CDI - Graphic Designer Packaging F/H - Erborian

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CDI - Graphic Designer Packaging F/H - Erborian
Company: L'Occitane
Location: Fontainebleau, Île-de-France, France
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations
Date Posted: 2025-09-12
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic and creative direction for Erborian's packaging design, ensuring brand consistency and market appeal.
• Oversee the end-to-end packaging development lifecycle, from concept ideation to final production, for innovations, renovations, and kits.
• Manage and mentor a graphic designer, fostering a collaborative and high-performing creative team.
• Drive eco-design initiatives for packaging, aligning with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with international marketing, product, and packaging teams to ensure seamless project execution and brand alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a leadership and project management component, suggesting a "Creative Operations" or "Marketing Operations" focus within the creative domain. The emphasis on managing the full product lifecycle, budget, and a team member elevates this beyond a purely individual contributor design role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Champion and safeguard the Erborian brand identity and its comprehensive design guidelines across all packaging.
• Develop and implement a cohesive graphic strategy, translating marketing concepts into designs that resonate with the brand's core DNA.
• Lead and mentor a packaging design team, including an experienced graphic designer, fostering skill development and creative excellence.
• Orchestrate the entire packaging development chain: conceptualize designs, create mock-ups for visualization, prepare artwork, manage approvals (BAT), and oversee regulatory compliance and production timelines.
• Conceptualize and execute graphic designs for two major kit campaigns annually (Christmas and Mother's Day), managing them through to final approval.
• Integrate and promote eco-design principles for packaging, ensuring alignment with environmental regulations and sustainability objectives, in close coordination with Seoul and Manosque teams.
• Manage the annual packaging budget, including costs for mock-ups, freelance support, and other related expenses.
• Foster daily collaboration with product managers in Paris and the packaging team in Seoul to ensure alignment and efficient project progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management skills, particularly in managing timelines and cross-functional dependencies. The mention of "suivi du r\u00e9troplanning" (tracking of the timeline) and "suivi des BAT" (tracking of final artwork approvals) points to a need for meticulous process management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Art School, or a related creative field.

Experience:

• Significant professional experience in a similar graphic design role, specifically focused on packaging within the cosmetics, beauty, or fragrance industries. This experience can be from permanent positions (CDI/CDD) or freelance engagements.

Required Skills:

• Brand Guardian: Proven ability to maintain and enforce brand identity and design guidelines rigorously.
• Strategic Design Thinking: Capacity to translate marketing objectives into impactful graphic strategies and creative concepts.
• Project Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead projects from inception to completion, managing multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
• Team Management/Mentorship: Experience in leading or mentoring junior designers, guiding their creative output and professional development.
• Communication Prowess: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate and defend design choices effectively.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and a proven track record of successful teamwork in a multicultural environment.
• Aesthetic Sensibility: A keen eye for detail, a strong sense of aesthetics, and a passion for design excellence.
• Trend Awareness: Ability to stay informed about current design innovations, market trends, and the broader cultural landscape, particularly within the beauty sector.
• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Mastery of Photoshop and Illustrator is essential, with strong working knowledge of InDesign.
• English Fluency: Fluent written and spoken English is crucial for daily communication with the team in Korea.

Preferred Skills:

