Graphic Designer - Team Lead - Promo

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Team Lead - Promo

Company: METRO/MAKRO

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-11-04T13:35:37.201

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a team of Graphic Designers and Quality Assurance specialists to produce high-quality, production-ready assets for both digital and print promotional campaigns.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive design templates and style guides to ensure brand consistency and operational efficiency across diverse projects and international markets.

• Oversee the timely delivery of all design projects, ensuring adherence to project scopes, deadlines, and quality standards within a global operational framework.

• Cultivate a high-performing team environment through effective mentorship, guidance, and professional development, fostering both technical and interpersonal skills.

• Serve as a key liaison for client communication, translating business requirements into creative solutions and managing stakeholder expectations for design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges creative design leadership with operational efficiency, focusing on the production and delivery of promotional assets at scale for a global wholesale organization. The emphasis on "Promo" indicates a strong focus on marketing and sales enablement materials.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and direct a team of Graphic Designers and Quality Assurance personnel responsible for creating production-ready assets for digital and print media, ensuring alignment with campaign objectives and brand guidelines.

• Design, develop, and implement standardized templates and style guides for new projects, ensuring scalability and consistency across various promotional initiatives and international markets.

• Enforce adherence to existing templates, style guides, and brand standards across all team outputs, conducting regular quality checks and providing constructive feedback.

• Implement and monitor project timelines, ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of all design assets, proactively identifying and mitigating potential delays or bottlenecks in the production workflow.

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to team members, fostering their professional growth, skill development in design and operations, and enhancing overall team performance.

• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration with internal clients and stakeholders, understanding their needs, providing creative solutions, and managing expectations regarding design deliverables and timelines.

• Recommend and implement process improvements within the design and production workflow to enhance efficiency, quality, and turnaround times, leveraging automation tools where applicable.

• Ensure all digital and print assets meet rigorous production requirements, including preparation for various printing processes, resolution optimization, and adherence to digital media specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of team management, operational oversight, and hands-on design expertise, with a strong emphasis on process adherence and efficiency improvement, crucial for a large, international organization like METRO/MAKRO.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field is often preferred, though extensive professional experience and a strong portfolio can be equally valued. Experience:

• 5-7 years of professional experience in a design or advertising agency environment, with a proven track record of creating and delivering production-ready assets for both digital and print media.

• Demonstrated experience in leading design teams or managing design projects, with a focus on operational delivery and team performance. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with expert-level skills in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.

• Deep understanding of print production processes, including preparing files for print (e.g., understanding resolution, bleed, margins, crop marks, color profiles, and file formats).

• Expertise in fundamental graphic design principles, including layout design, typography, iconography, and color theory for both print and digital applications.

• Thorough knowledge of digital media production requirements, including web graphics, social media assets, and email marketing visuals.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and effective use of file-sharing applications for collaboration and asset management.

• Strong understanding of workflow automation tools and project management software to streamline design processes and enhance team productivity.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with clients, stakeholders, and international team members.

• Proven ability to manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and consistently meet project deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing a team of designers and quality assurance personnel.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Knowledge of basic video editing or motion graphics software.

• Experience working within a large, multinational corporation or a shared service center environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize advanced technical design skills, practical production knowledge, and essential leadership and operational competencies, reflecting the demands of a team lead role in a global context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of high-quality promotional design work for both digital and print media, demonstrating expertise in layout, typography, and brand application.

• Specific examples of successfully managed projects from concept to final production, highlighting the candidate's role in overseeing the process, meeting deadlines, and ensuring quality.

• Demonstration of template and style guide creation, illustrating the ability to establish and enforce design standards for consistency and efficiency.

• Case studies or examples that showcase the application of design workflow automation or process improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce turnaround times.

• Evidence of experience in preparing files for various print production methods, detailing technical specifications and problem-solving approaches. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices for asset creation and production.

• Experience in creating and maintaining style guides and template documentation to ensure consistent brand execution across the team.

