Graphic Designer (Contractual)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Contractual)
Company: METRO/MAKRO
Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design
Date Posted: 2025-10-27
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the creation of high-quality, production-ready graphic assets for both digital and print media, directly supporting the expansion of METRO's global operations.
• The Graphic Designer will be integral in maintaining brand consistency across various communication channels by closely utilizing existing templates and style guides.
• A key aspect of this position involves managing client feedback effectively to produce necessary revisions and ensuring timely delivery of all creative outputs.
• The role demands adherence to stringent deadlines within an international team environment, requiring strong time management and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer (Contractual)", the 'employment_type' is listed as "Full-time". This suggests the role is a full-time position with a contract duration, common for specialized roles or project-based needs within larger organizations. The focus on "supporting new geographies" and "international organization working with a team across multiple locations and time zones" indicates a Go-To-Market (GTM) support function, requiring close collaboration with various business units.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce production-ready graphic assets for a diverse range of digital platforms (e.g., websites, social media, internal communications) and print materials (e.g., brochures, presentations, marketing collateral).
• Ensure strict adherence to established brand guidelines, templates, and style guides to maintain visual consistency and brand integrity across all created content.
• Interpret and implement client feedback and revision requests efficiently, iterating on designs to meet stakeholder expectations and project requirements.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to ensure quick turnaround times and punctual delivery of all creative deliverables.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, communications, and international business units, to understand project needs and deliver impactful design solutions.
• Prepare design files meticulously for various production processes, including pre-press checks for print (resolution, bleed, margins, crop marks, color profiles) and optimization for digital rendering.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite and file-sharing applications for seamless collaboration, document management, and communication within the global team structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize production-level output and tight deadlines, aligning with a GTM support role where speed and accuracy are critical for campaign execution and market responsiveness. The mention of "supporting new geographies" implies a need for adaptability in design to suit different regional market requirements, even within a standardized framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Diploma or Degree in Graphic Design from a recognized educational institution.
• Alternatively, 2-3 years of demonstrable, relevant professional work experience in graphic design.

Experience:

• 2-3 years of hands-on experience in graphic design, with a portfolio showcasing diverse projects.
• Experience working within a structured corporate environment, preferably with international exposure or in a global shared services center.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with intermediate to advanced skills specifically in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Strong understanding of the print production process, including the preparation of files for commercial printing (e.g., correct resolution, bleed settings, margin considerations, inclusion of crop marks, color separation knowledge).
• Solid knowledge of fundamental graphic design principles, including layout composition, typography, color theory, and iconography, applicable to both print and digital mediums.
• Familiarity with digital media production requirements, such as optimizing images for web, understanding file formats, and responsive design considerations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for basic document creation, presentations, and data handling.
• Competence in using file-sharing applications for collaborative work and version control.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics or video editing software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro).
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems.
• Basic understanding of UI/UX design principles for digital assets.
• Experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, ideally within a multinational corporation or shared services center.
• Fluency in additional languages spoken by METRO's operational countries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skill set strongly indicates a need for a designer capable of executing established brand guidelines efficiently rather than pioneering new visual identities. The emphasis on "production-ready assets" and "using existing templates" suggests a focus on execution and scalability within defined parameters, typical for operations support roles in a large enterprise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 years of professional graphic design work, with a clear emphasis on digital and print collateral.
• Demonstrated ability to create production-ready files, including examples of print-ready artwork with proper bleed, crop marks, and resolution settings.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight adherence to brand guidelines and the effective use of existing templates and style guides.
• Visual evidence of creating assets for diverse media, such as social media graphics, web banners, presentations, brochures, and other marketing materials.
• Examples of design revisions based on client feedback, illustrating adaptability and responsiveness to input.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to follow and document established design workflows, from brief intake to final asset delivery.
• Understanding of version control processes for design files and revisions.
• Familiarity with processes for preparing files for specific print vendors or digital publishing platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "production-ready assets," "existing templates and style guides," and "client feedback" points towards a need for a designer who can efficiently execute within established operational frameworks. The portfolio should clearly demonstrate this capability, rather than purely conceptual or brand-creation work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Pune, India, the estimated annual salary range is between ₹400,000 and ₹700,000. This estimate is based on current market data for similar roles in Pune, considering factors like experience level, skill set (Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, print process knowledge), and the nature of a full-time contractual position.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status with a contractual duration.
• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized organization (METRO AG) and contribute to its international operations.
• Exposure to diverse markets and business units across 31 countries.
• Access to learning and development opportunities within a large corporate structure.
• Potential for involvement in projects that support sustainable business models and customer-focused digital solutions.
• Standard benefits as per Indian labor laws for full-time employees (e.g., provident fund, gratuity, health insurance, paid time off), which may be adapted for contractual roles.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, likely 40 hours per week.
• Given the international team structure across multiple time zones, flexibility may be required for occasional meetings or urgent tasks outside of standard Indian business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on common job market data for Graphic Designers in Pune with 2-5 years of experience. The specific benefits package for a contractual full-time role can vary; candidates should inquire about health insurance, paid time off, and any other standard corporate benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wholesale & Retail (International) Company Size: 600-650 employees at the Metro Global Solution Center (MGSC) in Pune. METRO AG globally employs 93,000 people. Founded: Metro Global Solution Center (MGSC) was established in 2011. METRO AG has a much longer history.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Metro Global Solution Center (MGSC) in Pune, which acts as an internal solution partner for METRO AG.
• The role involves working within a team that supports 31 countries, processing a high volume of transactions daily, and communicating in over 24 languages.
• Collaboration will occur with colleagues across multiple locations and time zones (Pune, Germany, Poland).
• The design team likely operates within a shared services model, providing specialized support to various business units.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on customer focus, digital solutions, and sustainable business models.
• Data-driven approach to providing IT and Business Operations support.
• Focus on efficiency, quality, and passion in service delivery.
• The design team's methodology will likely involve agile principles for quick turnaround and iterative feedback loops.

