Design Director FMCG Food & Beverages, Lifestlye (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director FMCG Food & Beverages, Lifestyle (m/w/d)

Company: Roman Klis Design GmbH

Location: Herrenberg, Berlin, Hamburg, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Festanstellung)

Category: Brand Design & Creative Leadership

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and creative execution of holistic brand identities for FMCG Food & Beverage and Lifestyle clients.

• Drive innovative concept development and design systems that translate brand positioning, storytelling, and digital touchpoints into cohesive 360° brand experiences.

• Manage and mentor a diverse design team, guiding them through conceptual processes to deliver impactful and results-oriented creative solutions.

• Oversee the visual and experiential aspects of brands across various channels, including packaging, point-of-sale, digital platforms, and motion graphics.

• Foster a collaborative and agile work environment that encourages creative exploration, cross-functional synergy, and client-centric innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within a brand-building agency, requiring a blend of strategic vision, creative direction, and team management. The emphasis on FMCG, Food & Beverages, and Lifestyle sectors, alongside a strong focus on holistic brand experiences and modern AI-powered design tools, indicates a need for a candidate with deep industry knowledge and forward-thinking creative capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive brand strategies, translating them into compelling creative concepts and robust design systems that align with client objectives.

• Design and evolve brand identities across all key touchpoints, including product packaging, digital interfaces, marketing collateral, and immersive 360° brand experiences.

• Lead and inspire a team of designers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence through effective conceptual process management.

• Strategize and direct the visual storytelling and presentation of brands in dynamic environments such as point-of-sale, digital campaigns, and motion graphics.

• Articulate and present creative concepts and project outcomes with confidence and clarity to both internal stakeholders and a diverse international client base.

• Plan and facilitate client workshops, manage project timelines, and oversee execution through to final delivery, including coordination of shoots and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic brand development and hands-on creative leadership. The inclusion of "360° brand experiences" and "motion design" suggests a modern agency that embraces integrated campaign development and digital storytelling. The emphasis on client-facing activities and team management signifies a senior role with significant autonomy and responsibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Brand Design, Visual Communication, or a related creative field is typically expected for a Design Director role.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in brand design, with a significant portion focused on the FMCG, Food & Beverages, and Lifestyle sectors. Proven experience in leading design teams and managing complex brand development projects is essential.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Brand Design within the FMCG, Food & Beverages, and Lifestyle sectors.

• Expertise in developing and managing comprehensive product portfolios, brand identities, and integrated marketing campaigns.

• Advanced proficiency in strategic thinking, concept development, and creative ideation.

• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and steering conceptual design processes.

• Strong client-facing skills, including confident presentation abilities and workshop facilitation.

• Proficient in modern AI-supported design tools (e.g., Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Runway, VEO 3).

• Experience with motion design tools and principles (e.g., After Effects or comparable software).

• Fluent in German and English, both written and spoken.

• A highly structured and self-sufficient work approach complemented by strong teamwork capabilities.

• A compelling portfolio showcasing conceptual strength, design excellence, and end-to-end holistic brand work. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in an international, multi-disciplinary agency environment.

• Familiarity with agile project management methodologies.

• Understanding of sustainable design practices and their application in FMCG packaging.

• Ability to mentor junior designers and foster their professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for AI-powered design tools is a significant differentiator, indicating the company's commitment to cutting-edge creative technology and efficiency. The emphasis on a strong portfolio that demonstrates "360° brand work" is critical for this role, suggesting a need for candidates who can think holistically about brand experience across all touchpoints.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end brand development projects, ideally within FMCG, Food & Beverages, or Lifestyle.

• Highlight projects that illustrate strategic thinking, concept generation, and the development of cohesive design systems.

• Include examples of packaging design that demonstrate an understanding of market trends, consumer appeal, and production considerations.

• Present work that clearly articulates the brand's story and its translation across various touchpoints (digital, POS, motion, etc.).

