Senior Creative Designer - Cotton On Global Support Centre

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Creative Designer Company: COTTON ON Careers Location: Geelong, VIC, Australia Job Type: Full time Category: Creative Operations / Marketing Operations Date Posted: September 17, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive conceptual graphic and digital design initiatives for seasonal, promotional, and internal marketing content, ensuring strict adherence to brand directives and guidelines.
• Actively support and collaborate with the Senior Creative Designer and Creative Director to execute global conceptual campaign designs for promotions and sales, maintaining a consistent and polished brand aesthetic.
• Develop and create dynamic, engaging visual assets and edit motion graphics, videos, and animations specifically for web, social media, and presentation platforms.
• Partner with the Creative Director to effectively roll out conceptual campaigns across various print and digital design studios, ensuring seamless execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "Senior Creative Designer," the responsibilities described, particularly in supporting senior leadership and executing campaigns across multiple channels, suggest a key operational role within the marketing and creative function. This role will likely involve significant process adherence, asset management, and cross-functional collaboration, aligning it with a Creative Operations or Marketing Operations focus. The emphasis on brand consistency and campaign execution points to a need for strong project management and workflow optimization skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly conceptual campaign development process, including the creation of comprehensive overview decks that encompass both print and digital design elements.
• Provide critical support and assistance to the Senior Creative Designer and Creative Director in the global conceptual design of major campaigns, promotions, and sales events, ensuring all creative output aligns with brand DNA and objectives.
• Design and produce compelling visual content, including editing motion graphics, videos, and animations tailored for diverse digital platforms such as the web, social media channels, and internal/external presentations.
• Collaborate closely with the Creative Director to ensure the successful and consistent rollout of conceptual campaigns across various print and digital design studios, maintaining brand integrity and visual cohesion.
• Execute creative briefs with a high degree of effectiveness, delivering and implementing creative concepts that meet strategic objectives and brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative execution and operational oversight. The "monthly conceptual campaign development" and "support and assist... in global conceptual design" indicate a structured, process-driven approach to campaign creation. The emphasis on "rolling out conceptual campaign to print and digital design studios" underscores the need for strong project management and coordination, typical of operations roles that bridge creative vision and practical implementation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related creative field is typically expected for a senior-level role. Equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Extensive professional experience (5-10 years) in graphic design, preferably gained within an in-house creative team or a fast-paced agency environment.
• Proven track record of working effectively within established brand guidelines while also demonstrating the ability to develop innovative concepts that remain true to a brand's DNA.
• Demonstrable experience in conceptual design, with a focus on creating seamless and impactful user experiences across both digital and print mediums.
• Expertise in interpreting creative briefs accurately and translating them into high-quality, executable creative concepts that meet project objectives.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and After Effects, for comprehensive design and motion graphics creation.
• Strong command of visual and interaction design principles and proficiency in Figma for collaborative design workflows and prototyping.
• Exceptional ability to interpret creative briefs, extract key requirements, and translate them into compelling visual designs and concepts.
• Deep understanding of brand guidelines and the ability to consistently apply them while pushing creative boundaries within brand parameters.
• Proven experience in conceptualizing and executing integrated campaigns across both digital and print channels, ensuring a cohesive brand narrative.

Preferred Skills:

