GRAPHIC DESIGNER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Sonae MC

Location: Matosinhos Municipality, Porto, Portugal

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Retail / Marketing

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative concept development for retail spaces, focusing on market trends and collection design.

• Ensure consistent brand identity by managing and upholding brand guidelines across all visual communications.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver rapid, creative graphic solutions for products and design projects.

• Maintain high standards of design quality and manage file preparation for print (pre-press) and photographic post-production.

• Stay current with emerging retail trends, concepts, and benchmarks, sharing insights with the Product and Digital Development team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned within the "Product and Digital Development of Bazaar" team, indicating a focus on both physical retail presentation and digital asset creation. The emphasis on "trends and collections" suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment requiring proactive conceptualization and design execution. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop design trends and collection themes for retail environments.

• Create compelling communication concepts for in-store spaces, aligning with retail market needs.

• Proactively research and identify new trends in various retail sectors, sharing competitive insights and benchmarks with the team.

• Uphold and ensure the integrity of brand guidelines across all design outputs.

• Partner with internal teams to produce swift and inventive graphic solutions for product launches and design initiatives.

• Guarantee the superior quality of all design materials, adhering to project timelines and deadlines.

• Execute photographic post-production tasks to enhance visual assets.

• Prepare and finalize print-ready files, ensuring adherence to pre-press procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative ideation, execution, and project management. The need to "develop and create communication and concepts for store spaces" points to a role that influences the physical customer experience. The requirement to "develop and create concepts of trends and collections" suggests a forward-thinking approach to design within the retail context, aligning with Sonae MC's focus on innovation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: University degree in Graphic Design.

Experience: Previous professional experience in similar graphic design roles, with a specific emphasis on developing collections and retail communication. A minimum of 2-5 years of experience is anticipated.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite tools, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Proficiency in developing and executing design concepts for retail environments.

• Strong understanding of brand guidelines and their application across diverse media.

• Experience with photographic post-production.

• Knowledge of pre-press procedures for print production.

• Demonstrated creative thinking and ideation capabilities.

• Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills.

• High degree of responsibility, autonomy, and resilience.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently and respond quickly to project demands. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Web Design principles and application.

• Experience in trend forecasting and analysis within the retail sector.

• Familiarity with digital asset management systems.

• Understanding of retail marketing and visual merchandising principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "university degree in Graphic Design" sets a baseline educational standard. The specific mention of "Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign" indicates the core technical tools expected. "Knowledge of Web Design" suggests a need for understanding digital presentation, even if not a primary focus. The emphasis on "creative thinking," "collaboration," "autonomy," and "resilience" points to a candidate who can work independently within a team and adapt to a fast-paced environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of graphic design projects demonstrating creativity, technical proficiency, and adherence to brand standards.

• Include examples of work related to retail environments, collection development, or campaign communication.

• Highlight projects that involved developing concepts from ideation through to final execution.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite tools through visual examples of complex designs.

• Provide case studies or examples of photo post-production and print-ready file preparation. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept generation to final file delivery.

• Explain how you manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.

• Detail your approach to incorporating feedback and collaborating with stakeholders to refine designs.

• Illustrate how you ensure brand consistency and quality across all design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, a strong visual portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on retail communication, trend development, and pre-press suggests portfolio pieces should reflect these specific areas. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design workflow, demonstrating efficiency and a systematic approach to creative problem-solving, especially within the context of retail and brand consistency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive salary is offered, benchmarked against industry standards for experienced Graphic Designers in the Porto region. A typical range for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Portugal might fall between €20,000 and €30,000 annually, depending on specific skills and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Subsidio de Alimentação (Food allowance) provided on a Dá card.

• Telecommunications plan including voice, data, and equipment for permanent employees.

• Flexible work model options under the "Flex it Up" program (where applicable).

• Health and Life Insurance for permanent employees, with options to extend health coverage to family at advantageous rates.

• Flexible Benefits Program (where applicable).

• Comprehensive Onboarding and initial Training, with access to a Continuous Learning platform and Financial Literacy Program.

• Educational Awards and Merit Scholarships for employees' children, including Holiday Programs during school breaks.

• Birth Kit for expecting parents.

• Internal Mobility Programs to foster talent progression.

• Voluntary participation in Flu Vaccination.

• "Somos Sonae" Program offering psychosocial, financial, and legal support.

• Ergocoaching sessions to promote well-being.

• Programs for Mental Health promotion and Nutrition consultations.

• Discounts and Partnerships with over 300 reference brands.

