Freelance Product & Brand Designer (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Product & Brand Designer (m/w/d)
Company: UNITE
Location: Berlin, Germany
Job Type: Part-Time, Contractor
Category: Product Design, Brand Design, UI/UX Design
Date Posted: December 3, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid (with in-person meetings required in Berlin)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a creative and autonomous Freelance Product & Brand Designer tasked with enhancing UNITE's visual identity across digital and print platforms.
• The designer will be instrumental in translating UNITE's new brand and corporate identity into a modern, functional website and establishing foundational design systems for their core platform.
• Key responsibilities include UI/UX design contributions, creating versatile assets like email templates and presentation systems, and supporting event collateral.
• The position offers a flexible retainer model, working within a collaborative environment focused on innovation within the startup ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original listing is for a Product & Brand Designer, this enhancement frames it within the broader "operations" context by highlighting the critical role design plays in the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy, brand consistency, and user experience of a platform, all of which are core to operational efficiency and market perception. The emphasis on "design foundations," "design systems," and "UI/UX design" directly relates to building scalable and maintainable operational assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Website Design & Development Support: Convert the new brand and corporate identity into a fresh, user-friendly website design, primarily using WordPress, ensuring seamless handover to developers.
• Digital Asset Creation: Design and develop a suite of email templates for newsletters, event invitations, and general communications, maintaining brand consistency.
• Presentation System Development: Create a robust and versatile presentation template system that can be utilized across various internal and external communications.
• Design System Implementation: Build and actively maintain a comprehensive design system for UNITE's core platform, ensuring scalability, consistency, and efficient collaboration with product and tech teams.
• UI/UX Contribution: Actively contribute to the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design of the UNITE core platform, translating user needs into intuitive and engaging designs.
• Event & Collateral Support: Design and produce event materials, including both print and digital assets, for conferences and other organizational activities.
• Brand Consistency Oversight: Ensure all visual communications, both digital and print, align with UNITE's established corporate identity and brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific design outputs and their strategic importance, framing them within the context of operational efficiency and brand governance. The emphasis on "design systems" and "UI/UX contribution" highlights the operational impact of design on platform development and user adoption.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation or equivalent practical experience in Graphic Design, Product Design, UI/UX Design, or a related creative field is expected.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of professional design experience, with a proven track record in web design, digital product design, and brand identity development.
• Demonstrated experience in translating brand guidelines into cohesive visual assets.

Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Expert-level command of Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.
• WordPress Expertise: Comfortable working with and designing for WordPress websites, including understanding its capabilities and limitations.
• Design Systems Development: Proven ability to create, document, and maintain design systems for digital products and platforms.
• UI/UX Design Principles: Strong understanding of user-centered design principles, user experience best practices, and information architecture.
• Visual Design Versatility: Ability to design a wide range of assets, including websites, email templates, presentations, and print materials, with a keen eye for aesthetics and brand alignment.
• Developer Collaboration: Experience working closely with developers, facilitating smooth design handovers, and participating in review cycles.
• Autonomy & Initiative: Ability to work independently with clear direction, proactively identify design opportunities, and translate user needs into effective design solutions.
• Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills, essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams and articulating design decisions.

Preferred Skills:

• SaaS/Platform Design: Experience designing for B2C, B2B, or SaaS platforms, demonstrating an understanding of user engagement and business objectives.
• Mission-Driven Organization Experience: Previous design work for mission-driven organizations, startups, or within the innovation/startup ecosystem.
• Brand Strategy: Familiarity with brand strategy development and its application in visual design.
• Motion Design/Animation: Basic understanding or experience in motion design for digital interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section has been elaborated to include specific design software and methodologies relevant to product and brand operations. The distinction between required and preferred skills provides clarity for candidates. The emphasis on "developer collaboration" and "autonomy" highlights the operational aspects of the role within a project lifecycle.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your process from concept to completion for web, digital product, and brand identity projects.
• Web Design Examples: Include examples of website designs, ideally WordPress-based, highlighting user flow, responsiveness, and aesthetic appeal.
• Design System Representation: Present a clear example of a design system you have built or significantly contributed to, detailing its components, guidelines, and intended use.
• Brand Identity Work: Feature examples of brand identity development, including logos, color palettes, typography, and their application across various media.
• UI/UX Deliverables: Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final UI designs that illustrate your problem-solving approach and user-centered design thinking.
• Cross-Platform Consistency: Demonstrate your ability to maintain brand and user experience consistency across different digital touchpoints (web, email, platform UI).

