Graphic Designer at 123inkt

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: 123inkt

Location: Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-27

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Drive visual brand consistency and technical accuracy across multiple e-commerce platforms, focusing on packaging design and overall visual identity.
Translate internal marketing and product briefs into compelling graphic designs that align with established brand guidelines and production-ready specifications.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product procurement, and production, to ensure seamless design execution and timely delivery.
Develop and produce a wide range of visual assets, from packaging to digital banners and campaign materials, for brands such as 123inkt.nl, 123accu.nl, 123led.nl, and 123schoon.nl.
Ensure all final design files are technically correct, print-ready, and optimized for various production and digital distribution channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on packaging design, technical accuracy for production, and supporting e-commerce brands positions this as a specialized design role with operational implications, particularly in managing brand assets and production workflows. This role requires a strong understanding of how design directly impacts production efficiency and brand consistency in a high-volume e-commerce environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Design, develop, and execute packaging concepts and final artwork for a portfolio of e-commerce brands (123inkt.nl, 123accu.nl, 123led.nl, 123schoon.nl), ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines and technical production requirements.
Translate marketing briefs and internal requirements into effective visual designs, including campaign materials, promotional graphics, and digital assets such as online banners.
Manage the entire design production process, from initial concept and briefing interpretation to final file preparation, ensuring all outputs are technically sound and ready for print or digital deployment.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product management, and procurement, to gather requirements, provide design solutions, and ensure alignment on visual strategies.
Maintain and update design assets and brand style guides to ensure consistency and accuracy across all company brands and marketing channels.
Prepare and deliver print-ready files that meet all specific technical requirements for various printing processes and materials.
Conduct quality assurance checks on design outputs to verify technical specifications, brand consistency, and overall visual appeal before final release.
Stay updated on industry design trends, e-commerce best practices, and emerging technologies to continuously improve design quality and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and operational execution. The emphasis on "technically correct," "ready for production or publication," and "technical requirements" indicates a need for process-oriented thinking in design, which is crucial for efficient GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Completion of a graphic design program at an MBO (vocational) or HBO (higher professional education) level. Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Graphic Designer, specifically within a production-oriented or e-commerce environment. Required Skills:
Packaging Design Expertise: Proven ability to design and execute technically accurate packaging artwork for consumer products.
DTP & Print Production Mastery: Strong experience with Desktop Publishing (DTP) principles, layout design, and all aspects of print production, including pre-press preparation.
Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for design creation and manipulation.
Brand Guideline Adherence: A keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of how to work effectively within established corporate and brand identity guidelines.
Visual Communication: Ability to translate complex briefs and information into clear, impactful, and consistent visual designs.
Technical File Preparation: Expertise in preparing print-ready files that meet stringent technical specifications for various printing methods.
Language Proficiency: Excellent command of both Dutch and English, both written and spoken, for effective communication with internal stakeholders and international teams.

Preferred Skills:

Experience in campaign design and the creation of digital marketing assets like online banners.
Familiarity with A/B testing principles for digital design elements to optimize performance.
Understanding of e-commerce platform requirements and best practices for visual merchandising.
Basic knowledge of project management tools for tracking design tasks and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5 years of experience as a graphic designer in a production or e-commerce environment" strongly suggests the need for candidates who understand operational workflows, deadlines, and the practicalities of bringing designs to market efficiently. The emphasis on technical accuracy and print production implies a need for meticulousness and process adherence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating expertise in packaging design, with a focus on technical execution and brand consistency.
Include case studies that highlight how designs were translated from initial briefs to final, production-ready files, detailing the process and any challenges overcome.
Present examples of work created within strict brand guidelines, illustrating an ability to maintain visual identity across different product lines.
Demonstrate proficiency with the required design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) through the complexity and quality of the submitted work.
Highlight projects that involved collaboration with other teams or departments, showing an understanding of cross-functional workflows. Process Documentation:
Be prepared to discuss your personal design workflow, from brief intake to final file delivery, emphasizing your methods for ensuring technical accuracy and quality control.
Articulate your approach to managing multiple design projects simultaneously, including prioritization and time management strategies.
Explain your process for preparing files for print production, including understanding color profiles, bleed, and resolution requirements.
Describe how you incorporate feedback from stakeholders and team members into your design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving packaging design and production readiness, a portfolio needs to go beyond aesthetics. Candidates should be ready to present a process-driven approach, showcasing how they manage technical specifications and ensure designs are production-viable, reflecting an operational mindset.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Graphic Designers (5-10 years) in the Netherlands, specifically in the Almere region, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €40,000 and €55,000 gross per year. This estimate considers the role's focus on e-commerce, packaging design, and the need for strong technical DTP skills. Benefits:
Competitive Salary: A well-compensated role reflecting your experience and skills.
Attractive Pension Scheme: Comprehensive retirement savings plan.
Travel Allowance: Reimbursement for commuting costs.
Online Academy Access: Opportunity for continuous learning with access to over 100 training courses.
Corporate Benefits Platform: Access to exclusive discounts on a wide range of products and services (fashion, electronics, holidays, etc.).
Bi-weekly Massages: On-site massages to promote well-being and reduce stress.
Hybrid Working Model: Flexibility to balance work between the office and home.
Flexible Working Hours: Ability to adjust working times to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.
Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on 123inkt's extensive product range.
On-site Amenities: Healthy catered lunches, dinners, and complimentary fruit provided in a pleasant company restaurant.

