Graphic Designer (Parental Leave Cover)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Parental Leave Cover)
Company: TOTEME
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Retail Operations
Date Posted: October 28, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for maintaining and evolving TOTEME's premium visual identity across all touchpoints through expert graphic design execution.
• The Graphic Designer will manage end-to-end design projects, from concept development to final artwork delivery for both print and digital mediums.
• A key focus will be on packaging design, ensuring it reflects the brand's sophisticated aesthetic and sustainability ethos.
• This position requires close collaboration with Brand and Creative teams to ensure design consistency and support broader marketing and retail initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into brand guardianship and production management, suggesting a role with significant ownership over visual assets and their implementation within a luxury retail context. The "Parental Leave Cover" aspect indicates a fixed-term contract, approximately one year, starting mid-January 2026.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop comprehensive visual materials for both digital and print channels, rigorously adhering to and enhancing TOTEME’s established brand identity and visual guidelines.
• Spearhead the design and execution of all packaging projects, including seasonal gift packaging, shopping bags, and materials for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) initiatives, ensuring premium presentation.
• Oversee and manage the entire print production lifecycle, which includes detailed supplier communication, budget management, quality control, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality printed collateral.
• Produce and meticulously prepare final artwork files suitable for both print and digital distribution, ensuring technical accuracy and brand integrity.
• Support the creation and implementation of essential store materials, such as hoardings, in-store signage, visual merchandising displays, and other communication elements to enhance the retail environment.
• Adapt and create layouts for a variety of brand collateral, including advertising campaigns, seasonal lookbooks, event invitations, and general marketing materials, maintaining a consistent aesthetic.
• Collaborate effectively with internal Brand, Creative, Marketing, and Retail teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging and visual excellence across all customer touchpoints and campaigns.
• Proactively research and stay abreast of emerging trends in graphic design, typography, print techniques, and material innovation to infuse fresh, relevant ideas into the brand's visual output.
• Actively participate in and contribute to TOTEME’s overarching social and environmental sustainability strategy, integrating these principles into design choices and production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on production role with strategic input. The emphasis on "managing print production processes" and "lead packaging design projects" suggests a need for strong project management and supplier liaison skills beyond pure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communication Design, or a related field is typically expected for mid-level roles in this industry.
• Formal training in typography, layout, and print production is highly valued.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of progressive experience as a Graphic Designer.
• Proven experience in the fashion, luxury lifestyle, or premium brand sectors is highly preferred, demonstrating an understanding of high-end aesthetics and brand guardianship.
• Demonstrable experience in managing print production processes, including supplier communication, budgeting, and quality assurance, is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Print Production Mastery: Deep knowledge of pre-press requirements, various printing techniques (offset, digital, specialty finishes), and material specifications for print collateral.
• Digital Design Proficiency: Ability to design for various digital platforms, understanding of aspect ratios, file formats, and best practices for web and social media.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is non-negotiable for creating and delivering high-quality assets.
• Artworking Skills: Strong capability in preparing final artwork files for production, ensuring accuracy, scalability, and technical readiness.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design and production, ensuring flawless execution and brand consistency.
• Brand Identity Management: Ability to interpret and consistently apply a premium brand's visual identity across diverse applications.

Preferred Skills:

• Packaging Design Experience: Specific experience in designing functional and aesthetically pleasing packaging for luxury goods.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Basic understanding of project timelines, resource allocation, and managing multiple design tasks concurrently.
• Sustainability Awareness: Familiarity with sustainable design practices and materials within the fashion or retail industry.
• Typography Sensitivity: A refined eye for typographic details and the ability to select and pair fonts effectively to convey brand personality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "proven experience" and a "strong portfolio" suggests that practical application and demonstrated success in previous roles are paramount. The "ideally within the fashion, lifestyle, or premium brand sectors" points towards a need for industry-specific aesthetic understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 distinct projects that highlight expertise in print design, digital design, and particularly packaging.
• Projects should demonstrate the ability to translate brand identity into compelling visual narratives across various mediums.
• Include examples of final artwork files or mock-ups that illustrate precision and production-readiness.
• Showcase projects where budget and supplier management were key components, if applicable.

Process Documentation:

• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their design process from brief to final delivery, including:
  • Brief interpretation and concept development methodologies.
  • Iterative design stages and feedback incorporation.
  • Artworking and pre-press preparation workflows.
  • Print production liaison and quality control procedures.
  • Digital asset delivery protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's responsibilities, especially around print production and packaging, necessitate a portfolio that goes beyond aesthetics to demonstrate process proficiency and production capability. Candidates should be ready to detail their workflow, particularly concerning print management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Stockholm, Sweden, the estimated salary range for this parental leave cover position is approximately SEK 35,000 - 45,000 per month, depending on experience and specific qualifications.

