Lead Graphic Designer (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Graphic Designer (m/w/d) Company: Colliers International EMEA Location: Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Job Type: Full-time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Operations Date Posted: January 14, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Senior) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead creative concept development and execution for branding, editorial, and web design initiatives.
• Drive the independent design implementation from concept through to print-ready and digital production files for marketing collateral and pitches.
• Manage external creative resources, including freelance designers and programmers, ensuring successful project delivery within defined parameters.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to junior and non-design staff on design principles and execution.
• Uphold and elevate the conceptual and aesthetic quality of all client-facing and internal communication media.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Lead" Graphic Designer, implying significant responsibility beyond individual contribution. The description emphasizes independent work, management of external resources, and the guidance of less experienced colleagues, suggesting a senior or art director level equivalent. The focus on "Branding, Editorial Design, and Web Design" alongside "Pitches and Marketing Materials" indicates a broad scope within Go-To-Market (GTM) and internal communications, requiring strong strategic design thinking and execution capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Ideate and develop innovative creative concepts and design solutions across branding, editorial layouts, and digital interfaces.
• Independently manage design tasks, including those that deviate from established corporate design guidelines, demonstrating creative problem-solving.
• Execute design projects from initial concept to final production-ready artwork for both print and digital formats, ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Develop creative briefs, effectively brief and manage external vendors (freelance designers, developers, etc.), and oversee project completion, acting as the primary point of contact.
• Provide technical and conceptual design leadership, offering guidance and support to less experienced team members or those from different functional backgrounds.
• Ensure the highest standards of conceptual and aesthetic quality are met for all communication materials, reinforcing the company's brand identity and market position.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, and other departments to understand project requirements and deliver design solutions that align with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual creative contribution and leadership. The emphasis on "eigenständige Bearbeitung" (independent processing) and managing external resources suggests a need for strong project management skills alongside design expertise. The requirement to guide less experienced staff points towards a mentorship aspect, crucial for developing internal capabilities and ensuring consistent brand representation across the organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, or a related creative field. Experience: Several years of progressive experience as a Senior Art Director or Lead Graphic Designer, with a proven track record in developing and executing high-impact design projects.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional design sensibility with a strong command of image composition, typography, and the creation of high-quality, impactful visuals.
• Deep understanding and application of innovative design techniques and creative execution strategies.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and demonstrate excellent time management skills, particularly under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and team collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• High resilience and ability to perform under tight deadlines and high-pressure project timelines.
• 100% Mac-proficient with advanced expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, potentially After Effects/Premiere Pro).
• Foundational knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite for document integration and collaboration.
• Native-level proficiency in German (written and spoken).

Preferred Skills:

• Strong English language proficiency (written and spoken).
• Prior experience or a strong interest in the Real Estate or Investment sectors, with an understanding of industry-specific design nuances.
• Experience in managing creative workflows and production processes for both print and digital media.
• Familiarity with web design principles and user interface (UI) concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "100% Mac-versiert" and advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency is critical. The preference for Real Estate/Investment experience suggests that familiarity with industry-specific aesthetics and communication styles will be a significant advantage, indicating a need to understand the client base and market positioning within Colliers' service offerings.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 distinct projects demonstrating expertise in Branding, Editorial Design, and Web Design.
• Each project within the portfolio must clearly articulate the creative brief, the design process undertaken, and the final executed outcome.
• Evidence of successful design implementation for marketing collateral, pitch decks, and digital assets.
• Demonstrations of strong typography, image composition, and overall aesthetic quality across diverse projects.
• Examples of work that showcase the ability to develop creative concepts independently, beyond strict corporate guidelines.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly requested, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, from concept generation and client briefing to production and final delivery.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, how they manage projects, and how they ensure quality and efficiency in their work.
• The ability to brief and manage external vendors implies an understanding of process management for outsourced creative tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio, along with specific mention of "Anschreiben, Lebenslauf sowie relevante Nachweise," indicates that the portfolio is a critical component of the application. It should not only showcase creative output but also the candidate's ability to manage projects, understand briefs, and deliver professional-grade assets suitable for a leading real estate consultancy.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Lead Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Düsseldorf, Germany, and considering the hybrid work model and comprehensive benefits, an estimated gross annual salary range would be between €55,000 and €75,000.

