Graphic designer (Chinese language skills)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Chinese Language Skills)
Company: UPM - The Biofore Company
Location: Wroclaw Business Hub, Poland
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services
Date Posted: December 04, 2025
Experience Level: 8+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in executing UPM's global visual identity across all marketing and communication materials, ensuring brand consistency and impact.
• It requires a blend of creative design expertise and strong linguistic capabilities in both Chinese and English for effective cross-cultural communication.
• The position involves close collaboration with marketing teams in China and providing expert guidance on visual identity to internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Contribution to key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting for the Marketing, Sustainability, and Communications (MSC) HUB is an integral part of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," given the context of a "Marketing, Sustainability and Communications HUB" and the responsibilities involving internal customer support and KPI contribution, this role has significant operational aspects. It bridges creative execution with the operational need for consistent brand messaging and efficient material production, aligning it with Marketing Operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and produce high-quality graphic assets for both print and digital channels, strictly adhering to UPM's established visual identity guidelines.
• Develop a wide range of materials, including advanced publications, social media visuals, signage, label and packaging designs, illustrations, and presentations.
• Execute basic animations, video editing, and leverage AI-supported design tools to enhance creative output and efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with the UPM marketing team based in China to ensure culturally relevant and effective campaign materials.
• Provide expert consultation and guidance on UPM's visual identity to internal customers across the global MSC HUB and to key suppliers in Poland.
• Support the MSC HUB in achieving its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through timely and high-quality design delivery and contribute to performance reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Contribute to MSC HUB KPIs and reporting" indicates an operational focus beyond pure creative output. This suggests the role requires an understanding of how design activities impact broader marketing and communication objectives and the ability to track and report on relevant metrics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: University degree (Bachelor's level or equivalent) in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong portfolio showcasing advanced printed and digital materials.

Required Skills:

• Linguistic Proficiency:
  • Chinese: At least C1 level (Advanced) for effective communication and content creation.
  • English: At least B2 level (Upper-Intermediate) for professional interactions within the global team.
• Design Software Mastery:
  • Adobe InDesign: Expert proficiency for layout and publication design.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Expert proficiency for vector graphics and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Expert proficiency for image editing and manipulation.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint: Advanced proficiency for creating impactful presentations.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional customer experiences to internal stakeholders.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a complex, fast-paced environment with strict adherence to deadlines.
• Teamwork & Initiative: A collaborative spirit with the ability to work effectively within a team, coupled with the initiative to drive projects forward independently when required.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics & Video:
  • Adobe Animate: Basic proficiency for interactive elements and animations.
  • Adobe After Effects: Basic proficiency for advanced animation and visual effects.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: Basic proficiency for video editing.
• Emerging Technologies: Familiarity with AI-supported design tools and applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a minimum of 8 years of experience, combined with advanced proficiency in core design software and specific language skills, suggests a mid-to-senior level graphic designer role with a significant operational component in managing brand assets and supporting global teams, rather than an entry-level creative position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 8 years of graphic design experience, with a focus on both advanced print and digital materials.
• Case studies showcasing the successful application of UPM's visual identity or similar corporate branding guidelines.
• Examples of diverse collateral, including publications, social media visuals, signage, labels, packaging, and presentations.
• Visualizations of illustrations, photo editing, and any basic animation or video editing work.
• Evidence of process efficiency, such as how design workflows were optimized or how AI tools were integrated.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate design workflows from concept to final delivery, highlighting stages of planning, production, review, and stakeholder feedback.
• Documentation of how visual identity guidelines are applied and maintained across various projects and platforms to ensure consistency.
• Experience in providing guidance and support on brand standards to internal teams and external vendors, demonstrating a process for knowledge transfer and quality control.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on supporting internal customers globally and working with suppliers, a strong portfolio that demonstrates not only creative output but also the ability to manage design processes, ensure brand consistency, and provide clear guidance is crucial. This implies an expectation for operations-level thinking in how design is executed and managed.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 8+ years of experience, advanced software skills, and specialized language proficiency in Poland, the estimated annual gross salary range is PLN 90,000 - PLN 130,000. This range is subject to individual experience, qualifications, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness:
  • Private medical healthcare package.
  • Dental care coverage.
  • Group life insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental and emotional well-being support.
• Professional Development:
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth within a global organization.
  • Access to training programs, workshops, and potential for attending industry conferences.
• Work-Life Balance & Flexibility:
  • Supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and work-life balance.
  • Hybrid work model offering flexibility while maintaining team collaboration.
• Financial & Retirement:
  • Competitive salary package.
  • Potential for performance-based bonuses.
  • Contribution to employee pension schemes.
• Other Perks:
  • Cafeteria/meal vouchers or subsidies.
  • Opportunities to work on impactful, sustainability-focused projects.
