Creative Designer - 6 month FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Creative Designer - 6 Month Fixed-Term Contract

Company: KPMG New Zealand

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Job Type: Fixed Term

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: June 5, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on delivering high-quality visual design outputs for a leading professional services firm, supporting business development, client engagements, and internal communications.

• The Creative Designer will translate complex business information into clear, visually engaging digital and print materials, ensuring adherence to brand standards.

• This is a fixed-term contract position offering valuable experience within a corporate environment, ideal for a designer early in their career.

• Key responsibilities include collaborating with diverse stakeholders, managing multiple projects under tight deadlines, and contributing creatively to design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description indicates a "Creative Designer" role within KPMG's Brand team, supporting business development and client engagement. This aligns with a Marketing Operations or Creative Services function, focusing on the visual execution of GTM strategies rather than the strategic planning of operations. The role is for a 6-month fixed-term contract, suggesting a project-based need.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce a wide range of visual deliverables, including proposals, reports, presentations, marketing collateral, and event materials, ensuring they are visually compelling and aligned with business objectives.

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across various departments to understand project requirements and translate complex or text-heavy content into easily digestible visual communications.

• Execute designs using the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Microsoft PowerPoint, adhering to KPMG's brand guidelines and maintaining brand consistency across all outputs.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work within demanding deadlines.

• Support the ongoing development and maintenance of brand assets, templates, and team processes to enhance operational efficiency and design quality.

• Contribute creative ideas and innovative solutions during brainstorming sessions and concept development to elevate the visual impact of KPMG's communications.

• Assist with photography, filming, or video editing tasks as needed, adding value to multimedia projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities listed are directly extracted and structured from the provided "Day to day you will" section of the job description, focusing on the core duties of a creative designer within a corporate setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in graphic design principles and execution is paramount.

• Relevant certifications or coursework in graphic design, visual communications, or related fields are beneficial. Experience:

• Approximately 2-3 years of professional graphic design experience is required, with a preference for candidates who have worked within a corporate environment or the professional services sector.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize effectively, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced setting. Required Skills:

• A strong, diverse creative portfolio showcasing a range of design projects and capabilities.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Expert-level skills in Microsoft PowerPoint for creating professional business presentations.

• Excellent visual communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging designs.

• Strong understanding and application of brand standards and guidelines.

• Effective collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work constructively with team members and stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro for motion graphics and video editing.

• Familiarity with photography, filming techniques, and video editing.

• Knowledge of current design trends and emerging technologies in the creative industry.

• Experience or understanding of the professional services industry in New Zealand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About you" section directly informs the required and preferred skills. The experience level is explicitly stated as "around 2-3 years," and the emphasis on a portfolio and specific software proficiency is highlighted. The note about this role not being for senior candidates is incorporated into the experience expectation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a breadth of design skills, including print, digital, and presentation design, with a focus on professional and corporate aesthetics.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the design challenge, the creative process undertaken, and the resulting impact or effectiveness of the visual solutions.

• Examples showcasing the ability to translate complex data, text, or concepts into clear, visually appealing graphics and layouts.

• Demonstration of proficiency in applying brand guidelines consistently across various project types. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management for design projects, illustrating how tasks are organized, prioritized, and executed to meet deadlines.

• Evidence of collaborative processes, showing how feedback from stakeholders was incorporated into design revisions.

• Any contributions to the development or refinement of design templates, asset libraries, or team processes should be highlighted.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original description doesn't explicitly mention a "portfolio requirement," it stresses the need for a "strong creative portfolio showcasing your skills across a variety of design projects." This section infers what such a portfolio should contain for a role focused on visual communications within a corporate environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the 2-3 years of experience requirement, the fixed-term nature, and the Auckland location, a competitive salary range for a Creative Designer in New Zealand would typically fall between NZD $60,000 - $80,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles and experience levels in the Auckland market, considering the fixed-term contract nature which may sometimes offer a slightly higher hourly rate than permanent positions. Benefits:

• Access to the firm's annual incentive scheme.

• Opportunities for local and international secondments.