Benefits:

• Parental Leave Cover: This role is structured as a parental leave cover position, offering a defined contract duration (approximately one year).
• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme: Likely to include contributions to a Swedish pension fund as per statutory requirements.
• Statutory Paid Time Off: Entitlement to paid vacation days in accordance with Swedish labor law.
• Potential for Exposure to High-End Fashion Brand Operations: Invaluable experience working within a prestigious fashion house, offering insights into brand strategy and creative execution.
• Collaborative Work Environment: Opportunity to work within a dynamic and creative team in a globally recognized brand.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically corresponding to 40 hours per week, aligning with standard Swedish business practices.
• While primarily on-site, there may be opportunities for some flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on the Stockholm market for similar roles. Benefits are standard for full-time positions in Sweden, with the primary benefit being the experience gained. The parental leave cover aspect means this is a fixed-term contract.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Fashion / Retail. TOTEME operates at the high end of the fashion market, emphasizing sophisticated design, quality materials, and a refined brand narrative. Company Size: While specific current employee numbers are not provided, TOTEME has grown significantly since its founding in 2014, with teams in Stockholm, London, and New York, and retail spaces globally. This suggests a company that is established yet retains a dynamic, growing feel, likely ranging from 200-500 employees globally. Founded: 2014 by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman. This relatively young age means the brand is still evolving and establishing its legacy, fostering a sense of innovation and forward-thinking within its culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Brand or Creative team, reporting to a Design Lead or Creative Director.
• This team likely collaborates closely with Marketing, E-commerce, and Retail departments.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, ensuring the brand's visual identity is consistently applied across all company functions and customer touchpoints.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: While design is creative, TOTEME's approach likely incorporates an understanding of market trends, customer preferences, and brand performance metrics to inform design decisions.
• Process-Oriented Execution: Emphasis on structured workflows for design projects, from concept to final delivery, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Sustainability Integration: A core value that is woven into operational processes, including design choices and material sourcing.

Company Website: https://toteme.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's Swedish roots suggest a culture that values efficiency, minimalism, and quality. Its rapid growth in the luxury fashion space implies a fast-paced, ambitious, and detail-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Mid-Level. It requires a solid foundation of design skills and production knowledge, with the ability to work independently on assigned tasks and projects. It's a crucial production role that directly impacts the brand's visual output. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a senior member of the Creative or Brand team, such as a Creative Director, Head of Design, or Senior Art Director. This structure provides guidance and ensures alignment with overarching brand strategy. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences brand perception, customer engagement, and the overall aesthetic of TOTEME's products and communications. High-quality design and consistent brand execution are vital for maintaining a luxury image and driving customer loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in packaging design, print production, or specific digital design applications within the luxury sector.
• Brand Immersion: Gain extensive experience with a globally recognized luxury fashion brand, understanding its design language and strategic marketing.
• Project Leadership: Potential to lead specific design projects or campaigns, demonstrating ownership and strategic thinking.
• Networking: Build professional connections within the fashion industry, working with designers, marketers, and production specialists.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a parental leave cover, the primary growth is through skill development and gaining experience within a high-profile brand. Long-term career progression would likely involve moving into senior design roles, art direction, or specialized design fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at TOTEME's headquarters in Stockholm. This implies a professional, design-focused office environment, likely with a modern aesthetic that reflects the brand's style. Office Location(s): Engelbrektsgatan 5, Stockholm, 114 32, Sweden. This is a central Stockholm location, likely easily accessible by public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Expect a dynamic and creative workspace where teamwork and idea-sharing are encouraged.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other creative tools and resources necessary for the role.
• Brand Immersion: A stimulating environment surrounded by fashion, design, and creative professionals, fostering a strong sense of brand identity and purpose.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with the primary focus being on-site presence to facilitate collaboration and access to resources.
• While core hours will likely be defined, occasional flexibility might be required to meet project deadlines or production schedules, especially in a fast-paced fashion environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Stockholm HQ setting suggests a professional, design-centric office. The emphasis on collaboration and brand immersion is typical for creative roles within fashion houses.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with brand aesthetics.
• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (e.g., Creative Director or Design Lead) to discuss experience, motivations, and initial portfolio review. Focus on understanding your design process and approach to brand identity.
• Second Interview/Portfolio Presentation: A more in-depth session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design rationale, and problem-solving skills. May include a design challenge or case study discussion.
• Final Interview: Potentially with HR or a senior executive to discuss cultural fit, compensation, and final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in print, digital, and packaging design, emphasizing those relevant to luxury fashion.
• Showcase Process: For 1-2 key projects, walk through your design process: brief, research, concept development, iterations, final execution, and any production considerations.
• Highlight Production Skills: Clearly articulate your role in print production, artworking, and supplier liaison. Include examples of technical challenges overcome.
• Brand Alignment: Ensure your chosen work reflects a sophisticated aesthetic and an understanding of premium brand communication.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful and relevant work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a concept for a specific collateral piece (e.g., a seasonal gift tag, a social media graphic, or a mock-up for a packaging element).
• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of TOTEME's brand identity, your creative problem-solving skills, and your ability to produce polished, on-brand work under a time constraint.
• Prepare to articulate your design choices clearly and justify how they align with the brand and project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and production capabilities, especially concerning print and packaging within a luxury context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • InDesign: Essential for layout, print collateral, lookbooks, and brochures.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, packaging die-lines, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: Used for image editing, retouching, digital mock-ups, and creating raster graphics.
• Artworking Software: Proficiency in preparing files for professional print output.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, awareness of how design impacts digital analytics (e.g., click-through rates for digital ads) is beneficial.
• Understanding of how packaging design might influence customer perception or unboxing experiences.