• Complimentary coffee and fruit available at the workplace.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely 40 hours per week, with potential for flexible arrangements as part of the "Flex it Up" program.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonae MC offers a robust benefits package that goes beyond standard offerings, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and development. The "Flex it Up" program and flexible benefits suggest an adaptable work environment. Salary is described as "competitive," and while not explicitly stated, the comprehensive benefits package aims to enhance overall compensation. Researching local Portuguese salary benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Porto metropolitan area is recommended for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (specifically within the grocery and hypermarket sector, with a focus on digital development and product innovation). Sonae MC is a major player in the Portuguese retail landscape, known for its diverse brands and commitment to customer experience.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Sonae is a significant conglomerate, and MC is a substantial division within it, employing thousands). This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for internal growth and cross-functional exposure.

Founded: Sonae was founded in 1959, with Sonae MC evolving over decades to become a leading retailer. This long history suggests a stable, established company with deep market understanding and a strong operational foundation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the "Product and Digital Development" team within "Bazaar." This implies a specialized unit focused on enhancing product presentation and digital experiences.

• The team likely includes roles such as product developers, digital specialists, and potentially other designers, fostering a collaborative environment for creative projects.

• Reporting structure is anticipated to be within the Product and Digital Development hierarchy, with potential for collaboration across broader marketing, merchandising, and store operations teams. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, with an emphasis on customer insights to inform design choices.

• Agile methodologies may be employed for project management, ensuring flexibility and rapid iteration in design development.

• A strong focus on innovation and staying ahead of retail trends to maintain a competitive edge.

• Collaborative problem-solving and cross-functional teamwork to achieve integrated solutions.

Company Website: https://www.sonae.pt/ (Corporate) and https://mc.sonae.pt/ (Sonae MC)

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonae MC emphasizes a people-centric culture, valuing collaboration, innovation, and individual contributions. The "Bazaar" unit suggests a specific focus within Sonae MC, potentially related to curated product offerings or a distinct retail format. The company's scale implies a structured but dynamic environment where designers can impact a broad customer base. Understanding Sonae's overall mission and Sonae MC's specific market position will be crucial for aligning with the company's values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an individual contributor focused on creative execution within the Product and Digital Development sphere. It represents a mid-level design position requiring both technical skill and conceptual ability.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Manager within the Product and Digital Development team. Collaboration will extend to product managers, marketing specialists, and potentially store operations personnel.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences customer perception of products and store environments through visual merchandising, campaign materials, and digital assets. Their role is critical in translating brand strategy into tangible, appealing visual experiences that drive engagement and sales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like retail branding, digital design, or trend forecasting.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, mentoring junior team members and leading design projects.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into roles within digital marketing, visual merchandising, or brand management, leveraging design expertise.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Sonae MC's extensive training programs and continuous learning platforms to acquire new skills and stay updated on design software and industry trends.

• Internal Mobility: Opportunities to move within different Sonae MC brands or divisions, broadening experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonae MC's commitment to "Internal Mobility Programs" and "Continuous Learning" indicates a supportive environment for career development. For a Graphic Designer, growth often involves mastering new design techniques, taking on more complex projects, and potentially moving into leadership or strategic roles. The role's placement within "Product and Digital Development" offers a strong foundation for understanding the entire product lifecycle and its visual representation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Matosinhos, Porto, indicating a hybrid work arrangement. This typically involves a mix of working from the office and remotely, offering flexibility.

Office Location(s): Matosinhos Municipality, Porto, Portugal. This location is within a significant commercial and industrial hub in Portugal, offering good connectivity and access to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is described as collaborative and dynamic, fostering teamwork and idea exchange.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology is implied, supporting the execution of high-quality design work.

• Opportunities for interaction with diverse teams (product development, marketing, retail operations) will be frequent, facilitating a holistic understanding of business objectives.

• The hybrid model allows for focused work time at home and collaborative sessions or team meetings at the office.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers some flexibility in how and where these hours are completed, balancing in-office collaboration with remote productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, suggesting a need for strong self-discipline and effective communication regardless of location. The description of a "collaborative and dynamic" atmosphere at the office implies an engaging workspace where team members actively contribute and share ideas.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Digital Assessment: Candidates must complete an application and a mandatory digital assessment, which evaluates competencies. This is a crucial first step.

• Screening Interview: A preliminary interview, likely with HR or a hiring manager, to assess overall fit, experience, and understanding of the role.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Presentation of a design portfolio, discussing past projects, design process, and technical skills. This may involve specific case studies or design challenges.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members to evaluate creative thinking, collaboration style, and alignment with team culture.

• Final Interview (if applicable): May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 strong projects that best represent your skills in retail design, trend conceptualization, and brand communication.

