Senior Brand Designer (f/m/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Brand Designer (f/m/d)
Company: waterdrop®
Location: Vienna, Austria
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Marketing / Art & Design / Brand Management
Date Posted: January 21, 2026
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the continuous development and evolution of waterdrop®'s visual identity, ensuring its relevance, consistency, and impact in a competitive market.
• Lead end-to-end brand design projects, from initial concept generation through to final execution, aligning with overarching brand strategy and marketing objectives.
• Define and rigorously maintain an elevated and consistent brand experience across all touchpoints, proactively enhancing brand design guidelines.
• Generate premium and innovative design solutions that expertly balance strong aesthetics with practical functionality and production feasibility across both digital and physical channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Brand Designer, indicating a need for a candidate with substantial experience (at least 5 years) who can not only execute design tasks but also contribute strategically to brand evolution and mentor junior team members. The focus on "premium, innovative design solutions" and "elevated brand experience" suggests a need for a candidate with a strong aesthetic sensibility and a proven track record of delivering high-quality visual assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the Head of Brand Design and Art Direction Lead to refine and advance the waterdrop® visual identity, ensuring it remains current and impactful.
• Take ownership of brand design projects from ideation to completion, ensuring seamless integration with brand strategy, marketing goals, and production needs.
• Establish and uphold a consistent, high-quality brand experience across all global and regional channels, including digital platforms like web, social media, and online advertising.
• Develop premium and innovative design concepts that marry strong visual appeal with functional requirements and production viability for diverse touchpoints.
• Design high-quality campaign assets, marketing collateral, and essential brand materials for global and regional markets.
• Foster close collaboration with product, e-commerce, retail, and marketing teams to guarantee a unified visual language across all initiatives.
• Mentor and guide junior designers, providing constructive feedback to cultivate a culture of creative excellence.
• Manage and liaunt with external agencies, freelancers, and production partners to achieve high-quality deliverables on schedule and within budget.
• Proactively monitor design, cultural, and industry trends to infuse fresh creative ideas and maintain a leading-edge brand presence.
• Continuously optimize design processes, tools, workflows, and asset management to enhance efficiency, quality, and long-term brand consistency.
• Ensure accurate artwork preparation for packaging, print, and digital deliverables, effectively managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic brand guardianship and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on "leading brand design projects end to end," "defining and safeguarding a consistent, elevated brand experience," and "mentoring junior designers" points to a senior-level role requiring leadership, strategic thinking, and strong creative direction capabilities. The mention of "global and regional markets" implies a need for cultural sensitivity and adaptability in design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field is implied by the role's requirements. Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Brand Design or a comparable role within an in-house team, agency, or directly with established brands.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on Photoshop and its advanced capabilities for complex design tasks.
• Advanced experience with Figma, including effective use of scalable design systems, component libraries, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• A strong, refined visual aesthetic characterized by clean, minimalistic design principles, meticulous attention to detail, and a highly developed sense for typography and brand consistency.
• Comprehensive understanding of digital and print production processes, including color management, print techniques, and basic knowledge of materials relevant to branded products.
• A strategic and hands-on approach; creative, self-driven, solution-oriented, and capable of taking full project ownership from concept to completion.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in 3D, motion design, or animation.
• Hands-on knowledge of 3D and motion graphics tools such as Blender, Cinema 4D, or After Effects.
• Experience working with global brands and adapting design for diverse international markets.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies for efficient workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite" and "advanced experience with Figma" underscores the technical demands of this role. The emphasis on a "strong, senior-level portfolio" suggests that practical demonstration of skills and strategic thinking in design is paramount. The "nice to have" skills indicate areas where candidates can differentiate themselves and potentially contribute to broader visual development initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, senior-level portfolio is mandatory, clearly demonstrating your craft, versatility, and ability to translate brand strategy into impactful visual design.
• Showcase a range of projects that highlight your expertise in developing and evolving visual identities across various media.
• Include case studies that explain your design process, problem-solving approach, and the strategic thinking behind your creative decisions.
• Demonstrate experience in creating premium, innovative design solutions for both digital and physical touchpoints.
• Highlight examples of maintaining brand consistency and elevating brand experience through design.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, the role implies a need for candidates who can document and refine design processes.
• Showcase examples of how you have improved design workflows, asset management, or collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Ability to articulate the process of defining and evolving brand design guidelines.
• Demonstrate experience in managing projects from concept to execution, implying a structured approach to workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "strong, senior-level portfolio" is a critical requirement. It should not only display aesthetic capabilities but also demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate business objectives into effective visual communication. Applicants should prepare to walk through their portfolio, explaining the context, their role, the challenges, and the outcomes of their projects, particularly those involving brand identity development and campaign execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The minimum salary for this position is EUR 60,000 gross per year on a full-time basis. There is a willingness for overpayment depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

