GRAPHIC DESIGNER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Sonae MC

Location: Matosinhos, Porto, Portugal

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creative concept development and visual communication within the retail sector, specifically for the Bazaar division's Product and Digital Development team.

• Responsibilities include the creation of trend analysis, collection development, and in-store communication concepts, requiring a strong understanding of retail market dynamics.

• The role involves brand guideline management and ensuring design quality across all materials, from initial concept to pre-press preparation.

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams is paramount to deliver rapid and creative design solutions for products and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities indicate a role deeply integrated into product development and retail strategy, requiring an operations mindset focused on execution and brand consistency within a dynamic retail environment. The "Bazaar" division suggests a focus on fashion, home goods, or a curated marketplace.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and create trend concepts and collections that align with market demands and brand positioning.

• Design and conceptualize communication strategies and visuals for retail store spaces, targeting the specific needs of the retail market.

• Conduct ongoing market research to identify new trends and concepts across various retail sectors, sharing insights and benchmarks with the team.

• Manage and maintain brand guidelines meticulously to ensure consistent visual identity across all touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with internal teams (e.g., product development, marketing, store operations) to generate swift and effective graphic solutions for products and design projects.

• Ensure a high standard of quality for all design materials, adhering to established planning and delivery timelines.

• Perform photographic post-production to enhance visual assets for marketing and product presentation.

• Execute pre-press procedures to prepare design files accurately for print production, minimizing errors and ensuring optimal output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "retail market," "store spaces," and "collections" implies a need for designers who understand commercial viability and consumer appeal, not just aesthetic design. The "Bazaar" context further suggests a need for creative flair tailored to a specific retail segment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design roles, with a proven track record in developing collections and retail-focused communication.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in developing collections and understanding product lifecycle in a retail context.

• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for high-quality design execution.

• Solid understanding of Web Design principles and application.

• Demonstrated ability to manage brand guidelines and ensure brand consistency.

• Experience in pre-press file preparation for various printing methods.

• Proficiency in photo post-production techniques.

• Strong creative thinking and conceptualization skills.

• Excellent teamwork and collaboration abilities.

• High degree of responsibility, autonomy, and resilience.

• Ability to respond rapidly and manage multiple tasks concurrently in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in retail design or within a retail organization.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for web design integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a mid-level designer who can work independently but also contribute to team projects. The strong emphasis on Adobe Suite and specific tasks like pre-press and post-production indicates a need for hands-on technical proficiency alongside creative talent.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects demonstrating expertise in graphic design across different mediums (print, digital, retail space conceptualization).

• Include at least one case study detailing the development of a collection or retail campaign, highlighting the creative process from concept to execution.

• Present examples of brand guideline application and how you've maintained consistency across various assets.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite tools through the complexity and quality of work presented.

• Include examples of pre-press ready files or a clear explanation of your pre-press process if physical samples are not feasible. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial brief and concept generation through to final asset delivery and print preparation.

• Be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple design projects simultaneously, including prioritization and time management strategies.

• Explain your approach to collaborating with stakeholders (e.g., product managers, marketing teams) to gather requirements and incorporate feedback.

• Describe your methods for staying updated on design trends and incorporating them into your work while respecting brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role in a retail environment, the portfolio should emphasize commercial design application, trend awareness, and execution efficiency, rather than purely conceptual or fine art projects. The ability to articulate a structured design process is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Porto, Portugal, the estimated annual salary range is between €22,000 and €30,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Porto and the competitive landscape for design talent.

Benefits:

• Meal Allowance: Provided via Cartão Dá (Sonae's gift card).

• Telecommunications Plan: Includes voice, data, and equipment for permanent employees.

• Flexible Work Model (Flex it Up): Opportunities for extra days off, unpaid leave, and flexible working arrangements where applicable.

• Health & Life Insurance: Provided for permanent employees, with optional extension to immediate family at advantageous rates.

• Flexible Benefits Program: Available where applicable, allowing customization of benefits.

• Onboarding & Training: Comprehensive initial onboarding and continuous learning platform, including a Financial Literacy Program.

• Child-Related Benefits: School awards, merit scholarships for children, and holiday programs during school breaks.

• Birth Kit: A welcome gift for new parents.

• Internal Mobility Programs: Opportunities for career advancement within Sonae.

• Flu Vaccine: Offered voluntarily.

• "Somos Sonae" Program: Comprehensive support including psychosocial, financial, and legal assistance.