• Evidence of team leadership and project management within these case studies is highly valued. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the design process from initial client brief and research through to concept development, execution, and final implementation.

• Provide insights into how conceptual processes are managed and steered to achieve impactful results.

• Showcase experience in planning and facilitating creative workshops and client presentations.

• Illustrate how modern tools, including AI-driven design software, are integrated into the workflow for enhanced efficiency and creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's strategic and creative capabilities. The emphasis on "holistic brand work" and "360° brand experiences" means that a portfolio solely focused on isolated design elements will be insufficient. Candidates should prepare to articulate the strategic rationale and process behind each project presented.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director in Germany with 5-10 years of experience in a leading creative agency, the estimated annual salary range would be €75,000 - €100,000. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the specialized industry focus (FMCG, Food & Beverages, Lifestyle), and the required proficiency in advanced design tools and team leadership. The exact salary will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the negotiation process.

Benefits:

• Individual professional development opportunities through the dedicated RK Academy.

• Flexible working models to support work-life balance.

• Hybrid working arrangements, combining office-based collaboration with remote flexibility.

• Access to an inspiring and creative work environment conducive to innovation.

• Flat hierarchies and an open communication culture that encourages contribution and collaboration.

• Involvement in exciting projects with renowned FMCG brands.

• Significant creative freedom and short decision-making paths.

• A supportive team culture built on trust, appreciation, and mutual respect.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through individual working time models and the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general German market data for senior creative roles, considering the specified experience level and industry. Actual compensation may vary. The benefits package emphasizes professional growth, flexibility, and a positive work environment, which are attractive to experienced creative professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Brand Building Agency, Creative Services, Marketing & Advertising. Roman Klis Design GmbH specializes in creating unique brand experiences that resonate across all touchpoints, working with clients globally.

Company Size: Over 130 employees. This size indicates a substantial agency with established processes and a diverse talent pool, offering opportunities for collaboration and mentorship, while still maintaining a relatively agile and integrated feel.

Founded: The company was founded with a vision to create success through innovative brand building. Its history is rooted in developing impactful brand experiences for clients worldwide.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely structured around project needs, with potential specializations in areas like brand identity, packaging, digital design, and motion graphics.

• As Design Director, you will lead a team of designers, reporting to senior leadership (e.g., Creative Director or Managing Partner).

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with designers working closely with strategists, account managers, and other creative disciplines within the agency. Methodology:

• The agency operates with a networked, agile, and peer-to-peer approach, emphasizing collaboration with colleagues, management, and clients.

• They foster an inclusive work environment where creative minds can contribute and develop.

• A strong belief in creating success through integrated brand experiences across all touchpoints is central to their methodology.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company positions itself as an international, owner-managed brand-building agency with a diverse, multi-national team. The emphasis on "networked, agile, and peer-to-peer" collaboration suggests a modern, dynamic agency culture that values open communication and flat hierarchies. The "30 nations" and "over 130 employees" figures highlight a significant international presence and a rich cultural mix.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, a Design Director, responsible for the strategic direction and creative output of design projects, particularly within the FMCG, Food & Beverage, and Lifestyle sectors. It involves significant team management and client-facing responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director or a member of the senior management team. They will, in turn, manage a team of designers, potentially including Art Directors, Senior Designers, and Junior Designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is directly tied to the success of client brands. By shaping brand identities, developing compelling concepts, and ensuring design excellence across all touchpoints, they significantly influence brand perception, market positioning, and ultimately, commercial success. Their strategic vision for brand experience contributes directly to client business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific sectors (e.g., plant-based foods, sustainable packaging) or design disciplines (e.g., advanced motion graphics, AI-driven creative workflows).

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to higher leadership roles such as Executive Creative Director or Head of Design, overseeing larger teams and broader creative strategies.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger client relationships and take on more strategic advisory roles.

• Mentorship: Further develop skills in mentoring and developing junior talent, contributing to the agency's overall creative talent pipeline.