• MyClubs sports vouchers for a balanced, active lifestyle.
• On-site fitness centre for convenient workout opportunities.
• On-site occupational health team and Instahelp vouchers for well-being support.
• On-site restaurant offering subsidized healthy meals.
• Coverage of your Transportation Card for commuting.
• Discount on waterdrop® purchases.
• Legendary summer and Christmas parties for team bonding and celebration.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week, though specific daily schedules may vary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated minimum salary of EUR 60,000 gross per year is a good starting point. Given the "Senior" title and the explicit mention of "willingness for overpayment," candidates with extensive experience and a highly impressive portfolio should feel confident negotiating above this figure. The benefits package is comprehensive, focusing on employee well-being, convenience, and community engagement, which are attractive perks for a full-time role. The location in Vienna, Austria, also suggests a competitive standard of living and benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates in the innovative consumer goods sector, specifically focusing on sustainable hydration solutions. waterdrop® is a relatively young, fast-growing company disrupting the beverage market with its unique Microdrink products. The industry context implies a dynamic, forward-thinking, and environmentally conscious workplace. Company Size: waterdrop® is described as a "high-achieving, international community" with a "successful online presence, 40+ stores around the world, dedicated B2B partners and over 22,000+ retail and branded stores." This suggests a medium-to-large, rapidly scaling organization with a significant global footprint, moving beyond startup phase into a more established corporate structure. Founded: The founding date is not explicitly provided, but the company's rapid growth and global expansion imply a relatively recent establishment, likely within the last decade, fostering a modern and agile corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• The Brand Design team likely operates within a broader Marketing or Creative department.
• The Senior Brand Designer reports to the Head of Brand Design and collaborates closely with the Art Direction Lead.
• Expect close collaboration with cross-functional teams including Product, E-commerce, Retail, and Marketing departments to ensure brand consistency across all initiatives.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on continuous development and evolution of visual identity, suggesting an iterative and responsive approach to brand management.
• Projects are led "end to end—from concept to execution," indicating a structured project management methodology.
• Proactive evolution of brand design guidelines points to a commitment to maintaining brand integrity and adapting to market needs.
• Strong focus on balancing aesthetics with functionality and production feasibility, reflecting a practical and results-oriented design approach.
• Collaboration with external agencies and freelancers suggests experience in managing vendor relationships and integrated creative campaigns.