• Ergocoaching Sessions: Focus on workplace well-being and ergonomics.

• Mental Health & Nutrition Programs: Resources and consultations to support overall well-being.

• Discounts & Partnerships: Access to discounts and special offers from over 300 partner brands.

• On-site Amenities: Complimentary coffee and fruit.

• Competitive Salary: As outlined in the estimated range.

• Collaborative & Dynamic Work Environment: A supportive and engaging atmosphere.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential flexibility as indicated by the "Flex it Up" program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Portugal, adjusted for experience level and the specific benefits package offered, which is quite comprehensive. The "Cartão Dá" is a common benefit in Portugal.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Supermarkets, Hypermarkets, Electronics, Fashion, Home Goods) and related services. Sonae MC is a major player in the Portuguese retail sector.

Company Size: Large enterprise, part of the Sonae conglomerate. This implies established processes, significant resources, and a structured corporate environment.

Founded: Sonae was founded in 1959, with Sonae MC evolving over time. This long history suggests stability and deep market experience.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Product and Digital Development team for the Bazaar division. This suggests a specialized unit focused on creating and evolving product offerings and digital experiences.

• The team likely comprises individuals with diverse skills in product management, digital marketing, design, and potentially merchandising.

• Collaboration is expected with broader marketing, operations, and commercial teams across Sonae MC. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Sonae MC emphasizes using data to understand customer behavior and market trends, which will inform design strategies.

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company culture prioritizes putting people (customers, employees, community) at the center.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: There's a stated commitment to innovation and improving processes and offerings.

• Agile Execution: Given the "Product and Digital Development" context, agile methodologies may be employed for faster iteration and delivery of design solutions.

Company Website: https://mc.sonae.pt/ (Sonae MC), https://www.sonae.pt/ (Sonae Group)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture statement, "Somos uma empresa de todos e para todos," highlights inclusivity and valuing individual contributions. The "better with you" and "#BETTERTOGETHER #BETTERWITHYOU" slogans reinforce collaboration and collective success, which is crucial for a design role that interfaces with many departments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Mid-Level Graphic Designer position. It requires independent execution of design tasks, conceptual contributions to collections and retail concepts, and collaboration with other teams. It's a step beyond junior roles, demanding project ownership and a solid understanding of design processes within a commercial context.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Creative Manager, or Head of Product and Digital Development within the Bazaar division. They will work closely with product managers, marketing specialists, and potentially buyers or category managers.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the visual appeal and marketability of products and retail spaces. Effective graphic design enhances brand perception, drives customer engagement, and influences purchasing decisions. By ensuring brand consistency and developing compelling visual narratives, the designer contributes to the overall success and revenue generation of the Bazaar division and Sonae MC.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like retail branding, digital design for e-commerce, or trend forecasting.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, leading projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Transition into roles like Visual Merchandising, Brand Management, or Digital Marketing, leveraging design skills in broader strategic functions.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Sonae's extensive training platforms and potential for industry certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Product and Digital Development" and "Bazaar" suggests a dynamic environment where growth could involve contributing to the strategic evolution of product lines and digital customer experiences, moving beyond purely execution-based tasks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Matosinhos, Porto, Portugal, and is described as Hybrid. This indicates a blend of working from the office and remotely, offering flexibility.

Office Location(s): Matosinhos, Porto. This location is a significant commercial hub in Portugal, offering good accessibility and a vibrant business environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company culture emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, suggesting an office designed to facilitate interaction, brainstorming, and cross-functional project work.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other digital tools for project management and communication.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with colleagues from product development, digital teams, and potentially other creative professionals within Sonae MC.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is approximately 40 hours. The hybrid model implies a structured schedule with designated office days for collaborative tasks and remote days for focused individual work, balancing productivity and employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work environment that values both in-person collaboration and individual focus, a common trend in creative and operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume and cover letter. Completion of a digital assessment is mandatory.

• Digital Assessment: This is a crucial step to evaluate competencies and is required for candidacy progression. It may involve design challenges or skills-based tests.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager or a senior member of the design/product team to discuss experience, motivations, and fit with the team's objectives. Portfolio review will be a key component.

• Technical/Creative Assessment (Potentially): A specific design task or case study may be given to assess practical skills and problem-solving abilities relevant to retail and collection development.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or cross-functional stakeholders to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in collection development, retail communication, and brand guideline application.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact (if measurable).

