Graphic Designer - (12 Mth FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - (12 Mth FTC)

Company: Target Australia

Location: Chadstone, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary

Category: Product Design / Retail Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop commercial and inspiring sleepwear ranges that align with Target's brand aesthetic and quality standards.

• Manage the end-to-end product development process, including sample management and cross-functional collaboration with sourcing and product teams.

• Conduct trend analysis, market research, and leverage customer insights to identify sales and growth opportunities within the sleepwear category.

• Ensure high standards of quality, brand integrity, and intellectual property compliance throughout the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a fixed-term contract (FTC) position, emphasizing a specific project-based contribution within the Women's Sleepwear category. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills to effectively collaborate with remote and on-site teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design commercial and inspiring sleepwear ranges that reflect the Target brand aesthetic and align with the category range architecture strategy.

• Partner closely with Product teams, Target Asia Sourcing (TAS), and key suppliers to deliver seamless product development and clear communication.

• Manage the end-to-end sample process, including Development Samples (DS), Quality Assurance (QA), Colour Confirmation (CC), and Marketing/Go-to-Market samples.

• Ensure all product development activities are completed in line with critical path timelines and business deadlines.

• Identify sales and growth opportunities through trend analysis, colour direction, market research, and customer insights.

• Translate emerging market trends into commercially viable products that resonate with Target customers.

• Present design opportunities and recommendations effectively to key stakeholders.

• Support cost negotiations and product build decisions to achieve target margins where applicable.

• Maintain a strong focus on delivering high-quality products that exceed customer expectations.

• Manage product feedback and incorporate learnings into future range development.

• Ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation throughout the product development lifecycle, including PLM system management.

• Uphold intellectual property and copyright standards, ensuring all design references are appropriately documented and stored within Target systems.

• Drive consistency in fit, quality, and design execution across the sleepwear category.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative design and commercial execution, requiring the candidate to balance aesthetic vision with market viability and profitability. The emphasis on sample management and supplier collaboration underscores the importance of operational efficiency in the product development cycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Product Design, or a related field is typically expected for this type of role.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in product design, preferably within the retail or fashion industry, with a focus on apparel or sleepwear.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in product design, with a strong portfolio showcasing sleepwear or apparel design.

• Demonstrated commercial awareness and ability to translate trends into viable products.

• Experience in trend analysis, market research, and customer insights gathering.

• Strong understanding of product development lifecycles, from concept to production.

• Experience managing sample processes (DS, QA, CC) and collaborating with sourcing teams.

• Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems for documentation and tracking.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills for stakeholder management.

• Knowledge of intellectual property and copyright standards in design.

• Ability to work effectively within a hybrid work environment.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific design software suites relevant to apparel design (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

• Familiarity with Target's brand aesthetic and target customer demographics.

• Experience in cost negotiation and margin management within product development.

• Understanding of ethical sourcing and sustainability practices in apparel production.

• Ability to contribute to range architecture strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a mid-level designer who can work independently but also benefit from mentorship. The emphasis on PLM systems and sample management indicates a need for practical, process-oriented skills beyond pure creative design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse sleepwear or apparel design projects.

• Include examples demonstrating trend analysis and how market research informed design decisions.

• Present concept sketches, mood boards, and final product designs with clear explanations.

• Detail the product development process for at least one project, highlighting challenges and solutions.

• Include examples of technical flats or spec sheets if available.

• Demonstrate an understanding of fabric selection, colour palettes, and material application. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing end-to-end product development, including sample approvals (DS, QA, CC).

• Examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product, Sourcing, TAS) and external suppliers.

• Documentation related to PLM system usage or similar product lifecycle management tools.

• Case studies illustrating how customer feedback or market insights were integrated into designs.

• Documentation demonstrating adherence to brand guidelines and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of design capability and process understanding. The inclusion of PLM system management in responsibilities implies that candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with such tools in their portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Melbourne, VIC, Australia, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $70,000 - $95,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major Australian cities and considers the fixed-term contract nature of the position.

Benefits:

• Flexible hybrid working options through their "Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well" policy.

• Access to a team member discount program across Target, Kmart, Bunnings, and Officeworks.

• A free OnePass membership for free delivery on eligible products across Target and Kmart.

• Access to an exclusive benefits program with discounts across entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health.

• Opportunity for eligible team members to participate in a bonus program.

• Free onsite parking when working from the office.

• Inclusive parental leave and support through their partnership with Circle In.

• Dynamic learning and support programs.