Company Website: https://www.waterdrop.com

📝 Enhancement Note: waterdrop® presents itself as a mission-driven, sustainability-focused company with a strong emphasis on innovation and global expansion. The culture is likely fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative, appealing to individuals who thrive in growth environments. The brand's visual identity is central to its success, making this role critical in maintaining and enhancing that image.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Senior Brand Designer," placing it at an experienced professional level. It involves not only individual contribution and high-quality execution but also strategic input, brand guardianship, and the mentorship of junior designers. The scope includes leading projects and ensuring brand consistency across diverse global platforms.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand Designer will report directly to the Head of Brand Design and work closely with the Art Direction Lead. This structure suggests a clear hierarchy within the brand design function, with opportunities for guidance and feedback from experienced leaders.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's impact is significant, directly influencing customer perception, brand recognition, and the overall aesthetic appeal of waterdrop® products and marketing materials. By ensuring a consistent and premium visual identity across all touchpoints (digital, retail, packaging), the role contributes directly to brand equity, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales performance. The ability to translate brand strategy into impactful visual design is key to this impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to grow into an Art Director or lead design projects with increasing autonomy and strategic input.
• Specialization: Potential to develop deeper expertise in specific areas like 3D design, motion graphics, or digital design systems, given the "nice to have" skills.
• Brand Strategy Involvement: As a senior member, there's a chance to influence the broader brand strategy and contribute to long-term brand vision.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Collaboration with various departments offers insights into different aspects of the business, fostering holistic understanding and potential career pivots.
• Mentorship: Developing leadership and coaching skills through mentoring junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a pathway for career progression beyond individual design contribution. The emphasis on mentoring and strategic partnership suggests opportunities for developing leadership and influencing brand direction. Candidates should inquire about specific career trajectories and professional development programs waterdrop® offers for its design team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company has a "brand-new HQ in Vienna, Austria," described as a "vibrant environment." This suggests a modern, well-equipped office space designed to foster collaboration and employee well-being. Office Location(s): The headquarters are located in Vienna, Austria, specifically at Erika-Krenn-Promenade 15, 1100 Wien. This central location likely offers good accessibility and a dynamic urban working environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The "vibrant environment" and focus on cross-functional collaboration suggest a workspace designed for interaction and teamwork.
• On-site Amenities: The presence of an on-site fitness centre, restaurant with subsidized meals, and occupational health team indicates a supportive and convenient work setting designed to enhance employee well-being and productivity.
• Creative Tools: As a design role, expect access to the necessary high-performance hardware and software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and a conducive environment for creative work.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position. While a standard 40-hour week is typical, waterdrop®'s fast-paced environment might necessitate flexibility. The benefits like on-site amenities and a supportive culture aim to create a positive overall work experience, balancing demands with employee support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of a "brand-new HQ" and "vibrant environment" in Vienna suggests a modern, employee-centric workplace. The comprehensive on-site facilities are a significant perk, indicating a company that invests in its employees' comfort and well-being, which is often associated with a positive and productive work culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application documents, focusing on resume and portfolio.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, their strategic approach, design process, and outcomes. This is a critical step to assess craft, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or an in-depth discussion on technical proficiencies (Adobe Suite, Figma, production knowledge).
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the Head of Brand Design, Art Direction Lead, and potentially members of cross-functional teams to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and alignment with company values.
• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader to discuss role fit, career aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those that showcase brand identity evolution, campaign development, and premium design execution.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design process (strategy, ideation, execution), and the impact/results. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.
• Showcase Versatility: Include examples across different media (digital, print, packaging) to demonstrate your adaptability.
• Highlight Seniority: Emphasize strategic contributions, leadership (mentoring), and ownership of end-to-end projects.
• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, including your experience with design systems.
• Brand Alignment: If possible, subtly tailor your presentation or select projects that resonate with waterdrop®'s clean, minimalistic, and sustainable brand ethos.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Analysis: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the waterdrop® brand and its visual identity.
• Problem-Solving: Anticipate a design challenge that tests your ability to apply brand guidelines, create campaign assets, or solve a visual communication problem under time constraints.
• Process Thinking: Demonstrate your approach to process optimization, efficiency, and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is central to this application. Candidates must prepare to articulate not just what they designed, but why and how. Demonstrating a strategic mindset, a clear design process, and the ability to translate brand strategy into visual outcomes will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required, with a strong command of Photoshop. This is essential for all aspects of graphic design, image manipulation, and asset creation.
• Figma: Advanced experience is crucial, particularly with working on scalable design systems, component libraries, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This tool is key for modern UI/UX design and collaborative workflows.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned for this role, a Senior Brand Designer may need to understand how their designs perform on digital platforms. Familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) to understand user engagement with visual assets could be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to this design role, but understanding how marketing campaigns are managed and executed through CRM systems could provide valuable context.