• Highlight Adobe Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio visually demonstrates your command of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Include Retail Context: If possible, show how your designs have been applied in a retail setting or how they address retail market needs.

• Prepare for the Digital Assessment: Understand that the assessment is a critical filter; practice design exercises and familiarize yourself with Sonae's brand and values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to trend analysis and how you translate trends into marketable designs.

• Prepare examples of how you've collaborated effectively with non-design teams (e.g., product managers, marketers) to achieve project goals.

• Think about how you manage tight deadlines and multiple design requests simultaneously, a common aspect of retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory digital assessment is a significant part of Sonae's process, emphasizing their focus on skills-based evaluation. Candidates should be prepared for this early on.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. This includes Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation), Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations), and InDesign (for layout design, brochures, and print collateral).

• Web Design Tools: Familiarity with tools or platforms relevant to web design, which could include Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or knowledge of HTML/CSS basics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., click-through rates, conversion rates for digital assets, foot traffic for store designs) is beneficial. Basic familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) or retail sales data could be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for a Graphic Designer role, but understanding how designs are deployed through marketing automation platforms or integrated into e-commerce systems might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, alongside Web Design knowledge, defines the core technical requirements for this role. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and serving the customer, which translates to designing for customer appeal and experience.

• Collaboration: The company slogan "#BETTERTOGETHER" and the description "junta-te a nós!" highlight the importance of teamwork and collective effort.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new trends and concepts, encouraging creative problem-solving.

• Excellence: Maintaining high quality in all deliverables, from initial concepts to final print-ready files.

• Adaptability: The need for rapid response and multitasking suggests an environment that values agility and the ability to pivot.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with product development, marketing, and potentially store operations teams, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate design concepts into actionable briefs and assets for different departments.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that likely values constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure they meet project objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share market insights, trend research, and best practices within the design and product development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of putting people at the center and achieving success together strongly suggest a supportive and team-oriented work environment where individual contributions are valued within a larger collective goal.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Needs: The role requires generating innovative designs that are also commercially viable and align with retail market trends and Sonae MC's brand identity.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling design requests for collections, store communications, and digital assets simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• Adapting to Evolving Retail Landscape: Staying ahead of fast-changing consumer preferences and digital trends in the retail sector.

• Ensuring Brand Consistency: Maintaining a cohesive brand image across diverse product lines and communication channels.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to Sonae's continuous learning platform for skill enhancement in areas like digital design, retail trends, or advanced software techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend relevant design or retail industry events (potentially) to stay abreast of new developments.

• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from senior designers or creative leads within the organization.

• Cross-Departmental Projects: Gaining exposure to different facets of the retail business by collaborating on projects with other Sonae MC divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a mid-level designer in a fast-paced retail environment. The growth opportunities are tied to Sonae's commitment to employee development and internal mobility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new collection or campaign concept, from initial research to final design." (Focus on trend analysis, ideation, and execution.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various design outputs, especially when working with different teams?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and stakeholder communication.)

• "Can you walk us through a project where you had to deliver a design solution quickly under tight deadlines? How did you manage it?" (Demonstrate your ability to prioritize, multitask, and respond rapidly.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sonae MC and specifically the Bazaar division?" (Research Sonae's retail presence, its brands, and the concept of "Bazaar".)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" (Provide examples of teamwork and how you integrate feedback.)

• "How do you stay updated on graphic design trends, especially those relevant to the retail industry?" (Showcase your proactive learning and passion for design.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with an overview of your key strengths and then dive into 2-3 most relevant projects.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the creative process, tools used, challenges, and outcomes. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "design contributed to a 15% increase in engagement").

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Prepare to discuss your proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and your approach to pre-press.

• Tailor to Sonae: Emphasize how your skills and portfolio align with Sonae MC's values and the specific needs of the Bazaar division.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory digital assessment means that interview preparation should also include practicing under timed conditions and understanding how to best present skills digitally.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Complete the Digital Assessment: This is a mandatory step. Ensure you receive the email with the link after submitting your initial application and complete it promptly.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your experience in collection development, retail design, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects, focusing on relevance to retail, collections, and brand consistency. Prepare to discuss your process and impact for each.

• Research Sonae MC: Understand their brands, market position, and company values to articulate your fit during interviews. Pay attention to the "Bazaar" concept.

• Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios: Think about examples of how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams and managed multiple design requests.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.