• Cosmetics & Korean Culture Affinity: A genuine passion and curiosity for the cosmetics industry and an understanding of Korean beauty culture.
• Eco-Design Expertise: Familiarity with eco-design principles and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Budget Management: Experience in managing creative project budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Organisation, rigueur, intuition, force de proposition" (Organization, rigor, intuition, ability to propose) and being comfortable in both "l’opérationnel-exécutif que dans la réflexion stratégique-créative" (operational-executive tasks and strategic-creative thinking) indicates a need for a candidate who can balance hands-on execution with high-level strategic input.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of packaging design projects, demonstrating your ability to adapt to different brand aesthetics and product types within the beauty and cosmetics sector.
• Include examples that highlight your process from initial concept sketches and mood boards to final artwork and mock-ups.
• Present projects that involved managing timelines, collaborating with cross-functional teams (marketing, product development, regulatory), and potentially overseeing production.
• Demonstrate your understanding of brand guidelines and how you've applied them consistently across a product line or campaign.
• Include any work that illustrates your approach to eco-design or sustainable packaging solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your typical workflow for packaging design projects, including:
  • Concept generation and idea validation.
  • Collaboration with marketing and product teams for briefs and feedback.
  • Artwork creation, simulation, and approval stages.
  • Coordination with production and regulatory teams.
  • Project management tools and methodologies used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's scope, a portfolio should ideally demonstrate not just design skill but also project management capability, including how you've navigated challenges, managed timelines, and contributed to the overall success of a packaging launch. The emphasis on eco-design suggests this is a key area to highlight.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Paris/Île-de-France, a competitive CDI salary range would typically fall between €35,000 and €50,000 gross annual salary. This range is influenced by the specific responsibilities, the seniority of the role, and L'Occitane's compensation structure for creative positions.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage (mutuelle) as per French employment law.
• Meal Vouchers: Contribution to meal expenses (tickets restaurant).
• Transportation Reimbursement: Partial reimbursement of public transport costs.
• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on L'Occitane Group brands (L'Occitane en Provence, Erborian, Melvita, Elemis, etc.).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement, particularly in design software, project management, and the beauty industry.
• Company Culture: Access to the company's strong CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives and a supportive, international work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard French full-time working hours, typically 35-40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and company policy. The role is based on-site in Fontainebleau.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on L'Occitane's presence as a well-established international group and typical compensation for similar roles in the Île-de-France region. Benefits are standard for full-time positions in France within a large corporation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cosmetics & Well-being. L'Occitane Group operates in a dynamic, consumer-focused industry driven by innovation, brand storytelling, and ethical sourcing. Company Size: Large Enterprise. The L'Occitane Group is a global entity with a significant presence across 90 countries, comprising 8 distinct brands. This scale offers stability and international exposure. Founded: 1976 (L'Occitane en Provence). The group has a rich history rooted in natural ingredients and entrepreneurship, which informs its enduring values.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the INTERNATIONAL MARKETING team based in Paris, reporting directly to the Marketing Director.
• You will lead the packaging design "pole" (unit), which includes yourself and one experienced graphic designer to manage.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers in Paris and the packaging team in Seoul, South Korea.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Approach: All creative output is guided by the brand's identity and marketing strategy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and communication across departments and international teams.
• Sustainability Focus: Integration of eco-design and CSR principles into product development and packaging.
• Agile Project Management: Implicit need for managing timelines, approvals, and production in a fast-paced environment.

Company Website: https://www.loccitane.com/ (Group overview) and https://www.erborian.com/ (Brand specific)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in its founding values of entrepreneurship, teamwork, respect, and authenticity, with a strong commitment to natural ingredients, sustainability, and social responsibility. This is crucial for candidates to understand and align with.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Creative Lead. This role sits at a crucial intersection of creative execution and operational management within the marketing function. It requires both strong design skills and the ability to lead a small team and manage a complex process. Reporting Structure: You will report to the Marketing Director, indicating a direct line to senior marketing leadership and a strategic view of brand development. You will also manage one direct report. Operations Impact: The packaging is a critical touchpoint for consumers. Your work directly impacts brand perception, product appeal on shelves (physical and digital), and the successful launch of new products. Efficient packaging development and design contribute to cost control and timely market entry, impacting overall revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone team management and project leadership skills by managing a graphic designer and overseeing the packaging pipeline.
• Brand Strategy Involvement: Deeper immersion into brand strategy through close collaboration with marketing directors and product managers.
• International Exposure: Gain experience working with international teams (Seoul) and understanding global market nuances.
• Specialization: Develop expertise in eco-design and sustainable packaging within the cosmetics industry.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance into roles like Senior Packaging Designer, Creative Manager, or Head of Packaging Design within the L'Occitane Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual nature of this role – being both a hands-on designer and a manager/leader – presents a significant growth opportunity for individuals looking to step into a more strategic and directorial creative position within a global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, creative office environment within the International Marketing team. Office Location(s): Fontainebleau, Île-de-France, France. This location offers a balance between being accessible to Paris and a potentially more focused work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The description emphasizes a "jeune et passionnée" (young and passionate) team and a need for strong communication, suggesting a dynamic and interactive workspace.
• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Suite) and likely a supportive IT infrastructure for creative work.
• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with product managers and regular communication with the international packaging team in Seoul, fostering a global and collaborative spirit.

