GRAPHIC DESIGNER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Sonae MC

Location: Matosinhos, Porto, Portugal

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Retail Operations

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This Graphic Designer role focuses on developing creative concepts and visual assets for retail environments and product development within Sonae MC's Bazaar division.

• Responsibilities include crafting in-store communication, managing brand guidelines, and ensuring high-quality design materials are delivered on time, directly impacting the visual merchandising and brand presentation strategies.

• The position requires a blend of creative thinking, technical proficiency in design software, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive visual solutions.

• Success in this role hinges on understanding retail trends, translating them into compelling designs, and managing the production process from concept to final print-ready files.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into retail visual merchandising, brand strategy execution, and product development, suggesting a specialized role within operations that bridges creative design with commercial objectives. The emphasis on "Product and Digital Development team of Bazaar" indicates a focus on the retail product lifecycle and customer-facing digital assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and create trend concepts and visual collections for retail spaces and products, aligning with market trends and brand identity.

• Design and produce in-store communication materials, including signage, promotional displays, and concept visuals for retail environments to enhance customer experience.

• Monitor and research new trends and concepts across various retail sectors, acting as a trend scout and sharing insights and benchmarks with the Product and Digital Development team.

• Maintain and enforce brand guidelines across all design outputs, ensuring consistency and brand integrity in all visual communications.

• Collaborate closely with product development, marketing, and retail teams to generate fast, creative, and effective graphic solutions for both physical products and digital projects.

• Ensure the final design materials meet a high standard of quality, adhering to agreed-upon project plans and strict deadlines.

• Perform photographic post-production, including retouching and color correction, to ensure high-quality imagery for marketing and product presentation.

• Prepare and finalize artwork files for print production, ensuring all pre-press procedures are correctly followed to guarantee optimal print results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical role in executing the visual strategy for Sonae MC's retail operations, particularly within the Bazaar segment. This involves not just creative output but also strategic alignment with retail goals and brand management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Graphic Design or a related creative field.

Experience: Previous professional experience in similar graphic design roles, with a strong emphasis on collection development and retail-focused design projects.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Demonstrated experience in developing collections and translating concepts into tangible design assets.

• Knowledge of Web Design principles and best practices, enabling contributions to digital visual elements.

• Proven ability to manage and maintain brand guidelines effectively, ensuring consistent visual identity.

• Experience in photographic post-production, including retouching and image manipulation.

• Understanding of pre-press procedures and file preparation for professional printing.

• Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills to generate innovative design solutions.

• Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

• High sense of responsibility, autonomy, and resilience to manage tasks independently and under pressure.

• Ability to respond quickly to project needs and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing in-store communication and retail space concepts.

• Familiarity with current retail design trends and benchmarking methodologies.

• Basic understanding of project management principles to meet deadlines and manage project scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Past experience in developing collections" and "Knowledge of Web Design" suggests a hybrid role that balances traditional graphic design with digital product design and retail trend forecasting. The emphasis on autonomy and resilience points to a need for self-starters who can manage their workload effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on retail-focused work, including collection development and in-store communication examples.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite tools through project examples that highlight complex design techniques and problem-solving.

• Include case studies or examples of how brand guidelines were applied and maintained across multiple projects.

• Present examples of photographic post-production work and print-ready file preparation, illustrating attention to detail and technical execution.

• Highlight projects that required collaboration with other teams or stakeholders, showcasing teamwork and communication skills. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing the design process from concept ideation through to final production, including workflow management and deadline adherence.

• Examples of how new trends and benchmarks were identified and integrated into design concepts.

• Documentation or examples of maintaining consistency and quality in design materials for retail applications.

• Showcase understanding of print pre-press procedures and file preparation for various printing methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role that interfaces with product and digital development, a portfolio should not only display creative output but also the ability to manage design processes, adhere to brand standards, and contribute to commercial objectives within a retail context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive Salary (Specific range not provided, but competitive for a mid-level Graphic Designer in Portugal based on industry standards).

• Research Methodology: Based on typical compensation for mid-level Graphic Designers in Portugal, considering the cost of living in the Porto region and the comprehensive benefits package offered by a large retail conglomerate like Sonae MC. A typical range for this experience level in Portugal might be between €20,000 - €30,000 annually, with potential for higher compensation based on specific skills and performance.

Benefits:

• Meal Allowance in Dá Card: A convenient way to cover daily meal expenses.

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

• Flex it Up Program: Offers options like extra off days, unpaid leave, and flexible work models, promoting work-life balance.

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

• Flexible Benefits Program: Allows employees to customize their benefits package to suit individual needs.

• Onboarding and Initial Training Plan: Structured support for new hires.