  • Inclusive and diverse work environment.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. While the role is on-site, UPM emphasizes work-life balance, suggesting a structured yet accommodating schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research for similar Graphic Designer roles in Wroclaw, Poland, considering the extensive experience (8+ years) and dual language requirements (Chinese C1, English B2). Benefits are inferred from common offerings for multinational corporations in Poland within the "Biofore" and sustainable materials industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Material Solutions, focusing on renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials, encompassing fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. This positions UPM at the forefront of sustainability and bioeconomy innovation. Company Size: UPM is a large, global corporation. The Wroclaw Business Hub alone comprises over 600 professionals, indicating a significant operational scale and a structured corporate environment. Founded: UPM was founded in 1996, evolving from the merger of Kymmene Corporation and Repola Ltd. This history signifies a stable, established organization with a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Team Leader, Brand enablement, within the UPM Marketing, Sustainability and Communications (MSC) HUB.
• This structure implies a specialized team focused on brand strategy and execution, with potential for collaboration across various communication and sustainability functions.
• The role involves interaction with internal customers globally and external suppliers in Poland, highlighting a hub-and-spoke operational model for brand management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While primarily a creative role, the emphasis on contributing to KPIs and reporting suggests a data-informed approach to design effectiveness.
• Process Optimization: The need to work with advanced tools, AI, and provide guidance implies a focus on efficient and standardized design processes.
• Collaborative Execution: The culture encourages "achieve together," indicating a strong emphasis on teamwork and shared responsibility in delivering marketing and communication goals.

Company Website: https://www.upm.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: UPM's focus on sustainability and innovation ("Biofore," "future beyond fossils") is a key cultural differentiator that impacts employee engagement and the nature of projects undertaken. The Wroclaw Hub's size suggests a professional, process-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Graphic Designer position. It requires substantial experience (8+ years) and specialized skills, positioning the individual as a subject matter expert in visual identity and design execution within the MSC HUB. The operational component of supporting global teams and contributing to KPIs elevates it beyond a purely creative role. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Team Leader, Brand enablement. This implies a direct line of management for task assignment, performance feedback, and career development discussions. The role also involves significant cross-functional collaboration with marketing teams in China and other internal stakeholders globally. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts UPM's brand perception, market communication effectiveness, and internal stakeholder engagement. High-quality, consistent visual assets are crucial for conveying the company's sustainability mission and value proposition, thereby supporting broader business objectives and revenue generation through stronger brand recognition and market presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., advanced publications, motion graphics, AI-driven design) or in specific market communications (e.g., sustainability reporting visuals).
• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead small design projects, or eventually move into a Team Lead role within Brand enablement or a related function.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to transition into roles within broader marketing, communications, or even project management within the MSC HUB, leveraging design expertise and operational understanding.
• Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning through internal UPM resources, external training, and exposure to new design technologies and industry trends, particularly those related to sustainability communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of extensive experience, specialized language skills, and operational responsibilities (KPI contribution, stakeholder support) suggests this role is a stepping stone for further career advancement within UPM's global operations or marketing functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the UPM Business Hub in Wroclaw, Poland. This suggests a modern, professional office environment designed to foster collaboration and productivity. As it's an on-site role, it implies a structured workplace with dedicated resources. Office Location(s): Wroclaw Business Hub, Wroclaw, Poland. This location is central and likely offers good accessibility for employees. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The "caring community" and "achieve together" values suggest a supportive and team-oriented workspace where collaboration is encouraged.
• Tools & Technology: Access to UPM's standard design software suite (Adobe Creative Cloud, PowerPoint) and potentially other internal communication and project management tools. The mention of AI-supported design indicates an embrace of modern technology.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the Brand enablement team, marketing colleagues in China, and various internal customers globally, fostering a dynamic and communicative work setting.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, with a focus on work-life balance. This means structured workdays that allow for project completion while respecting personal time, which is crucial for creative roles that can sometimes involve intense periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" designation combined with UPM's emphasis on work-life balance suggests a professional office setting where structured work hours are the norm, but with an understanding of the need for focused creative periods and team collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio for essential qualifications, language proficiency, and relevant experience.
• Technical Assessment: A practical design challenge or case study may be administered to evaluate proficiency in required software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and ability to interpret and apply brand guidelines. This might involve creating a specific asset or refining an existing one.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with Magdalena Zięba-Grodzka (Team Leader, Brand enablement) focusing on experience, approach to design challenges, understanding of visual identity, and team fit.
• Cross-functional/Team Interview: Potential interaction with other team members or stakeholders (e.g., someone from the China marketing team) to assess collaboration and communication skills.
• Final Interview: Possibly with a higher-level manager to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within UPM's culture and operations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that best showcase your skills in print, digital, and advanced publications. Prioritize work that aligns with UPM's industry (e.g., sustainability, materials) or demonstrates strong corporate branding.
• Highlight Chinese & English Proficiency: Include examples where you've had to adapt designs for specific cultural nuances or demonstrate bilingual communication through visual elements.
• Showcase Process: For at least one project, detail your design process from brief to final output. Explain your strategic thinking, problem-solving steps, and how you incorporated feedback.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement on social media, successful event promotion), highlight these achievements.
• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Immersion: Thoroughly review UPM's website, sustainability reports, and existing marketing materials to understand their brand voice, visual identity, and key messages.
• Software Proficiency: Refresh your skills in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, focusing on efficiency and advanced features relevant to publication and asset creation.