• Hybrid working model, offering a mix of office, client, and home-based work.

• The flexibility to work from overseas for extended periods, connecting with friends and family.

• Flexible leave options, including the ability to purchase additional annual leave.

• Gender-neutral support for the parental journey, including 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave for all new parents.

• A paid professional association membership of your choice.

• Digital accreditations through partnerships with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, with bespoke learning pathways.

• A wide range of special offers and discounts on insurances, banking services, and lifestyle goods and services.

• Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Affinity Networks (Kiwa, Pride, Ethnicity, Accessibility, Wahine).

• Participation in Green Team activities focused on environmental footprint reduction.

• Membership in the local Social club for events and activities.

• Paid time off for volunteering and citizenship activities.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including free flu vaccinations, subsidized sporting events, free confidential counselling, and 5 days of Wellbeing leave.

• Access to a Wellbeing portal with extensive advice and resources. Working Hours:

• The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week, with the flexibility offered through the hybrid working arrangement to balance personal and professional commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical market rates for a Creative Designer with 2-3 years of experience in Auckland, New Zealand. The benefits are extracted directly from the "Life at KPMG" section. The working hours are inferred from the standard 40-hour week often associated with corporate roles of this nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Accounting, Audit, Tax, Advisory)

• KPMG operates within the global professional services sector, renowned for its rigorous standards, client-centric approach, and commitment to integrity. This industry context means the Design team must deliver work that is not only visually appealing but also professional, accurate, and supportive of complex business objectives and client relationships.

Company Size: Large Global Organization (KPMG is one of the "Big Four" accounting firms)

• Working within a large, established firm like KPMG means access to extensive resources, established processes, and a global network. For operations professionals, this often translates to structured career paths, opportunities for specialization, and the chance to work on high-impact projects for a diverse client base. The Brand team likely operates with defined processes and brand governance.

Founded: 1987 (through a merger)

• KPMG's long history and global presence signify stability and a deep understanding of business needs across various sectors. This heritage suggests a culture that values expertise, reliability, and continuous improvement, which would extend to its internal support functions like the Design team. Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The Creative Designer will be part of the Brand team, working alongside other designers and potentially marketing specialists. This team is responsible for visual communications and brand management across the firm.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: This specific role reports into the Design team leadership, likely within a broader Marketing or Communications department. The structure will involve collaboration with various business units and stakeholders across KPMG New Zealand.

• Operations Team Aspect 3: Close collaboration with internal clients (proposal managers, marketing teams, business unit leaders) is expected, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills to effectively interpret briefs and deliver design solutions.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Data-driven decision-making is likely prevalent, with design choices informed by brand guidelines, client engagement requirements, and potentially past project performance metrics.

• Operations Process 2: A structured approach to project management is essential, involving clear brief intake, concept development, iterative feedback loops, and final delivery within defined timelines.

• Operations Process 3: Emphasis on efficiency and consistency in design execution, leveraging templates and brand assets to streamline the production of materials for a large organization.

Company Website: https://kpmg.com/nz/en/home.html

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the "KPMG is one of the most trusted..." introductory paragraph and general knowledge of KPMG as a global firm. The "Team Structure" and "Methodology" sections are inferred based on the role's placement within a "Brand team" at a large professional services firm.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior to Mid-Level Designer

• This role is explicitly positioned for individuals "early in the stages of their career" and "not intended for candidates seeking a senior-level position." It offers a foundational experience in corporate design, focusing on execution and stakeholder collaboration rather than strategic design leadership. Reporting Structure:

• The Creative Designer will report to a Design Lead or Manager within the Brand team. This team likely sits within a larger Marketing or Communications function. They will interact with a diverse range of internal stakeholders who act as "clients" for design requests. Operations Impact:

• The Designer's work directly impacts the firm's ability to win new business through compelling proposals and marketing materials, enhance client relationships through professional communications, and maintain a strong, consistent brand image internally and externally. Visual quality directly influences perceptions of KPMG's professionalism and capability. Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Growth Opportunity 1: Gain significant experience in corporate branding and visual communication within the demanding professional services sector, building a strong foundation for future design roles.