• Opportunity to fast-track career through the Mentor Program (as Mentee or Mentor).

• Kudos recognition program for peer-nominated rewards.

• Opportunity for eligible employees to purchase Wesfarmers shares via salary sacrifice.

• Great career opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group.

Working Hours: The role is advertised with an implicit 40-hour work week, typical for full-time positions. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility in how and when these hours are completed, within business operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for Melbourne. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the negotiation process. The comprehensive benefits package is a significant draw for this role.

📍 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Apparel & Home Goods)

Company Size: Target Australia is part of the Wesfarmers Group, a large diversified conglomerate. The company itself employs a substantial number of people across its retail operations and corporate functions, indicating a large-scale, established organization.

Founded: Target Australia has a long history, with the brand being a significant part of Australian retail for nearly 100 years. This suggests a company with deep roots, established processes, and a strong brand identity.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Target Design team, specifically focusing on Women's Sleepwear. This implies a specialized design function that collaborates closely with Product teams and Target Asia Sourcing (TAS).

• The team likely operates within a matrixed structure common in large retail organizations, requiring collaboration with merchandising, buying, marketing, and supply chain functions.

• The hybrid working policy suggests a modern, flexible approach to team collaboration and management. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role emphasizes using trend analysis, market research, and customer insights to inform design decisions, indicating a data-driven approach to product development.

• Agile Product Development: Managing critical path timelines and sample processes suggests an agile methodology focused on efficient product delivery.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close partnerships with Product, Sourcing, and TAS highlight a collaborative methodology essential for successful product launches in a retail environment.

Company Website: https://www.target.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of the Wesfarmers Group, Target Australia benefits from the resources and stability of a major corporate entity while maintaining its distinct brand identity. The emphasis on quality and customer focus aligns with established retail practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Designer (2-5 years experience). It offers a significant opportunity to own a specific product category (Women's Sleepwear) and contribute directly to commercial success. The fixed-term nature, however, means it's geared towards project completion rather than long-term career pathing within this specific role, though it can be a stepping stone.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Head of Design for the apparel category. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Buyers, and representatives from Target Asia Sourcing (TAS).

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on revenue and customer satisfaction by developing commercially successful and trend-right sleepwear ranges. The quality and appeal of the designs directly influence sales performance, brand perception, and customer loyalty. Effective management of the product development process also impacts cost of goods and profit margins.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in sleepwear and apparel design, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse teams like merchandising, marketing, and supply chain.

• Project Ownership: Develop strong project management and end-to-end product lifecycle management skills.

• Potential for Extension/Conversion: Depending on performance and business needs, there may be opportunities for contract extension or conversion to a permanent role.

• Broader Wesfarmers Group: Leverage opportunities within the larger Wesfarmers Group for future career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a fixed-term contract, this role provides valuable experience in a large retail environment, offering exposure to robust product development processes and the opportunity to build a strong portfolio of commercially successful products.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining remote work with in-office presence at their Chadstone, VIC location.

Office Location(s): Chadstone, VIC, Australia. This location likely offers amenities such as free onsite parking.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a hub for team collaboration, stakeholder meetings, and strategic planning sessions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software, PLM systems, and communication tools for both remote and in-office work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with design colleagues, product teams, and other key stakeholders, fostering a sense of team and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with flexible hybrid working options ("Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well"). This allows for a degree of autonomy in managing work hours and location, provided business needs and deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well" policy indicates a modern, trust-based work culture that prioritizes output and collaboration over strict adherence to traditional office hours or locations, suitable for creative roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with job requirements.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (e.g., Design Manager) to discuss experience, design philosophy, and approach to product development. Portfolio review is a key component.

• Second Interview (if applicable): May involve a broader panel, including members from Product or Merchandising teams, to assess cross-functional collaboration fit and commercial acumen.

• Potential Design Challenge: Candidates might be asked to complete a small design task or present a case study from their portfolio in more detail.

• Reference Checks: Verification of past employment and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects, focusing on sleepwear or similar apparel categories.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, the insights that drove your decisions, the challenges you faced, and the commercial outcome or impact.

• Highlight Commerciality: Emphasize how your designs met customer needs and business objectives (e.g., trend relevance, cost targets).

• Showcase Process: Include mood boards, sketches, technical flats, and final product images to demonstrate your end-to-end design capability.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. A PDF format or a dedicated online portfolio is recommended.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand the objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Research Target: Familiarize yourself with Target Australia's current sleepwear offerings, brand aesthetic, and customer base.