Work Schedule: Full-time, likely adhering to standard French business hours. The role is on-site, requiring regular physical presence to facilitate team collaboration and access to resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Fontainebleau suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct engagement. Candidates should consider the commute and lifestyle implications of this location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience and creative output.
• Creative Assessment/Case Study: Likely a practical exercise or case study focusing on packaging design challenges relevant to Erborian, requiring you to develop concepts or propose solutions.
• Managerial/Team Interview: Discussion with the Marketing Director to assess leadership potential, strategic thinking, project management skills, and cultural fit.
• Cross-functional Interview: Potential meeting with Product Managers or members of the Seoul team to evaluate collaboration and communication skills.
• Final Interview: Possibly with higher-level management to confirm fit and discuss overall career trajectory.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant packaging design projects. Prioritize those in the beauty/cosmetics sector that demonstrate your ability to manage the full design lifecycle.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your strategic approach, the creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome (e.g., successful launch, improved aesthetics, eco-design integration).
• Showcase Brand Adherence: Highlight how you've interpreted and applied brand guidelines, especially for a brand like Erborian with a distinct identity.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples showcasing different product types, campaign kits, and potentially your approach to sustainability.
• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your artwork examples are clean, professional, and demonstrate mastery of Adobe Suite. Be ready to discuss your technical process.
• Management/Leadership Examples: If possible, include any projects where you mentored a junior designer or managed a workflow.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Erborian: Research Erborian's product lines, brand philosophy, target audience, and recent marketing campaigns. Pay attention to their current packaging aesthetic and any sustainability initiatives.
• Eco-Design Research: Refresh your knowledge on common eco-friendly packaging materials, processes, and regulatory considerations in the cosmetics industry.
• Project Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage a complex packaging project with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines, including risk mitigation strategies.
• Brand Alignment Exercises: Be ready to articulate how you would develop packaging concepts that align with Erborian's brand DNA and Korean-inspired aesthetic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on managing the entire "chaîne du développement pack" (packaging development chain) and the need for "rigueur" (rigor) and "organisation" means interviewers will be looking for evidence of structured thinking and execution, not just creative flair.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, mock-ups, and detailed artwork.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, typography, and packaging die-lines.
  • InDesign: Useful for creating layout documents, spec sheets, and potentially presentation materials.
• 3D Rendering Software (Potential): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with tools like Adobe Dimension, Keyshot, or similar for creating realistic packaging visualizations could be a significant advantage.
• Project Management Software (Likely): Experience with tools such as Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or internal company systems for tracking project progress, tasks, and deadlines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Reporting Tools: Familiarity with how to receive and interpret data on product performance or consumer feedback to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but understanding how packaging design integrates with product launch processes within a CRM or PIM (Product Information Management) system could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is explicitly required. The mention of "simulations pour prévisualisation des projets" (simulations for project previewing) suggests that any experience with 3D visualization tools would be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity & Respect: Core values of the L'Occitane Group, fostering an environment where individuals are valued for their unique contributions.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working together, sharing inspiration, and supporting colleagues, especially across international teams.
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Encouragement to propose new ideas, take initiative, and drive creative solutions for packaging and brand development.
• Responsibility & Sustainability: Commitment to ethical practices, environmental consciousness (eco-design), and positive social impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regular engagement with product managers, marketing teams, and international counterparts to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.
• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to sharing and receiving constructive feedback on design concepts and project execution.
• Cross-Cultural Adaptability: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams, particularly bridging communication between Paris and Seoul.