• Familiarity with quality assurance processes for design assets, including checklists and feedback loops for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical, focusing not just on creative output but also on the candidate's ability to manage processes, ensure quality, and implement efficiency measures within a design production environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Design Team Lead with 5-7 years of experience in Pune, India, the estimated salary range is ₹8,00,000 to ₹14,00,000 per annum. This range accounts for the required technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the specific demands of working in a global shared service center environment.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from data on similar roles in the Indian market, considering factors such as company size (600-650 employees), industry (Wholesale/Retail Support Services), and the specific skill set required (advanced Adobe Creative Suite, team leadership, print/digital production). Salary aggregators and local market compensation reports were consulted to establish a competitive range.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications in design software and leadership skills.

• Retirement savings plan or provident fund contributions.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Access to employee assistance programs (EAP) for well-being support.

• Company-provided resources and software licenses for design tools. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week. Given the global nature of METRO/MAKRO's operations, flexibility may be required to accommodate meetings and collaborations across different time zones (Asia/Kolkata).

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical market rates for this role in Pune, India, considering the experience and leadership requirements. Benefits are standard for a company of METRO/MAKRO's size and international scope.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wholesale and Retail Support Services. METRO/MAKRO is a major international wholesaler with extensive operations across 31 countries, providing a stable and dynamic industry context for a support services provider like MGSC.

Company Size: 600-650 employees at MGSC, part of a global organization with 93,000 people. This size suggests a structured yet potentially agile environment, offering opportunities for impact and growth within a large corporation.

Founded: 2011. MGSC has over a decade of experience providing IT and Business Operations support, indicating a mature and established operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design Team Lead will manage a team of designers and QAs, likely forming part of a larger Creative Services or Marketing Operations department within MGSC Pune.

• The team operates within a shared service center model, supporting 31 countries and processing a high volume of transactions daily, emphasizing efficiency and standardized processes.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with marketing teams, IT departments, and business units across various countries, requiring strong communication and adaptability to diverse stakeholder needs. Methodology:

• MGSC focuses on providing high-quality services and solutions, driving efficiency, and satisfying internal customers through data analysis and process optimization.

• The team likely employs a structured approach to project management, utilizing templates and style guides to ensure brand consistency and operational efficiency.

• Emphasis is placed on continuous improvement, recommending process enhancements to optimize quality and time, which is key for a team lead role.

Company Website: https://www.metro-gsc.in

📝 Enhancement Note: MGSC operates as an internal solution partner for METRO, meaning the focus is on supporting the core business operations with efficiency and quality, rather than external client acquisition. This influences the team's objectives and performance metrics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the Creative & Media operations domain. As a Team Lead, the individual is responsible for direct team management, operational execution, and process adherence, bridging individual contributor expertise with leadership duties.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Design Team Lead will likely report to a Manager or Head of Creative Services/Marketing Operations within MGSC Pune. They will, in turn, manage a team of Graphic Designers and Quality Assurance specialists. This structure facilitates clear lines of responsibility and operational flow.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts METRO's promotional efforts by ensuring consistent, high-quality visual assets are produced efficiently and on time. This supports sales enablement, brand visibility, and customer engagement across the 31 countries served by MGSC, contributing to overall business performance and market presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Senior Team Lead, Manager, or Head of Department role, overseeing larger teams or broader operational functions within MGSC.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as digital asset management, workflow automation, or advanced print production techniques.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse teams and business units across different countries, broadening understanding of global marketing and operations.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead initiatives to further optimize design workflows, implement new technologies, or enhance team performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is clearly defined within team and departmental leadership, with opportunities to influence operational processes and contribute to strategic improvements within the shared service center model.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a physical office environment within the Metro Global Solution Center (MGSC) in Pune, India. This suggests a traditional office setting designed for collaborative work.