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how design assets are used within CRM initiatives (e.g., email templates, loyalty program materials).
• Understanding of digital asset management (DAM) systems, though not explicitly mentioned, is a plus for organizing creative files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, with a specific emphasis on InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for print production and artworking.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Refinement & Precision: A deep appreciation for detail, quality, and the execution of sophisticated design that reflects the brand's luxury positioning.
• Brand Guardianship: A commitment to upholding and enhancing TOTEME's visual identity and aesthetic across all touchpoints.
• Collaboration & Communication: Working effectively within a creative team and across departments to achieve shared goals.
• Sustainability: Integration of environmentally and socially conscious practices into design and production processes.
• Efficiency & Proactivity: Delivering high-quality work within deadlines and proactively managing projects and responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expect a collaborative environment where designers work together, share feedback, and support each other's projects.
• Cross-Functional: Regular interaction with marketing, e-commerce, and retail teams to ensure design solutions meet broader business objectives.
• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design processes to achieve optimal results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely mirrors the brand's aesthetic: clean, sophisticated, and detail-oriented, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and brand integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring that all design output, across various formats and projects, remains perfectly aligned with TOTEME's strict luxury aesthetic.
• Managing Production Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of print production, supplier management, and budgeting for high-quality materials under time constraints.
• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Needs: Developing innovative designs that are also commercially viable and align with marketing objectives.
• Fixed-Term Contract: Adapting quickly to a new team and brand, and delivering impactful work within a defined contract period.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working within the global luxury fashion industry at a leading brand.
• Production Expertise: Deepen practical knowledge of print production techniques, materials, and supplier relationships.
• Brand Strategy Insight: Understand how graphic design contributes to the broader brand strategy and marketing efforts of a luxury house.
• Portfolio Enhancement: The projects completed during this tenure will significantly enhance a designer's portfolio with high-profile work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is delivering high-impact work within a fixed timeframe for a demanding brand. Growth opportunities are heavily focused on practical experience and portfolio building within the luxury fashion sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design from concept to final print-ready artwork, especially for packaging." (Focus on workflow, software, and production considerations.)
• "How do you ensure consistency in brand identity across multiple design projects and platforms?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and meticulous execution.)
• "Walk us through a challenging print production experience you've managed. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and supplier management skills.)
• "How do you incorporate sustainability principles into your design and production choices?" (Align with TOTEME's values.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about TOTEME's brand aesthetic and values?" (Research the brand thoroughly; demonstrate an understanding of its style and mission.)
• "How do you handle feedback and constructive criticism on your designs?" (Show openness to iteration and collaboration.)
• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, creative environment." (Highlight your organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (packaging, print collateral, digital).
• Narrative: For key projects, tell a story: the brief, your approach, the challenges, the solutions, and the outcome.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mock-ups and clear examples of final artwork.
• Production Focus: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of print production, materials, and any supplier interactions.
• Conciseness: Practice your presentation to fit within the allotted time, focusing on the most relevant and impactful work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the practical aspects of graphic design for luxury brands, including production, brand consistency, and aesthetic sensibility.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on TOTEME's teamtailor portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features your strongest print, digital, and packaging design work, ideally demonstrating experience with premium or fashion brands.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in graphic design, print production, artworking, and any relevant project management or supplier liaison roles. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, presenting your portfolio effectively, and discussing your approach to brand consistency and production challenges.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research TOTEME's brand identity, recent campaigns, and sustainability initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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