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Articulation: Be prepared to clearly articulate your design process, including research methodologies, ideation techniques, iterative design, and user testing approaches.
• Tool Proficiency Showcase: Clearly indicate the tools used in your portfolio projects, with a specific emphasis on Figma and any experience with WordPress development workflows.
• Collaboration Evidence: Highlight instances where you collaborated with stakeholders, product managers, or developers, detailing your role and communication strategies.
• Impact & Outcome Focus: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem addressed, the design solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for a design role. It has been tailored to emphasize the "operations" aspect of design by focusing on process, documentation, and demonstrable impact. The "Portfolio Essentials" and "Process Documentation" sections guide candidates on how to present their work in a way that aligns with operational standards for efficiency, scalability, and measurable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a freelance contractor on a retainer model, compensation will be negotiated based on experience, scope of work, and agreed-upon retainer hours. Industry-standard freelance rates for experienced designers in Berlin typically range from €50-€80+ per hour, or a fixed monthly retainer of €3,000-€6,000+, depending on the engagement level.

Benefits:

• Flexible Retainer Model: Work on a flexible retainer basis, allowing for predictable income and workload management.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to a dynamic startup ecosystem and support the translation of research into impactful ventures.
• Creative Input: Enjoy a collaborative environment with significant room for creative ideation and input.
• Platform Growth Opportunity: Play a key role in establishing and evolving the design foundations for a growing digital platform.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage with a diverse network of researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.

Working Hours:

• The role is part-time, with flexible working hours arranged via a retainer model. Specific weekly hours will be agreed upon based on project needs and the retainer agreement, but typically range from 15-25 hours per week. The nature of freelance work allows for significant autonomy in scheduling, provided deadlines and key meeting requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary has been estimated based on freelance rates for experienced designers in Berlin, Germany, considering the "part-time" and "contractor" nature of the role. Benefits are framed to highlight the unique advantages of working with a startup factory and the flexibility offered by a retainer model. The "Working Hours" section clarifies the flexible yet structured nature of this freelance engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• UNITE operates within the innovation and venture building sector, specifically focusing on university spin-offs. Its core industries are Life Sciences, DeepTech, and GreenTech, positioning it at the forefront of technological and scientific advancement. This context means a culture valuing innovation, research translation, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Company Size:

• As a "startup factory," UNITE likely operates with a lean, agile team, fostering a dynamic and fast-paced environment. This size encourages direct collaboration and a high degree of individual impact.

Founded:

• While the founding date isn't specified, UNITE's role as a "startup factory" implies a relatively modern establishment, likely founded within the last 5-10 years to address the growing need for structured support in commercializing research.

Team Structure:

• Operations & Marketing Focus: The designer will work closely with Marketing, Product, and Tech teams, indicating a cross-functional operational structure.
• Collaborative Environment: The company explicitly mentions a "collaborative team environment with room for creative input," suggesting an open-door policy and emphasis on shared ideation.
• Reporting: The designer will likely report to a Head of Marketing, Head of Product, or a similar senior role responsible for platform development and brand representation, with direct interaction with product managers and developers.

Methodology:

• Agile & Iterative: Given the startup and tech focus, UNITE likely employs agile methodologies for project management and product development, emphasizing iterative design and rapid prototyping.
• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, a modern venture builder would leverage data analytics to inform decisions regarding platform development, marketing campaigns, and startup success metrics.
• User-Centric Approach: The emphasis on "translating user needs into coherent user experience" points to a user-centric design and development methodology.

Company Website:

• https://unite-ggmbh.jobs.personio.de/job/2448334 (This is the job posting URL, a company website would typically be separate, e.g., UNITE.de)

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes UNITE within its industry and operational environment, explaining how its unique model influences its culture and team dynamics. The "Methodology" subsection infers common practices in tech-focused venture builders that are relevant to how a designer would operate.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned at a Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience) as a Freelance Contractor. It offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape foundational design elements, providing a growth path from individual contributor to a key design partner.

Reporting Structure:

• The designer will report to a senior member of the Marketing, Product, or Tech team. This structure allows for direct mentorship and clear project direction while fostering independent work. Collaboration will be frequent with Product Managers and Developers.

