Graphic and Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic and Design Manager
Company: Pepco
Location: Poznań, Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poland Job Type: Full-time Category: Creative & Media / Management & Leadership / Art & Design Date Posted: May 19, 2026 Experience Level: 7+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute visual direction and design guidelines across assigned categories, ensuring brand consistency and commercial relevance.
• Supervise the end-to-end creation of print graphics, artworks, and visual elements, maintaining high standards of quality.
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of graphic designers, fostering a high-performance and collaborative environment.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Product Design, Buying, and Planning teams to ensure cohesive customer experiences.
• Oversee project timelines, monitor progress, and ensure on-time delivery while proactively resolving design and production challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a management-level position within the creative function, requiring a blend of strong design expertise and leadership capabilities. The focus on "assigned categories" suggests a need for strategic thinking within specific product or market segments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Implement and uphold visual direction and design guidelines provided by the Head of Design for designated product categories.
• Oversee the conceptualization, creation, and finalization of print graphics, artworks, and other visual assets, ensuring alignment with brand standards and market appeal.
• Directly manage, mentor, and develop a team of graphic designers, including task delegation, performance reviews, and professional development planning.
• Foster strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with Product Design, Buying, and Planning departments to ensure integrated and consistent product presentation and customer journey.
• Proactively manage project schedules, track progress against milestones, and ensure timely delivery of all design deliverables, while adeptly navigating and resolving any design or production-related obstacles.
• Contribute to strategic discussions regarding visual merchandising, campaign creative, and overall brand aesthetic, providing insights from a design and team management perspective.
• Ensure the quality and commercial viability of all creative output through rigorous review and feedback processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on both hands-on creative execution oversight and people management. The cross-functional collaboration aspect is critical for ensuring design effectively supports business objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for a management role of this nature. Experience: Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a significant portion dedicated to leading design teams and managing creative projects.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, demonstrating a deep understanding of their capabilities for complex design tasks.
• Exceptional creative and artistic skills, including strong abilities in drawing, composition, and typography, with a keen eye for aesthetic detail.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple design projects simultaneously, effectively prioritizing workload, and consistently meeting strict deadlines and budget constraints.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong collaborative relationships across different departments and levels within an organization.
• Strong leadership qualities, characterized by effective problem-solving, strategic analytical thinking, robust business awareness, and a commitment to driving team engagement and individual development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other design software such as Adobe InDesign, After Effects, or Premiere Pro.
• Familiarity with retail design principles and fast-paced consumer goods environments.
• Understanding of print production processes and pre-press requirements.
• Experience in managing external agencies or freelance designers.
• Knowledge of UX/UI principles for digital design applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 7+ years strongly suggests that candidates should be able to demonstrate a clear progression in their career, culminating in significant leadership responsibilities. The emphasis on "advanced proficiency" in Adobe tools implies a need for practical, hands-on expertise, not just theoretical knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong foundation in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Demonstrated examples of executing and implementing visual direction and design guidelines across various creative projects.
• Case studies illustrating leadership and team management experience, highlighting how you guided designers, managed workloads, and fostered team growth.
• Evidence of successful cross-functional collaboration, detailing projects where you partnered with other departments to achieve common goals.
• Projects demonstrating effective project management, including managing timelines, budgets, and problem-solving complex design or production challenges.
• Examples showcasing commercial relevance and impact, illustrating how your designs contributed to business objectives or customer engagement.

Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for managing the design process from concept to final delivery, including briefing, ideation, execution, review, and approval stages.
• Methodologies for ensuring brand consistency and adherence to design guidelines across all creative outputs.
• Strategies for effective task allocation, performance tracking, and feedback mechanisms within a design team.
• Processes for collaborating with non-design departments, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project requirements and deliverables.
• Protocols for managing project timelines, mitigating risks, and ensuring on-time and on-budget project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role, the portfolio should not only showcase design quality but also leadership impact and process efficiency. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the "how" behind their successes, not just the "what."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic and Design Manager with 7+ years of experience in a major European city like Poznań, the estimated annual salary range is approximately €45,000 - €65,000 gross. This range can vary based on the specific qualifications of the candidate, the exact scope of responsibilities, and Pepco's internal compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary structure with opportunities for promotion and career advancement.
• Life insurance provided on preferential terms.
• Comprehensive benefits platform including medical care, sports cards, event access, trips, and shopping vouchers.
• Significant discounts on purchases at Pepco stores.
• Extensive training, courses, and webinar offerings for professional development.
• Opportunities to improve language skills in an international work environment.
• Employee support program offering free psychological, legal, and financial consultations.
• Meal subsidies for the company canteen ("Smart Lunch").
• Financial recognition through jubilee awards and loyalty-based discounts.
• Support from a social fund for various life situations.
• Friendly and informal work atmosphere with knowledge-sharing colleagues.
• Unique corporate culture ("Pepcoolture") grounded in mission, vision, and values.