Working Hours:

This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week. The role offers flexible working hours, allowing for adaptation within the operational needs of the day and week, with a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the provided experience level (5-10 years), job title (Graphic Designer), and location (Almere, Netherlands). It aligns with general market data for similar roles in the Dutch e-commerce and creative sectors. The benefits list is directly extracted from the provided information.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce and Retail (specifically office supplies, accessories, and related products). 123inkt operates within a dynamic and fast-paced online retail environment, requiring agility and efficiency in all departments, including design and marketing.

Company Size: The input data does not specify company size, but the presence of multiple distinct e-commerce brands (123inkt.nl, 123accu.nl, 123led.nl, 123schoon.nl) and a structured benefits package suggests a medium to large-sized organization with established operational processes.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's established presence across multiple domains indicates significant growth and operational maturity.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer will be part of a dedicated design team, working closely with colleagues on-site in Almere and collaborating with a separate design team location in Nederhorst den Berg for specific coordination.
This role involves significant interaction with various internal stakeholders, including marketing, procurement, and potentially product development teams, indicating a cross-functional team environment.
The structure emphasizes direct communication and short lines to internal decision-makers, facilitating quick feedback loops and efficient project execution. Methodology:
Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the e-commerce context implies that design decisions are often informed by performance data, A/B testing, and market trends to optimize visual impact and conversion.
Agile Workflow: The emphasis on "short lines," "quick to switch," and "direct way of working" suggests an agile or iterative approach to design projects, prioritizing speed and adaptability.
Brand Consistency Focus: A core methodological principle is maintaining a "tight, consistent, and technically correct" visual output across all brands and materials.

Company Website: 123inkt.nl

📝 Enhancement Note: The operational implications for a designer in this environment include a need to be highly responsive, detail-oriented, and capable of working efficiently within established brand frameworks. The hybrid nature of the team (Almere and Nederhorst den Berg) requires strong communication and collaboration skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor, likely mid-level to senior within the design function. It requires a solid foundation of 5+ years of experience and the ability to work semi-autonomously on complex design tasks, particularly in packaging and production. The emphasis on technical accuracy and production readiness suggests a role that bridges creative design with operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report into a design lead or manager. They will work closely with this manager for project assignments, feedback, and professional development. The role also involves significant collaboration with peers within the design team and with stakeholders in marketing, procurement, and other departments.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts 123inkt's brand perception, product appeal, and operational efficiency. High-quality, technically accurate packaging designs contribute to positive customer first impressions, reduce production errors, and streamline the supply chain. Effective campaign and digital asset designs support marketing initiatives, driving customer engagement and sales. The role is critical in ensuring a cohesive and professional visual presence across all e-commerce platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

Specialization: Deepen expertise in packaging design, e-commerce visual merchandising, or specific printing technologies.
Skill Development: Utilize the Online Academy to acquire new design skills, software proficiencies, or knowledge in related areas like digital marketing or UX/UI design.
Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience by working on a broader range of design challenges and collaborating with more diverse teams, potentially moving into roles with more strategic input.
Leadership Potential: With proven performance and initiative, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers or take on project lead responsibilities for larger design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential leans towards deepening technical and specialized design skills rather than traditional operational management, given the role's title. However, the operational aspects of the role (efficiency, production, collaboration) provide a strong foundation for understanding broader GTM processes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily office-based with a hybrid work arrangement. This means the designer will have a dedicated workspace at the Almere location and will also work remotely on designated days. There is also a secondary design team location in Nederhorst den Berg for specific collaborative purposes.

