, including office environments, exhibition booths, and event activations, to create cohesive on-brand experiences.

• End-to-End Creative Project Leadership: Manage and execute high-visibility creative projects from initial brief and concept development through to final delivery and implementation.

• Cross-Functional Tool & Format Fluidity: Seamlessly utilize various tools and formats including Figma, vendor briefs, spatial design principles, and production code to deliver integrated brand experiences.

• AI Tool Integration: Proactively identify and leverage AI tools to accelerate design workflows, enhance creative output, and improve overall operational efficiency without compromising design quality or strategic judgment.

• Iterative Design & Feedback Loop: Operate with a high degree of creative ownership, embracing rapid iteration and actively seeking feedback to ensure the real-world impact of design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize direct execution and ownership, moving beyond typical design tasks to include operational aspects like supplier management, direct code implementation, and process optimization through AI. This suggests the need for a candidate who can not only design but also manage the operational lifecycle of design assets and experiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Design, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 5+ years of dedicated experience in brand design, with a proven track record of delivering end-to-end brand experiences. This should encompass significant work in design systems, merchandise design, and spatial/physical environment design.

Required Skills:

• Brand Design Expertise: Deep understanding of brand identity development, visual storytelling, and brand consistency across multiple platforms.

• Design System Management: Demonstrated experience in owning, developing, and scaling design systems, including proficiency with components, design tokens, and establishing reusable visual patterns.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows.

• Frontend Implementation: Comfort and ability to ship production-ready frontend code for website updates without direct developer handoff.

• Physical Design & Production: Proven experience designing physical artifacts such as merchandise, event materials, and spatial environments, including supplier briefing and sample iteration.

• Project & Creative Leadership: Ability to lead high-visibility creative projects from concept to completion, managing timelines and deliverables independently.

• Ambiguity Navigation: Demonstrated comfort and effectiveness in operating within ambiguous environments, capable of self-briefing and defining project scope.

• AI Tool Application: Practical and thoughtful application of AI tools within a design workflow to enhance efficiency and output.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a small team and defend creative decisions with clarity, taste, and professionalism.

Preferred Skills:

• Color Token Creation: Experience in defining and managing color systems, including accessibility considerations.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of accessibility best practices (WCAG) and their implementation within design systems and digital products.

• Motion Design/Animation: Skills in motion design or animation to enhance brand storytelling and create dynamic visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for direct frontend implementation and comfort with production code suggests a unique hybrid role. Candidates should highlight projects where they bridged the gap between design and development, or managed production processes for physical goods. The emphasis on "operating in ambiguity" and "writing your own brief" points to a need for strong self-direction and strategic thinking, not just execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Brand Experience: Showcase at least one comprehensive project demonstrating ownership of a brand's visual identity from conception to execution across multiple touchpoints (digital, physical, merchandise).

• Design System Case Study: Include a detailed case study of a design system you've owned or significantly contributed to, highlighting components, tokens, scalability, and impact.

• Physical Product Design: Present examples of merchandise, event activations, or spatial design projects, detailing your role in concept, material selection, supplier interaction, and final output.

• Website/Frontend Execution: Provide examples of website updates or digital assets where you directly contributed to frontend implementation, showcasing your ability to translate design into functional code.

• AI Tool Integration Examples: Briefly describe how you've leveraged AI tools in your design process, focusing on improvements in efficiency, creativity, or problem-solving.

Process Documentation:

• Design System Governance: Evidence of processes for maintaining, updating, and scaling a design system, including version control and contribution guidelines.

• Production Workflow: Documentation or clear examples of your process for managing the production of physical goods, from initial design briefs to supplier management and quality control.

• Website Update Protocol: Outline your method for proposing, designing, and implementing website changes, including any testing or QA steps you undertake.

• Project Briefing & Execution: Examples of how you approach project briefs, define scope, and manage creative projects through to successful delivery, including stakeholder communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating not just design aesthetic but also operational capability. Candidates should prepare to walk through their process for each project, emphasizing how they managed complexity, ensured quality, and drove efficiency, especially in areas like direct frontend implementation and physical production oversight.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Brand Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Berlin, Germany, in a seed-stage startup environment, the estimated annual gross salary range is €60,000 - €85,000. This range is based on regional market data for experienced designers in tech startups, considering the cost of living in Berlin and the company's early stage.

