Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Spektrum

Location: The Hague, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

Job Type: Hybrid (2 days per week in office)

Category: Graphic Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-06

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site with flexible remote work

🎨 Role Summary

• Maintain and enhance the visual identity of the NCI Agency through creative design and production
• Collaborate with various teams to develop illustrations, graphics, publications, and multimedia presentations
• Stay current with industry trends and tools to continuously improve design quality
• Provide backup support for other NCI Agency locations and functions as needed

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Design and prepare illustrations, graphics, publications, and multimedia presentations to support the NCI Agency's communication and marketing goals
• Monitor and safeguard the proper use of the Agency's visual identity
• Participate in graphical and publishing projects
• Provide backup support for the CMC reproduction and finishing elements, and other areas as required
• Stay abreast of professional software and hardware developments, and industry developments in the area of responsibility
• Assignments may include duties to back up similar functions for other NCI Agency locations
• Perform other duties as may be required

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Vocational training in a relevant area of graphics design or publishing/pre-press, or equivalent combination of qualifications and experience

Experience: A minimum of three years of experience in graphics design or publishing

Required Skills:

• Understanding of Colour Management principles and able to apply
• Working experience with the main creative media production tools in use at the NCI Agency: latest versions of ADOBE Creative Suite design tools, PowerPoint, ADOBE Acrobat
• Understanding of multiple relevant areas (graphics design, DTP, digital printing, document flow, multimedia)
• Able to work as a member of a creative team

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in producing creative media in a cross-media context
• Working knowledge on Microsoft Office applications
• Able to work with both PC and MAC
• Professional experience in other creative disciplines provided by CMC
• Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements
• Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization, including ACO and ACT

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of graphic design and publishing projects
• Include examples of illustrations, graphics, publications, and multimedia presentations that showcase your ability to support communication and marketing goals
• Showcase your understanding of colour management principles and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools
• Demonstrate your ability to work effectively as part of a creative team

Process Documentation:

• Provide detailed case studies that outline your design process, including research, ideation, and execution phases
• Include examples of how you have monitored and safeguarded the proper use of visual identities in previous projects
• Demonstrate your ability to adapt your design approach based on project requirements and stakeholder feedback

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Research indicates that the average salary for a Graphic Designer in the Netherlands is approximately €35,000 - €45,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, and the specific company. Spektrum's salary offer for this role is likely to be competitive with industry standards.

Benefits:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement (2 days per week in office)
• Opportunity to work on high-profile projects for NATO and other international organizations
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Potential for international travel
• Dynamic and multicultural work environment

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours (40 hours per week) and the option to work remotely two days per week

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Business Consulting and Services

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 2019

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Communication and Marketing team, working closely with other designers, content creators, and project managers
• The team is responsible for developing and executing visual communication strategies that support the NCI Agency's communication and marketing goals

Methodology:

• The Graphic Designer will work within the NCI Agency's established design guidelines and branding standards
• Candidates should be comfortable working within a structured design process that emphasizes collaboration, iteration, and stakeholder feedback
• The team uses a variety of design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat

Company Website: Spektrum Group

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Mid-level Graphic Designer with potential for growth into senior roles and leadership positions

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report directly to the Head of Communication and Marketing or a designated manager within the team

Design Impact: The Graphic Designer will have a significant impact on the NCI Agency's communication and marketing efforts, contributing to the organization's overall success and reputation

Growth Opportunities:

• Proven Graphic Designers may have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and advance to senior roles within the team
• Spektrum offers professional development opportunities, including training and mentoring programs to support career growth
• As the company continues to expand, there may be opportunities for Graphic Designers to take on leadership roles and help shape the team's future direction

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Spektrum's offices are modern and collaborative, with dedicated design workspaces and access to the latest tools and technology

Office Location(s): The Hague, Netherlands

Design Workspace Context:

• The Graphic Designer will have access to a dedicated workspace with high-quality equipment and software
• The team encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing, with regular design critiques and team-building activities
• The work environment is multicultural and dynamic, with a strong focus on innovation and creativity

Work Schedule: Flexible hybrid work arrangement (2 days per week in office) with standard working hours (40 hours per week)

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• The initial interview will focus on the candidate's design process, portfolio, and relevant experience
• The second interview may include a design challenge or case study presentation, allowing the candidate to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and design thinking approach
• The final interview will assess the candidate's cultural fit, communication skills, and potential for growth within the team