📝 Enhancement Note: This estimation is derived from salary benchmarks for senior creative roles in major German cities, factoring in the specific responsibilities, required skills, and the company's standing in the real estate sector. Actual compensation will vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• 30 days of paid annual leave, offering a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexible mobile working options, providing adaptability and autonomy.
• Company pension scheme, supporting long-term financial security.
• Subsidy for the EGYM Wellpass Card, promoting employee health and well-being.
• Comprehensive and diverse internal training and development opportunities, fostering continuous learning and career growth.
• Family service support, including provisions like emergency childcare, acknowledging the importance of work-life integration.
• A professional working environment within a leading real estate consultancy, offering exposure to high-profile projects and industry expertise.
• Opportunities for outstanding career advancement within the organization.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, emphasizing work-life balance, employee well-being, and professional development. The "EGYM Wellpass Card" subsidy is a common perk in Germany for access to various fitness and wellness facilities. The "Family Service" is also a significant benefit, particularly for employees with children.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services and Investment Management. Colliers operates globally, providing a wide range of services including brokerage, property management, valuation, and consulting. The German operations are extensive, with offices across major cities. Company Size: Colliers International Group Inc. is a large global entity with approximately 23,000 employees worldwide. The German division is a significant part of this, operating across 10 major cities. This size offers stability and extensive resources, while the presence in multiple cities suggests a decentralized yet coordinated operational structure. Founded: Colliers' origins trace back to the 1970s, with its current form emerging through mergers and acquisitions, establishing a long and reputable history in the global real estate market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a central marketing or communications team, potentially within the German headquarters or a regional hub.
• This team will collaborate closely with sales, leasing, investment, and property management departments across various Colliers offices.
• The role involves reporting to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, with direct interaction with senior leadership for pitch materials and branding initiatives.

Methodology:

• Colliers emphasizes a data-driven approach to real estate services, translating into a need for clear, impactful, and accurate visual communication.
• Creative strategies will likely be aligned with market analysis, client needs, and the company's strategic objectives in property marketing and client advisory.
• Emphasis on professionalism, client-centricity, and delivering high-quality, tangible results is fundamental to their operational methodology.

