Senior Graphic Designer - 1 year FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer - 1 year FTC

Company: Kao Corporation

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: TEMPORARY

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-04-29T13:46:02

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end execution of compelling visual design across packaging, promotional, and digital platforms, ensuring brand consistency and market readiness.

• Translate creative briefs into innovative design concepts and adapt them across a diverse range of physical and digital formats.

• Collaborate closely with marketing teams, leadership, and external design resources to fulfill design objectives and deliver high-quality brand assets.

• Manage the entire design process, from initial concept development through to final commercialization and execution, demonstrating a deep understanding of each phase's inputs and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a fixed-term contract (FTC) for one year, indicating a project-based need for senior-level design expertise. The emphasis on "Kirei Life" suggests a focus on aesthetics, sustainability, and consumer well-being, which should inform design approaches for Kao's product lines, particularly in the beauty and consumer goods sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design impactful visuals for packaging, point-of-sale displays, and in-store communication materials.

• Develop engaging digital assets, including social media content, website page designs, and ongoing online updates, ensuring visual appeal and brand alignment.

• Interpret creative briefs, research design trends, and proactively identify external design resources, briefing and directing them to meet specific project objectives.

• Present design concepts and the work of outsourced resources to stakeholders, including peers and leadership, effectively articulating design rationale and strategic alignment.

• Ensure seamless transition from creative ideas to fully realized, market-ready assets by managing the entire design lifecycle, from concept to commercialization.

• Collaborate with marketers, leadership, and lead designers to understand project requirements and deliver design solutions that meet strategic goals.

• Maintain a high standard of design execution across all platforms, ensuring visual consistency and adherence to brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and project management, with a significant emphasis on managing external resources. This suggests the need for strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively brief and guide third-party designers to ensure alignment with Kao's brand vision and project requirements, particularly within the fast-paced consumer goods industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Graphic Design or Visual Communication.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of in-house Graphic Design experience, with a preference for Consumer Product Goods (CPG) and advantageous experience in the beauty industry.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design: Proficient in creating visually compelling designs across various media.

• Packaging Design: Expertise in designing effective and appealing product packaging.

• Visual Communication: Strong ability to convey messages and brand identity through visual elements.

• Digital Design: Skilled in designing for web, social media, and other digital platforms.

• Brand Identity: Understanding and application of brand guidelines to maintain consistent visual representation.

• Creative Concepting: Ability to generate innovative and effective design ideas.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Mac OS: Comfortable working within a Mac operating system environment.

• Design Process Understanding: Comprehensive knowledge of the entire design process from concept to commercialization/execution.

• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of multi-platform designs and demonstrating understanding of design phase inputs and deliverables.

Preferred Skills:

• Consumer Product Goods (CPG) experience.

• Beauty industry experience.

• Point-of-sale (POS) and in-store communication design.

• Project Management for design projects.

• Stakeholder Management and presentation skills.

• Art Direction for outsourced design resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of in-house experience positions this as a senior-level role. The preference for CPG and beauty experience is critical, as it indicates the need for an understanding of market dynamics, consumer trends, and aesthetic sensibilities specific to these sectors, which are key drivers in Kao's business.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Multi-Platform Design Showcase: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a breadth of work across packaging, promotional materials, social media, and web design.

• Concept to Commercialization: Evidence of managing design projects from initial ideation through to final production and market-ready execution.

• Process Understanding: Clear articulation and visual examples of understanding the inputs and deliverables for each phase of the design process.

• Brand Application: Demonstrations of how brand guidelines and identity were applied effectively across diverse design projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of how design workflows were structured and managed to ensure efficiency and quality.

• Resource Briefing: Case studies or examples of how external design resources were briefed and managed to achieve project goals.

• Cross-Platform Adaptation: Demonstrations of how initial concepts were successfully adapted and executed across multiple physical and digital touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with a "wide range of multi-platform designs" and an understanding of the "entire design process from concept to commercialization/execution" is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they manage projects, communicate with stakeholders, and ensure design integrity across diverse media, highlighting their ability to deliver commercially viable creative solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in London, the estimated annual salary range is £45,000 - £65,000. This range accounts for the fixed-term contract nature of the role, the seniority required, and the cost of living in London.

Benefits:

• Fixed-term contract for 1 year.

• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized consumer goods company.

• Exposure to diverse product lines within the beauty and personal care sectors.

• Potential for collaboration with experienced marketing and design professionals.

• Contribution to a company committed to sustainability and ethical practices ("Kirei Life").

