Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: AIA

Location: AIA House Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute innovative visual assets across print, digital, UI, and motion graphics to enhance the AIA brand presence and support strategic business objectives.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Brand, Product, Distribution, Events, and Communications, to translate business briefs into compelling and effective creative solutions.

• Develop and maintain scalable UI frameworks in Figma, ensuring usability and strengthening digital brand consistency for customer-facing platforms.

• Produce engaging motion graphics and video content to amplify campaign effectiveness and deepen customer engagement initiatives.

• Drive continuous improvement within the Creative Studio by exploring and leveraging new technologies, including approved AI-enabled design tools and processes, to optimize workflows and creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Creative / Marketing Operations due to its focus on creating brand assets that directly support marketing campaigns, brand consistency, and customer engagement, all of which are core functions within a broader GTM strategy. The emphasis on UI/UX and digital performance metrics like SEO/SEM further solidifies its operational alignment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design high-impact creative solutions for a diverse range of media, including print collateral, digital advertisements, website interfaces, social media content, and presentation decks.

• Develop and maintain a consistent brand identity across all visual communications, ensuring adherence to AIA's brand guidelines and design standards.

• Create detailed UI wireframes, mockups, and prototypes in Figma, focusing on user-centered design principles to optimize digital user experiences.

• Produce dynamic motion graphics and edit video content for marketing campaigns, internal communications, and customer testimonials, incorporating storytelling and brand messaging.

• Collaborate with marketing and product teams to ensure creative assets are aligned with campaign objectives, target audience needs, and business goals, contributing to overall Go-To-Market strategies.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously from brief to final delivery, effectively prioritizing tasks and managing timelines within a fast-paced environment.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices, particularly in UI/UX, motion graphics, and AI-assisted design, to continuously enhance creative output and efficiency.

• Work with approved AI-enabled design tools to streamline creative processes, generate design variations, and explore new visual possibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are expanded to emphasize the strategic impact of design on business goals and customer engagement, aligning with operations-focused roles that drive tangible outcomes. The inclusion of AI-enabled tools and continuous improvement highlights a forward-thinking approach common in modern operations teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• A strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition. Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality creative work across multiple channels.

• Experience working within an in-house creative studio or a fast-paced agency environment is highly beneficial.

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Expertise in Figma: Advanced skills in Figma for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows.

• User-Centered Design Principles: Solid understanding and application of UX/UI principles to create intuitive and engaging digital experiences.

• Print & Digital Design: Proven experience in designing for both print (brochures, flyers, reports) and digital (web banners, social media graphics, email templates) media.

• Motion Graphics & Video Editing: Competency in creating basic motion graphics and editing video content using tools like Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Ability to build strong relationships, understand diverse stakeholder needs, and communicate design concepts effectively.

• Organization & Prioritization: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities efficiently.

• Brand Consistency: A keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to maintaining brand integrity and consistency across all deliverables.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics Specialization: Advanced skills in After Effects for complex animation and visual effects.

• UI/UX Design Specialization: Deeper experience in user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Digital Performance Principles: Familiarity with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and SEM (Search Engine Marketing) principles as they relate to graphic asset performance.

• AI-Enabled Design Tools: Experience or a strong interest in exploring and utilizing AI tools for design ideation, asset generation, or workflow automation.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Basic understanding of how design assets are implemented within CMS platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are detailed to reflect the practical application of design tools and principles in a business context. Preferred skills are added to indicate areas that would provide a competitive advantage, especially those related to digital performance and emerging technologies like AI.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on print, digital, UI, and motion graphics.

• Case studies demonstrating the design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept development to final execution and impact.

• Examples of UI design work, including wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes created in Figma, highlighting user-centered design considerations.

• Visuals of motion graphics or video projects, showcasing animation skills, storytelling, and effective use of visual elements.

• Evidence of brand consistency and adherence to design guidelines in past projects. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process, including how you approach brief analysis, concept generation, stakeholder feedback integration, and final asset delivery.

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow optimization, including how you manage your time, prioritize tasks, and collaborate with teams to ensure efficient project completion.