Company Website: www.colliers.de

📝 Enhancement Note: As a global leader in real estate services, Colliers likely fosters a professional, client-focused, and results-oriented culture. The "dynamic, open, and motivated team with collegial cohesion" mentioned in the job description suggests a collaborative and supportive internal environment, which is crucial for a creative role that interfaces with many departments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Lead" position, indicating a senior-level role with significant autonomy and responsibility. It sits above junior designers and may involve guiding less experienced colleagues. It's a crucial role for translating business strategy into compelling visual communications that support sales, marketing, and brand initiatives. Reporting Structure: The Lead Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Director, Head of Marketing, or a Creative Director within the German organization. They will collaborate closely with various department heads and project managers across Colliers' business lines. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the company's Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by creating visually compelling materials for pitches, property marketing, branding campaigns, and digital presence. High-quality design enhances brand perception, supports sales efforts, and contributes to the overall success of marketing campaigns and client engagements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific design areas like branding strategy, digital interface design for real estate platforms, or large-scale editorial projects.
• Leadership: Progression to a Creative Director role, managing a larger design team and taking on more strategic oversight of the company's visual identity.
• Cross-Functional Development: Opportunities to learn more about the real estate business, client advisory services, and marketing strategy, potentially leading to roles in broader marketing management.
• Industry Exposure: Working on diverse projects within the dynamic real estate market provides continuous learning and exposure to high-profile transactions and developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title strongly suggests a career path towards Creative Director or a similar senior management role within the marketing and communications function. The company's emphasis on "internal training opportunities" and "outstanding career chances" reinforces this potential for growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, indicating a blend of on-site work at the Düsseldorf office and remote working flexibility. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and focused work. Office Location(s): The primary office location is Königsallee 60 C, 40212 Düsseldorf, Germany. Düsseldorf is a major economic hub in Germany, offering a vibrant professional environment. Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely professional and collaborative, encouraging interaction with colleagues from various departments.
• As a hybrid role, employees are expected to manage their time effectively between remote and in-office work, utilizing company-provided technology and potentially personal devices for remote setup.
• Access to design software and hardware will be provided, with the expectation of proficiency and efficient use.
• The team culture is described as dynamic, open, and motivated, fostering a collegial atmosphere conducive to creative work and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours are 40 per week, with the flexibility of the hybrid arrangement allowing for some control over where and when work is performed, provided project deadlines and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills. The office in Düsseldorf, a prime business location, suggests a professional setting with access to amenities and transport links.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, focusing on the CV, cover letter, and crucially, the portfolio.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, creative decisions, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions about design choices, client management, and handling feedback.
• Skills Assessment: Potentially a practical design exercise or a case study related to a real estate marketing challenge to assess design thinking, creativity, and execution under simulated conditions.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues and hiring managers to assess communication style, collaborative spirit, and alignment with Colliers' company values.
• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to confirm overall fit and suitability for the lead role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that directly showcase expertise in branding, editorial, and web design, particularly those relevant to professional services or real estate if possible.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively to guide the viewer.
• Highlight Leadership: Include examples where you managed external vendors, mentored junior designers, or took a leading role in a creative project.
• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly displays strong typography, composition, and a high level of aesthetic quality. Be prepared to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Tailor to Colliers: If possible, include a concept or example that demonstrates an understanding of the real estate industry or Colliers' brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research Colliers International, its services, target markets, and recent campaigns. Understand the unique design challenges in the real estate sector (e.g., pitch decks, property brochures, market reports).
• Practice Design Thinking Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a design brief for a new property launch, a corporate branding update, or a digital marketing campaign.
• Prepare for Questions on Collaboration: Anticipate questions about how you manage feedback, collaborate with non-designers, and lead external teams.
• Articulate Your Process: Be able to clearly explain your workflow from brief to final delivery, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application explicitly requests a portfolio, cover letter, CV, and relevant certifications. This indicates a thorough review process where the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just their design skills but also their project management and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential and advanced proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Experience with other Adobe tools like After Effects, Premiere Pro, or XD for motion graphics, video editing, or UX/UI design would be highly beneficial.
• Mac Operating System: The role specifies 100% Mac proficiency, indicating that all design work is executed on Apple hardware.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a graphic designer, understanding how design impacts digital performance (e.g., website analytics, engagement rates) would be advantageous. Familiarity with tools used for reporting on marketing campaign effectiveness could be helpful.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM/automation tool requirements are listed for this role, but an understanding of how design assets are utilized within marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven communications could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite on a Mac platform. Any additional skills in related software or an understanding of how design integrates with broader marketing technology stacks would differentiate candidates.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, professional design work that reflects Colliers' standing as a leading real estate consultancy.
• Client-Centricity: Understanding and translating client needs and market demands into effective visual communications.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team and across various departments to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation & Creativity: A drive to develop fresh, impactful design concepts and embrace new creative techniques.
• Efficiency & Reliability: Delivering projects on time and to a high standard, especially critical for time-sensitive pitches and marketing materials.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with marketing, sales, and other business units, necessitating clear communication and a proactive approach to understanding diverse project requirements.
• Mentorship: A willingness and ability to guide and support less experienced designers, fostering a positive and developmental team environment.
• External Vendor Management: A professional and efficient style when briefing and managing freelance designers and other external creative partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "dynamic, open, and motivated team with collegial cohesion" suggests an environment that values teamwork, open communication, and mutual support, crucial for a creative role that interfaces with many stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Corporate Standards: Effectively developing innovative designs while adhering to and evolving Colliers' brand guidelines.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Catering to the diverse design needs and feedback from various departments and senior management.
• Time-Critical Projects: Delivering high-quality design work under tight deadlines, particularly for pitch materials and urgent marketing requests.
• Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Continuously adapting to new design technologies, software features, and aesthetic trends relevant to the real estate industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Real Estate Industry Insight: Gaining deep knowledge of the commercial real estate market, its trends, and communication strategies.
• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like branding strategy, digital design, or motion graphics through internal training or external courses.
• Leadership Development: Developing mentorship and team management skills through guiding junior designers and managing external resources.
• Strategic Marketing Exposure: Understanding how design contributes to broader marketing and sales objectives, potentially opening doors to more strategic marketing roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior creative role in a fast-paced corporate environment. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for someone looking to combine design expertise with business acumen in the lucrative real estate sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to develop a creative concept from scratch for a client or project with limited brief. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on independent concept development, process articulation, and results.)
• "How do you ensure the quality and consistency of design work when managing external freelancers or junior team members?" (Focus on process management, quality control, and leadership.)
• "Walk me through a complex design project where you had to balance multiple stakeholder opinions and tight deadlines. How did you navigate this?" (Focus on stakeholder management, problem-solving, and delivery under pressure.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Colliers International and the real estate industry specifically?" (Research Colliers' brand, market position, and values.)
• "How do you approach integrating new design trends or innovative techniques into established corporate branding?" (Demonstrate adaptability and understanding of brand evolution.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and collaborative culture." (Align with descriptions of a dynamic and collegial team.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (Branding, Editorial, Web) or by impact (most successful projects).
• Narrative: For each selected project, prepare a concise story: the challenge, your role, your creative process, the tools used, and the results. Use clear, impactful visuals.
• Highlight Leadership: Be ready to specifically point out projects where you led initiatives, managed vendors, or mentored others.
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss your software proficiency and any specific techniques you employed.
• Colliers Focus: If you have relevant real estate or professional services experience, emphasize it. If not, be ready to explain how your broader experience translates.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Lead" title and the emphasis on independent work and managing others, interview questions will likely probe leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, in addition to pure design talent.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your complete application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easily navigable, and prominently features work relevant to branding, editorial, and web design. Highlight any projects demonstrating leadership or management of external resources.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to emphasize your experience as a Senior Art Director or Lead Graphic Designer, explicitly mentioning years of experience, key responsibilities, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Mac OS. Include keywords from the job description.
• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that addresses your motivation for applying to Colliers, your suitability for the lead role, and how your design philosophy aligns with the company's professional standards. Mention any relevant real estate industry interest.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Colliers International, its services, recent projects, and its brand identity. Understand its market position and the role design plays in its success. Prepare to discuss this research 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.