Graphic Designer - Childrenswear (12 month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Childrenswear (12 month FTC)

Company: Target Careers

Location: Chadstone, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Creative & Design / Retail Apparel

Date Posted: 2026-04-07

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for creating on-trend, commercial graphics and artwork for childrenswear apparel to drive sales and profitability within a fast-paced retail environment.

• Collaborate with Design Managers, buyers, and key stakeholders to translate seasonal trends and range architecture into compelling visual designs for both placement and yardage applications.

• Conduct thorough market and trend research to identify emerging graphic styles, color palettes, and printing techniques, ensuring product offerings remain current and desirable.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to critical path timelines for print direction and artwork delivery each quarter.

• Contribute to trend presentations, effectively communicating graphic direction and rationale to internal teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC), which is crucial for candidates to understand regarding career planning and job security. The hybrid working model suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design commercial artwork for childrenswear apparel, encompassing placement graphics, yardage prints, and textile designs that align with key trends and the Target brand aesthetic.

• Collaborate closely with the Design Manager, POV & Trend teams, and merchandising to ensure graphics are commercially viable and support overall business objectives.

• Proactively research global trends, competitor activities, and market research to inform graphic design direction and identify new opportunities in color, style, and printing techniques.

• Respond to design briefs by developing innovative and inspiring graphics and concepts that meet specific product requirements and sales targets.

• Manage and prioritize workload effectively, coordinating with internal teams and offshore suppliers to ensure timely delivery of print direction and artwork according to the critical path.

• Prepare and deliver compelling trend presentations to showcase graphic concepts and sell designs to key internal stakeholders.

• Maintain a strong aesthetic taste and keen eye for emerging commercial graphics trends, ensuring designs are relevant and appealing to the target childrenswear demographic.

• Interpret range architecture to develop cohesive and coordinated artwork across product lines, reinforcing Target's brand handwriting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "commercial artwork" and "driving sales and profitability" indicates that this role requires a blend of creative talent and a strong understanding of retail market dynamics and consumer demand within the childrenswear sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Tertiary qualifications in Design, Textiles, or Fashion are required. A degree in Graphic Design, Surface Pattern, or Illustration is also highly regarded.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Graphic Designer, specifically within apparel design, including garment drawings, textile yardages, and placements. Experience in a fast-paced retail environment is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, with a strong ability to create accurate and high-quality graphic art.

• Demonstrated experience in apparel graphic design for childrenswear, with a strong portfolio showcasing commercial success.

• Ability to interpret and execute design briefs, translating them into on-trend and saleable graphics.

• Strong understanding of textile yardage and placement graphic design principles.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize workload effectively.

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including design, merchandising, and offshore suppliers.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe InDesign.

• Experience working with local and offshore supplier bases, understanding their capabilities and production processes.

• Ability to adapt design skills across multiple product categories and understand product types (shape, material, application).

• Experience in trend forecasting and presenting trend information to stakeholders.

• Familiarity with garment drawing and technical specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "portfolio of works" is paramount. Candidates should curate their portfolio to specifically highlight their childrenswear graphic design experience, demonstrating commercial viability, trend awareness, and proficiency in the required software.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of relevant graphic design experience in the apparel sector, with a strong emphasis on childrenswear.

• The portfolio must clearly demonstrate commercial success, illustrating how designs have contributed to sales and profitability.

• Include examples of both placement graphics and yardage designs, showcasing versatility and range.

• Showcase proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) through the quality and execution of design work.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial concept and trend research through to final artwork and print direction delivery.

• Be ready to explain how they manage multiple deadlines, prioritize tasks, and collaborate with stakeholders and offshore suppliers to ensure smooth project execution.

• The ability to articulate the process of translating design briefs into commercially successful graphics will be crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio of works" suggests that the hiring team will heavily scrutinize the candidate's visual output. Candidates should prepare to walk through their portfolio, explaining the context, challenges, and outcomes of their design projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a 12-month FTC and specific salary details are not provided, a competitive market rate for a Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience in apparel design in Melbourne, Australia, would typically range from AUD $75,000 to $100,000 per annum, depending on the depth of experience and specific responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Flexible hybrid working options through their "Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well" policy.

• Access to a team member discount program applicable across Target, Kmart, Bunnings, and Officeworks.

• A free OnePass membership offering free delivery on eligible products across Target and Kmart.

• Access to a comprehensive benefits program with discounts from over 60 suppliers in entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health.

• Opportunity for eligible team members to participate in a bonus program.

• Free onsite parking when required at the office.

• Inclusive parental leave and ongoing support through their partnership with Circle In.

• A dynamic learning and support program.