• Innovation Leadership: Lead initiatives in exploring and integrating new design technologies and methodologies, such as advanced AI applications in creative processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a specialized creative agency. The emphasis on AI tools and 360° experiences suggests opportunities to become a thought leader in modern brand design practices. The agency's international reach also implies potential for global project involvement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The agency operates from modern offices in Herrenberg, Berlin, and Hamburg, designed to foster creativity and collaboration. These are likely open-plan spaces with dedicated areas for brainstorming, client meetings, and focused work.

Office Location(s):

• Herrenberg: Kalkofenstraße 51, 71083 Herrenberg

• Berlin: Linienstraße 144, 10115 Berlin

• Hamburg: Poststraße 23, 20354 Hamburg Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to be inspiring and creative, encouraging open communication and collaboration among the diverse team of over 130 employees from 30 nations.

• Access to state-of-the-art design tools, including AI-powered software, is provided, supporting cutting-edge creative work.

• The environment is structured to facilitate both focused individual work and dynamic team interactions, supporting agile project methodologies.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 per week) with significant flexibility through hybrid working models (office and remote) and individual working time arrangements, balancing project demands with personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and flexible working hours are key features, catering to modern professional expectations. The multi-location setup in Germany provides geographical options, and the emphasis on a creative, international, and collaborative environment is a strong selling point for design professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, creative approach, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, focusing on your strategic thinking, conceptual strength, and execution capabilities, especially in FMCG, Food & Beverages, and Lifestyle. Expect questions about your team leadership approach and experience with AI design tools.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and senior management to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic alignment.

• Potential Creative Challenge: A hypothetical case study or a short-term creative task designed to evaluate your problem-solving skills, conceptual thinking, and ability to work under pressure, potentially focusing on a new AI-driven creative approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase holistic brand development, strategic thinking, and impactful results, particularly within the specified sectors.

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the creative concept, your role, the process, and the measurable outcomes. Emphasize your leadership and team collaboration.

• Highlight Innovation: Clearly showcase your proficiency and innovative use of AI-powered design tools (Midjourney, Firefly, Runway, VEO 3) and motion design (After Effects).

• Demonstrate 360° Thinking: Ensure your portfolio explicitly demonstrates how you've built brands across multiple touchpoints – from packaging to digital to experiential.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, leadership style, and how you approach problem-solving and client management.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with current trends in FMCG, Food & Beverages, and Lifestyle branding.

• Review the agency's portfolio and recent work to understand their style and client base.

• Practice articulating your creative process and strategic rationale concisely.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would leverage AI tools to solve a specific design challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly evaluate both creative and leadership capabilities. A strong portfolio presentation that clearly articulates strategic intent and innovative tool usage will be critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in leading teams and their vision for modern brand building.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AI Design Tools: Proficiency in Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Runway, and VEO 3 is explicitly required, indicating a strong emphasis on leveraging AI for concept generation, ideation, and asset creation.

• Motion Design Software: Experience with Adobe After Effects or comparable software for creating dynamic visual content and animations.

• Standard Design Suite: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is fundamental for graphic and brand design execution.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed as a primary responsibility, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., brand recall, engagement, conversion rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms to review campaign performance where design played a role would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation: Primarily client management and project tracking tools would be relevant, though not a core technical requirement for the Design Director role itself. Experience with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) would be beneficial for team workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI-powered design tools is a key differentiator for this role. Candidates must demonstrate practical experience and a forward-thinking approach to integrating these technologies into the creative workflow, not just theoretical knowledge. This suggests the agency is at the forefront of design innovation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the agency's approach to brand building and problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on exploring new technologies like AI.

• Collaboration & Agility: Working "networked, agile, and peer-to-peer" fosters a dynamic and integrated team environment where ideas flow freely between departments and with clients.

