Graphic Designer Motorsport Apparel (Teamwear & Lifestyle) at PUMA Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Motorsport Apparel (Teamwear & Lifestyle)
Company: PUMA Group
Location: PUMA Way Headquarters, Germany
Job Type: FULL_TIME, PART_TIME
Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations
Date Posted: July 31, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Drive the creative vision and execution of innovative apparel graphics for PUMA's motorsport teamwear and lifestyle collections, aligning with brand and partner visual identities.
Contribute strategically to the annual product design plan, focusing on graphic design innovation to meet business targets and product category objectives.
Act as a global leader in design trends, innovation, and advanced printing techniques within the apparel sector.
Mentor and guide junior design talent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and skill development within the design team.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product developers and leadership, to ensure seamless execution of designs from concept to final product.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily focused on graphic design and creative output, its integration within a large apparel company like PUMA suggests a need for operational awareness. The emphasis on "business processes," "consumer intimacy," and "cross-functional relationships" indicates that understanding operational workflows, project management, and stakeholder alignment will be crucial for success in this role, positioning it within a broader "Creative Operations" or "Marketing Operations" context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Lead the conceptualization and execution of cutting-edge apparel graphics that embody the visual language of PUMA and its motorsport partners.
Play a key role in formulating the annual product design plan for the motorsport apparel category, introducing and implementing innovative graphic design concepts to achieve business objectives.
Ensure the quality and impact of product design content to reinforce brand positioning and drive consumer demand.
Actively challenge and contribute to the evolution of global brand positioning guidelines, advocating for new product and program ideas and necessary modifications.
Identify opportunities to leverage design support for business process improvements and to foster deeper consumer intimacy.
Serve as a leading voice in design trends, innovation, and advanced printing techniques within the global design community.
Mentor and provide guidance to interns and junior graphic designers, fostering their professional development and creative output.
Create precise tech packs and collaborate effectively with developers to ensure the accurate execution of prints and graphics on apparel.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with leadership, cross-functional departments, and external partners to ensure project success and brand alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership and operational execution. The requirement to "contribute to the formulation of the annual product design plan" and "work closely with developers to ensure proper execution" points to the need for an understanding of product development lifecycles and project management principles, common in operational roles. The emphasis on "business processes" and "consumer intimacy" further underscores the operational aspects of ensuring design translates into business success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor or Master degree in Graphic Design, Art/Design, Fine Art, or a closely related field.

Experience:

A minimum of 3-4 years of professional work experience in graphic design, specifically within the sports or lifestyle apparel industry. This experience should demonstrate a proven track record in developing and executing apparel graphics.

Required Skills:

Exceptional technical and aesthetic understanding of apparel graphics, with a keen eye for trend-relevant detailing and visual storytelling.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating and manipulating graphics.
Competency in Microsoft Word for documentation and Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations.
Proven experience in apparel design, demonstrating an understanding of garment construction and print application techniques.
Strong presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and strategies effectively to diverse audiences.
Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken, for clear communication in a global environment.

Preferred Skills:

International work experience, providing exposure to diverse markets and design sensibilities.
Familiarity with creating accurate tech packs and collaborating with product developers on garment specifications.
Demonstrated ability to innovate and stay ahead of emerging design trends and printing techniques.
Experience in mentoring junior designers or interns, showcasing leadership potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core design competencies. However, the "strong presentation skills" and "collaboration with developers" imply a need for operational communication and project coordination abilities. The mention of "business processes" and "consumer intimacy" suggests that candidates who can connect design output to broader business objectives and consumer engagement strategies will be highly valued, hinting at an operational mindset within the creative function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A comprehensive digital portfolio showcasing a strong range of apparel graphics, with a particular focus on motorsport-inspired designs, teamwear, and lifestyle apparel.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of how your graphic design process contributes to product success, from concept ideation to final production.
Include examples of projects where you've successfully translated brand guidelines and partner identities into compelling apparel graphics.
Showcase your ability to innovate graphic elements, incorporating advanced printing techniques or unique design approaches where applicable.
Provide evidence of your process for creating technical specifications or collaborating with production teams to ensure accurate print execution.