• Process-Driven: Adherence to established workflows and timelines while maintaining flexibility to adapt to project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires someone who thrives in a collaborative, international setting and is aligned with the Group's strong ethical and sustainability commitments. The "cultivateurs du changement" (cultivators of change) ethos suggests an active, engaged workforce.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand & Innovation: Ensuring packaging designs consistently uphold Erborian's brand identity while also introducing fresh concepts for innovations and seasonal kits.
• Global Coordination: Effectively managing communication and approvals with teams in different time zones and cultural contexts (Paris and Seoul).
• Sustainability Integration: Navigating technical and cost considerations to implement effective eco-design solutions that meet brand and regulatory standards.
• Team Management: Leading and motivating a graphic designer while also fulfilling hands-on design responsibilities requires strong time management and interpersonal skills.
• Budget Constraints: Managing the annual packaging budget effectively to deliver high-quality results within financial limitations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunity to explore new design software, 3D visualization, and advanced packaging techniques.
• Brand & Market Expertise: Deepen knowledge of the cosmetics industry, beauty trends, and the nuances of the Erborian brand and Korean beauty market.
• Project & Team Leadership: Develop robust project management methodologies and enhance leadership capabilities through team management.
• Sustainability in Packaging: Become an expert in eco-design principles and sustainable packaging solutions within a major beauty group.
• International Exposure: Gain valuable experience working within a global organization and collaborating with diverse international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to grow beyond a traditional graphic designer role into a creative operations leadership position, particularly within the high-growth cosmetics sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a new packaging concept for an Erborian innovation, balancing the brand's core aesthetic with a unique selling proposition?" (Assesses creative strategy, brand understanding, innovation approach)
• "Describe your process for managing the end-to-end packaging development lifecycle, from concept to production, for a new product launch. How do you ensure deadlines and quality?" (Assesses project management, process adherence, operational rigor)
• "How would you manage and mentor a junior graphic designer to ensure they meet brand standards and contribute effectively to project goals?" (Assesses leadership, team management, developmental approach)
• "What are your thoughts on eco-design in the cosmetics industry, and how would you integrate sustainable practices into Erborian's packaging?" (Assesses industry knowledge, sustainability commitment, problem-solving)
• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with international teams, such as our team in Seoul, when managing packaging projects?" (Assesses cross-cultural communication, collaboration skills)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to the Erborian brand and the L'Occitane Group's values?" (Assesses cultural fit, brand affinity)
• "Describe a time you had to defend a creative decision to stakeholders who disagreed. How did you handle it?" (Assesses communication, persuasion, resilience)
• "How do you stay updated on design trends, particularly within the beauty and cosmetics industry?" (Assesses curiosity, industry engagement)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, aim for a clear flow: Brand/Product Context -> Brief/Objective -> Your Strategic Approach -> Creative Process (Sketches, Mock-ups, Iterations) -> Final Design -> Challenges & Solutions -> Outcome/Impact.
• Highlight Operations: Explicitly mention your role in managing timelines, budgets, approvals, and cross-functional collaboration. Use phrases like "Managed the timeline," "Coordinated with regulatory," "Presented to marketing for approval."
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): Even if exact sales figures aren't available, mention successful launches, positive feedback, or the successful implementation of eco-design features.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually appealing, clean, and easy to follow, mirroring the design quality you aim to produce.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate a blend of creative vision, strategic thinking, and operational execution. Be prepared to speak confidently about your design process, project management approach, and understanding of the beauty industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer Packaging position:

• Submit your application through the L'Occitane Group careers portal using the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features your most relevant packaging design work, especially within the cosmetics or beauty sector. Tailor your selection to showcase your ability to manage projects from concept to production and your understanding of brand guidelines.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight keywords such as "Packaging Design," "Graphic Design," "Brand Identity," "Project Management," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Cosmetics," "Cross-functional Collaboration," and any experience with "Eco-Design" or team mentorship. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project management methodologies, and how you would contribute to Erborian's brand vision. Be ready to discuss your experience with the Adobe Suite and your approach to managing creative projects and teams.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Erborian's brand, products, and the L'Occitane Group's mission and values, paying particular attention to their commitment to sustainability and their presence in Korean culture.

⚠️ 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.