Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer Company: Johnson Controls Location: Dublin, Ireland Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: July 23, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute high-impact creative projects, shaping visual direction for campaigns and assets within a global organization.
• Drive strategic thinking and hands-on design execution, mentoring junior talent and elevating creative standards across marketing initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to translate business objectives into compelling visual narratives, ensuring brand consistency while fostering creative exploration.
• Champion efficient project management and resource allocation using tools like Wrike, demonstrating both strategic foresight and tactical execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer with significant leadership and strategic responsibilities, extending beyond traditional design execution. The emphasis on mentoring, strategic thinking, and stakeholder collaboration suggests a key contributor within the marketing operations or creative services function, supporting global GTM strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the concept development and visual execution for high-impact global marketing campaigns and critical brand assets, ensuring alignment with strategic business goals.
• Collaborate with marketing, brand, and cross-functional teams to deeply understand project requirements, translate business objectives into compelling design solutions, and present design rationale clearly.
• Provide expert design direction, constructive feedback, and mentorship to junior and middleweight designers, fostering their professional development and ensuring quality output.
• Champion brand consistency across all creative deliverables while actively exploring and proposing innovative creative possibilities that push the boundaries within established brand guidelines.
• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously using project management tools such as Wrike, ensuring efficient resource planning and timely delivery.
• Actively monitor industry trends, emerging design technologies, and competitor activities to inject fresh perspectives and innovative approaches into the team's creative output.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of creative services, aligning visual content creation with customer needs and overarching marketing objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership, project management, and strategic contribution, typical of a senior role within a marketing operations or creative services team. The mention of "Global Creative’s" and "geographically dispersed organization" points to the need for strong remote collaboration and adaptability within a matrixed structure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Digital Media, Visual Communication, or a related field is preferred. A Master's degree (MA) is considered a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of professional design experience, with significant exposure to in-house creative departments or agency environments.
• Demonstrated experience in leading design projects from concept to completion and a proven track record of mentoring and guiding other designers.
• Experience working effectively within virtual, hybrid, or geographically dispersed organizations, showcasing adaptability and strong remote collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, handle complex issues, and adapt rapidly to changing project demands and business needs.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for creating high-quality visual assets.
• Exceptional conceptual thinking and visual storytelling abilities to translate complex ideas into impactful designs.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage timelines, resources, and deliverables, ideally with experience using tools like Wrike.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated analytical and strategic approach to problem-solving, with a focus on achieving business objectives through design.
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and matrix-managed environment.
• Commitment to valuing diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of project leadership and team collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics or video editing software.
• Familiarity with digital marketing best practices and asset creation for various online channels.
• Knowledge of brand management principles and experience working within established brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "advanced proficiency" in Adobe Creative Suite, coupled with "conceptual thinking" and "strategic approach," indicates a need for a designer who can not only execute but also innovate and guide. The mention of Wrike suggests a preference for candidates familiar with workflow management tools common in operations and creative teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 6 years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on leading creative projects and impactful campaign execution.
• Demonstrate a clear progression of skills, including conceptual development, visual design execution, and brand stewardship across various media.
• Include examples of strategic problem-solving through design, illustrating how visual solutions addressed specific business challenges or marketing objectives.
• Showcase evidence of mentoring or guiding junior designers, highlighting leadership capabilities and the ability to foster talent.
• Provide examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams, demonstrating the ability to translate stakeholder needs into effective design outcomes.
• Highlight projects where brand consistency was maintained while exploring creative innovation.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should ideally reflect a structured design process, from initial brief and concepting through to final asset delivery and stakeholder approval.
• Be prepared to discuss the specific tools and workflows used for each project, particularly any project management or collaboration systems employed.
• Candidates should be able to articulate their approach to managing feedback and revisions efficiently, demonstrating a clear understanding of process optimization in creative workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements for a portfolio emphasize leadership, strategic thinking, and process, aligning with the needs of a senior role within an operations-focused creative team. The ability to discuss process and tools is critical for assessing how effectively they integrate into existing workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated salary range for a Senior Graphic Designer in Dublin, Ireland, with 6-10 years of experience, typically falls between €50,000 and €70,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior creative roles in major European cities and considers the cost of living in Dublin. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and interview performance.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuous learning.