• Continuous Training Platform: Access to ongoing learning and development resources.

• Financial Literacy Program: Enhances personal financial management skills.

• School Awards and Merit Scholarships: Support for employees' children's education.

• Holiday Programs: Activities for children during school breaks.

• Flu Vaccine: Annual vaccination for employee health.

• We Are Sonae Program: Comprehensive support including psychosocial, financial, and legal assistance.

• Ergocoaching Sessions: Guidance on ergonomic workspace setup.

• Mental Health Promotion Programs and Nutrition Consultations: Focus on employee well-being.

• Discount and Partnership Program: Access to over 300 leading brands, offering significant savings.

• Free coffee and fruit available at the workplace: Enhances the daily work environment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonae MC offers an exceptionally broad and robust benefits package, highlighting a strong commitment to employee well-being and development. The "Flex it Up Program" and "Flexible Benefits Program" suggest a modern approach to employee benefits, allowing for personalization. The competitive salary is expected given the company's stature and the role's importance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (specifically food retail, but with diverse operations including fashion, home goods, and digital platforms through its MC division). Sonae MC is a major player in the Portuguese retail landscape.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Sonae is a significant conglomerate with thousands of employees across its various brands and divisions). This size implies structured processes, opportunities for advancement, and a broad professional network.

Founded: Sonae SGPS was founded in 1959, with Sonae MC operating as a key division. This long history suggests stability, established market presence, and a deep understanding of the retail sector.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the "Product and Digital Development team of Bazaar," suggesting a specialized unit focused on the retail product lifecycle and digital customer engagement.

• This team likely operates within a larger marketing, product, or innovation department, with reporting lines that foster collaboration with various business units.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected, particularly with merchandising, marketing, e-commerce, and retail operations teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging and product presentation. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are likely used to inform design decisions, especially in understanding consumer behavior and market trends within the retail space.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are crucial for managing multiple design projects and meeting tight retail deadlines.

• Automation and efficiency practices, particularly in pre-press and post-production, would be beneficial to streamline the design delivery process.

Company Website: https://mc.sonae.pt/ (and the broader Sonae website: https://www.sonae.pt/)

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonae MC's emphasis on "people at the center," "creating value together," and "innovating at every step" indicates a people-centric and forward-thinking corporate culture. The "Bazaar" division suggests a segment focused on fashion, home goods, or a curated marketplace, where visual appeal and trend relevance are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, indicating a level where significant creative contribution and project ownership are expected. It's a key role within the Product and Digital Development team, contributing directly to the visual strategy of the Bazaar division.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report into the Product and Digital Development team. This structure likely facilitates close collaboration with product managers, digital strategists, and brand managers, providing visibility into broader business objectives.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences brand perception, customer engagement, and sales performance through visually appealing retail environments and product presentations. Effective design can enhance the customer journey, drive conversions, and strengthen brand loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize further in retail visual merchandising, digital asset creation, or trend forecasting within the design field.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Suite, explore new design software, and gain knowledge in areas like UX/UI design or motion graphics, supported by the company's continuous training programs.

• Leadership: With proven success and expanded responsibilities, there could be pathways to Senior Graphic Designer roles, Art Director positions, or team lead opportunities within the creative department or broader marketing functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a solid foundation for a graphic designer looking to build a career within the retail sector, particularly in a large, established organization like Sonae MC. The emphasis on continuous learning and diverse benefits suggests a commitment to employee development and long-term career potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description implies a professional office setting, likely within Sonae MC's headquarters or a dedicated creative hub, supporting a hybrid work model.

Office Location(s): Matosinhos, Porto, Portugal. This location is within a significant urban and commercial area, offering good accessibility and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment is emphasized, suggesting open-plan areas or shared workspaces designed to foster interaction and idea exchange among team members.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations and relevant software, is expected to support creative output.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the Product and Digital Development team, as well as other cross-functional departments, are integral to the role's collaborative nature.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The "Flex it Up Program" may offer some flexibility in work hours or model, which is advantageous for balancing project demands with personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, which is common for creative roles. The emphasis on free coffee and fruit points to a supportive and comfortable office environment designed to enhance employee productivity and well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and any requested preliminary information.

• Digital Assessment: A mandatory step for all candidates, focusing on competency assessment. Candidates will receive a link via email if they meet initial criteria.

• Initial Interview: Likely a screening call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing past projects, design process, and technical skills. This may involve a design challenge.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members and cross-functional stakeholders to assess collaboration capabilities and strategic alignment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within Sonae MC.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to prominently feature retail-focused projects, collection development, and in-store communication examples.

