Graphic Designer - Older Kids/Teens

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Older Kids/Teens

Company: Kmart Australia

Location: Chadstone, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Retail / Art & Design

Date Posted: 20 November 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on creating commercial, customer-centric graphic designs for the older kids/teens apparel range, aiming to drive sales through appealing product aesthetics and adherence to Kmart's brand "handwriting."

• The designer will be responsible for interpreting global market trends and translating them into desirable, on-trend print artwork that resonates with the target demographic.

• Collaboration is key, working closely with fellow designers and merchandising teams to ensure cohesive and impactful design outcomes across product ranges.

• A strong emphasis is placed on visual articulation, trend forecasting, and maintaining a keen eye for emerging graphic styles and commercial viability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job description is for a Graphic Designer, the output format is geared towards Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM roles. This means some sections will be adapted or noted as not applicable to maintain the requested structure. The core responsibilities and skills will be translated to fit an operations context where possible, or highlighted as a deviation from the standard operations role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Interpret and implement graphic trends identified through global market analysis to create visually appealing and commercially successful product designs for the older kids/teens apparel category.

• Develop coordinated and impactful graphic artwork for product ranges, ensuring alignment with Kmart's established brand aesthetic and target customer preferences.

• Collaborate with internal design teams and potentially overseas designers to brief, guide, and ensure consistency in graphic design outcomes across various product lines.

• Contribute to product development by creating unique and desirable graphic applications for apparel, demonstrating a thorough understanding of product materials and construction.

• Articulate and present graphic trend forecasts effectively, supported by evidence, to relevant stakeholders, influencing seasonal design directions and sales strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are directly from the Graphic Designer role. For an operations role, these would typically involve data analysis, process optimization, system implementation, sales forecasting, and cross-functional alignment. The focus here is on understanding the creative output and how it might indirectly influence GTM strategy through product appeal.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Surface Pattern, Illustration, or a related field.

Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Graphic Designer in apparel, specifically in print or graphic design for textile yardages and placement prints. Experience in menswear, womenswear, or children's wear graphic design is preferred.

Required Skills:

• High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for creating accurate and compelling graphic art.

• Demonstrated ability to forecast and implement commercial trends with broad appeal in graphic design.

• Strong aesthetic taste and a keen eye for identifying emerging commercial graphic trends and styles.

• Ability to work autonomously and confidently with key stakeholders in merchandising and design.

• Experience in creating accurate graphic art and understanding of product materials and construction.

• Capacity to manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Confident and articulate presentation skills for communicating design concepts and trend forecasts.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in apparel graphic design specifically for menswear, womenswear, or children's wear.

• Experience in briefing and supporting overseas graphic designers.

• Familiarity with Kmart's specific brand "handwriting" and aesthetic.

📝 Enhancement Note: These qualifications are specific to a Graphic Designer role. For an operations role, the emphasis would be on analytical skills, CRM/ERP system proficiency, process improvement methodologies, data modeling, sales forecasting tools, and project management certifications. The core transferable skills here are communication, time management, trend analysis (analogous to market analysis in ops), and stakeholder management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of relevant graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on apparel, print, and surface pattern design.

• Demonstrations of trend forecasting capabilities, including visual mood boards, research summaries, and evidence of trend implementation in past projects.

• Examples of cohesive graphic artwork applied across product ranges, illustrating an understanding of "ranging" and coordinated design aesthetics.

• Case studies or project examples detailing the product development process, from concept to final graphic application on apparel, highlighting the creative journey.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as "process documentation" in the traditional operations sense, the role implies a structured approach to design. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, from trend research and concept development to final artwork creation and stakeholder presentation.

• The ability to document and communicate design rationale, trend forecasts, and project outcomes clearly is essential, akin to documenting operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is adapted from the core requirements. For an operations role, portfolio requirements would emphasize quantifiable achievements, process improvement case studies, system implementation projects, data analysis reports, and ROI demonstrations. The focus here is on the visual and conceptual output of the design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified in the job description. Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Melbourne, VIC, Australia, a competitive salary range would typically be AUD $70,000 - $100,000 per annum, depending on specific skills, experience, and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

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

• A team member discount card applicable at Kmart, Target, Officeworks, and Bunnings.

• Access to the "Kmart for You" benefits program offering exclusive discounts on entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health from over 60 suppliers.

• Eligibility for a bonus program as recognition for commitment and hard work.

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

• A dynamic learning and support program.

• Opportunity to fast-track career through the Mentor Program (as Mentee or Mentor).

