Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer

Company: First Focus

Location: Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-18

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategy through expert brand design for a leading managed technology service provider.

• Develop compelling creative assets across a broad spectrum of B2B marketing and internal communications.

• Leverage Adobe Creative Cloud, PowerPoint, and Word to produce polished, editable, and on-brand collateral.

• Integrate generative AI intelligently to explore creative concepts and accelerate design workflows.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visual narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a Marketing and Design Operations context, focusing on the systematic creation and deployment of brand assets to support business objectives. The emphasis on B2B audiences and the integration of AI suggests a need for strategic visual storytelling that balances professionalism with engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design impactful campaign creative, digital assets, and social media graphics that resonate with a B2B audience.

• Develop clear and engaging sales presentations, proposals, reports, and ebooks by translating complex information into accessible visual formats.

• Create and refine visually consistent internal communications, brand materials, and event collateral.

• Build and maintain robust templates within PowerPoint and Word to ensure brand consistency and efficiency across the organization.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, sales, client services, and leadership to understand communication objectives and deliver effective design solutions.

• Ensure all visual outputs maintain First Focus's brand identity, consistency, and high standards of professional design.

• Utilize generative AI tools to explore creative directions and initial concepts, then refine and produce polished assets in Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Work with stakeholders to identify key messages and determine optimal visual communication strategies, moving beyond basic layout adjustments.

• Contribute to the evolution of the brand's visual language, ensuring it remains interesting and recognizable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can manage a high volume of diverse projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of B2B communication nuances and the ability to simplify complex information. The integration of AI is presented as a tool for creative exploration and efficiency, not a replacement for core design craft.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No formal design qualification is required; excellence in portfolio and demonstrable skills are prioritized over academic credentials.

Experience: Approximately 3+ years of experience in B2B graphic design is preferred, with a strong emphasis on the quality of work and understanding of in-house brand management.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in branding, typography, and layout design, as evidenced by a strong portfolio.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for creating polished, editable production assets.

• Strong design skills in Microsoft PowerPoint and Word, essential for creating professional presentations and documents.

• Experience designing for a B2B audience, with an understanding of how to create professional yet engaging materials.

• Ability to analyze copy, content, or ideas to identify key messages and translate them into effective visual communication.

• Confidence in collaborating with internal stakeholders, asking clarifying questions, and transforming briefs into superior design outcomes.

• Comfort and practical experience using generative AI tools as part of a modern creative workflow.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain brand consistency and adapt designs within established brand guidelines. Preferred Skills:

• Prior in-house brand experience, offering a deeper understanding of living with and evolving a brand over time.

• Familiarity with information design principles and the ability to visually represent complex data.

• Experience creating motion graphics or simple animations for digital content.

• Understanding of web design principles and UI/UX considerations for digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for strong PowerPoint and Word skills is unusual for a pure "Brand Designer" role but is critical here due to the focus on presentations, reports, and internal communications. The emphasis on "in-house brand experience" suggests the company values a designer who can deeply understand and consistently apply a brand's personality and visual language over time.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory for application, showcasing a range of branding projects, typography, layout design, and visual communication examples.

• Demonstrate the ability to take complex information or content and simplify it into clear, visually compelling narratives.

• Include examples of B2B design work that effectively communicates professionalism without being uninspired or generic.

• Showcase creative exploration, particularly any instances where generative AI was used to enhance the design process or explore initial concepts, alongside the final refined output.

• Present work that highlights an understanding of brand consistency and how to apply it across various mediums. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a "process documentation" role, the expectation is that the designer can articulate their design process, from brief interpretation to final asset delivery.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach information hierarchy, visual problem-solving, and stakeholder collaboration within their workflow.

• The ability to create and refine templates in PowerPoint and Word implies a structured approach to reusable design elements and systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary gatekeeper for this role. It needs to clearly demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and practical application of design principles in a B2B context, including proficiency with essential business software and AI tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the location (Auckland, New Zealand), experience level (Mid-Level, 2-5 years), and the specific responsibilities outlined, a competitive salary is expected. For a Brand Designer role of this nature in Auckland, a typical annual salary range would be approximately NZD $65,000 - $90,000. This estimate accounts for the specific technical skills (Adobe Suite, MS Office, AI), B2B focus, and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.