• Focus on Process: Be prepared to articulate your design process and decision-making rationale clearly and concisely.

• Commercial Mindset: Think about how your design solutions would be commercially viable and align with retail objectives.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a given timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss every aspect of their submitted work, demonstrating not only creative talent but also commercial understanding and process management skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) is essential for graphic design, pattern creation, and technical drawing.

• PLM System: Experience with a Product Lifecycle Management system (e.g., PTC FlexPLM, Centric PLM, or similar) is highly desirable, as it's mentioned in the responsibilities for documentation management.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for communication and virtual meetings in a hybrid environment.

• Project Management Tools: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira may be used, though not explicitly mentioned.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, an understanding of retail analytics tools (e.g., for sales data, trend forecasting) can be beneficial for informing design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an awareness of how design outputs feed into broader CRM or marketing automation processes could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a given. The mention of PLM systems suggests that candidates should highlight any experience they have with these specific or similar product data management platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Delivering quality products that meet and exceed customer expectations is a core value.

• Commercial Acumen: Driving sales and growth through commercially viable and trend-right product design.

• Quality & Integrity: Upholding high standards in product quality, brand consistency, and intellectual property.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency: Managing product development processes within critical timelines and business deadlines.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Product teams, Target Asia Sourcing (TAS), and suppliers, emphasizing a partnership approach.

• Feedback Driven: Incorporating product feedback into future range development suggests a culture that values continuous improvement and learning.

• Proactive Communication: Essential for managing samples, timelines, and design approvals effectively in a hybrid and global sourcing environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Target Australia, as part of Wesfarmers, likely promotes a culture of integrity, customer-centricity, and teamwork. The "A place you can belong" statement underscores a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commerciality: Developing designs that are both aesthetically appealing and commercially successful within budget and margin constraints.

• Managing Global Supply Chains: Navigating the complexities of working with overseas sourcing partners (TAS) and ensuring quality and timely delivery of samples.

• Adhering to Strict Timelines: Meeting critical path deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment, especially with a fixed-term contract.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs align with Target's established brand aesthetic and quality standards across different product lines.

• Adapting to Hybrid Work: Effectively collaborating and communicating with team members and stakeholders across different work locations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Gaining in-depth knowledge of sleepwear design trends, materials, and manufacturing processes.

• Retail Operations Insight: Understanding the end-to-end product lifecycle within a major retail organization.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Exposure to merchandising, sourcing, marketing, and supply chain functions.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals through Target's Mentor Program.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into senior design roles, category management, or other areas within the Wesfarmers Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term nature presents a challenge for long-term career planning within the role itself, but it offers a concentrated period for skill development and significant project contribution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new sleepwear range, from initial concept to final production sample." (Focus on trend research, design ideation, material selection, and sample management).

• "How do you ensure your designs are both commercially viable and aligned with a specific brand's aesthetic, like Target's?" (Discuss market research, customer insights, and balancing creative vision with retail objectives).

• "Walk us through a challenging product development project. What were the obstacles, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight problem-solving skills, collaboration, and achieving successful outcomes).

• "How do you stay updated on fashion and sleepwear trends, and how do you translate these into actionable design concepts?" (Showcase industry awareness and creative application). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Target Australia and our position in the retail market?" (Demonstrate research into the company, its competitors, and its brand values).

• "How do you approach working in a hybrid environment, and what strategies do you use to stay connected with your team?" (Highlight communication and collaboration skills).

• "Describe your experience working with overseas sourcing teams, such as Target Asia Sourcing (TAS)." (Focus on communication, clarity, and managing international relationships). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project or by theme (e.g., trend-led designs, commercially driven collections).

• Narrative: For each project, tell a compelling story about its conception, development, and intended outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, sketches, and mood boards. Clearly label technical drawings and specifications.

• Metrics: If possible, discuss the commercial success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, positive customer feedback), even if estimated.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice presenting your key projects within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 5-10 minutes per project).

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss specific design software proficiency and any experience with PLM systems. Demonstrating an understanding of the retail product lifecycle and commercial objectives is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Target Australia jobs portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in apparel/sleepwear design, product development, trend analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant work, focusing on sleepwear or similar apparel categories. Ensure it demonstrates your design process, commercial thinking, and understanding of the retail product lifecycle.

• Prepare for Portfolio Review: Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio in detail, articulating your design decisions, challenges, and outcomes.

• Research Target: Understand Target Australia's brand, its market position, and its current product offerings, especially in sleepwear.

⚠️ 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.