• Solid understanding of UX/UI fundamentals, with practical experience in applying these principles to digital design projects.
• Prototyping experience using tools like Figma or similar platforms, enabling the visualization and testing of design concepts.
• Experience with motion graphics and video editing beyond basic After Effects capabilities, for creating dynamic digital content.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies to manage design workflows and deadlines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required toolset (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma) and the mention of UX/UI fundamentals and prototyping indicate a need for a designer who is not only creatively skilled but also technically proficient and aware of user-centered design principles. This blend suggests the role requires an operations-minded designer who can manage assets, workflows, and digital integration effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct conceptual campaign projects that demonstrate your ability to develop cohesive visual narratives across multiple platforms (digital and print).
• Include examples of how you have successfully interpreted and executed against brand guidelines, highlighting your understanding of brand DNA and consistency.
• Present case studies that detail your process for developing dynamic visuals for web and social media, including examples of motion graphics or video edits.
• Provide evidence of your ability to collaborate within a creative team, illustrating how you have worked with senior designers or directors on integrated campaigns.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma by showcasing projects where these tools were instrumental in the design and execution process.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio piece, briefly outline the design process, from brief interpretation and conceptualization to final asset delivery, highlighting key decision points and problem-solving approaches.
• Detail your workflow for creating and managing assets for both digital and print application, emphasizing organization and efficiency.
• Explain your approach to incorporating feedback from stakeholders and iterating on designs to achieve optimal outcomes.
• If applicable, include examples of how you have contributed to or followed a defined process for managing creative projects and ensuring timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for a portfolio and the emphasis on "conceptual design," "brand guidelines," and "digital and print design studios" indicate a strong need for a candidate who can demonstrate structured creative output. The process documentation requirement suggests that the company values candidates who can articulate their workflow, manage projects efficiently, and deliver consistent, high-quality creative assets in a repeatable manner, which are core tenets of operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Creative Designer role with 5-10 years of experience in a major Australian city like Geelong, a competitive salary range would typically be between AUD $90,000 and $120,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in Geelong, the company's global presence, and the comprehensive benefits package offered.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.
• Flexible working options and people-first leave initiatives, offering work-life balance.
• Access to a world-class Support Centre featuring an in-house restaurant and a state-of-the-art wellness centre with free gym and holistic health services.
• Subsidised onsite childcare centre, a significant benefit for parents.
• Generous 50% discount across all Cotton On Group brands (Cotton On, Cotton On Body, Cotton On Kids, Rubi Shoes, Typo, Factorie & Supre).
• 24/7 Wellness support services covering mental health, relationships, and family matters.
• Opportunities for local and global career growth and development within the company.
• Additional discounts for employees and their families on medical, travel, financial services, and more.
• Performance and Peak incentives designed to reward and recognize team contributions.
• Returnity program: a paid program for new parents transitioning back to work.
• A pet-friendly office environment with the allowance to bring your dog to work.
• Various recognition programs and team connection moments to foster a positive work environment.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are likely 38-40 hours per week, aligning with a full-time employment type. The mention of "Flexible working options" suggests potential for some flexibility in start/end times or hybrid arrangements, though the role is listed as on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of benefits, particularly those related to wellness, family support, and employee discounts, indicates a strong company culture focused on employee well-being and retention. The "flexible working options" coupled with the "on-site" designation suggests a hybrid or flexible on-site model, which is becoming increasingly common. The salary estimate is based on Australian market rates for similar roles and the significant benefits package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion & Lifestyle Retail. Cotton On operates as a global retailer with a strong presence in youth fashion and lifestyle products across multiple brands. Company Size: Large. Cotton On employs over 20,000 team members globally, operating across 22 countries with 1,500 stores. This signifies a robust organizational structure with established processes and ample resources. Founded: Cotton On was founded in Australia, establishing a strong Australian heritage and lifestyle ethos that it extends globally.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely structured under a Creative Director, with Senior Designers leading specific projects or brand verticals. This Senior Creative Designer role will report into a Senior Creative Designer or directly to the Creative Director.
• The team structure will foster collaboration between designers, marketers, merchandisers, and potentially e-commerce teams to ensure campaign coherence and brand alignment.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential to translate campaign concepts into tangible marketing materials and experiences that resonate with the target audience.

Methodology:

• The company's approach to creative development likely involves a structured, seasonal campaign planning process, driven by market trends and brand strategy.
• Emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, with creative concepts informed by customer insights, sales performance, and A/B testing where applicable.
• Workflow optimization is crucial for managing a high volume of creative output across multiple brands and markets, likely utilizing project management tools and efficient asset management systems.