• KiwiSaver contributions to support retirement savings.

• Hybrid working model, promoting work-life balance and flexibility.

• Access to Uprise: confidential 1:1 coaching with qualified psychologists and counsellors for mental well-being.

• "Never Stop Growing" commitment: 10 paid training days annually for professional development.

• Certification support for relevant industry accreditations.

• Regular internal learning sessions and access to an extensive learning library.

• FastTrack mentoring program for career advancement and skill development.

• Employee and client referral bonuses, incentivizing network growth.

• Regular social events to foster team cohesion and a positive work environment.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry benchmarks for Brand Designers in New Zealand with 2-5 years of experience, considering the hybrid work arrangement and the company's position as a managed technology service provider. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing professional development and employee well-being, which is attractive for mid-level professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Services (Managed Technology Service Providers). First Focus operates within the IT services sector, supporting mid-sized organizations with their technology management, security, and optimization needs. This context implies a professional, results-oriented environment where reliability and expertise are highly valued.

Company Size: First Focus is described as one of Australia and New Zealand's leading managed technology service providers, indicating a significant and established presence. While an exact employee count isn't provided, the scope suggests a company with substantial operations, likely employing hundreds of professionals across various departments.

Founded: First Focus was founded in 2003. This history suggests a mature company with established processes, a proven track record, and a stable market position, while still retaining a growth mindset.

Team Structure:

• The Marketing team in New Zealand is where this role sits, working collaboratively with other marketing professionals.

• The role requires interaction with stakeholders across Sales, Client Services, leadership, and the wider business, indicating a highly cross-functional operational environment.

• The team structure likely involves clear reporting lines within Marketing, with a focus on project-based collaboration across departments. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not directly a data analyst role, the Brand Designer will need to interpret data-driven briefs and understand performance metrics to inform visual strategy.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The emphasis on template creation (PowerPoint, Word) and efficient asset production points to a need for structured workflows and process optimization within the design function.

• Automation & Efficiency: The integration of generative AI highlights a forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology for efficiency and creative exploration.

Company Website: https://www.firstfocus.com.au/about-us/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and founding date suggest a stable, professional environment. The role's cross-functional nature is key; the designer must be adept at collaborating with various business units, translating their needs into effective visual communication. The "Live Curiously" value suggests an openness to new ideas and challenging conventional approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Mid-Level Brand Designer, positioned to contribute significantly to the company's visual identity and marketing efforts. It requires a blend of creative craft and strategic application within a B2B technology context. The role is not entry-level but offers substantial responsibility and exposure to diverse design challenges.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Designer will report to a Marketing Manager or similar leadership role within the First Focus Marketing team in New Zealand. They will also work closely with various internal stakeholders across different departments.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's work directly impacts the perception and effectiveness of First Focus's marketing campaigns, sales efforts, and overall brand communication. By creating clear, engaging, and consistent visual assets, they contribute to lead generation, sales enablement, client engagement, and internal alignment, all of which are critical to the company's growth and success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in B2B branding, information design, and the strategic application of visual communication within a technology sector.

• AI Integration Mastery: Become highly proficient in leveraging generative AI tools to enhance creative workflows, explore novel design concepts, and drive efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop stronger stakeholder management and communication skills by collaborating with diverse teams, potentially leading design aspects of larger projects.

• Brand Evolution Contribution: Play a key role in shaping and evolving the First Focus brand over time, gaining valuable experience in long-term brand stewardship.

• Mentorship: Benefit from the FastTrack mentoring program, potentially leading to advanced roles within the marketing team or broader organizational leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities emphasize not just design skill enhancement but also strategic business acumen and leadership potential, particularly in areas like AI integration and cross-functional project leadership, which are highly relevant for operations-focused roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model. This indicates a flexible approach that blends remote work with in-office collaboration. The office environment likely fosters teamwork, brainstorming, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, while remote work allows for focused individual tasks and better work-life balance.