• Opportunity to participate in a Mentor Program as a Mentee or Mentor.

• Kudos recognition program for peer-nominated awards.

• Opportunity to purchase shares through a salary sacrifice arrangement with Wesfarmers (parent company).

• Potential for career advancement within the broader Wesfarmers Group.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is extensive and highlights a strong focus on employee well-being and professional development, which can be a significant draw for candidates. The mention of a bonus program and share purchase opportunities indicates potential for additional financial reward.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Apparel & Homewares)

Company Size: Target is a large, established retail brand within the Wesfarmers Group, employing thousands of individuals across Australia. This indicates a structured corporate environment with established processes and a significant market presence.

Founded: Target has a long history in Australia, tracing its roots back almost 100 years, signifying stability, brand recognition, and a deep understanding of the Australian consumer market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Design or Apparel team, reporting to a Design Manager or Head of Design.

• This role requires significant collaboration with merchandising teams, buyers, product developers, and potentially marketing or brand teams.

Methodology:

• The approach emphasizes delivering "on-trend, commercial graphics" that align with Target's specific brand "handwriting" and aesthetic.

• A data-driven and market-aware approach is evident through the requirement for trend forecasting and market research to inform design decisions.

• Collaboration and clear communication are vital, especially when working with offshore suppliers and across different functional teams.

• The company values creativity, commercial acumen, and the ability to work efficiently within defined timelines.

Company Website: https://www.target.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Target's long history and association with Wesfarmers (a major Australian conglomerate) suggest a stable and well-resourced organization. The focus on "quality products at prices the whole family will love" points to a customer-centric approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor, likely mid-level within the design function. It requires specialized skills in graphic and apparel design, with a focus on a specific product category (childrenswear).

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Design Manager or a similar leadership role within the apparel design department. They will also collaborate closely with other design team members, merchandising, and potentially offshore design teams.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the commercial success of the childrenswear apparel range. By creating attractive and on-trend graphics, the designer directly influences product appeal, sales performance, and profitability. Their work contributes to maintaining Target's brand image and market competitiveness in the childrenswear segment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in childrenswear graphic design, textile print, and trend forecasting.

• Cross-Category Experience: Potentially move into designing for other apparel categories (menswear, womenswear) if opportunities arise.

• Team Leadership: With significant experience and proven success, there could be opportunities to move into Senior Designer or Design Manager roles.

• Broader Wesfarmers Group: The company explicitly mentions "Great career opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group," suggesting potential internal mobility into other retail brands or functions within the conglomerate.

• Mentorship Program: Opportunities to grow as a mentor or mentee can foster leadership and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The FTC nature of the role means that career progression might involve converting to a permanent position, seeking other FTCs, or leveraging the experience gained to secure a permanent role elsewhere. The mention of the Wesfarmers Group is a significant indicator of potential long-term career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description mentions "Hybrid working options through our Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy," indicating a modern, flexible work environment. It also mentions "Free onsite parking when you’re required to come into the office," suggesting a physical office location.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Chadstone, VIC, Australia. This is a well-known commercial hub in Melbourne.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model implies a need for adaptable workspaces, potentially including collaborative areas for team meetings and individual workstations for focused design tasks.

• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially physical material samples would be expected.

• The emphasis on collaboration suggests an environment that encourages interaction and idea sharing among design, merchandising, and other relevant teams.

Work Schedule: The role is likely a full-time position (assumed 40 hours per week) with a hybrid work arrangement. This allows for a balance between remote work for focused tasks and in-office presence for collaboration, meetings, and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well" policy indicates a company culture that values work-life balance and employee autonomy, which is attractive to creative professionals. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they manage their productivity and collaboration within a hybrid setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical interview process for a creative role like this would likely involve:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio.

• First Interview: With the hiring manager (e.g., Design Manager) to assess skills, experience, cultural fit, and discuss the role in detail.

• Portfolio Presentation/Creative Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, and commercial rationale. A practical design task or challenge related to childrenswear graphics might also be given.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or HR to discuss terms, benefits, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest childrenswear graphic design projects. Ensure they highlight commercial appeal, trend awareness, and your unique design voice.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your research, concept development, design execution, and the outcome. Demonstrate how you translated trends into saleable graphics.

• Highlight Commerciality: Clearly articulate how your designs contributed to sales or met specific commercial objectives. Use metrics if possible.

• Software Proficiency: Ensure your work demonstrates mastery of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. If InDesign was used, include relevant examples.

• Target Alignment: Tailor your presentation to reflect an understanding of Target's brand aesthetic and their focus on quality and value.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently within a given timeframe, focusing on the most impactful pieces.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a creative challenge is given, thoroughly research current childrenswear trends, Target's existing product lines, and their brand aesthetic.