Office Location(s): The job is based in Pune, Maharashtra, India, specifically within the ITPP (likely an IT or industrial park). This location is a major hub for business and technology in India.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration among team members, with access to necessary design software and hardware. As part of a shared service center, there will be a strong emphasis on structured workflows and efficient use of resources.

• Operations professionals in this environment typically have access to standard office technology, communication platforms, and potentially specialized design software and hardware required for their roles.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse, international team are high, given MGSC's support for 31 countries. This fosters a dynamic and multicultural work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, likely Monday to Friday, with 40 hours per week. However, due to the global nature of the company's operations and client base across multiple time zones, some flexibility may be required to attend meetings or address urgent requests outside of standard local business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the nature of a shared service center imply a structured, collaborative office environment focused on operational efficiency and adherence to established protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, technical skills, and leadership potential. Candidates with strong portfolios showcasing relevant promotional design work and team leadership examples will be prioritized.

• Technical Assessment: A practical design test or a review of specific portfolio pieces to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), understanding of print/digital production, and application of design fundamentals.

• Team Lead/Manager Interview: This stage focuses on leadership style, team management experience, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of operational processes. Prepare to discuss how you mentor teams, handle performance issues, and drive efficiency.

• Stakeholder/Client Interaction Simulation: A potential scenario-based interview or discussion about how you would handle client communication, manage feedback, and ensure project delivery in a global context.

• Final Interview: May involve senior management to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the company's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent your capabilities as a Team Lead and your expertise in promotional design (digital and print). Prioritize projects demonstrating leadership, process management, and successful outcomes.

• Showcase Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design process followed, any challenges encountered, and how you overcame them. Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved efficiency, adherence to tight deadlines, successful template implementation).

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored designers, managed team workflows, or implemented process improvements. If possible, show how you ensured adherence to style guides and quality standards.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates advanced skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, especially in preparing files for professional printing and various digital platforms.

• Presentation Matters: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear descriptions, high-quality visuals, and easy navigation. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio during the interview, explaining your contributions and thought process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a quick concept for a promotional piece or a task related to optimizing a design workflow.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially regarding efficiency, quality assurance, and team management.

• Familiarize yourself with METRO/MAKRO's brand identity and general promotional materials to understand their aesthetic and operational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is designed to assess both creative talent and operational leadership. A strong, well-documented portfolio that highlights process management and team guidance is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Adobe InDesign (for layout and print production), Adobe Photoshop (for image editing and digital assets), and Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics and branding elements).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for general business communication, reporting, and documentation, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• File Sharing Applications: Proficiency with platforms like SharePoint, Google Drive, or similar cloud-based solutions for efficient file management and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design assets perform is beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) or social media analytics might be a plus to understand asset impact.

• Internal reporting tools within MGSC for project tracking and team performance metrics. CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Jira, Trello, or specialized design project management software (e.g., Wrike, Workfront) is highly relevant for managing team workflows and deadlines.

• Workflow Automation: Knowledge of or experience with tools or techniques that streamline design processes, such as template automation, batch processing, or scripting within Adobe Creative Suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills and familiarity with project management and file-sharing tools, essential for efficient design production and team coordination in an operational setting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Dedication to serving internal clients (METRO's country operations) with high quality and passion, ensuring their needs are met efficiently and effectively.

• Efficiency & Value Addition: A commitment to driving efficiency in operations and delivering tangible value through optimized processes and high-quality outputs.

• Setting Tomorrow's Standards: A forward-thinking approach, constantly seeking to improve processes, adopt new technologies, and enhance service delivery to meet evolving business needs.

• Data-Driven Approach: While this is a design role, an operational mindset implies using data and metrics to inform decisions, track performance, and identify areas for improvement.

• Collaboration & Global Mindset: Embracing teamwork across diverse international locations and time zones, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to collaborate closely with marketing, IT, and business operations teams across different countries, requiring strong communication and adaptability.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on processes and workflows to drive continuous improvement and maintain high operational standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where team members share best practices, technical tips, and insights to elevate the collective skill set and efficiency of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at MGSC is centered around providing robust operational support to METRO's global business, emphasizing efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement within a collaborative, international framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse needs and preferences of clients across 31 countries while maintaining brand consistency and operational efficiency.