Company Website: https://cottonon.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Cotton On's global reach and multi-brand structure imply a need for sophisticated operations to manage brand consistency and campaign execution. The company's purpose of "making a positive difference" suggests a culture that values social responsibility and community engagement, which can influence creative output and internal operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level within the creative function. It requires a blend of creative expertise and an understanding of operational execution, bridging the conceptual to the tangible. The responsibilities suggest ownership and leadership within specific campaign development cycles, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the marketing operations.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Creative Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or a Head of Design/Creative Operations, with potential for interaction with marketing managers, brand leads, and other creative specialists.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue by contributing to the development of compelling marketing campaigns that drive customer engagement, brand loyalty, and sales. Effective execution of creative concepts ensures brand consistency, which is critical for customer perception and market positioning. The operational efficiency of the design process contributes to timely campaign launches and optimized marketing spend.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in motion graphics, video editing, and UX/UI design through specialized training or project involvement.
• Leadership Potential: Progression to a Lead Creative Designer, Art Director, or Creative Operations Manager role, overseeing larger projects or teams and influencing creative strategy.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Potential to move into marketing strategy, brand management, or digital product design roles by leveraging design and operational skills.
• Global Mobility: As a global company, there may be opportunities for international assignments or collaborations within different regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Local & Global career growth" benefit directly supports this analysis. The role's nature, involving process execution and strategic creative input, provides a solid foundation for future operational leadership roles within the marketing or creative departments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Cotton On's Global Support Centre, described as "world-class," featuring an in-house restaurant and a state-of-the-art wellness centre with a free gym. This indicates a modern, well-equipped, and employee-centric work environment.

Office Location(s): Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The Support Centre in Geelong is the central hub for global operations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and employee well-being, with access to modern design tools and technology.
• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of teams, including marketing, e-commerce, product development, and HR, will be prevalent.
• The environment is described as "people-first," suggesting a supportive and inclusive culture where team connection and well-being are prioritized.

Work Schedule: While the role is on-site, the mention of "Flexible working options" suggests that there may be some degree of control over working hours or arrangements, within the context of fulfilling on-site responsibilities and collaborative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "world-class Support Centre" and the specific amenities (restaurant, wellness centre, gym, childcare) paint a picture of a highly supportive and integrated work environment. This can translate to a more efficient and productive creative operations team, as employee well-being is directly linked to performance and engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, cover letter, and crucially, a portfolio showcasing relevant design work.
• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications to assess qualifications, experience, and portfolio relevance.
• Creative Assessment/Task: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or task that simulates real-world responsibilities, testing conceptual thinking, design execution, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Interview Panel: Interviews typically involve the hiring manager (e.g., Creative Director), senior team members, and potentially cross-functional stakeholders. Expect behavioral questions, technical skill assessments, and discussions around your portfolio.
• Final Interview: May involve a more senior leader or a final cultural fit assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase conceptual thinking, brand alignment, and multi-channel execution (digital and print).
• Showcase Process: For each project, include a brief overview of the brief, your role, the problem you solved, your creative process, and the successful outcome. Highlight your use of Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma.
• Highlight Brand Consistency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your ability to work within and extend brand guidelines effectively.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or results related to campaign performance or engagement to demonstrate the impact of your creative work.
• Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, or a well-organized PDF).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and interpret any creative brief provided for a challenge. Ask clarifying questions if permitted.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely across concept development, design execution, and presentation preparation.
• Brand Adherence: Ensure your response strictly adheres to any provided brand guidelines, tone of voice, and visual identity.
• Presentation Skills: Prepare to articulate your thought process, design choices, and how your work meets the brief's objectives. Practice delivering your presentation concisely and engagingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of attaching a folio/examples of work is critical. The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio's ability to demonstrate not just creative skill but also an understanding of process, brand consistency, and effective communication of design rationale, which are all operational aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects for graphic design, layout, image manipulation, and motion graphics.
• Figma: Required for visual and interaction design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for this role, a Senior Creative Designer may interact with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) to understand campaign performance and inform future creative decisions.
• Experience with presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote) for creating campaign overview decks and reporting on creative outcomes.