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain your design thinking, the problem you solved, your creative approach, and the final outcome. Include sketches, mood boards, or early concepts.

• Highlight Retail Relevance: Emphasize any work that directly relates to retail spaces, product presentation, or consumer-facing campaigns.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Clearly show your command of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Include examples of photo post-production and print-ready file preparation.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have metrics on how your design improved engagement, sales, or brand perception, include them.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to articulate your design choices, justify your creative decisions, and discuss how you handle feedback and revisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges that test your ability to work under pressure, think creatively, and execute within constraints.

• Practice articulating your design strategy and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Understand Sonae MC's brand identity and recent campaigns to inform any speculative design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory digital assessment is a critical gatekeeper. Candidates must ensure they complete this promptly. For the portfolio, a clear narrative of the design process and a focus on retail-specific projects will be highly advantageous. Being able to discuss how your designs contribute to business objectives is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (essential for all design tasks).

• Web Design Tools: Knowledge of web design principles and potentially tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for digital mockups or asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how design impacts user engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital assets, dwell time in stores) is beneficial. Awareness of analytics platforms like Google Analytics or internal reporting tools could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for this role, but understanding how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or CRM campaigns might be helpful for cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The mention of "Knowledge of Web Design" implies a need to understand digital platforms, even if not a primary developer role. Candidates should be comfortable discussing how their design work integrates with broader digital and retail strategies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People-Centric: A strong focus on customers, collaborators, and the community, ensuring designs resonate with target audiences and enhance employee experience.

• Value Creation: Designing solutions that add tangible value, whether through improved customer engagement, brand perception, or operational efficiency.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design, staying ahead of trends in retail and graphic design.

• Collaboration: Working together across teams to achieve common goals, fostering a supportive and shared creative environment.

• Recognition of Qualities: Valuing individual strengths and contributions, creating an inclusive atmosphere where diverse perspectives are welcomed.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with Product Development, Marketing, Merchandising, and Store Operations teams to ensure design solutions are aligned with business objectives and customer needs.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback to iteratively improve design work.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of trends, best practices, and creative insights across the design team and with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonae MC's core values of "creating value together," "innovating at every step," and "leading closely" are highly relevant. The Graphic Designer is expected to embody these by contributing creatively, working collaboratively, and focusing on impactful, customer-oriented designs. The emphasis on "people at the center" means designs should consider the human element for both customers and colleagues.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Consistency: Developing innovative designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines.

• Fast-Paced Retail Environment: Adapting to evolving market trends and tight deadlines common in the retail sector.

• Cross-functional Communication: Effectively translating diverse stakeholder needs into compelling visual solutions.

• Digital vs. Physical Design: Creating cohesive visual experiences across both in-store environments and digital platforms.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design requests and prioritizing effectively to meet all deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to master new features or explore complementary design software.

• Retail Trend Workshops: Staying updated on the latest in retail design, consumer behavior, and visual merchandising trends.

• Brand Strategy Immersion: Deeper understanding of Sonae MC's brand architecture and marketing strategies.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects of key campaigns or product launches.

• Cross-departmental Projects: Gaining exposure to different facets of the business through collaborative initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents an opportunity to grow within a large, dynamic retail organization. Candidates can expect to face the challenge of producing high-impact creative work within the structured framework of a major corporation. The company's investment in employee development provides a strong foundation for continuous skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new design concept for a retail space or collection. How do you incorporate market trends?"

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple design outputs, especially when working with different teams?"

• "Tell me about a time you had to deliver a creative design solution under a tight deadline. What was your approach?"

• "How do you balance creative freedom with client/stakeholder feedback?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sonae MC and the retail industry?"

• "How do you align your design work with a company's core values, such as putting people at the center?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to collaboration."

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into your work?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your creative solution, and the outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where you used Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, photo post-production, and pre-press knowledge.

• Emphasize Retail Context: Discuss how your designs addressed specific retail needs or consumer behaviors.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Prepare to answer questions about your software techniques, file management, and production processes.

• Show Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for design and your excitement about contributing to Sonae MC.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your creative process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the retail landscape. The interview will likely assess not only your technical skills but also your ability to collaborate and align with Sonae MC's values and brand.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Visit the Sonae MC careers portal and submit your application through the provided link.

• Complete the mandatory digital assessment promptly as it is a critical step in the selection process.

• Tailor your resume to highlight experience in retail design, collection development, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio to showcase your best retail-focused design work, demonstrating your process and technical skills. Be ready to present and discuss it.

• Research Sonae MC's brands, recent campaigns, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.