Process Documentation:

Examples of how you manage your design workflow, including project planning, asset organization, and version control.
Case studies illustrating your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., product development, marketing) to achieve design objectives.
Documentation of your process for staying updated on design trends, competitor analysis, and consumer insights relevant to the motorsport and lifestyle apparel markets.
Evidence of how you document and present design concepts, including mood boards, sketches, and detailed graphic specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio, especially one demonstrating the "creation of accurate tech packs" and "working closely with developers," strongly suggests that candidates should prepare to showcase not just aesthetic output but also the operational rigor behind their design process. This includes demonstrating project management within design, understanding production constraints, and communicating effectively through documented processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 3-4 years of experience in Germany within the apparel and sports sector, a competitive salary range can be estimated between €40,000 - €55,000 annually. This estimate considers the company's premium brand status, the specialized nature of motorsport apparel design, and the location in Germany.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
Employee discounts on PUMA products.
Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in design and industry trends.
Contribution to a retirement savings plan.
Potential for performance-based bonuses.
Access to a dynamic and collaborative work environment with a focus on sports and lifestyle.

Working Hours:

The role is advertised as full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. PUMA, like many modern companies, may offer some flexibility in working hours, but the on-site nature of the role means adherence to core business hours for team collaboration will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given PUMA's global presence and its headquarters location, the salary estimate is benchmarked against similar roles in major German cities known for fashion and sports industries. The benefits are typical for large, established corporations in this sector, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and brand engagement. The "full time or part time" mention in the job description suggests potential for flexible arrangements, though core hours for team collaboration are standard.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sportswear and Lifestyle Apparel. PUMA is a globally recognized brand with a significant presence in professional sports, particularly in motorsport, football, and athletics, known for its innovative designs and strong brand identity. Company Size: PUMA is a large multinational corporation, employing tens of thousands of people worldwide. This scale offers opportunities for diverse career paths and exposure to global operations. Founded: PUMA was founded in 1948. Its long history in the sports industry signifies a deeply ingrained understanding of athletic performance, design, and brand building, which influences its current operational and creative strategies.

Team Structure:

The design team is likely structured by product category or sports segment, with this role focusing specifically on Motorsport Apparel.
You would likely report to a Head of Design or a Senior Design Manager for Motorsport.
Collaboration is expected with product line managers, developers, marketing, and sales teams, requiring strong cross-functional engagement.

Methodology:

PUMA likely employs a data-informed approach to design, balancing creative innovation with market trends, consumer feedback, and performance metrics.
Workflow management will likely involve project management tools and agile principles to manage multiple product lines and seasonal collections efficiently.
A strong emphasis on brand consistency and innovation drives the design process, ensuring products align with PUMA's SPEED & SPIRIT ethos.