• A Kudos recognition program for peer-nominated rewards.

• Great career opportunities within the broader Wesfarmers Group.

Working Hours: The job description implies a standard full-time work week. Based on industry norms, this is typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid work policy suggests flexibility within these hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market research for Australia and the specified experience level. Actual compensation can vary significantly based on company performance, specific role demands, and candidate negotiation. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are standard for large retail organizations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail. Kmart is a prominent retailer in Australia and New Zealand, known for its value proposition and broad product range.

Company Size: Part of the Wesfarmers Group, which is a large conglomerate. Kmart itself operates numerous stores and distribution centers, employing tens of thousands of people. This indicates a large, established organization with structured processes.

Founded: Kmart Australia was founded in 1969. The company has a long history in the Australian retail landscape.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Design team, likely part of a larger Merchandising or Product Development division.

• The designer will work "hand-in-hand" with fellow designers and collaborate with merchandising teams.

• The mention of briefing overseas graphic designers suggests an international component to the team structure and workflow.

Methodology:

• The core methodology revolves around identifying global trends, interpreting them into commercial designs that align with Kmart's brand identity, and applying these to product ranges to drive sales.

• This involves a blend of creative execution, market analysis (trend forecasting), and cross-functional collaboration.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the focus on sales growth and commercial appeal.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as inclusive, valuing creativity, collaboration, and connection, especially with the move to a new office space. For an operations role, understanding how the company leverages data, implements process improvements, and fosters collaboration between departments like Sales, Marketing, and Finance would be crucial.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-level to senior individual contributor role within the Design function. In an operations context, this would equate to a Senior Analyst, Specialist, or Manager role depending on the scope of responsibility and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Head of Design, working closely with Merchandising teams. In an operations context, this would typically involve reporting to an Operations Manager, Director of Revenue Operations, or Head of Sales Operations.

Operations Impact: While this role is creative, its impact is directly tied to revenue generation through desirable product design that drives customer purchases. In an operations capacity, the impact would be measured through efficiency gains, revenue growth enablement, cost reduction, improved customer retention, and streamlined GTM processes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in older kids/teens apparel graphic design.

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Lead Designer role, managing junior designers or specific product categories.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with merchandising, buying, and marketing teams.

• Broader Wesfarmers Group: Opportunities for career advancement within the larger Wesfarmers conglomerate, potentially moving into different design functions or even related operational roles if skills are transferable.

• Mentorship: Participation in the Mentor Program offers structured development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed within a creative career path. For an operations professional, growth might involve moving into management, specializing in a particular operational area (e.g., CRM administration, sales forecasting, process automation), or transitioning into strategic GTM planning roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company is moving to a new, modern office space in Chadstone in early 2026, designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection.

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

Workspace Context:

• The new office is intended to be a collaborative environment, suggesting open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and spaces conducive to creative brainstorming.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology (Adobe Creative Suite) is implied.

• Opportunities for interaction with the design team and cross-functional stakeholders will be prevalent, especially in the new collaborative workspace.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement. This means a combination of in-office and remote work, offering flexibility. The specific days in the office are not detailed but are implied to be part of the "Flex Where, Flex When" policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a collaborative and creative physical workspace. For an operations role, the work environment typically involves analytical tools, data visualization platforms, and project management software, with a focus on efficiency and data integrity. The hybrid nature is common in many operations roles as well.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and, critically, the attached portfolio against the job requirements.

• Portfolio Review: A key stage where candidates will present their work, demonstrating their design skills, trend forecasting abilities, and understanding of commercial apparel graphics. Expect detailed discussion about past projects, design rationale, and how their work aligns with Kmart's aesthetic.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for practical design tests using Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, focusing on creating graphic art or adapting existing designs.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions assessing collaboration, communication, problem-solving in a fast-paced environment, and ability to work autonomously.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Discussions with merchandising teams or other relevant departments to assess cultural fit and ability to collaborate effectively.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-10 of your strongest projects relevant to apparel graphic design, particularly kidswear. Ensure diversity in your showcased skills (print, illustration, typography).

• Highlight Commercial Acumen: Emphasize projects that demonstrate an understanding of market trends, commercial appeal, and sales impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Showcase Brand Alignment: Include examples of how you've adapted your design style to fit specific brand guidelines or "handwriting."

• Detail Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for key projects, from initial concept and trend research to final execution and application.

• Visual Storytelling: Present your portfolio in a clear, visually engaging format (e.g., a PDF presentation or a dedicated online portfolio). Use high-quality mockups.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential design challenges that mimic real-world tasks, such as creating a graphic concept for a specific product or adapting an existing design to a new trend.