Operations Impact:

• The designer's impact is critical in establishing UNITE's visual identity and user experience. This includes:
  • Brand Perception: Directly influencing how UNITE is perceived by researchers, startups, investors, and the public.
  • Platform Usability: Enhancing the user experience of UNITE's core platform, contributing to its adoption and effectiveness.
  • Marketing Effectiveness: Creating compelling assets (website, emails, presentations) that support marketing initiatives and drive engagement.
  • Operational Efficiency: Building design systems and clear documentation that streamline development and reduce future design/development overhead.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design System Leadership: Opportunity to own and evolve the design system, becoming the go-to expert for UI consistency.
• Platform UI/UX Influence: Contribute significantly to the core platform's user experience, potentially leading to more strategic UX roles.
• Startup Ecosystem Exposure: Gain deep understanding and connections within the Berlin-Brandenburg startup and research ecosystem.
• Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust portfolio with high-impact projects in cutting-edge fields like Life Sciences, DeepTech, and GreenTech.
• Retainer Expansion: Successful performance could lead to an expanded retainer agreement or future project opportunities with UNITE or its portfolio companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the freelance role within a broader career context, highlighting the potential for impact and growth, even for a contractor. It emphasizes how design contributes to the operational success of UNITE and its mission.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• UNITE likely operates in a modern, collaborative office space designed to foster innovation and interaction among its team and potentially with its portfolio companies. Given the "hybrid" nature, it's an office environment that supports in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s):

• The role requires being "Based in or around Berlin with ability to attend key meetings in person." This suggests a primary office location within Berlin, likely in a central or accessible area conducive to business and startup activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will facilitate direct interaction with Marketing, Product, and Tech teams, encouraging knowledge sharing and co-creation.
• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office amenities and potentially shared design resources, though a freelance designer is expected to bring their own primary tools (Figma, etc.).
• Dynamic Atmosphere: Expect a fast-paced, entrepreneurial atmosphere common in startup factories, with a focus on tangible results and innovation.

Work Schedule:

• The "Flexible time arrangement via retainer model" and "part-time" nature of the role allow for significant autonomy in scheduling. However, the requirement for "key meetings in person" and collaborative work implies a need for availability during core business hours in Berlin for scheduled interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates the work environment based on the company's description as a "startup factory" and the "hybrid" work arrangement, focusing on aspects relevant to a freelance designer's daily experience and operational needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with UNITE's needs.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A meeting (likely virtual or in-person in Berlin) where you present selected case studies from your portfolio. Expect to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you translated user needs into solutions.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Potentially a small, focused design challenge or a discussion based on a hypothetical scenario related to UNITE's platform or brand. This assesses your Figma skills, design thinking, and ability to work within given constraints.
• Team/Stakeholder Interview: A discussion with key team members (e.g., Head of Marketing, Product Manager) to evaluate your collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Retainer & Logistics Discussion: Finalizing the scope of work, retainer terms, and logistical details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase web design, digital product UI/UX, and brand identity work. Prioritize projects that demonstrate impact and a clear design process.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, the design decisions you made, and the outcomes achieved. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.
• Highlight Figma & WordPress: Explicitly showcase your proficiency in Figma and any relevant WordPress design or integration experience.
• Demonstrate Design System Thinking: If you have a dedicated design system project, present its structure, key components, and benefits clearly.
• Showcase Brand Integration: For web projects, ensure it's clear how you applied or evolved brand guidelines.
• Be Prepared for "Why": Be ready to explain the rationale behind your design choices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand UNITE's Mission: Research UNITE, its partners, and its focus areas (Life Sciences, DeepTech, GreenTech). Understand their mission to bridge science, business, and society.
• Review Their Current (or hypothetical) Brand: If a current website or brand exists, review it critically. Think about potential areas for improvement based on the job description's requirements.
• Practice Pitching: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and articulating your design process concisely and engagingly.
• Figma Warm-up: Ensure your Figma skills are sharp, particularly for rapid prototyping or component-based design exercises.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a freelance designer role, focusing on portfolio presentation and interview preparation specific to design challenges and stakeholder interactions within a tech/startup environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, wireframing, and design system development. Mastery is expected.
• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign): Likely required for print materials, advanced image editing, and potential logo refinements.

Web Platform:

• WordPress: Proficiency in designing for and understanding WordPress themes, plugins, and content management workflows is necessary. Experience with page builders (e.g., Elementor, WPBakery) might be beneficial.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Email Clients: For creating and testing email templates.
• Presentation Software: (e.g., Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote) for creating presentation templates.
• Project Management Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira may be beneficial for tracking tasks and collaborating with teams.

Analytics & Reporting (Awareness):

• Google Analytics: Understanding how website design impacts analytics and user behavior is a plus.
• Figma Analytics/Insights: Familiarity with any built-in analytics or collaboration features within Figma.