• Operations Growth Opportunity 2: Develop advanced skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft PowerPoint, potentially acquiring new skills in motion graphics or video editing through exposure and learning opportunities.

• Operations Growth Opportunity 3: Enhance project management and stakeholder management abilities by working on diverse projects for various internal clients, learning to navigate feedback and deliver under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" and "Growth Opportunities" are directly inferred from the statement "This role is best suited to someone early in their career and is not intended for candidates seeking a senior-level position." The "Reporting Structure" and "Operations Impact" are logical deductions based on the role's description within a corporate Brand team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Professional Services Firm Environment

• KPMG operates in a professional corporate setting, characterized by a focus on client service, business acumen, and adherence to established protocols. The Design team's workspace will reflect this, likely being a collaborative area within KPMG's Auckland office.

Office Location(s): Auckland, New Zealand

• The role is based in Auckland, a major business hub. The hybrid work arrangement means employees will split their time between the KPMG office and remote locations (home, client sites), offering flexibility. Information on specific office amenities or accessibility can be found on the KPMG New Zealand website. Workspace Context:

• Workspace Aspect 1: The office environment will support collaborative design efforts, with opportunities for brainstorming, feedback sessions, and interaction with team members and other professionals within KPMG.

• Workspace Aspect 2: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite) and potentially specialized hardware will be provided. The hybrid model emphasizes self-sufficiency in remote work setups.

• Workspace Aspect 3: Regular face-to-face and virtual interactions with the Design team, marketing colleagues, and various internal stakeholders are integral to the role's success.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are likely 40 hours per week, managed flexibly within the hybrid work arrangement. This allows for a balance between fulfilling project deadlines and personal commitments, accommodating the need for focused design work both in the office and remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Office Type" and "Workspace Context" are inferred from KPMG being a major professional services firm. The "Office Location(s)" are confirmed from the job posting, and the "Work Schedule" is based on standard corporate expectations and the mention of hybrid work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Process Step 1: Initial screening of applications, focusing heavily on the submitted creative portfolio and alignment with the required skills and experience. Candidates should ensure their portfolio is easily accessible and showcases relevant work.

• Process Step 2: A potential skills-based assessment or design challenge, which might involve creating a quick design piece based on a prompt or refining an existing concept to demonstrate creative thinking and technical proficiency under pressure.

• Process Step 3: Interviews with the hiring manager and potentially other members of the Brand or Design team. This stage will assess cultural fit, communication skills, understanding of design principles, and ability to collaborate effectively.

• Process Step 4: Final interview or discussion to confirm suitability for the fixed-term role, discuss expectations, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio Tip 1: Curate your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to corporate design, proposal graphics, presentations, and brand collateral. Organize it logically with clear titles and brief descriptions for each project.

• Portfolio Tip 2: For key projects, include a brief case study explaining the client's objective, your role, the design process, challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved clarity," "enhanced engagement").

• Portfolio Tip 3: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in both Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft PowerPoint. Showcase examples of how you've translated complex information into visually appealing formats.

• Portfolio Tip 4: Tailor your portfolio presentation to KPMG's brand and industry. Highlight any experience with professional services or similar corporate environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Challenge Preparation 1: If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly. Prioritize clear communication and brand alignment over overly complex or risky design choices.

• Challenge Preparation 2: Manage your time strictly during any timed exercise. Aim for a well-executed, clear solution that meets the core requirements, rather than an incomplete, highly polished one.

• Challenge Preparation 3: Be prepared to articulate your design decisions, explain your thought process, and justify your choices based on the brief and best design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred based on standard hiring processes for creative roles in corporate environments, with specific emphasis on portfolio requirements and potential design challenges relevant to a graphic designer position.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, document design for print and digital). Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Critical for creating professional business presentations, reports, and proposals. Advanced skills in formatting, template usage, and graphic integration are expected.