• Practice articulating your design choices and strategic thinking under pressure.

• Familiarize yourself with Kmart's current product offerings and brand aesthetic to demonstrate understanding and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is heavily geared towards creative assessment. For an operations role, interview preparation would focus on data analysis case studies, process improvement scenarios, system knowledge, and strategic GTM planning questions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector-based graphic creation, logo design, and detailed artwork. High proficiency required.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image manipulation, photo editing, raster graphics, and creating textures. High proficiency required.

• Adobe InDesign: Useful for layout and presentation of design concepts, trend forecasts, and potentially range boards. Proficiency expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this creative role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is specific to graphic design software. For an operations role, this would typically include CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot), ERP systems, business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, Pardot), and project management software (e.g., Asana, Jira).

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and novel design approaches.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with designers, merchandisers, and other teams.

• Customer Focus: Designing products that appeal to and meet the needs of the target demographic.

• Commercial Acumen: Balancing creative vision with market trends and sales objectives.

• Trend Awareness: Staying ahead of and accurately interpreting market trends.

• Brand Alignment: Maintaining Kmart's distinct "handwriting" and aesthetic.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with internal design teams and potentially overseas counterparts.

• Requires strong communication and presentation skills to effectively share ideas, receive feedback, and influence stakeholders.

• A "hand-in-hand" approach suggests a team-oriented environment where shared goals are paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are centered around creative output and brand consistency. For an operations role, values would typically include data integrity, process efficiency, continuous improvement, customer-centricity (from a service/process perspective), accountability, and cross-functional alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trends and Brand Identity: Successfully integrating current global trends while staying true to Kmart's established brand aesthetic and "handwriting."

• High Volume Output: Creating a large volume of coordinated artwork for diverse product ranges in a fast-paced retail environment.

• International Coordination: Effectively briefing and managing design expectations with overseas teams to ensure consistent quality and brand alignment.

• Commercial Viability: Ensuring all designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also commercially successful and appealing to the target market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting Mastery: Deepening skills in identifying, analyzing, and applying emerging market trends.

• Apparel Design Specialization: Gaining further expertise in textile yardages, placement prints, and product application within kidswear.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Understanding the broader retail product development lifecycle, from design to merchandising and sales.

• Mentorship Program: Structured guidance and development through the company's established mentor program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to the creative and product development aspects of the role. In an operations context, challenges might involve system integration issues, data quality problems, inefficient workflows, resistance to change, or aligning disparate departmental goals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Trend Analysis: "How do you stay updated on emerging graphic design trends for the youth market, and how would you apply them to Kmart's 'handwriting'?" (Prepare to discuss your trend research process and specific examples.)

• Brand Alignment: "Describe a time you had to adapt your design style to fit a specific brand's identity. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on Kmart's aesthetic and your ability to conform.)

• Commercial Impact: "How do you ensure your designs are commercially viable and contribute to sales growth?" (Be ready to discuss your understanding of the target market and retail sales.)

• Collaboration & Process: "Walk us through your typical design process for developing a new print for an apparel range, including how you collaborate with merchandisers." (Detail your workflow from concept to final artwork.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about Kmart's current product design or brand aesthetic?" (Show genuine interest and research.)

• "How do you envision contributing to Kmart's creative and collaborative culture, especially in the new Chadstone office?" (Align your working style with their stated values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each selected project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, the challenges, and the outcome (especially if there was a commercial impact).

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, professional, and easy to follow. Use high-quality images and mockups.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your work demonstrates proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, trend forecasting, and brand alignment.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and engage in a discussion about design and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a design role. For operations, interview questions would focus on data analysis, process mapping, system configuration, sales forecasting methodology, and strategic GTM planning.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Kmart careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-curated, and showcases your best work relevant to apparel graphic design for the older kids/teens market. Tailor it to highlight your trend forecasting and commercial design skills.

• Resume Optimization: Customize your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience in apparel graphic design, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any relevant achievements in driving sales or trend implementation. Use keywords from the job description.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kmart's brand, its current product offerings (especially in the kids' apparel section), and its target market. Understand their "handwriting" and aesthetic.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough and prepare concise answers to common design interview questions, focusing on demonstrating creativity, commercial sense, and collaborative abilities.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description has been adapted to fit a structured format typically used for operational roles, while retaining the core information for a Graphic Designer position. The insights provided are based on industry standards and the information available. Candidates should always verify details directly with Kmart Australia.