Benefits:

• Creative Ownership: Significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape brand identity from the ground up.

• Impactful Role: Direct influence on the company's brand perception and customer experience.

• Startup Environment: Collaborative, fast-paced culture with a small, senior team.

• Competitive Compensation: Salary package commensurate with experience and startup stage.

• Equity Potential: (Likely, though not explicitly stated) Opportunity for stock options, common in seed-stage startups.

• Professional Development: Exposure to diverse design challenges and opportunities to learn new tools and methodologies, including advanced AI applications.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. While the company culture emphasizes efficiency and impact, there may be flexibility depending on project needs and individual workflow optimization, especially with the integration of AI tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for experienced designers in Berlin's tech startup scene. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's precise experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation. The absence of explicit benefits listed suggests focusing on the intrinsic rewards of the role (ownership, impact) and potential equity, which are key draws for startup positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Enterprise AI Platform. Clera is building a secure, model-agnostic AI platform designed to help large enterprises adopt AI at scale. This positions them within a rapidly growing and competitive sector.

Company Size: Seed-stage startup. This implies a lean, agile, and highly collaborative environment where every team member's contribution is critical and highly visible. Decisions are made quickly, and roles often blend to meet immediate needs.

Founded: The company was founded recently (exact year not provided) and is backed by well-regarded investors, indicating strong potential and a focus on rapid growth and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Small, Senior Team: The Brand Designer will join a small, high-trust team composed of senior professionals. This suggests a flat hierarchy with direct access to leadership.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with founders, product teams, and potentially engineering, emphasizing a unified approach to brand and product development.

• High Ownership Culture: Team members are expected to take full ownership of their domains, from strategy to execution, fostering a culture of accountability and initiative.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's AI focus suggests an underlying appreciation for data. Designs will likely be informed by user feedback and performance metrics.

• Agile Development & Iteration: The startup environment necessitates rapid iteration and adaptability. Designs will need to be developed, tested, and refined quickly.

• AI-Augmented Workflows: The company actively encourages the use of AI tools to enhance efficiency and creativity, indicating a forward-thinking approach to operations and design processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "seed-stage enterprise AI platform" context is crucial. It suggests a sophisticated B2B audience, a need for a strong, trustworthy brand identity, and a fast-paced, innovative work environment. The Brand Designer will be instrumental in establishing and communicating this identity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor, effectively acting as the primary owner of brand design within the company at this stage. It's a foundational role where the designer has the opportunity to build and define processes and standards from the ground up.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Designer will likely report directly to a founder or a head of marketing/product, given the small team size. This provides direct access to decision-makers and a clear line of sight into company strategy.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's impact is significant and direct. They are responsible for the company's external face, influencing perception, customer acquisition, and brand loyalty. In a seed-stage company, this role is critical for establishing market presence and investor confidence. The operational aspect of ensuring consistent brand application across all touchpoints directly supports sales and marketing efforts by creating a cohesive and professional user journey.

Growth Opportunities:

• Foundational Role: Opportunity to build and scale the brand design function as the company grows, potentially leading a future design team.

• Strategic Influence: Direct involvement in high-level brand strategy discussions and decision-making.

• Skill Expansion: Deepen expertise in areas like design systems, spatial design, and AI-driven design tools, potentially exploring UI/UX or product design as the company evolves.

• Broader Operational Exposure: Gain experience in managing production workflows, vendor relationships, and cross-functional project operations within a tech startup.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of creative leadership and operational responsibility. The "growth opportunities" are less about climbing a predefined ladder and more about shaping the function and the company's brand trajectory. For operations-minded designers, the chance to build processes and optimize workflows is a key growth area.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly on-site in Berlin, Germany, indicating a physical office environment rather than remote or hybrid. This suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, spontaneous idea generation, and a more cohesive team dynamic.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. This is a major European tech hub, offering access to a vibrant ecosystem of startups, talent, and networking opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: As part of a small, high-trust team, expect close collaboration and open communication. The on-site nature facilitates spontaneous discussions and co-creation.