• For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design process, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented.

• Showcase your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools through detailed examples of your work.

• Include examples of how you have managed and applied brand guidelines.

• Be prepared to discuss your creative thinking process and how you approach trend analysis and concept development.

• Highlight projects demonstrating your ability to collaborate with different teams and manage multiple tasks under deadline pressure. Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a concept for a retail campaign, developing in-store visuals, or adapting existing assets to new specifications.

• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the retail environment, brand consistency, and ability to deliver creative solutions quickly.

• Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a diverse group of stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory digital assessment is a key differentiator in Sonae MC's recruitment process, emphasizing a data-driven approach to evaluating candidates' core competencies. A strong, visually compelling portfolio that demonstrates relevant retail and brand experience is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are explicitly mentioned and are essential for graphic design, image manipulation, layout, and vector graphics.

• Web Design Tools: Knowledge of web design principles implies familiarity with tools or platforms used in web content creation, though specific software is not listed.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly listed for the designer, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., engagement, conversion) would be beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards used by marketing or e-commerce teams could be an advantage. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core design tasks, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation or CRM-driven campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement. Familiarity with web design tools and a basic understanding of how design integrates into broader digital marketing and retail analytics platforms would enhance a candidate's profile.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People-Centricity: The company's core value emphasizes putting customers, employees, and the community first, which should translate into designs that resonate with the target audience and enhance the employee experience.

• Collaboration & Unity: "Creating value together" and "#BETTERTOGETHER" highlight a strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and collective achievement, crucial for a role that interfaces with many departments.

• Innovation: "Innovate at every step" suggests a culture that encourages new ideas, creative problem-solving, and staying ahead of design and retail trends.

• Growth & Development: The company's commitment to personal growth and becoming the "best version of ourselves" implies a supportive environment for learning and career advancement.

• Efficiency & Quality: The responsibility to "ensure a high level of quality" and "meet agreed plans and deadlines" points to a value placed on effective execution and professional standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with product development, marketing, and retail teams, demanding excellent communication and a shared understanding of objectives.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive feedback is likely in place to refine designs and ensure they meet business needs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing design references, benchmarks, and best practices with the team is explicitly mentioned, fostering a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonae MC's stated values are deeply ingrained in their operations, promoting a cooperative, innovative, and employee-focused work environment. The emphasis on "different stories and ideas unite us" suggests an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Standards: Effectively translating creative ideas while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines for Sonae MC and its Bazaar division.

• Fast-Paced Retail Environment: Meeting tight deadlines common in the retail sector, especially during peak seasons or product launch cycles, while maintaining high design quality.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Continuously staying updated with new design, retail, and consumer trends and integrating them into creative concepts effectively.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Ensuring clear and effective communication with non-design stakeholders to translate their needs into compelling visual assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Deepen expertise in retail design, visual merchandising, and digital asset creation.

• Trend Forecasting: Develop advanced skills in market research and trend analysis to inform creative direction.

• Software Proficiency: Master advanced features of Adobe Suite and explore new design technologies or platforms.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into senior design roles, art direction, or management positions within Sonae MC's creative or marketing functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a creative role within a large, dynamic retail organization. Sonae MC's commitment to continuous training and development provides ample opportunities for growth and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a collection or concept for a retail environment. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Prepare a case study focusing on concept development, execution, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various design outputs, especially when working with different teams or on diverse projects?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and your methods for maintaining them.)

• "Walk us through a challenging design project where you had to balance creative freedom with strict client or brand requirements. How did you navigate this?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and delivering a successful outcome.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sonae MC and the Bazaar division specifically?" (Research Sonae MC's mission, values, and the Bazaar segment's offerings.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design teams like product development or marketing?" (Emphasize your communication skills and ability to understand business objectives.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into your work?" (Showcase your proactive approach to learning and innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest retail/collection development work first.

• For each project, prepare a brief narrative: the objective, your role, the process, the tools used, the challenges, and the outcome (quantifiable results if possible).

• Be ready to discuss your creative process, your decision-making behind design choices, and how your work aligns with business goals.

• Practice presenting your portfolio concisely, focusing on the most relevant projects for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only creative talent but also a strategic understanding of how design contributes to retail success and brand building within a large organization like Sonae MC.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sonae MC recruitment portal.

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases relevant projects, including retail concepts, brand guideline application, and print-ready file preparation. Prepare a concise narrative for each piece.

• Digital Assessment Preparation: Be prepared to receive and complete a mandatory digital assessment via email. Understand that this is a critical step in the recruitment process.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sonae MC's mission, values, the Bazaar division's offerings, and its position in the retail market.

⚠️ 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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