Company Website: https://about.puma.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: PUMA's "SPEED & SPIRIT" ethos suggests a culture that values high performance, innovation, and a dynamic, collaborative approach. As a large apparel company, its operations are likely sophisticated, requiring designers to be aware of production timelines, market demands, and brand consistency across global product releases.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer. It requires independent execution of design tasks, contribution to strategic planning (product design plan), and leadership potential through mentoring junior designers. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer likely reports to a Design Lead or Manager within the Motorsport Apparel division. This manager would oversee the strategic direction and operational execution of the design team's output. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts product appeal, brand perception, and ultimately, sales performance. By creating innovative and on-trend graphics, they contribute to consumer demand and reinforce PUMA's competitive position in the motorsport and lifestyle apparel markets.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in motorsport graphics, apparel design, and emerging printing technologies.
Leadership Development: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, with increased strategic input and team management responsibilities.
Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into roles like Product Line Manager or Marketing Creative Lead by leveraging design insight and operational understanding.
Global Exposure: Participate in international design projects, collaborations, and potentially relocate to other PUMA design hubs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the design function, with opportunities to move into more senior creative or leadership positions. The emphasis on mentoring junior designers signals a progression towards management responsibilities. For those interested in operations, leveraging the understanding of product development cycles and cross-functional collaboration gained here could lead to roles in Product Management or Marketing Operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at PUMA's global headquarters, suggesting a modern, well-equipped office environment designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Office Location(s): PUMA Way Headquarters, Germany. This location serves as the central hub for many of PUMA's global operations and strategic decisions.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with other designers, product managers, and marketing professionals.
Access to state-of-the-art design software and potentially specialized printing equipment or prototyping facilities.
Opportunities for team-building activities and exposure to PUMA's sports and lifestyle culture.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours, likely Monday to Friday, with the possibility of flexible scheduling within core operational hours to facilitate team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at a global headquarters like PUMA's implies a professional, fast-paced, and internationally-oriented work environment. The emphasis on collaboration suggests an open-plan or team-based workspace designed to enhance communication and idea-sharing, critical for operational efficiency in creative projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and, crucially, your portfolio to assess design skills and relevant experience.
Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design exercise relevant to motorsport apparel graphics, demonstrating your creative process, problem-solving abilities, and technical execution under a time constraint.
Portfolio Presentation: A session where you present your portfolio, discussing your design philosophy, key projects, and how you approach collaboration and problem-solving. This is where you can highlight your understanding of operational aspects like project management and stakeholder communication.
Team/Manager Interviews: Discussions with potential team members and the hiring manager to assess cultural fit, communication style, and alignment with PUMA's values and operational needs.
Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic contributions and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects for apparel graphics, especially those with a motorsport or athletic lifestyle focus.
Showcase Process: For each project, detail your thought process, concept development, inspiration, and how you translated requirements into the final design. Highlight any collaboration or operational considerations.
Highlight Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback demonstrating the success of your designs (e.g., consumer reception, impact on sales, brand alignment).
Technical Proficiency: Clearly demonstrate your mastery of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop through the quality and complexity of your work.
Presentation Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and professionally presented. Prepare to walk through key pieces, explaining your role and contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any design challenge brief, paying attention to target audience, brand guidelines, and specific deliverables.
Time Management: Practice working efficiently to complete the task within the given timeframe.
Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your design choices, rationale, and how you addressed the prompt's requirements, including any operational constraints or considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is paramount. For operations-minded candidates, this is an opportunity to showcase not just artistic talent but also project management skills, understanding of production constraints, and ability to collaborate effectively. Demonstrating a structured approach to design projects, akin to operational project lifecycles, will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite:
- Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector-based graphics, logos, and detailed artwork for apparel. Proficiency in creating clean, scalable vector files is critical for print production.
- Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for raster-based graphics, photo manipulation, color correction, and creating textures or effects for apparel prints.
Microsoft Office Suite:
- Microsoft Word: For creating and documenting detailed technical specifications (tech packs) and project briefs.
- Microsoft PowerPoint: For presenting design concepts, trend research, and project updates to internal teams and stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not a primary focus for a Graphic Designer, understanding how design performance is measured (e.g., consumer engagement with graphics, sales data for specific apparel lines) would be beneficial. Familiarity with basic data visualization tools for presenting trend analysis might be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of a Graphic Designer, but awareness of project management or digital asset management (DAM) systems used within the company could be advantageous for workflow efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are standard for graphic design. However, the mention of "tech packs" and "working closely with developers" implies a need for structured documentation and communication, aligning with operational best practices. A candidate who can demonstrate efficient use of these tools, including organized file management and clear documentation, will appear more operationally sound.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Innovation: Continuously seeking new design ideas, trends, and techniques to keep PUMA at the forefront of motorsport apparel.
Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams (product, marketing, sales) to ensure design alignment and successful product launches.
Performance Driven: A commitment to achieving business targets through high-quality, impactful design work.
Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing PUMA's brand identity and values through creative output.
Efficiency: Managing design projects effectively to meet deadlines and production requirements.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with product developers, marketers, and merchandising teams to ensure designs are feasible, commercially viable, and aligned with overall brand strategy.
Feedback-Oriented: Open to constructive criticism and iterative design processes, incorporating feedback from peers and superiors.
Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights on design trends, techniques, and best practices with team members, including junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: PUMA's "SPEED & SPIRIT" values directly translate into operational expectations: speed implies efficiency and timely delivery, while spirit suggests passion, collaboration, and a drive for excellence. A designer who can demonstrate these values in their workflow and communication will fit well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Brand Identity with Partner Requirements: Effectively integrating PUMA's established brand aesthetic with the specific visual requirements of motorsport partners.
Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously identifying and adapting to rapidly evolving fashion and motorsport design trends to ensure product relevance.
Technical Execution: Ensuring complex graphic designs are accurately reproduced on various apparel substrates and constructions, requiring close collaboration with production teams.
Global vs. Local Adaptation: Responding to diverse market preferences and consumer demands across different regions for motorsport apparel.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Design Techniques: Workshops or training on new software features, digital illustration techniques, and emerging printing technologies.
Motorsport Industry Immersion: Deeper understanding of motorsport culture, performance apparel needs, and the nuances of partner branding.
Product Development Lifecycle: Gaining insight into the end-to-end process of apparel creation, from concept to retail.
Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and leadership within PUMA's global design network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in the apparel industry, particularly at the intersection of brand, performance, and specific partnerships. Successfully navigating these requires not just creative skill but also strong problem-solving and collaborative abilities, which are hallmarks of effective operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"How do you approach translating a partner's brand identity and a specific motorsport event's theme into cohesive apparel graphics while maintaining PUMA's brand integrity?" (Focus: Brand integration, strategic thinking, understanding of partnerships)
"Describe your process for developing a seasonal graphic story for a specific product category like motorsport lifestyle apparel. What factors do you consider?" (Focus: Creative process, market awareness, strategic planning)
"How do you ensure your designs are technically feasible for apparel production, and how do you collaborate with developers to achieve this?" (Focus: Operational awareness, collaboration, technical understanding)