• Tools & Technology: The company likely provides standard design software (Figma) and encourages the use of AI tools. The need to "ship website updates directly" implies access to necessary development environments or web publishing tools.

• Team Interaction: Being on-site allows for direct interaction with founders and team members, fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose. This is crucial for rapid feedback loops and aligning on brand vision.

Work Schedule: The standard full-time work schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) applies. In a startup, while core hours are expected, there might be an emphasis on flexibility and output rather than strict time-logging, particularly for senior roles that leverage AI for efficiency. This allows for focused work sessions and adaptation to project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Berlin is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience working in physical office settings and how they contribute to a collaborative team culture. The emphasis on direct website updates and AI tool usage suggests a modern, tech-forward workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on end-to-end brand projects, design systems, and physical product examples. Be prepared to discuss your process, decision-making, and the operational aspects of your work.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: You may be asked to complete a small design task or a take-home challenge to evaluate your skills in Figma, direct implementation, or problem-solving within the context of Clera's brand.

• Team/Founder Interviews: Meetings with founders and key team members to assess strategic thinking, collaboration style, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Operations: Organize your portfolio to highlight not just the final designs but the process and operational execution. For each project, clearly articulate:

  • The Brief/Problem: What was the objective?
  • Your Role & Ownership: What specific parts did you own?
  • The Process: How did you approach it (tools, methodologies, collaboration)?
  • The Operational Challenges: How did you manage production, supplier relationships, direct implementation, or ambiguity?
  • The Solution & Impact: What was the outcome? Quantify results where possible (e.g., website conversion improvements, efficiency gains from design system).

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates your ability to work across digital (design systems, website) and physical (merchandise, spaces) mediums, as well as your comfort with code implementation.

• Highlight AI Usage: Prepare specific examples of how you've used AI tools to improve your workflow, creativity, or efficiency.

• Be Concise and Clear: Focus on high-quality examples that directly align with the job requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Research Clera, its mission, its target audience (enterprises), and its current brand presence.

• Anticipate AI Integration: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a design challenge using AI tools to accelerate the process or explore creative directions.

• Focus on Practicality: Given the emphasis on shipping updates and producing physical goods, focus on practical, executable solutions rather than purely conceptual ones.

• Defend Your Decisions: Be prepared to articulate the strategic rationale behind your design choices and operational approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "ship website updates directly" and "use AI tools to accelerate workflow" are critical points for portfolio and challenge preparation. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate hands-on technical skills and a results-oriented, process-driven approach to design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Expect advanced usage for component creation, token management, and collaborative workflows.

• Design System Frameworks: Experience with established design system methodologies and potentially tools for token management and documentation (e.g., Storybook, Zeroheight, though not explicitly mentioned).

• Frontend Technologies: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and potentially JavaScript is required for direct website updates. Familiarity with CMS platforms or static site generators might be beneficial.

• AI Design Tools: Proactive use of generative AI tools for ideation, asset creation, or workflow optimization (e.g., Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, AI-powered plugins for Figma, AI writing assistants for briefs).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Website Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or similar platforms to understand website performance and inform design decisions.

• Design System Analytics: Methods for tracking component usage, adoption rates, and impact on development efficiency.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Likely used for task tracking and team coordination (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello, or internal tools).

• Supplier/Vendor Management Tools: While not specific software, the ability to manage communication and workflows with external suppliers for merchandise and print production is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on direct frontend implementation and AI tools suggests a modern, hands-on tech stack. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these specific tools and how they leverage them for operational efficiency and creative output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Ownership: A strong sense of responsibility for the brand's visual identity and its consistent application across all touchpoints.

• Efficiency & Speed: A commitment to rapid iteration, agile workflows, and leveraging technology (especially AI) to deliver results quickly and effectively.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high standards in design execution, from digital interfaces to physical products, ensuring every element reflects brand excellence.

• Collaboration & Trust: A belief in working closely with a small, senior team, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared accountability.