Company Website: https://www.metro-gsc.in/

📝 Enhancement Note: MGSC's description as an "internal solution partner" highlights its role in providing operational and IT support to METRO's global business. This means the design function is likely geared towards supporting business processes, internal communications, and potentially marketing efforts that align with the company's strategic pillars.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Contributor (Graphic Designer)

• This role is positioned as a skilled individual contributor responsible for executing design tasks within a defined framework. It requires proficiency in specific design tools and an understanding of production requirements, rather than strategic design leadership.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Creative Manager, or a Marketing/Communications Manager within the MGSC Pune office.
• The role involves close collaboration with project managers, marketing specialists, and business stakeholders from various METRO countries.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's output directly impacts the clarity, professionalism, and effectiveness of internal and external communications for METRO's global operations. High-quality visuals can enhance understanding, improve engagement, and reinforce brand perception across diverse markets.
• Efficient creation of assets helps in faster campaign execution and product/service launches, contributing to overall business agility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of graphic design, such as print production, digital asset optimization, or even basic motion graphics, based on project needs.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with different business units and understanding their unique design requirements, fostering a broader business acumen.
• International Exposure: Develop communication and collaboration skills by working with international teams and understanding global brand standards.
• Potential for Senior Roles: With sustained performance and expanded skill sets, there could be pathways to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Lead Designer roles within MGSC or METRO AG.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely tied to mastering execution within a large corporate structure and potentially specializing rather than leading new design strategies. The "contractual" nature might influence long-term career progression directly within METRO, but valuable experience will be gained.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office Office Location(s): 7th Floor, Wing 1, Block 2, International Tech Park, Grant Road, Kharadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India. This is a modern, well-equipped business park environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is described as being in an "International Tech Park," suggesting a modern, professional office setting conducive to collaboration and productivity.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office) is implied.
• The environment is likely to foster a culture of teamwork and cross-cultural communication, given the international scope of the MGSC.
• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of professionals from various departments and countries.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours for Pune, India (Asia/Kolkata).
• As part of an international team supporting multiple geographies, some flexibility may be required for meetings or urgent requests that fall outside of regular working hours, but the core schedule is likely fixed for a full-time role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The location in an International Tech Park in Pune suggests a professional, well-resourced office environment. The international nature of the team implies a dynamic workspace where cross-cultural communication and collaboration are key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and, most crucially, your portfolio to assess your design skills and experience against the job requirements.
• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Likely to involve a practical test or a design challenge. This could be creating a specific asset based on a brief, or a review of your portfolio with questions about your process, problem-solving, and ability to work with templates and feedback.
• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions to assess your aptitude, such as time management, attention to detail, ability to work in a global team, problem-solving skills, and care for your work and colleagues.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior team member to discuss the role in more detail and confirm your suitability for the contractual, full-time position.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase your strongest work relevant to digital and print media, with a clear emphasis on projects that demonstrate your ability to use templates and adhere to style guides. Include examples of production-ready files.
• Highlight Process & Revisions: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your approach, and how you incorporated client feedback or made revisions. This demonstrates your responsiveness and problem-solving skills.
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): While difficult for pure design roles, if any of your designs contributed to measurable outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch), mention it.
• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples that clearly show your mastery of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, and your understanding of print preparation requirements.
• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Be ready to discuss your approach to a hypothetical design task, considering METRO's brand and the need for efficient execution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand METRO's Brand: Familiarize yourself with METRO AG's global branding and visual identity guidelines. Look at their website and marketing materials.
• Practice with Templates: If possible, find publicly available templates or create your own mock templates to practice designing within constraints.
• Time Management Practice: Simulate a design task under a tight deadline to practice prioritizing and delivering efficiently.
• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to clearly explain your design thinking, tool usage, and how you handle feedback and revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "production-ready assets," "existing templates," and "client feedback" means the interview process will likely scrutinize your ability to execute efficiently within established parameters. Your portfolio and any design challenges should reflect this capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout design, brochure creation, presentations, and print-ready document preparation. Intermediate to advanced proficiency is required.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, manipulation, web graphics, and digital asset creation. Intermediate to advanced proficiency is required.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Necessary for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations. Intermediate to advanced proficiency is required.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • Microsoft PowerPoint: For creating presentations and incorporating graphics.
  • Microsoft Word: For basic document creation and text integration.
  • Microsoft Excel: Potentially for data integration into designs or tracking project assets.
• File Sharing Applications: Tools like SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox, or internal company solutions for collaborative file management and version control.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of how design impacts digital metrics (e.g., click-through rates, engagement) may be beneficial, though direct analytics tool usage is unlikely for this role.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, is paramount. The role is production-focused, meaning hands-on skills with these tools are critical for creating "production-ready assets."