CRM & Automation:

• Interaction with project management or workflow tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) might be necessary for managing project pipelines and deadlines within the creative operations framework.
• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems could be beneficial for organizing and distributing creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma highlights the technical requirements. An operational focus would also consider how these tools integrate into broader creative workflows, asset management, and project delivery processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and pushing creative boundaries while staying aligned with brand identity.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working seamlessly with internal teams and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Brand Stewardship: Upholding and enhancing the integrity and consistency of all Cotton On brands.
• Efficiency & Agility: Delivering high-quality work in a timely manner, adapting to changing market demands and project needs.
• Positive Impact: Contributing to the company's purpose of making a positive difference through creative expression and community engagement.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and feedback loops are encouraged to foster a collaborative environment where ideas are shared and refined.
• Cross-functional partnerships are key, requiring designers to work closely with marketing, merchandising, and e-commerce teams.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to support team members are valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cotton On's stated purpose of "making a positive difference" likely permeates its culture, encouraging a values-driven approach to creative work and operations. The focus on collaboration and adaptability is crucial for a fast-paced retail environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Continuously creating fresh, engaging concepts while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines across multiple brands.
• Managing High Volume of Work: Producing a significant volume of creative assets for seasonal campaigns, promotions, and ongoing marketing efforts within tight deadlines.
• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with the latest digital design trends, social media platform changes, and video/motion graphics technologies to maintain relevance and impact.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring creative output effectively meets the diverse needs and expectations of various internal departments (marketing, e-commerce, product).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Creative Skills: Access to training or workshops to enhance proficiency in areas like motion graphics, video editing, 3D design, or emerging digital design tools.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend design conferences, webinars, and industry events to stay abreast of creative trends and best practices.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior creative leaders within the organization, gaining insights into strategic creative direction and leadership.
• Brand Portfolio Expansion: Gaining experience across Cotton On’s diverse portfolio of brands, broadening creative versatility and understanding of different market segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior designer in a large retail organization, requiring strong operational skills in time management, project prioritization, and efficient workflow execution. The growth opportunities focus on both creative skill enhancement and broader career development within the company's structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach translating a creative brief into a cohesive campaign concept for both digital and print?" (Focus on your process, research, and conceptualization steps).
• "Describe a time you had to work within strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure your creative output was both compliant and innovative?" (Highlight your understanding of brand stewardship and creative problem-solving).
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you're particularly proud of. What was the brief, your role, the challenges, and the outcome?" (Prepare to discuss your process, tools used, and impact).
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies in the fashion and retail industry?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the Cotton On Group and its brands? What appeals to you about our company culture?" (Research the brands, their purpose, and values).
• "How do you approach collaboration with marketing teams and other stakeholders to ensure creative projects meet business objectives?" (Emphasize your communication and teamwork skills).
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Demonstrate your openness to feedback and iterative design process).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your solution, and the impact.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, professional, and easy to follow. Use high-quality images and concise text.
• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications and Figma features you utilized and why.
• Brand Alignment: Explicitly connect your design choices back to the brand guidelines and the campaign's strategic objectives.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; present your strongest work efficiently, highlighting key contributions and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also an understanding of operational processes, brand management, and collaborative effectiveness, which are crucial for a senior role that bridges creative execution and business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate conceptual campaign development, successful execution of brand guidelines, and proficiency in both digital and print design. Specifically, include examples showcasing motion graphics or video editing if possible.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your years of experience, specific design software proficiency (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma), and achievements in campaign execution and brand consistency. Use keywords from the job description such as "conceptual design," "digital design," "brand guidelines," and "Adobe Creative Cloud."
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research the Cotton On Group, its brands, and its purpose. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you collaborate with teams. Practice articulating your responses to common interview questions related to creativity, brand adherence, and project management.
• Company Research: Understand Cotton On's commitment to making a positive difference and its global presence. Be ready to discuss how your creative approach aligns with their brand values and mission.

⚠️ 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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