Office Location(s): Auckland, New Zealand. Specific office details beyond the city are not provided, but an Auckland location suggests access to a major business hub with amenities and transport links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on stakeholder collaboration suggest a workspace designed to facilitate teamwork, idea sharing, and project discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word), and generative AI tools will be standard. The company likely provides a robust IT infrastructure to support these tools for both remote and in-office work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Marketing team and other business units, both virtually and in person, will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely operating on standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week). The hybrid nature allows for flexibility in structuring the work week, balancing focused individual work with collaborative team sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid environment is a significant draw for work-life balance. The emphasis on collaboration within this model means candidates should be comfortable with both independent work and active participation in team discussions and feedback sessions, whether remote or in-person.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit CV and portfolio. The portfolio is paramount.

2. Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio for alignment with requirements, especially design skills, software proficiency, and B2B experience.

3. Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Discussion about experience, design philosophy, approach to B2B design, and integration of AI. This stage may include a brief portfolio walkthrough.

4. Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a short design exercise or present a detailed case study from their portfolio, focusing on problem-solving, process, and communication. This would likely involve a mock brief or an analysis of a past project.

5. Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership or key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the team and company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase B2B Expertise: Highlight projects that demonstrate an understanding of professional B2B audiences and how to make complex offerings visually accessible and engaging.

• Demonstrate Process: For key projects, walk through your thought process: understanding the brief, identifying the core message, exploring concepts (including AI use), executing the design, and refining based on feedback.

• Highlight AI Integration: If AI was used, clearly explain how it contributed to concept generation, exploration, or efficiency, and how you then applied your craft to refine the output into professional, editable assets.

• Emphasize Craft: Beyond concepts, showcase your mastery of typography, layout, color, and brand application. Ensure all presented work is polished, technically sound, and editable.

• Focus on Communication: Select pieces that clearly show how you've translated information or ideas into effective visual communication.

• PowerPoint/Word Savvy: Include examples that demonstrate strong design within these platforms, showcasing template creation or complex presentation designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, especially for B2B contexts and when using AI.

• Practice articulating how you identify and simplify complex information for visual representation.

• Familiarize yourself with First Focus's current brand and marketing materials to understand their existing visual language and identify potential areas for enhancement.

• Be ready to discuss the "Live Curiously" value and how it applies to your design approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI integration means candidates should be ready to discuss their practical application of these tools, not just theoretical knowledge. The portfolio review will be stringent, looking for evidence of craft, strategic thinking, and adaptability to B2B technology marketing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos), Photoshop (for image editing, digital assets), and InDesign (for layout, reports, ebooks).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint (for presentations, template design) and Word (for documents, reports, template design) is critical.

• Generative AI Tools: Comfort and practical experience using AI for concept generation, image exploration, and creative ideation (specific tools not mentioned, but flexibility is key).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for the designer, an understanding of how design impacts metrics (e.g., engagement rates on digital assets, clarity of reports) is beneficial. They may interact with reporting dashboards created by others. CRM & Automation:

• Less direct interaction, but understanding how marketing collateral supports CRM efforts and sales enablement is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of PowerPoint and Word design skills, alongside Adobe Creative Cloud, is a key differentiator for this role. Proficiency in these business software packages for design purposes is as crucial as traditional graphic design tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Live Curiously: Encourages asking "why," exploring better ways of doing things, and challenging obvious solutions with more interesting alternatives. This applies directly to design, pushing beyond generic approaches.

• Smart People Doing Good Work: Implies a focus on competence, efficiency, and high-quality output. Operations professionals in this environment are expected to be skilled, diligent, and committed to excellence.

• Collaborating Properly: Emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and effective cross-functional partnerships. Design solutions should be developed with input and feedback from various stakeholders.

• Continuing to Get Better: Suggests a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and adaptation, aligning with the "Never Stop Growing" benefit.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Brand Designer will work extensively with marketing, sales, client services, and leadership, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate needs across different functions.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture where ideas are welcomed and feedback is exchanged is implied, particularly with the "Live Curiously" value. Design concepts will likely undergo review cycles.