• Showcase examples of how you've leveraged design tools and technologies (including Figma and Adobe Creative Suite) to enhance efficiency and creative output.

• Ability to articulate how your design solutions have contributed to specific business goals or improved customer experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are tailored to highlight the operations-oriented aspects of a graphic designer role – process, efficiency, impact, and strategic alignment, rather than just aesthetic output. This section emphasizes the candidate's ability to articulate their methodology and demonstrate tangible results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Auckland, New Zealand, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between NZD $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Auckland, the demand for skilled designers, and the specific responsibilities outlined for this role. Benefits:

• Flexible ways of working: Opportunities for hybrid work arrangements, promoting work-life balance.

• Competitive rewards: A comprehensive compensation package that includes salary, potential bonuses, and other incentives.

• Structured development programs: Access to training and development initiatives designed to enhance professional skills and career growth.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced leaders within AIA, gaining valuable insights and career guidance.

• Health & Wellness Programs: AIA is committed to employee well-being, likely offering various health and wellness benefits.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a retirement or superannuation fund.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. AIA offers flexibility in how these hours are worked, supporting a hybrid work model. Specific daily schedules can often be discussed and arranged with the hiring manager to accommodate team needs and personal work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on typical market rates for the specified experience level and location. Benefits are detailed to highlight aspects attractive to professionals seeking growth and work-life balance. The working hours section clarifies the standard but also emphasizes flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Insurance. AIA New Zealand operates within the highly regulated and competitive insurance sector, emphasizing trust, long-term customer relationships, and a commitment to customer well-being. This industry context means design work must be professional, clear, and instill confidence.

Company Size: AIA is a large, multinational organization. As part of AIA New Zealand's in-house Creative Studio, designers will likely work within a dedicated creative team, but also interact with a broader corporate structure. This size offers stability and opportunities for diverse project exposure.

Founded: AIA was founded in 1919, bringing a long history of experience and a strong brand legacy to its operations. This history implies a need for design that respects tradition while embracing modern aesthetics and digital advancements.

Team Structure:

• Creative Studio: A dedicated in-house team of creative professionals, likely including graphic designers, UI/UX designers, motion graphics specialists, and potentially copywriters or content strategists.

• Reporting: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Lead, Design Manager, or Head of Creative within the Marketing or Brand department.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Frequent interaction with Marketing, Brand, Product Development, Distribution, Events, and Communications teams to understand project requirements and deliver tailored creative solutions. This requires strong collaboration and communication skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, design decisions will be informed by business goals, customer insights, and performance metrics (e.g., digital engagement, conversion rates).

• User-Centered Approach: Emphasis on designing for the end-user, ensuring clarity, usability, and positive customer experiences across all touchpoints.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: Many projects may involve iterative design cycles, incorporating feedback and making adjustments to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Brand Governance: Strict adherence to AIA's brand guidelines to maintain a cohesive and professional brand image.

Company Website: https://www.aia.co.nz/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is enriched with details about the financial services industry's implications for design, the benefits of working for a large, established company, and the likely structure of the creative team. This provides candidates with a clearer picture of the professional environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Graphic Designer. This role is positioned for individuals who have moved beyond entry-level tasks and can independently manage significant design projects, contribute creatively, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders. It requires a balance of technical design skills and strategic thinking to support business objectives.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a senior member of the creative team (e.g., Creative Lead, Design Manager) within the Marketing or Brand department. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while providing autonomy in day-to-day tasks.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences brand perception, customer engagement, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. High-quality, strategically aligned design can lead to increased brand recognition, better conversion rates for digital initiatives, and stronger customer loyalty. The role contributes to the overall Go-To-Market success by ensuring visual communication is compelling and consistent.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced motion graphics, UI/UX design, or digital performance optimization (SEO/SEM).

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into senior designer roles, team leadership, or creative management positions within AIA's Creative Studio or broader marketing functions.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience working on diverse projects across different business units, enhancing understanding of the broader financial services landscape and marketing operations.

• Technology Adoption: Becoming proficient in emerging design technologies, including AI-assisted tools, positioning for future industry demands.