CRM & Automation (Awareness):

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how email templates integrate with CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot) can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the expected technology stack for a freelance designer, emphasizing the core tools like Figma and WordPress, and acknowledging areas of related, albeit less direct, operational relevance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: A strong drive to support and foster new ventures from scientific research.
• Collaboration & Openness: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork and valuing diverse creative input.
• Impact & Purpose: A commitment to turning innovation into real-world impact and contributing to societal progress.
• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment, adapting to evolving needs.
• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to high standards in design, product development, and operational execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The designer will be expected to work closely with Marketing, Product, and Tech teams, requiring clear communication and a shared understanding of goals.
• Feedback-Driven: An environment that likely encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and improve processes.
• Proactive Engagement: Team members are expected to be proactive, identifying opportunities and contributing ideas rather than just executing tasks.
• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering a culture where insights and best practices are shared across teams to elevate overall performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the team culture and values based on UNITE's description as a "startup factory" and its mission, framing them in a way that resonates with a design professional's operational contribution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Research: Designing for audiences that may include both technical experts and the general public, requiring clarity and accessibility.
• Balancing Brand Identity and Platform Functionality: Ensuring the brand is visually compelling while the platform remains highly functional and user-friendly.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting quickly to new project requirements and tight deadlines inherent in a startup factory model.
• Establishing New Foundations: Building crucial design systems and brand assets from the ground up requires foresight and meticulous execution.
• Freelance Autonomy Management: Successfully managing workload, client expectations, and self-discipline to meet project milestones independently.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Emerging Technologies: Gain exposure to cutting-edge innovations in Life Sciences, DeepTech, and GreenTech.
• Design System Mastery: Develop advanced skills in creating scalable and maintainable design systems.
• Startup Ecosystem Insights: Learn the operational nuances of building and scaling tech startups.
• Networking: Build valuable connections within the scientific research and startup communities in Berlin.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Work on high-visibility projects that can significantly boost a design portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates potential challenges and frames them as opportunities for growth, providing a realistic outlook for a freelance designer in this specific environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem Solving: "Walk me through a project where you had to translate complex user needs into a cohesive user experience. What was your process?" (Focus on Figma use, user research, iteration, and outcomes.)
• Brand Implementation: "How would you approach converting a new corporate identity into a functional WordPress website? What are the key considerations?" (Discuss brand guidelines, CMS limitations, and developer handoff.)
• Design System Rationale: "Why are design systems important for a platform like UNITE? What are the key components you would prioritize?" (Emphasize consistency, efficiency, scalability, and collaboration.)
• Collaboration & Communication: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with developers or product managers on a challenging design. How did you manage the process and ensure alignment?" (Highlight communication strategies, feedback loops, and conflict resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding UNITE's Mission: "What excites you about UNITE's mission to bridge science, business, and society?" (Show you've researched their core purpose.)
• Startup Environment Fit: "How do you adapt to fast-paced, evolving environments? What are your strategies for managing multiple freelance projects?" (Demonstrate your ability to be autonomous and organized.)
• Creative Input: "How do you ensure your creative input is valuable and aligned with business objectives?" (Showcase a balance of creativity and strategic thinking.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Impact: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to solve problems and achieve results for clients or employers.
• Narrative Flow: Structure each case study with a clear beginning (problem), middle (process/solutions), and end (outcome).
• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality mockups and clear annotations to explain your design decisions.
• Highlight Tools: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your proficiency with Figma and WordPress where relevant.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; present your strongest points efficiently. Be prepared to dive deeper into specific areas if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, focusing on questions relevant to design roles, freelance engagements, and the specific context of UNITE's mission and operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance Product & Brand Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided application link to submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest work in web design, digital product UI/UX, and brand identity development, with specific emphasis on Figma and WordPress projects.
• Craft a Targeted Resume: Highlight your 3-5 years of relevant experience, specific skills (Figma, WordPress, Design Systems), and any experience with SaaS, B2B/B2C platforms, or mission-driven organizations.
• Prepare Your Pitch: Practice articulating your design process, key project outcomes, and why you are a good fit for UNITE's collaborative and innovative environment. Be ready to discuss your approach to building design systems and working with developers.
• Research UNITE: Familiarize yourself with UNITE's mission, their focus industries (Life Sciences, DeepTech, GreenTech), and their role within the Berlin-Brandenburg startup ecosystem. Understand their need for design to translate research into ventures.

⚠️ 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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