Working Hours: The standard work week is likely around 40 hours, aligning with typical full-time employment in Poland.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for Poland and similar roles in the retail/consumer goods sector. Actual compensation will be determined by Pepco's specific compensation strategy, the candidate's experience, and negotiation. The listed benefits are extensive and reflect a strong employee value proposition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pepco operates within the fast-fashion retail sector, specializing in clothing, home goods, and general merchandise. This industry is characterized by rapid product cycles, a strong focus on value for consumers, and significant operational complexity in sourcing, logistics, and marketing. Company Size: Pepco is a large, international retail company, employing a substantial number of individuals across its operations. This size implies a structured organizational framework, established processes, and opportunities for significant impact. Founded: Pepco was founded in 1999. Its history points to sustained growth and expansion, establishing it as a well-recognized brand across Europe.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic and Design team is likely part of a broader Marketing or Creative department, reporting to a Head of Design.
• The manager will oversee a team of graphic designers, with potential for specialized roles within the team (e.g., print specialists, digital designers).
• Collaboration is expected with Product Design, Buying, and Planning teams, indicating a matrixed structure where design influences product development and merchandising strategies.

Methodology:

• Design execution will follow established brand guidelines and visual direction from senior leadership.
• Project management methodologies will be employed to ensure timely and efficient delivery of creative assets.
• Performance management and team development will be key aspects of the manager's approach.
• Data-driven insights, particularly from commercial performance and customer feedback, are likely to inform design decisions.

Company Website: https://careers.pepco.eu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Pepco's position as a large, international retailer suggests a dynamic environment where design plays a crucial role in brand perception and product appeal. The "Pepcoolture" emphasizes a values-driven approach to work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the creative function. It requires not only strong individual contributor design skills but also the ability to lead, mentor, and manage a team, as well as influence cross-functional partners. The scope of responsibility includes overseeing design output for specific categories and contributing to the overall visual strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic and Design Manager will report to the Head of Design. They will manage a team of graphic designers. They will also have significant interaction and collaboration with leads from Product Design, Buying, and Planning departments.

Operations Impact: The Graphic and Design Manager's work directly impacts brand perception, product presentation, and customer engagement. Effective visual direction and execution can drive sales, enhance brand loyalty, and ensure a consistent and appealing customer experience across all touchpoints. The role contributes to the commercial success of assigned product categories by ensuring their visual appeal and market readiness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to a Senior Graphic and Design Manager role, overseeing larger teams or broader categories, or moving into a Head of Design position.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of design (e.g., retail branding, packaging design, digital creative strategies) or further develop strategic leadership skills.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into related roles within Marketing, Brand Management, or Product Development, leveraging design expertise in broader business contexts.
• International Exposure: Given Pepco's international presence, there may be opportunities to contribute to global design initiatives or gain experience in different market contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within both the creative and broader business functions of a large retail organization. The emphasis on leadership and cross-functional collaboration prepares individuals for more senior management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in Poznań, Poland, and is indicated as an on-site position. The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, typical of a large corporate retail setting.