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight a variety of graphic design and publishing projects that showcase your ability to support communication and marketing goals
• Include examples of your understanding of colour management principles and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools
• Demonstrate your ability to work effectively as part of a creative team
• Provide detailed case studies that outline your design process, including research, ideation, and execution phases

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare for a design challenge or case study presentation by researching the NCI Agency's communication and marketing goals, as well as the specific requirements of the role
• Practice presenting your design process and portfolio to a panel of stakeholders, focusing on your ability to articulate your design decisions and respond to feedback
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to colour management and your experience working with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Publishing, Colour Management, Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, DTP, Digital Printing, Multimedia, Creative Teamwork, Cross-Media Production, Microsoft Office, PC and MAC Proficiency, International Experience, NATO Knowledge

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics and illustrations
• Adobe Photoshop: For image editing and manipulation
• Adobe InDesign: For layout and design of publications and multimedia presentations
• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and animation

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Microsoft Office Suite: For cross-functional team collaboration and communication
• Adobe Acrobat: For document conversion and sharing
• Spektrum's internal project management tools: For tracking progress and facilitating handoff between team members

Research & Testing:

• Google Analytics: For website analytics and user behavior tracking
• Social media analytics tools: For monitoring and analyzing social media performance
• Surveymonkey or similar tools: For creating and distributing online surveys and collecting user feedback

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Creativity: Spektrum values innovative and creative design solutions that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of visual communication
• Collaboration: The company encourages open communication, active listening, and teamwork to foster a culture of shared success and continuous improvement
• Quality: Spektrum is committed to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet or exceed client expectations and contribute to the organization's overall success
• Adaptability: The company values employees who are flexible, adaptable, and able to thrive in a dynamic and changing work environment

Collaboration Style:

• Spektrum encourages a culture of open and honest communication, with regular design critiques and feedback sessions to help team members grow and improve
• The company values cross-functional collaboration and knowledge-sharing, with team members working together to solve problems and achieve common goals
• Spektrum fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development, with regular training and mentoring opportunities to help team members advance their skills and careers

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Working within the NCI Agency's established design guidelines and branding standards may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more flexible or experimental design approach
• The role may require candidates to balance multiple projects and tight deadlines, with a need to prioritize and manage time effectively
• Candidates may face challenges working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including military and civilian personnel, with varying levels of design literacy and expectations
• Spektrum's international client base may present challenges related to cultural sensitivity and understanding, with a need for candidates to adapt their design approach to different regional contexts

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Spektrum offers professional development opportunities, including training and mentoring programs to support career growth and skill development
• The company encourages employees to pursue relevant certifications and attend industry conferences and events to stay current with design trends and best practices
• Candidates may have the opportunity to work on high-profile projects for NATO and other international organizations, gaining valuable experience and exposure to new challenges and learning opportunities

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, including research, ideation, and execution phases, with a focus on your ability to articulate your design decisions and respond to feedback
• Prepare examples of your understanding of colour management principles and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools
• Be ready to discuss your approach to working within established design guidelines and branding standards, as well as your ability to adapt your design approach to different projects and stakeholders

Company Culture Questions:

• Research Spektrum's design culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values and workstyle align with the company's mission and goals
• Prepare examples of your ability to work effectively in a dynamic and multicultural team setting, with a focus on open communication, active listening, and continuous learning
• Be ready to discuss your approach to balancing multiple projects and tight deadlines, as well as your ability to prioritize and manage time effectively

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight a variety of graphic design and publishing projects that showcase your ability to support communication and marketing goals
• Include examples of your understanding of colour management principles and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools
• Demonstrate your ability to work effectively as part of a creative team, with a focus on collaboration, open communication, and active listening
• Prepare a concise and engaging presentation that tells the story of your design process, including research, ideation, and execution phases, and highlights the impact of your work on the projects and organizations you've worked with

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Spektrum job board
• Customize your portfolio to highlight your graphic design and publishing projects that showcase your ability to support communication and marketing goals
• Tailor your resume to emphasize your relevant design skills, experience, and qualifications, including your understanding of colour management principles and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools
• Prepare for the design interview process by researching the NCI Agency's communication and marketing goals, as well as the specific requirements of the role, and practicing your design process and portfolio presentation
• Research Spektrum's design culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values and workstyle align with the company's mission and goals during the company culture interview questions