• Knowledge Sharing: Regular internal learning sessions and access to a learning library indicate a culture that supports shared learning and professional development within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Live Curiously" value is highlighted as particularly relevant to design, signaling a desire for a proactive, innovative designer who can bring fresh perspectives. The emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement aligns with operational excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Exploration: Maintaining a strong, recognizable brand identity while continuously innovating and exploring new visual directions, especially with AI integration.

• Translating Complex B2B Concepts: Effectively communicating technical or abstract B2B service offerings through design in a way that is clear, engaging, and persuasive to a business audience.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating with various departments (Sales, Client Services, Leadership) who may have different priorities and visual expectations.

• Navigating AI Integration: Effectively using AI as a tool to enhance creativity and efficiency without compromising design quality, craft, or intellectual property considerations.

• Elevating B2B Design: Overcoming the perception that B2B design must be "beige" or uninspired, bringing creativity and impact to professional communications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gain deep expertise in B2B technology marketing design, information hierarchy, and brand stewardship.

• Industry Conference & Certification: Access to training days and potential certification support can be leveraged for specialized design or AI-related courses.

• Operations Mentorship: The FastTrack mentoring program offers structured guidance for career progression, potentially in design leadership, project management, or broader marketing strategy.

• AI Workflow Mastery: Become a leader in integrating AI tools into a professional design workflow, developing best practices for concept generation and refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, particularly in the strategic application of design, AI integration, and stakeholder management, all key aspects of operational effectiveness.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex B2B service and translating it into a compelling visual narrative. Walk us through an example from your portfolio." (Focus on problem-solving, information design, and communication strategy).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of materials, and what role does template design play in your workflow?" (Focus on process, efficiency, and brand governance).

• "How have you used generative AI in your design process? Can you share an example of how it helped you explore concepts or accelerate your work, and what was your role in refining the output?" (Focus on practical AI application, craft, and strategic use).

• "Our value is 'Live Curiously.' How does this value resonate with your approach to design, and can you give an example of when you challenged a conventional approach to find a more interesting solution?" (Focus on critical thinking, innovation, and cultural fit). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about First Focus and the managed technology services industry? How would you approach designing for this sector?" (Focus on research, industry understanding, and strategic design application).

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design stakeholders, such as sales or leadership teams, to ensure their needs are met while maintaining design integrity?" (Focus on stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation).

• "What are your thoughts on the balance between creative exploration and delivering polished, editable assets for internal use?" (Focus on understanding company needs, practicality, and technical proficiency). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project presented, clearly outline the brief, your role, the challenges, your process (including AI use if applicable), the solution, and the impact (if measurable).

• Highlight B2B Relevance: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to design for a professional, business-oriented audience.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your comfort and expertise with Adobe Creative Cloud, PowerPoint, and Word, ideally with examples.

• Explain Your AI Contribution: Be precise about how AI was used and what your creative input was in refining the output. Show the "before" (AI concept) and "after" (polished asset) if possible.

• Focus on Communication: Emphasize how your designs solved a communication problem or conveyed a complex message effectively.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your process, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, practical application of design tools (including AI), strong B2B understanding, and excellent communication skills, aligning with the operational demands of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Designer position:

• Submit your CV and, most importantly, your portfolio through the provided application link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best showcase your branding, typography, layout, and visual communication skills, with a strong emphasis on B2B examples and your ability to simplify complex information. Ensure it highlights your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft PowerPoint/Word.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design process, including how you approach briefs, collaborate with stakeholders, and integrate generative AI into your workflow. Have specific case studies prepared to discuss in detail.

• Research First Focus: Understand their industry, services, existing brand presence, and company values, particularly "Live Curiously." Consider how your design approach can align with and enhance their brand.

• Practice Your Presentation: If invited for an interview, practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your design decisions, focusing on clarity, strategic thinking, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI tools and your craft.

⚠️ 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.