Company & Culture Questions:

"What excites you about working for PUMA, particularly within the motorsport apparel segment?" (Focus: Brand passion, industry interest)
"How do you align with PUMA's 'SPEED & SPIRIT' values in your design work and team interactions?" (Focus: Cultural fit, understanding of company ethos)
"Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure all were delivered successfully?" (Focus: Time management, prioritization, operational efficiency)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear story for each project, highlighting the challenge, your process, and the outcome.
Quantify Impact: If possible, include data or specific examples of how your designs resonated with consumers or contributed to product success.
Demonstrate Collaboration: Use examples to show how you effectively communicated and collaborated with other teams or stakeholders to bring your designs to life.
Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques used for each piece and why they were chosen.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize not only creative talent but also the ability to think strategically and operate efficiently. Candidates should be ready to discuss their processes, how they handle feedback, and how their work contributes to broader business objectives, demonstrating an understanding of the operational context of design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the PUMA careers portal.
Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant motorsport apparel graphics, demonstrating your understanding of brand integration, technical execution, and trend awareness. Prepare a concise narrative for each project.
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 3-4 years of experience in apparel graphic design, emphasizing proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as any experience with tech packs or cross-functional collaboration.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative philosophy, and how you embody PUMA's "SPEED & SPIRIT" values. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed projects, collaborated with teams, and contributed to product success.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PUMA's current motorsport collaborations, recent apparel collections, and their overall brand messaging to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.

Graphic Designer Motorsport Apparel (Teamwear & Lifestyle)