Preferred/Nice-to-Have Tools:

• 3D Software: Blender, Cinema 4D for potential 3D design and visualization.
• Motion Graphics Software: After Effects for creating dynamic visual content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite" and "advanced experience with Figma" highlights the core technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience level and specific use cases for these tools, especially in relation to design systems and collaborative workflows. The "nice to have" tools indicate potential areas for growth and added value.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: As a core company value, expect this to permeate design decisions, material choices, and brand messaging.
• Innovation & Growth: The company emphasizes growth and taking the brand to the "next level," suggesting a culture that values forward-thinking ideas and continuous improvement.
• Quality & Premium Experience: The focus on "premium, innovative design solutions" and an "elevated brand experience" indicates a commitment to high standards in all creative output.
• Collaboration: The role requires close partnership with various teams and external agencies, highlighting the importance of teamwork and effective communication.
• Global Mindset: With a global presence and focus, an appreciation for diversity and cultural nuances in design is likely valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates working closely with Product, E-commerce, Retail, and Marketing teams, requiring a collaborative and communicative approach to ensure cohesive visual language.
• Mentorship and Team Building: The expectation to mentor junior designers suggests a supportive and knowledge-sharing environment within the design team.
• Agency/Freelancer Management: Experience in effectively managing external creative partners is key, implying a professional and clear communication style.

📝 Enhancement Note: waterdrop®'s emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and a premium brand experience are likely central to their team culture. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these values in their design work and collaborative approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Channels: With a global presence (online, 40+ stores, B2B, retail), ensuring a unified brand identity across all touchpoints can be complex.
• Balancing Aesthetics with Production Feasibility: Creating premium designs while ensuring they are practical and cost-effective to produce across various media (packaging, print, digital) requires strong problem-solving skills.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: The fast-paced consumer goods market demands continuous adaptation to design, cultural, and industry trends while maintaining brand integrity.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Working in a fast-paced environment with numerous stakeholders and deliverables requires excellent time management and prioritization skills.
• Mentoring Junior Designers: Effectively guiding and developing less experienced team members requires strong communication, feedback, and leadership skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in 3D, motion design, or animation through the "nice to have" skills.
• Brand Strategy Influence: Contributing to the strategic evolution of a rapidly growing global brand.
• Cross-Departmental Insight: Gaining a broader understanding of business operations through collaboration with marketing, e-commerce, and retail teams.
• Leadership Experience: Developing mentorship and project leadership capabilities.
• Industry Exposure: Potentially attending relevant design conferences or workshops to stay abreast of industry advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a growing global brand. They offer significant opportunities for professional development and for a designer to make a tangible impact. Candidates should consider how their past experiences have prepared them to tackle these challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach evolving the visual identity of a brand like waterdrop® to maintain relevance while staying true to its core values?" (Focus on process, research, and strategic thinking).
• "Describe a time you led a complex brand design project from concept to execution. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight ownership, problem-solving, and project management).
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across digital and physical touchpoints, especially in a global context?" (Discuss brand guidelines, cross-functional collaboration, and attention to detail).
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to balance strong aesthetics with production constraints or budget limitations." (Demonstrate practical application and problem-solving).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to waterdrop® and our mission?" (Show genuine interest in the brand and sustainability).
• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers and fostering a creative team environment?" (Assess leadership and collaboration potential).
• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you decide which trends are relevant for a brand like ours?" (Gauge proactivity and strategic application of trends).
• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams. How do you ensure effective communication and alignment?" (Evaluate collaboration skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Impact: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to translate strategy into impactful visual design and elevate a brand's premium perception.
• Quantify Success (if possible): If you have metrics on campaign performance or engagement related to your designs, present them.
• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, research, and decision-making for each project.
• Showcase Figma & Adobe Skills: Be ready to discuss specific techniques or workflows you used in these tools, especially regarding design systems or complex asset creation.
• Address "Nice-to-Haves": If you have experience in 3D or motion design, highlight how these skills could benefit waterdrop®.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, a robust design process, collaboration skills, and a clear understanding of waterdrop®'s brand and mission. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their contributions and impact with specific examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application documents through the waterdrop® online application system.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is curated to highlight projects demonstrating brand identity development, premium aesthetics, and experience across digital and print mediums. Tailor your project selection to align with waterdrop®'s clean, sustainable, and innovative brand ethos.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience, emphasizing expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and advanced skills in Figma. Quantify achievements where possible and highlight any mentoring or leadership experience.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your strategic approach, design process, and the impact of your work for each project. Prepare to discuss your understanding of the waterdrop® brand and how you would contribute to its visual evolution.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research waterdrop®'s mission, products, and current marketing efforts. Understand their commitment to sustainability and their global expansion strategy to better align your responses with their values and business objectives.

⚠️ 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.