• Mentorship & Training: Access to AIA's structured development programs and mentorship opportunities to foster continuous learning and career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the role within a career progression path, highlighting how a Graphic Designer contributes to 'operations' by influencing business outcomes and how they can grow within the company, emphasizing skill development and strategic impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AIA New Zealand likely operates from a modern, professional office space in Auckland. Given the hybrid work arrangement, the office will serve as a hub for collaboration, team meetings, and focused work that benefits from in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): AIA House Auckland. This specific location suggests a central, accessible business district in Auckland, likely with good public transport links and amenities.

• Workspace Context:
  • Collaborative Environment: The office space will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and breakout zones designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among team members.
  • Technology & Tools: Access to high-performance workstations, reliable internet, and potentially specialized hardware for motion graphics or video production. Standard office software and communication tools will be readily available.
  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for spontaneous brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and team-building activities, fostering a strong sense of community within the Creative Studio.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but AIA emphasizes flexible ways of working. This allows for a hybrid model where designers can balance time in the office for collaborative tasks with remote work for focused individual tasks. Specific schedules are often negotiable with the hiring manager to ensure team needs are met while supporting individual work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described with an operations lens, focusing on how the physical and collaborative space supports efficient workflows, team synergy, and the utilization of necessary tools for design and communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the Talent Acquisition team to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, design process, understanding of brand consistency, and suitability for the team culture. This stage often includes questions about how you've handled specific design challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation/Creative Challenge: A session where you present a selection of your best work, explaining your process, strategic thinking, and the impact of your designs. Some roles may include a small, timed creative exercise to assess problem-solving skills and on-the-spot ideation.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues and key stakeholders from marketing or other departments to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate with the wider business.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion, potentially with a senior leader, followed by a formal offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills relevant to AIA's needs: print, digital, UI, and motion graphics. Ensure a strong representation of user-centered design and brand consistency.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.

• Highlight Figma & Adobe Skills: Be ready to discuss specific techniques and workflows you use in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. If presenting UI work, explain your prototyping and user flow considerations.

• Address AI Integration: If you have experience with AI design tools, be prepared to discuss how you've used them to enhance your workflow or creative output, aligning with AIA's interest in continuous improvement.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate (whether digital or physical). Practice your presentation to be clear, concise, and engaging.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand AIA's Brand: Research AIA's current branding, marketing campaigns, and target audience. Think about how your design style aligns or could be adapted.

• Focus on Process: Be ready to articulate your design process step-by-step, emphasizing how you translate briefs into actionable design solutions and manage feedback.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle conflicting feedback, tight deadlines, or design challenges related to UI usability or brand consistency.

• Collaboration Examples: Prepare examples of successful collaborations with marketing, product, or other teams, highlighting your communication and relationship-building skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a structured approach to the application process, with specific, actionable advice on portfolio presentation and interview preparation, tailored to the role's requirements and the company's context. The emphasis on process and strategy is key for operations-minded candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and potentially After Effects and Premiere Pro. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable.

• Figma: The primary tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design. Advanced skills are expected.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard use of Word (for briefs/documentation), PowerPoint (for presentations), and Excel (for data visualization/tracking).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of Web Analytics: Familiarity with how design assets perform on digital platforms (e.g., understanding metrics from Google Analytics or similar platforms) is beneficial.

• Design Performance Metrics: Awareness of how design choices impact key performance indicators such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and user engagement.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, an understanding of how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or CRM systems (e.g., for email campaigns) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is detailed to specify the exact software and tools required, reflecting the operational needs of a design role within a corporate environment. The inclusion of analytics and CRM context highlights the role's connection to broader marketing and GTM operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A core value at AIA, ensuring all design work aims to create positive, clear, and supportive customer experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, sharing ideas, and supporting colleagues to achieve collective goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to learning, adopting new technologies (like AI-enabled tools), and refining processes to enhance efficiency and creativity.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high standards in all design work, ensuring accuracy, brand consistency, and ethical practices.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the exploration of new design solutions that can elevate the AIA brand and engage audiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to actively engage with stakeholders from various departments, understanding their needs and translating them into effective visual communication.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure they meet objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and new techniques, fostering a learning environment within the Creative Studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section articulates company values and collaboration styles through an operations lens, emphasizing how these cultural elements support efficient teamwork, strategic execution, and continuous improvement in design output.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Effectively translating unique creative ideas while strictly adhering to AIA's established brand identity and legal/compliance requirements.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating differing opinions and requirements from various departments to deliver designs that satisfy multiple needs.