• Problem-Solving: An innovative mindset geared towards finding practical solutions to design and operational challenges, often in ambiguous or fast-changing environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Transparent: Expect open dialogue, constructive feedback, and a willingness to challenge ideas respectfully.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with founders and other team members, ensuring brand strategy is aligned with business objectives.

• Process-Oriented: A shared understanding that well-defined processes (like design systems and production workflows) enable efficient and high-quality output.

• Learning Mindset: An encouragement to explore new tools, techniques, and methodologies, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of AI and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative excellence and operational pragmatism. Candidates who thrive in environments that value speed, ownership, and direct contribution will be a strong fit. The "high-trust" aspect suggests autonomy but also a need for reliability and clear communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing Brand Identity: As a seed-stage company, defining and solidifying a strong, consistent brand identity in a competitive AI market is a primary challenge.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Constraints: Effectively translating a creative vision into tangible assets (merchandise, physical spaces) while managing production timelines, budgets, and supplier limitations.

• Direct Implementation Demands: The requirement to ship website updates directly necessitates strong technical skills and the ability to work autonomously in a code environment, which may be a learning curve for some designers.

• Leveraging AI Effectively: Identifying and integrating AI tools strategically to enhance creativity and efficiency without sacrificing design integrity or originality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Foundational Role: Opportunity to build the brand design function from its inception, setting standards and processes that will scale with the company.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Development: Gain practical experience in areas beyond traditional graphic design, such as frontend development, production management, and spatial design.

• AI & Automation Expertise: Become proficient in using cutting-edge AI tools for design, gaining a competitive edge in the evolving creative landscape.

• Strategic Brand Building: Contribute directly to the company's go-to-market strategy by shaping its brand narrative and visual presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but also offer substantial opportunities for growth. Candidates should frame their approach to these challenges in terms of problem-solving, learning, and strategic execution, highlighting their resilience and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you owned the end-to-end brand design for a product or company. What were the key stages, challenges, and outcomes?" (Focus on process, ownership, and impact).

• "How would you approach building or evolving a design system for an enterprise AI platform? What are your key considerations for scalability and accessibility?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and system design knowledge).

• "Walk me through your process for designing and producing branded merchandise for a company. How do you ensure quality and brand alignment?" (Highlight operational experience with physical goods).

• "Given our focus on enterprise AI, what are your initial thoughts on how Clera's brand should be communicated visually?" (Assess strategic understanding and initial brand thinking).

• "How have you used AI tools in your design workflow? Can you provide a specific example where it led to a significant improvement in efficiency or creativity?" (Showcase practical AI application). Company & Culture Questions:

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

• "How do you see yourself fitting into a small, high-trust, seed-stage startup environment?" (Assess cultural alignment and self-starter mentality).

• "Describe your experience working on-site and collaborating closely with a team. What makes a collaborative environment successful for you?" (Highlight on-site work preference and teamwork skills).

• "How do you handle ambiguity and situations where you need to define your own brief?" (Assess problem-solving and initiative). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your approach, the execution (including operational steps), and the results.

• Emphasize Process & Operations: Clearly articulate your role, the tools you used, the challenges you overcame (especially technical implementation or production), and how you ensured brand consistency and quality.

• Showcase AI Integration: Dedicate a slide or section to demonstrating your use of AI tools, explaining the benefit and outcome.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: If discussing website updates, be ready to talk about specific code aspects or the process of implementing changes.

• Engage and Discuss: Treat the portfolio review as a conversation, inviting questions and demonstrating your thought process in real-time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely test for both creative talent and operational rigor. Candidates should prepare to showcase their ability to execute, manage processes, and leverage technology effectively, demonstrating a strong understanding of how design impacts business operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application directly through the provided link on Ashby HQ.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating end-to-end brand ownership, design system management, physical product design, and any direct frontend implementation experience. Clearly articulate the operational aspects of these projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights your 5+ years of relevant experience, emphasizing skills in Figma, design systems, physical production, and any experience with AI tools. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for a Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on your process, decision-making, and how you manage creative projects from concept to delivery, including any operational challenges you've overcome. Practice articulating your experience with AI tools.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Clera, its mission, its product, and the enterprise AI market. Understand their current brand presence and consider how your skills can contribute to their growth.

⚠️ 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.