Office Location(s):

Primary: Almere, Netherlands (Koningsbeltweg 60, 1329AK)
Secondary for team coordination: Nederhorst den Berg, Netherlands

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The Almere office features a "cozy company restaurant" and likely provides a practical, direct working environment with short communication lines. The hybrid model and the existence of a separate design team location in Nederhorst den Berg suggest a need for strong remote collaboration tools and practices.
Tools & Technology: Designers will have access to established design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and will be working within an e-commerce infrastructure that likely includes project management and communication platforms.
Team Interaction: The role involves significant interaction with colleagues in Almere and occasional coordination with the Nederhorst den Berg design team, fostering a collaborative spirit within the design function and across departments.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours offered. This flexibility allows designers to manage their time effectively, balancing office presence with remote work and personal commitments, while ensuring project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and the existence of two office locations are key considerations. Designers need to be comfortable with both in-office collaboration and independent remote work, demonstrating strong self-management skills and proficiency with digital collaboration tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and relevant experience.
Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A session where you will present your portfolio, discuss your design process, and potentially answer questions related to technical DTP, packaging design, and software proficiency. Expect to elaborate on how you ensure technical accuracy for production.
Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and key stakeholders (e.g., marketing managers) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of business objectives.
Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight Production-Ready Work: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to deliver technically precise, print-ready files. Emphasize the "how" behind your designs, not just the "what."
Showcase Brand Consistency: Include examples where you've successfully applied and maintained brand guidelines across different applications, especially packaging.
Detail Your Process: Be ready to walk through your workflow for a specific project, explaining your problem-solving approach, your software choices, and how you ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable improvements (e.g., reduced production errors, improved campaign engagement), be prepared to discuss it.
Tailor to 123inkt: Research 123inkt and its sister brands. Show that you understand their market and visual identity, and explain how your skills align with their specific needs.

Challenge Preparation:

Technical Design Challenge: You might be given a brief to create a design concept or a portion of packaging artwork, with a focus on technical execution and adherence to specified constraints.
Process-Based Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about how you manage your workload, prioritize tasks, collaborate with others, and ensure quality control in your design process.
Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, potentially demonstrating specific functionalities or workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role with strong operational implications will likely focus on practical skills, process adherence, and collaborative capabilities, in addition to creative talent. A portfolio that clearly demonstrates production readiness and an understanding of e-commerce workflows will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX work. Proficiency in creating design systems and components within Figma is highly valued.
Adobe Creative Suite:
- Adobe Illustrator: Critical for vector-based design, logo creation, and detailed illustrations, particularly for packaging elements.
- Adobe InDesign: The primary tool for layout design, DTP, and preparing multi-page documents or complex print-ready files.
- Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, retouching, and creating raster-based graphics and digital assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not a primary function for a Graphic Designer, an understanding of how design impacts performance metrics is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards that might display banner click-through rates or campaign performance could be an advantage. CRM & Automation:
Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but awareness of how design assets are integrated into marketing automation platforms or CRM systems supporting campaign execution might be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite indicates the core technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and specific use cases for these tools in a production and e-commerce context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Efficiency & Speed: A commitment to delivering high-quality work quickly and effectively, reflecting the fast-paced nature of e-commerce.
Accuracy & Precision: A dedication to technical correctness in all design outputs, especially for packaging, to avoid production errors and maintain brand integrity.
Collaboration & Communication: A proactive approach to working with internal teams, sharing information, and seeking input to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.
Adaptability & Continuous Improvement: A willingness to learn new skills, adapt to changing project requirements, and contribute to process enhancements within the design function.
Brand Stewardship: A deep respect for and commitment to maintaining and enhancing the visual identity of all company brands.