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: As salary information was not provided, a regional salary benchmark for a Senior Graphic Designer in London with 5-10 years of experience has been estimated. This estimate considers the cost of living and typical remuneration for such roles in the UK's capital, acknowledging the FTC nature of the position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), with a strong focus on Beauty and Personal Care. Kao Corporation operates globally, emphasizing quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Company Size: Kao Corporation is a large, multinational corporation, employing approximately 33,000 people worldwide. This size suggests established processes, significant market presence, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: Kao was founded in Japan in 1887. Its long history indicates a stable, established company with a deep understanding of its markets and a commitment to long-term vision and values.

Team Structure:

• The graphic design function likely operates within the marketing or brand management departments.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will report to a Lead Designer or Marketing Manager, working closely with brand marketers and potentially external agencies.

Methodology:

• Design execution is guided by the company's "Kirei Life" philosophy, emphasizing beauty, well-being, and respect for the planet.

• Processes likely involve structured creative briefs, concept development phases, stakeholder reviews, and rigorous production management.

• Data-driven insights from market research and consumer feedback are likely integrated into design strategies to ensure market relevance and consumer appeal.

Company Website: https://www.kao.com/emea/en/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kao's commitment to "Kirei Life" and its status as a long-standing "World's Most Ethical Company" are core cultural tenets. This implies a work environment that values integrity, sustainability, and a holistic approach to consumer well-being, which should resonate in the design work and team interactions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Graphic Designer. This role is for an experienced professional who can independently manage complex design projects, lead creative execution, and guide external resources. It signifies a level of expertise beyond junior or mid-level roles, with an expectation of strategic contribution to brand visual development.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Creative Director, or Marketing Manager. This structure provides mentorship and strategic direction while allowing for significant autonomy in day-to-day design tasks and project management.

Operations Impact: The visual design output directly impacts brand perception, consumer engagement, and ultimately, sales performance. Effective packaging, promotional materials, and digital assets are crucial for attracting consumers, communicating product value, and differentiating Kao's brands in competitive markets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas such as packaging sustainability, digital UX/UI design principles, or advanced motion graphics.

• Project Leadership: Take on lead roles for larger, more strategic design initiatives and brand campaigns.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by collaborating on projects with international teams or other Kao business units.

• Potential for Permanent Role: Depending on business needs and performance, the fixed-term contract could potentially lead to a permanent position within Kao.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a fixed-term contract, the "Senior" designation implies a significant level of responsibility and the potential for the role to be a stepping stone. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to contribute strategically and integrate seamlessly into the team, showcasing their potential for future growth within Kao, should opportunities arise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in London, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This allows for direct collaboration, spontaneous brainstorming, and easier management of physical design assets and production processes.

Office Location(s): London, United Kingdom. This central location offers access to a vibrant creative community and good transport links for employees.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office space likely equipped with industry-standard design software and hardware (Mac computers).

• Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing teams, brand managers, and potentially other designers to foster creative synergy.

• Access to company resources, brand guidelines, and product samples to inform design work.

• A professional environment that encourages creativity while adhering to brand standards and project timelines.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely around 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be some flexibility to accommodate project deadlines, particularly during intensive production phases, but core hours will be expected for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key for this role, emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration and the ability to engage directly with the creative process and team dynamics within Kao's London office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Conversation: A screening call to assess experience, motivation, and cultural fit with Kao's values (integrity, courage, respect, DE&I).

• Skills-Based Interviews: Focus on design portfolio review, discussing specific projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. Expect to elaborate on how you translate briefs into creative solutions and manage the full design lifecycle.

• Value Alignment: Discussions to gauge alignment with Kao's "Kirei Life" philosophy, commitment to DE&I, and ethical business practices.

• Final Stage: Potentially a discussion with senior leadership or hiring manager to confirm suitability and discuss terms of the fixed-term contract.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects showcasing multi-platform design (packaging, digital, POS). Prioritize CPG or beauty industry examples if available.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your conceptual thinking, design decisions, execution challenges, and final outcomes. Use before-and-after visuals where applicable.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement rates, successful product launches, positive feedback on packaging). If direct metrics aren't available, focus on how your design addressed the core business objective.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Show how you adapted designs for different platforms and ensured consistency across all touchpoints.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Expect questions about your software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite) and experience with Mac OS.

Challenge Preparation:

• Conceptual Exercise: Be ready for a potential short design challenge or scenario-based question related to adapting a brief or solving a specific design problem for a Kao brand.

• Brand Understanding: Research Kao's key brands (e.g., Bioré, Curél, John Frieda, Molton Brown) and their visual identities. Understand their target audiences and market positioning.