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Care for your work and team members: This suggests a culture that values quality, dedication, and mutual support. Designers are expected to take pride in their output and be considerate colleagues.
• Take initiatives and solve problems: Encourages proactivity and a solution-oriented mindset. Designers should be able to identify potential issues (e.g., in file preparation) and propose solutions.
• Quick and constant learner: Highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous skill development in a dynamic, international environment.
• Attention to detail: Critical for graphic design, ensuring accuracy in layouts, typography, color, and file preparation.
• Efficient time management and adherence to deadlines: Reflects the operational need for timely delivery in a fast-paced GTM support context.

Collaboration Style:

• Global Team Collaboration: The role explicitly mentions working with a team across multiple locations and time zones, requiring effective virtual communication and coordination.
• Client Feedback Integration: A collaborative approach to receiving and implementing client feedback is essential for successful design revisions.
• Cross-functional Partnership: Designers will need to collaborate with various departments (marketing, business units) to understand project requirements and deliver appropriate visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of individual responsibility (care, initiative, learning) and collaborative teamwork, which is typical for operational support functions in large, international organizations. The focus on "quick and constant learner" and "solving problems" is particularly relevant for this role supporting evolving global operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The need for "quick turnaround" and "adherence to tight deadlines" while maintaining "production-ready" quality and brand consistency can be challenging.
• Managing Diverse Feedback: Interpreting and implementing feedback from stakeholders across different countries and cultures, potentially with varying design expectations.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring visual uniformity across a vast range of digital and print assets for a global brand, especially when working with templates.
• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Supporting "new geographies" may require adapting designs or creating assets for different market contexts while adhering to core brand principles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Deepen expertise in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign through advanced techniques and workflows.
• Print Production Expertise: Develop a more specialized understanding of print processes, materials, and vendor requirements.
• Digital Design Trends: Stay updated on best practices for web graphics, social media visuals, and digital asset optimization.
• Cross-Cultural Communication Skills: Enhance abilities to communicate and collaborate effectively with international colleagues.
• Exposure to Global Branding: Gain in-depth knowledge of METRO's global brand strategy and its application across diverse markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational realities of a fast-paced design support role. Growth opportunities are focused on deepening technical skills and improving cross-cultural collaboration, aligning with the needs of a global shared services center.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Efficiency: "Describe your process for creating a production-ready asset for print, ensuring all technical specifications are met." (Focus on your workflow, pre-press checks, and use of InDesign.)
• Template Utilization: "How do you ensure brand consistency when working with existing templates and style guides, especially when incorporating client feedback?" (Highlight your attention to detail and adherence to guidelines.)
• Problem-Solving & Initiative: "Tell me about a time you had to deliver a design under a very tight deadline. How did you manage your time and what was the outcome?" (Focus on time management and proactive problem-solving.)
• Collaboration & Feedback: "How do you typically handle constructive criticism or revisions from clients or stakeholders?" (Emphasize your receptive attitude and iterative approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• METRO's Brand: "What are your initial impressions of METRO's visual identity? How would you approach designing for a global brand like ours?" (Show you've researched their brand and understand the need for consistency.)
• Global Teamwork: "This role involves working with international teams. What strategies do you use to communicate effectively across different time zones and cultures?" (Discuss clear communication, documentation, and flexibility.)
• Learning & Adaptability: "The company values 'quick and constant learner.' How do you stay updated with design trends and tools?" (Mention specific resources or methods.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by media type (digital, print) or by project type. For each piece, include a brief overview of the brief, your role, the tools used, and the outcome.
• Highlight Production Readiness: For print pieces, explicitly mention how you prepared the files (resolution, bleed, color modes). For digital, discuss optimization.
• Showcase Template Usage: If possible, include examples where you've effectively used or adapted templates.
• Demonstrate Revision Handling: If you have a project where you received significant feedback and iterated, this can be a powerful example of your adaptability.
• Be Concise and Clear: Speak confidently about your work, focusing on the skills and attributes requested in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not just creative talent, but also the ability to execute efficiently, follow instructions, and manage feedback within a corporate structure. Your portfolio is your primary tool for this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on smartrecruiters.com.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), experience with print and digital media production, and any relevant experience in corporate or international environments. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Created X assets per week," "Reduced file preparation time by Y%").
• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easy to navigate, and prominently features examples of production-ready assets for both digital and print. Include specific projects that demonstrate your ability to work with templates, adhere to brand guidelines, and incorporate client feedback.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, your experience with METRO's industry and brand (if possible), and how you handle deadlines and feedback. Practice articulating your contributions to projects clearly and concisely.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with METRO AG and the Metro Global Solution Center (MGSC) in Pune. Understand their mission, values, and the scope of their operations to better align your responses during the interview.

⚠️ 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.