• Practice sketching or creating digital mock-ups quickly. Focus on concept generation and demonstrating your design process.

• Be prepared to articulate your creative decisions and justify your choices based on the brief and market understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is stated upfront and is crucial. Candidates should prioritize a strong, well-organized, and relevant portfolio as their primary application asset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: This is a mandatory requirement.

  • Adobe Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, digital painting, and creating detailed graphics.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for creating vector graphics, logos, repeatable patterns, and precise artwork.

• Adobe InDesign: Mentioned as a preferred skill, likely used for layout, presentations, or print production specifications.

Analytics & Reporting: Not explicitly mentioned for this role, but designers may use sales data or trend reports to inform their work.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the Graphic Designer's core responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and potentially complete a design exercise using these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Value: The company slogan "deliver quality products at prices the whole family will love for longer" highlights a core value of providing good value and quality.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and catering to the needs of Australian families.

• Innovation & Trend Awareness: The role requires staying ahead of trends and bringing fresh, commercial designs to market.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, both internal and offshore.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Adhering to critical path timelines and managing multiple deadlines is essential.

Collaboration Style:

• The role emphasizes working "collaboratively with key stakeholders," including Design Managers, buyers, and potentially the Target Asia design team.

• It suggests an open and communicative environment where ideas are shared and feedback is provided to ensure designs meet commercial and aesthetic goals.

• The hybrid model will require proactive communication and effective use of collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Target aims to be a "place you can belong," indicating a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This suggests an inclusive team culture where different perspectives are valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Commerciality: Consistently designing graphics that are both innovative and commercially successful for the childrenswear market.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Effectively prioritizing and managing a high volume of design work within strict timelines.

• Working with Offshore Suppliers: Navigating communication and quality control with international teams to ensure designs are executed as intended.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously researching and interpreting global trends to keep childrenswear offerings fresh and relevant.

• Adapting to Brand "Handwriting": Ensuring all designs align with Target's specific brand aesthetic and taste level.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting Expertise: Develop deeper skills in identifying and presenting future design trends.

• Apparel Design Specialization: Gain extensive experience in childrenswear design, textile printing, and garment application.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Learn more about merchandising, buying, and the retail product lifecycle.

• Mentorship: Participate in the company's mentor program to gain guidance or provide it.

• Exposure to Wesfarmers Group: Potential to learn about different retail operations and career paths within a large conglomerate.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a 12-month FTC, the focus will likely be on immediate contribution and skill application, with growth opportunities being more about deepening existing expertise rather than broad career shifts, though the Wesfarmers connection offers long-term potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a graphic for a childrenswear t-shirt, from initial concept to final artwork." (Be prepared to discuss trend research, concept development, software usage, and stakeholder feedback.)

• Commercial Acumen: "How do you ensure your designs are commercially viable and appeal to the Target customer?" (Focus on market research, understanding sales data, and aligning with brand strategy.)

• Trend Forecasting: "How do you stay informed about current and upcoming trends in childrenswear graphics, and how would you present these trends to a team?" (Mention specific resources and presentation techniques.)

• Collaboration & Communication: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with offshore suppliers or a cross-functional team to achieve a design goal. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight problem-solving and communication skills.)

• Software Proficiency: "What is your experience with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator? Can you provide examples of complex techniques you've used?" (Be ready to discuss specific tools and applications.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about Target's childrenswear range or its brand aesthetic?" (Show you've done your research.)

• "How do you see your design style fitting with Target's brand 'handwriting'?" (Connect your portfolio to their brand.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (yardage, placement) or by season/collection. Start with your strongest childrenswear examples.

• Narrative: For each key project, tell a story: The brief, your creative process, the challenges, the solutions, and the commercial outcome.

• Visuals: Ensure your digital portfolio is high-resolution, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful projects and key takeaways.

• Target Alignment: Emphasize how your work aligns with Target's brand values and their focus on quality and affordability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily scrutinize your portfolio. Be prepared to defend your design choices, explain your commercial rationale, and demonstrate your understanding of the childrenswear market and Target's brand.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Target Careers.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio specifically highlights your childrenswear graphic design experience, showcasing commercial success and proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of apparel graphic design experience, relevant software skills, and any experience in trend forecasting or working with retail suppliers. Use keywords from the job description.

• Preparation for Presentation: Be ready to present your portfolio during the interview process, articulating your design process, commercial rationale, and ability to align with Target's brand.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Target's current childrenswear offerings, brand aesthetic, and their position in the Australian retail market. Understand their commitment to quality and value.

⚠️ 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.