• Adhering to Tight Deadlines: The promotional nature of the work often involves rapid turnaround times, requiring effective prioritization and resource management under pressure.

• Ensuring Brand Consistency at Scale: Maintaining strict adherence to templates and style guides across a high volume of assets produced by a team, especially when supporting multiple markets with unique nuances.

• Integrating Automation: Identifying and implementing effective automation tools or strategies within the design workflow to enhance productivity without compromising quality.

• Mentoring Diverse Skill Sets: Guiding and developing a team with varying levels of experience and technical proficiency, ensuring continuous learning and performance improvement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications or explore new design technologies.

• Leadership and Management Skills Development: Access to training programs focused on team leadership, performance management, conflict resolution, and operational strategy.

• Process Improvement Methodologies: Learning and applying methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma to further optimize design workflows and operational efficiency.

• Global Business Acumen: Gaining a deeper understanding of international wholesale operations and marketing strategies through collaboration with METRO's diverse country teams.

• Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications in project management, design software, or leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex operational challenges within a creative domain, fostering growth in leadership, process optimization, and global business understanding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to lead a design team through a particularly challenging project with tight deadlines. How did you manage the team and ensure successful delivery?" (Assesses leadership, project management, crisis handling)

• "How would you ensure consistent application of brand guidelines and templates across a team of designers working on promotional materials for multiple countries?" (Assesses process adherence, quality control, brand management)

• "Imagine a client requests a design that deviates significantly from established style guides. How would you handle this situation, balancing client satisfaction with brand integrity and operational efficiency?" (Assesses client communication, problem-solving, strategic thinking)

• "What strategies have you used to mentor junior designers and improve the overall skill set and productivity of your team?" (Assesses leadership, mentoring, team development)

• "How do you approach recommending and implementing process improvements within a design production environment? Can you provide an example?" (Assesses operational mindset, innovation, change management) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about METRO/MAKRO and the Metro Global Solution Center (MGSC)?" (Assesses research, interest, understanding of the business model)

• "How do you see your role contributing to MGSC's mission of providing IT & Business operations support and setting new standards?" (Assesses alignment with company values and objectives)

• "How do you prefer to collaborate with cross-functional teams, especially those in different geographical locations and time zones?" (Assesses collaboration style, global mindset) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, follow a clear story: Problem/Objective -> Your Role & Process -> Solution/Outcome -> Key Learnings/Impact.

• Focus on Operations: Emphasize how you managed workflows, ensured quality, met deadlines, and potentially implemented efficiency improvements. Highlight your role in template creation and adherence.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics. For example, "Implemented a new template system that reduced production time by 15%" or "Successfully managed a team of 5 designers to deliver 100+ assets for a global campaign on time."

• Showcase Technical Prowess: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your work, such as file preparation for print, resolution optimization, and color management.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not a monologue. Ask if they have questions and be prepared to elaborate on specific aspects of your work or leadership approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong balance of creative leadership, operational acumen, and the ability to manage a team effectively within a global, process-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer - Team Lead - Promo position:

• Submit your application through the provided SmartRecruiters link, ensuring all fields are completed accurately.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in team leadership, production asset creation (digital and print), proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with workflow automation or process improvement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 5-7 projects that best showcase your promotional design skills, leadership capabilities, and operational process management. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, or a shared drive link).

• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your role, the process, the outcomes, and specific examples of how you managed teams and ensured operational efficiency. Be ready to discuss your technical skills and leadership approach.

• Research METRO/MAKRO: Understand the company's global presence, its wholesale business model, and the role of the Metro Global Solution Center (MGSC). Familiarize yourself with their brand guidelines and typical promotional materials.

⚠️ 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.

---