• Excellence & Impact: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful design solutions that drive client success and contribute to memorable brand experiences.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Valuing contributions from over 30 nationalities and fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and encouraged.

• Trust & Appreciation: A culture built on mutual respect, open communication, and valuing the contributions of every team member.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with strategists, account managers, and other creative specialists to ensure holistic brand development.

• Client Partnership: A collaborative approach with clients, involving them in workshops and presenting concepts transparently to ensure alignment and co-creation.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: An environment where senior members like the Design Director are expected to mentor junior talent and share expertise, fostering continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The agency emphasizes a modern, inclusive, and collaborative culture. The "30 nations" and "130 employees" highlight a diverse workforce. The "networked, agile, and peer-to-peer" approach suggests a less hierarchical and more team-oriented structure, where individuals are empowered to contribute and collaborate actively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Design Landscape: Staying ahead of design trends, particularly with the fast pace of AI development, and integrating new tools effectively into creative workflows.

• Balancing Client Demands with Creative Vision: Managing client expectations and project timelines while pushing creative boundaries and maintaining design integrity.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively managing and motivating a team with varied backgrounds, skill sets, and creative approaches to achieve cohesive results.

• International Brand Consistency: Ensuring brand consistency across diverse global markets and cultural contexts for FMCG and Lifestyle brands.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness of design strategies and creative output in terms of client business objectives and ROI.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Opportunities to gain deep expertise in AI-driven design tools and their application in brand building.

• Global Brand Exposure: Working on projects for international brands across various FMCG and Lifestyle categories.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities to enhance leadership and strategic management skills.

• Industry Trends: Continuous learning through agency-led initiatives (RK Academy), industry events, and exposure to diverse client briefs.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Collaborating with strategists, account managers, and other creative specialists to broaden understanding of the full brand-building spectrum.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for growth in a dynamic and forward-thinking agency. The primary challenges revolve around embracing technological advancements, effective leadership, and strategic client management in a competitive global market.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a holistic brand strategy for an FMCG client and how you translated it into a 360° experience. What was your process and the outcome?" (Focus on strategic thinking, process, and results.)

• "How do you approach leading a design team through conceptualization, especially when integrating new AI tools like Midjourney or Runway?" (Assess leadership, process management, and tech adoption.)

• "Walk us through a challenging client presentation. How did you prepare, what were the key objectives, and how did you handle feedback?" (Evaluate communication, client management, and resilience.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Roman Klis Design GmbH and our focus on brand building for FMCG and Lifestyle sectors?" (Gauge your research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within a design team, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Assess your team leadership and cultural fit.)

• "How do you measure the impact of design on a brand's success, and how would you communicate this to a client?" (Evaluate your understanding of design ROI and strategic contribution.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with an overview of your philosophy and leadership approach. Then, present your selected case studies, dedicating sufficient time to each.

• Storytelling is Key: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic solution, your role (especially leadership), the creative process, the tools used (highlighting AI), and the tangible results or impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually engaging, clean, and professional, mirroring the quality of your design work.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design choices, strategic decisions, and your experience with the specified AI and motion design tools.

• Engage and Interact: Treat it as a collaborative discussion rather than a one-way presentation. Be open to questions and feedback throughout.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong strategic-creative synergy, leadership capabilities, and a clear understanding of modern design tools and methodologies. The ability to articulate a compelling narrative around your portfolio projects will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application via the provided link on the Personio job portal.

• Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Highlight your extensive experience in FMCG, Food & Beverages, and Lifestyle brand design, your leadership track record, and your proficiency with AI-powered design tools and motion graphics. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features end-to-end brand development projects, strategic thinking, and the innovative use of modern design technologies. Prepare a concise presentation that tells the story behind your work.

• Research Roman Klis Design GmbH: Understand their client portfolio, recent campaigns, and agency culture. Be prepared to articulate why you are a strong fit for their specific brand of creative excellence.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough and responses to common interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating strategic insight.

⚠️ 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.