• Scenario Planning: Anticipate questions about managing tight deadlines, handling feedback from multiple stakeholders, and adapting designs for different platforms or cultural contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Marketing, Sustainability and Communications HUB" and the specific mention of working with the China marketing team suggest interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only design but also understand the strategic context of their work and communicate effectively across cultures and business functions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:
  • InDesign: For layout and production of advanced publications, brochures, reports, and other print/digital collateral.
  • Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, compositing, and creating digital assets.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • PowerPoint: For developing professional presentations for internal and external use.
• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Familiarity with emerging AI tools for design generation, enhancement, or workflow automation is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media performance, website click-through rates) is beneficial. Data from these sources might inform future design choices.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable, but an understanding of how marketing automation platforms and CRM systems utilize visual assets in campaigns could provide valuable context.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Tools for team communication (e.g., Microsoft Teams, email) and potentially project management software if used within the MSC HUB for tracking design requests and progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific Adobe Creative Suite applications and AI-supported design indicates a requirement for hands-on proficiency. The "Marketing, Sustainability and Communications HUB" context suggests integration with broader marketing technology stacks, even if the designer's direct interaction is limited.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust and be trusted: Fostering an environment where team members rely on each other's expertise and accountability, particularly in delivering consistent brand messaging and meeting deadlines.
• Achieve together: Emphasizing collaboration, shared goals, and collective success in producing impactful marketing and communication materials for UPM.
• Renew with courage: Encouraging innovation, embracing new design technologies (like AI), and proactively seeking better ways to execute and present UPM's brand story.
• Sustainability Focus: A deep-rooted commitment to environmental responsibility and renewable solutions, influencing design choices and project priorities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with marketing teams in China, internal customers globally, and external suppliers, requiring clear communication and adaptability.
• Process-Oriented: Adhering to UPM's visual identity guidelines and potentially contributing to the refinement of design workflows for efficiency and consistency.
• Service-Minded: Providing professional support and guidance on brand standards, acting as a reliable resource for stakeholders across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: UPM's stated values are central to its culture. For a Graphic Designer, "Renew with courage" might translate to experimenting with new design techniques or AI tools, while "Achieve together" highlights the importance of collaborative project execution within the MSC HUB.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Brand Consistency: Maintaining a unified visual identity across diverse markets and applications, especially with varying cultural interpretations and regional marketing efforts.
• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Delivering innovative and engaging designs while strictly adhering to corporate brand guidelines and technical specifications.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively communicating with and managing expectations from various internal customers and external suppliers across different time zones and cultural backgrounds.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Integrating new tools and technologies, such as AI-assisted design, into established workflows while ensuring quality and efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in motion graphics, video editing, or AI-driven design through internal training or external courses.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Enhancing skills in working with international teams, particularly the China marketing team, to improve collaboration and understanding.
• Brand Strategy: Gaining a more comprehensive understanding of UPM's overall marketing and sustainability strategy to inform design decisions and increase impact.
• Project Leadership: Potential to take on more responsibility for managing specific design projects or leading small creative initiatives within the MSC HUB.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of managing a global brand's visual identity, requiring more than just creative talent. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both creative and operational skill sets within a corporate context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt a design for a specific cultural market. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on cultural sensitivity and adaptation)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of printed and digital materials, especially when working with external suppliers?" (Focus on process, guidelines, and quality control)
• "Walk us through your process for creating an advanced publication or a complex presentation. What tools do you use, and how do you manage feedback?" (Focus on workflow, software proficiency, and stakeholder management)
• "How have you used AI tools in your design process, or how do you see them impacting graphic design in the future?" (Focus on innovation and adaptability)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UPM's mission in renewable materials and sustainability?" (Focus on alignment with company values)
• "How would you contribute to a 'caring community' and an 'achieve together' culture in your role?" (Focus on teamwork and collaboration)
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new technologies?" (Focus on continuous learning)
• "Given your experience, how do you see this role contributing to the KPIs of the MSC HUB?" (Focus on operational understanding and impact)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your experience and then diving into 2-3 key projects. For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the final outcome.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples that demonstrate your Chinese and English language skills, your proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and PowerPoint, and any experience with animation, video, or AI design.
• Showcase Brand Application: If possible, include a project where you applied or adapted a corporate visual identity, demonstrating your understanding of brand guidelines.
• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also an understanding of operational aspects like brand consistency, stakeholder management, and contribution to business objectives, particularly within a global and sustainability-focused context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UPM Careers portal.
• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8+ years of graphic design experience, specific software proficiencies (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint), and your Chinese (C1) and English (B2) language skills. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 5-7 of your most relevant and impactful projects. Prepare a digital version (PDF or link to online portfolio) that showcases your best work in print, digital, and advanced publications. Be ready to discuss your process for each.
• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Anticipate a practical exercise that may test your software skills and ability to apply brand guidelines. Practice creating assets under timed conditions.
• Research UPM: Familiarize yourself with UPM's mission, values, products, and recent sustainability initiatives. Understand their brand aesthetic and messaging to align your responses and portfolio with their corporate identity.

⚠️ 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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