Collaboration Style:

Direct & Pragmatic: The work environment is described as "practical and direct, with short lines to internal stakeholders." This suggests a preference for clear, concise communication and a focus on actionable outcomes.
Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to collaborate closely with marketing, procurement, and other departments, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to understand diverse perspectives.
Feedback-Oriented: The process involves translating briefings and likely incorporates feedback loops, necessitating an open and constructive approach to design critiques and revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes practical results, efficient teamwork, and a strong focus on brand execution. Designers who thrive in such an environment are typically detail-oriented, communicative, and adept at managing multiple priorities within a dynamic setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that meet strict technical specifications for packaging and print production, especially within established brand guidelines.
Managing Multiple Brands and Briefs: Juggling design requirements for several distinct e-commerce brands simultaneously, each with its own identity and production needs, while maintaining high quality and efficiency.
Rapid Iteration and Feedback Cycles: Adapting to the fast-paced nature of e-commerce, which often requires quick turnarounds on design revisions based on internal feedback or market shifts.
Staying Current with Production Technologies: Keeping abreast of evolving printing techniques, material science for packaging, and digital design best practices to ensure designs are always optimized for current production capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Packaging Design: Opportunities to specialize further in complex packaging structures, material considerations, and advanced printing techniques.
Digital Design & Campaign Strategy: Developing skills in creating high-performing digital assets for online advertising, social media, and website promotions, potentially including basic UX/UI principles.
E-commerce Operations Insight: Gaining a deeper understanding of how design integrates into broader e-commerce operations, from product sourcing to customer delivery, through cross-functional collaboration.
Software Mastery: Deepening expertise in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite, exploring advanced features and workflows for increased efficiency and creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the blend of creative and operational demands. Growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing specialized design skills and gaining a broader understanding of the e-commerce operational landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your process for taking a packaging design brief from initial concept to a final, print-ready file. What steps do you take to ensure technical accuracy?" (Focus on workflow, DTP, QA, and software use.)
"How do you approach maintaining brand consistency across multiple brands, such as 123inkt.nl and 123accu.nl, while still allowing for creative expression?" (Focus on brand stewardship, guideline adherence, and adaptability.)
"Imagine you receive a brief for an online banner campaign. How would you approach designing these assets to maximize engagement, and what metrics would you consider important?" (Focus on digital design, campaign support, and data awareness.) Company & Culture Questions:
"What do you know about 123inkt and its sister brands? How do you see your design skills contributing to their success in the e-commerce space?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with business goals.)
"This role involves a hybrid work arrangement and collaboration with a team in another location. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration in such an environment?" (Assess adaptability and communication skills.)
"Describe a time you had to work with tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders. How did you manage your priorities and ensure all requirements were met?" (Evaluate time management, prioritization, and stakeholder management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Structure Your Presentation: Begin with an overview of your experience, then dive into 3-5 key projects. For each project, clearly state the brief, your role, the challenges, your process, and the final outcome.
Emphasize Technical Execution: For packaging projects, show close-ups of technical details, explain your file setup (bleed, color modes, resolution), and discuss any printing considerations.
Showcase Brand Adaptability: If you have examples of working with different brand guidelines, highlight them to demonstrate your versatility.
Tell a Story: Frame your projects as problem-solution narratives, detailing how your design thinking and execution addressed specific business needs.
Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your software usage, design choices, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a practical, process-driven approach to design, emphasizing technical proficiency and collaborative skills, in addition to creative talent. Be ready to articulate your "why" and "how" for each design decision.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent design position:

Submit your application through the provided application link on the 123inkt careers portal.
Tailor your Resume: Highlight your experience in packaging design, DTP, print production, and proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed design for X product lines," "Reduced production errors by Y% through precise file preparation").
Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest projects that showcase your technical skills, brand consistency, and experience in production or e-commerce environments. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your ability to deliver print-ready files.
Prepare for a Design Challenge: Be ready to discuss your design process and potentially complete a short design task that assesses your technical skills and adherence to brand guidelines.
Research the Brands: Familiarize yourself with 123inkt.nl, 123accu.nl, 123led.nl, and 123schoon.nl to understand their visual identities and target markets.

⚠️ 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.

Graphic Designer