• Rapidly Evolving Design Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in design software, AI tools, and digital trends to maintain a competitive edge.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness of design work and demonstrating its contribution to business goals, which can sometimes be abstract.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to Industry-Standard Tools: Gaining hands-on experience with the latest versions of Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, and exploring new features.

• Exposure to AI Design Tools: Opportunities to experiment with and integrate AI-powered design applications into the workflow, enhancing efficiency and creative exploration.

• Cross-Departmental Projects: Working on diverse projects across different business functions (e.g., product marketing, distribution channels) to broaden understanding of the insurance industry and business operations.

• Professional Development Programs: Participation in structured training, workshops, and potentially external courses to enhance specific design skills or learn new methodologies.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced design leaders and potentially senior professionals in marketing or operations roles within AIA.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed in a way that presents opportunities for skill development and strategic problem-solving, common in operations roles. Growth opportunities are detailed to align with career progression and continuous learning relevant to a design professional in a corporate setting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a creative brief from a non-design stakeholder and translating it into a final design solution. How do you ensure clarity and manage expectations?"

  • Preparation: Outline your steps: brief analysis, information gathering, concept ideation, sketching/wireframing, stakeholder review loops, revisions, and final delivery. Emphasize communication and clarification techniques.

• "How do you balance creative innovation with the need to maintain strict brand consistency, especially within a large organization like AIA?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your understanding of brand guidelines, how you integrate them into your creative process, and strategies for pushing creative boundaries while respecting established frameworks.

• "Can you walk us through a project where you used Figma to create a user-centered UI design? What were the key considerations, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Select a strong UI/UX case study. Detail your approach to user research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing. Be ready to discuss usability principles and how your design addressed user needs.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AIA and our mission to help people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives?"

  • Preparation: Research AIA's values, recent campaigns, and commitment to well-being. Connect your personal values or design interests to their mission.

• "How do you approach collaboration with diverse teams, such as marketing, product, and distribution?"

  • Preparation: Provide specific examples of successful cross-functional collaborations. Highlight your communication style, ability to understand different perspectives, and how you contribute to team synergy.

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new technologies, especially AI-enabled design tools?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your preferred learning methods (blogs, courses, conferences, experimentation) and mention any specific AI tools you've explored or are interested in.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each presented project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the impact. Use a consistent flow: Brief -> Your Role -> Challenge -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome.

• Quantify Where Possible: If your designs led to measurable improvements (e.g., increased engagement, higher click-through rates), present these metrics clearly. If direct metrics aren't available, discuss the intended business impact and how your design supported it.

• Showcase Figma Workflows: Be prepared to briefly demonstrate your Figma file structure, prototyping capabilities, or how you utilize features for collaboration.

• Highlight Adaptability: Show projects that demonstrate your ability to adapt your style and approach to different audiences and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is highly specific, offering example questions and detailed strategies for answering them, with a focus on demonstrating process, strategic thinking, and alignment with AIA's values and operational needs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the ‘Apply’ button on the Workday careers portal. Ensure you have your resume and portfolio ready.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to AIA's industry (financial services) and the specified responsibilities (print, digital, UI, motion graphics). Showcase your best work in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to include keywords from the job description (e.g., Graphic Design, UI Design, Motion Graphics, Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, User-Centered Design, Brand Consistency). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative problem-solving skills, and how your work drives business outcomes. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, focusing on case studies that demonstrate impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AIA New Zealand, its mission, values, recent marketing campaigns, and its commitment to customer well-being. Understand how your design skills can contribute to their goals.

⚠️ 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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