• Ethical Design Thinking: Consider how you would incorporate sustainability or well-being into design concepts, aligning with Kao's "Kirei Life" philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not only technical design skills but also alignment with Kao's corporate values and a demonstrable understanding of the design process from concept to commercialization. Candidates should prepare to articulate their contributions and thought process for each portfolio piece.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and manipulating design assets across print and digital media.

• Mac OS: The role is specified to be performed on a Mac computer, requiring familiarity and comfort with the operating system.

• Digital Design Software: Familiarity with tools for web design (e.g., Figma, Sketch for UI/UX concepts) and social media content creation platforms may be beneficial.

• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint or Keynote will be necessary for presenting designs and project proposals to stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design tasks, but an awareness of how design assets are managed within marketing automation platforms or content management systems could be beneficial for digital deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is strong proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite on a Mac platform. While not explicitly stated, an understanding of digital design tools and basic analytics principles will enhance a candidate's suitability for adapting designs to digital platforms and understanding their performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in design and business interactions, aligning with Kao's long-standing ethical reputation.

• Courageous Innovation: Driving creative solutions and pushing boundaries in design to create compelling brand experiences.

• Trust and Respect: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and team members treat each other with consideration.

• Kirei Life Philosophy: A commitment to creating a beautiful life for all, which translates to design that is aesthetically pleasing, consumer-centric, and mindful of environmental impact.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I): Actively promoting an inclusive environment where all employees feel safe, engaged, and can bring their authentic selves to work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with marketers, brand managers, and potentially product development teams to ensure design solutions meet business objectives.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and giving constructive feedback on design work to achieve the best possible outcome.

• Resource Management: Effectively collaborating with and directing external design resources to ensure alignment and quality delivery.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders regarding project progress, challenges, and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kao's emphasis on DE&I and its "Kirei Life" philosophy are foundational to its culture. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these values and how they can be reflected in design choices, fostering an inclusive and mindful approach to creative work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative briefs into innovative designs while strictly adhering to Kao's established brand guidelines and the specific requirements of a 1-year FTC.

• Managing External Design Resources: Successfully briefing, directing, and quality-controlling work from external agencies or freelancers to ensure it meets Kao's high standards and project objectives.

• Adapting to Diverse Brand Needs: Designing for a range of Kao brands, which may have distinct target audiences and aesthetic requirements within the CPG and beauty sectors.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Delivering high-quality design work within tight deadlines typical of the consumer goods industry, especially for promotional and digital assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand Portfolio Expansion: Gaining hands-on experience with a diverse portfolio of well-known consumer brands.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Working within a global organization with potential exposure to international marketing strategies and design trends.

• Project Management Skills: Enhancing skills in managing design projects from inception to completion, including stakeholder communication and resource coordination.

• Industry Insight: Deepening understanding of the CPG and beauty markets, including packaging trends, consumer preferences, and digital marketing strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity to hone skills in managing projects and external resources under the umbrella of a respected global brand. Candidates should view the challenges as opportunities to demonstrate their adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to delivering high-impact design solutions within a defined timeframe.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a creative brief into multiple design concepts for a consumer product." (Be prepared to walk through a past project.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different platforms, such as packaging, social media, and web?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to manage an external design resource. What was the brief, how did you direct them, and what was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'Kirei Life' mean to you, and how would you incorporate this philosophy into your design work?"

• "How do you contribute to a diverse and inclusive team environment?"

• "Describe your experience working in an in-house design role. What are the unique challenges and rewards?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use a clear narrative: Problem/Brief -> Your Solution/Concept -> Process/Execution -> Results/Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and clear visuals. Show the breadth of your work (e.g., packaging mockups, social media post examples, website page layouts).

• Conciseness: Be articulate and to the point. Highlight your specific contribution and decision-making process.

• Engagement: Be ready to answer questions about your design choices and be open to feedback. Show enthusiasm for Kao's brands and mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess not only your technical design skills but also your strategic thinking, project management capabilities, and alignment with Kao's core values. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate how your experience makes you a strong candidate for this specific FTC role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Kao's greenhouse portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio submission to highlight your strongest multi-platform design work, emphasizing packaging, promotional, and digital assets relevant to the CPG and beauty industries.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of in-house design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Mac OS, and any CPG or beauty industry experience. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project management skills, and how you've successfully managed external resources. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and situational questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kao Corporation, its "Kirei Life" philosophy, its key brands (e.g., Bioré, Curél, John Frieda), and its commitment to ethical practices and DE&I.

⚠️ 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.