Office Location(s): The specific office location is in Poznań, Poland, with the postal code 60-479. This location suggests accessibility within the Poznań metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a modern office environment designed to foster collaboration among design teams and cross-functional departments.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations and relevant software, will be provided.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members, peers, and stakeholders from other departments will be frequent, supporting a dynamic and communicative work culture.
• The environment will support both focused individual work for design tasks and collaborative sessions for brainstorming and project reviews.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically involving a standard 40-hour work week. While on-site, the company culture aims for a friendly atmosphere, suggesting a balance between professional expectations and a supportive work environment. Flexibility may be available, but the core responsibilities necessitate consistent on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role, the emphasis will be on in-person collaboration and team dynamics. The Poznań location provides operational context within Poland, a key market for Pepco.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess qualifications against the core requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely the Head of Design) to delve into your experience, leadership style, and technical design skills. Be prepared to discuss your approach to team management and creative direction.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, highlighting key projects that demonstrate your design expertise, leadership capabilities, and project management skills. Focus on case studies that show problem-solving and impact.
• Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with key stakeholders from Product Design, Buying, or Planning to assess your collaboration and communication skills and how you approach interdepartmental projects.
• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with a senior leader to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment with Pepco's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best exemplify your leadership, team management, and ability to execute visual direction for specific categories. Include diverse examples of print graphics and artworks.
• Showcase Process & Impact: For each project, explain your role, the challenges faced, the design process followed, and the tangible results or impact achieved (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand consistency, successful product launches).
• Highlight Team Leadership: Include examples where you mentored designers, managed team workflows, or resolved team conflicts. Quantify team achievements if possible.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Showcase projects where you successfully partnered with other departments, illustrating your communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop in the context of specific projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be given a specific design brief to complete within a set timeframe, requiring you to demonstrate your creative problem-solving, design execution, and adherence to guidelines.
• Case Study Discussion: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to team management, project prioritization, or cross-functional challenges.
• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle team performance issues, motivate designers, or manage conflicting stakeholder priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate both creative talent and management acumen. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates leadership and process is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Familiarity with Adobe InDesign for layout and print production is highly beneficial.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar platforms for task allocation, progress tracking, and deadline management.
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in communication and collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for cross-functional communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytical role, an understanding of how design impacts commercial metrics (e.g., sales, conversion rates, customer engagement) is important. Familiarity with reporting dashboards that display creative performance would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design management role, but an understanding of how design assets are utilized within marketing automation or CRM-driven campaigns could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep expertise in Adobe's design software. The role also necessitates effective use of project management and collaboration tools to manage workflows and teams efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A dedication to producing visually appealing and commercially effective designs that push creative boundaries within brand guidelines.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with colleagues across departments, fostering open communication and shared goals.
• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to high standards in all design outputs, ensuring precision, consistency, and adherence to brand identity.
• Efficiency & Effectiveness: A proactive approach to project management and team leadership, focused on delivering results within timelines and budgets.
• Customer Focus: Understanding the target audience and creating designs that resonate with consumers and enhance their shopping experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Open and proactive engagement with Product Design, Buying, and Planning teams to ensure design is integrated into the overall product and customer experience strategy.
• Constructive Feedback: A culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback to elevate design quality and team performance.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where team members share best practices, creative techniques, and insights to foster collective growth.
• Problem-Solving Together: Approaching design and production challenges as team opportunities, leveraging collective expertise to find solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Pepco's "Pepcoolture" implies a set of core values that guide daily work. For this role, these likely translate into a blend of creative excellence, strong teamwork, and a results-oriented mindset.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Needs: Effectively translating the Head of Design's vision and commercial objectives into compelling visual assets that resonate with the target market.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating the needs and priorities of multiple departments (Product, Buying, Planning) to ensure design solutions are aligned and accepted.
• Leading and Motivating a Design Team: Fostering a high-performance culture, managing individual development, and maintaining team morale in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Adhering to Tight Deadlines and Budgets: Consistently delivering high-quality creative work under pressure, common in the fast-fashion retail sector.
• Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Keeping the team's creative output fresh and relevant by monitoring industry trends and evolving consumer preferences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to expand expertise in specialized design software or techniques relevant to retail and branding.
• Leadership Development: Access to training and mentorship programs focused on management, team leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management.
• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry events, workshops, or conferences focused on retail design, branding, and creative management.
• Cross-Functional Understanding: Gaining deeper insights into product development, buying cycles, and retail planning processes, enhancing strategic contribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth in both creative leadership and strategic business involvement within the retail sector. The challenges are typical for a management role in a dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to translating a Head of Design's vision into actionable design guidelines for your team." (Focus on process, communication, and empowerment.)
• "How do you ensure the creative output of your team remains commercially relevant and aligned with Pepco's brand identity?" (Discuss market research, trend awareness, and performance metrics.)
• "Walk me through a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between different departments. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight stakeholder management, negotiation, and problem-solving.)
• "How do you foster a culture of continuous learning and development within a graphic design team?" (Discuss mentorship, feedback, training, and skill-building initiatives.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Pepco's brand and its position in the retail market? How would your design leadership contribute to it?" (Research Pepco's current campaigns, visual style, and market perception.)
• "How do you embody collaboration and teamwork in your management style, especially when working with non-creative departments?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional projects.)
• "Pepco emphasizes 'Pepcoolture.' How do you see your values aligning with this culture, and how would you instill it within your team?" (Connect your leadership philosophy with Pepco's stated values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each key project, clearly define the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution (process and design), and the measurable impact.
• Quantify Your Impact: Wherever possible, use data (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased engagement, successful product launches, team efficiency gains) to demonstrate the value of your work.
• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you mentored designers, managed team workflows, resolved conflicts, or drove team performance.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your advanced use of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop in the context of your portfolio projects.
• Engage and Discuss: Treat the presentation as a conversation. Be open to questions and ready to elaborate on your decisions and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skill but also strategic thinking, leadership capability, and an understanding of how design contributes to business success within a retail context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic and Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Pepco careers website.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of graphic design experience, focusing specifically on team leadership responsibilities, project management achievements, and advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and organize your strongest work, emphasizing projects that demonstrate your ability to execute visual direction, lead design teams, manage projects, and collaborate cross-functionally. Prepare to present 3-5 key case studies.
• Research Pepco: Familiarize yourself with Pepco's brand, its market position, current marketing campaigns, and its stated values ("Pepcoolture"). Understand their approach to visual merchandising and customer experience.
• Prepare for Interview Scenarios: Practice answering strategy and leadership questions, and be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail. Consider potential design challenges or case studies you might encounter.

⚠️ 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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