• Adobe After Effects / Premiere Pro (Bonus): Experience with these tools for motion graphics, animation, and video editing would be advantageous for multimedia projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., proposal win rates, presentation effectiveness) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics concepts related to digital content or marketing collateral might be helpful. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, however, understanding how design outputs are distributed or utilized within CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., email templates, landing page graphics) could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are directly extracted from the job description's requirements, with additional context provided on their typical use in a professional design setting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity, Courage, Excellence, Together, for Better: These core KPMG values are central to the company culture. For the Design team, this translates to delivering honest, high-quality work (Excellence), being bold in creative suggestions (Courage), collaborating effectively (Together), and ensuring designs contribute positively to business outcomes (for Better).

• Client-Centricity: Designs must serve the needs of internal clients and ultimately contribute to strong client relationships and business success.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of work and communication is expected, reflecting the firm's reputation.

• Efficiency & Accuracy: Given the volume of work and deadlines, a focus on efficient processes and meticulous attention to detail is paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various business units, proposal teams, and marketing functions, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Feedback & Iteration: A willingness to receive and act on constructive feedback from stakeholders is crucial for refining designs and ensuring they meet project objectives.

• Team Support: Working closely with the existing Design team, sharing knowledge, and supporting collective goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values are taken directly from the introductory text. The interpretation of how these values apply to a creative role and the collaboration style are inferred based on standard practices within large professional services firms.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines and stakeholder demands requires strong organizational skills and the ability to negotiate timelines.

• Translating Complex Information: Simplifying intricate business concepts and data into clear, compelling visuals is a constant challenge that requires both design skill and business understanding.

• Adhering to Brand Guidelines: Balancing creative expression with strict brand adherence can be challenging, requiring a nuanced approach to design execution.

• Fixed-Term Contract Transition: Adapting quickly to a new environment and team within a defined timeframe, with the understanding that the contract has a specific end date.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in corporate graphic design, presentation design, and brand management through hands-on project experience.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insight into the business operations and client engagement strategies of a leading global professional services firm.

• Software Proficiency: Enhance skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and potentially explore motion graphics or video editing tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are inferred from the core responsibilities and the nature of a corporate design role. Growth opportunities are derived from the role's potential to build skills and gain experience within a reputable organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Question 1: "Describe a time you had to translate complex data or a text-heavy brief into a visually engaging design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" Prepare a specific example from your portfolio that showcases your ability to simplify information.

• Operations Question 2: "How do you manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines and stakeholder feedback?" Be ready to discuss your project management techniques, prioritization strategies, and how you handle revisions.

• Operations Question 3: "Walk us through your portfolio and highlight 1-2 projects that best demonstrate your suitability for this role at KPMG." Select projects that align with corporate design, proposal work, or presentation graphics.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Operations Question 4: "What do you know about KPMG's brand and values, and how would you ensure your designs reflect them?" Research KPMG New Zealand's website, focusing on their purpose, values, and brand identity.

• Operations Question 5: "How do you approach collaboration with non-design stakeholders?" Discuss your communication style and how you build rapport and manage expectations with internal clients.

• Operations Question 6: "This is a fixed-term contract role. How do you approach onboarding and delivering impact quickly in a temporary position?" Demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running and contribute effectively from the outset.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Presentation Strategy 1: Structure your portfolio presentation around 2-3 key projects. For each, clearly state the objective, your role, the creative process, challenges, and the final result.

• Presentation Strategy 2: Be prepared to discuss the tools you used and why. If possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., "This proposal design contributed to a successful bid").

• Presentation Strategy 3: For any design challenges or hypothetical scenarios, clearly articulate your thought process, design rationale, and how you would ensure brand alignment and stakeholder satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a creative role within a corporate setting, focusing on portfolio demonstration, understanding of brand, and project management skills relevant to a designer.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Creative Designer position:

• Submit your application via the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 2-3 years of graphic design experience, emphasizing proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft PowerPoint, and any relevant corporate or professional services background.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easily navigable, and showcases a strong selection of design work relevant to corporate communications, presentations, and branding.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project successes, and how you handle client feedback. Be ready to discuss your understanding of KPMG's brand and values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with KPMG New Zealand's services, recent projects (if publicly available), and their stated purpose and values to demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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