• Access to employee assistance programs for well-being support.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements, promoting work-life balance.
• Employee discount programs and potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The company operates on a hybrid model, allowing for a combination of in-office and remote work, offering flexibility in managing work schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on current market data for similar roles in Dublin, Ireland, considering the specified experience level. It's important for candidates to note this is an estimate and actual compensation may vary. The benefits package is typical for a large, established corporation like Johnson Controls.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Technologies and Solutions (HVAC, Fire Safety, Security, Building Automation). Johnson Controls is a global leader in creating smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This size indicates a well-established structure, robust processes, and significant resources, offering stability and extensive career development opportunities within operations and creative functions. Founded: 1885. With a long history, Johnson Controls has a deep-rooted understanding of its markets and a commitment to innovation and long-term growth, influencing its operational culture towards reliability and forward-thinking solutions.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Head of Global Creative, suggesting it sits within a centralized marketing or creative services function that supports various business units and regions.
• The team likely includes other designers (junior, middleweight), potentially art directors, copywriters, and project managers, forming a collaborative unit focused on delivering high-quality creative output.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with marketing teams, product managers, sales enablement, and other departments requiring creative assets and campaign support.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs a data-driven approach to creative development, using insights from campaign performance and market research to inform design decisions.
• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial, with an emphasis on efficient project management, likely utilizing tools such as Wrike, to manage the pipeline of creative requests.
• Automation and efficiency practices may be integrated where possible, especially in asset creation and brand compliance checks, to streamline processes and free up designers for higher-level creative work.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's large size and long history suggest a structured environment with established operational processes. The role within Global Creative implies a strategic position supporting worldwide marketing efforts, requiring adaptability and strong communication across diverse teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Senior Graphic Designer role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the creative and marketing operations hierarchy. It involves significant responsibility for project leadership, creative direction, and mentorship, indicating a path towards potential Art Director or Creative Lead roles. Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Head of Global Creative, placing it within a key strategic function. This direct reporting line provides visibility to senior leadership and opportunities to influence creative strategy at a global level. The team structure likely involves collaboration with peers and guidance of junior team members. Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer directly impacts the company's go-to-market (GTM) strategy by developing compelling visual assets and campaigns that enhance brand perception, drive engagement, and support sales enablement. Effective visual communication is critical for conveying the value proposition of Johnson Controls’ complex building technologies and solutions, thereby influencing lead generation and customer acquisition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership: Progression to Art Director or Creative Director roles, with increased responsibility for overall creative vision, strategy, and team management.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to specialize in areas like digital design, motion graphics, branding, or UI/UX design through training and project assignments.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Potential to move into broader marketing roles, leveraging design expertise in areas like product marketing, campaign management, or brand strategy.
• Global Impact: Gaining experience in managing creative projects for a global audience, developing a nuanced understanding of international markets and diverse cultural aesthetics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear pathway for growth within a large, established organization, particularly for those looking to advance in creative leadership or specialize within marketing operations. The emphasis on global projects provides valuable experience for a career in international marketing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Johnson Controls typically operates with modern, professional office spaces that are designed to foster collaboration and productivity. Given the hybrid work arrangement, the office environment will likely support both individual focused work and team-based creative sessions. Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Dublin, Ireland. This location offers access to a vibrant business community and a skilled talent pool. Specific details on office amenities and accessibility would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to encourage collaboration, with opportunities for designers to interact with colleagues, share ideas, and receive feedback in a dynamic setting.
• Employees will have access to the necessary design tools and technology, including advanced software and hardware, to support their creative work effectively.
• Opportunities for regular interaction with the operations and marketing teams will be prevalent, fostering a connected and integrated working environment.

Work Schedule: A hybrid work schedule is in place, allowing for a flexible balance between working from home and in the office. This structure aims to support employee well-being while ensuring effective team collaboration and project execution. Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect of the work setting, requiring self-discipline and effective communication skills from team members. The Dublin location places the role within a significant European hub, offering a professional and collaborative atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess qualifications and creative fit. Be ready to articulate your career trajectory and key achievements.
• Technical/Creative Interview: This stage will likely involve a deeper dive into your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, and your ability to handle conceptualization and execution. Expect questions about your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and your approach to problem-solving.
• Skills Assessment/Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design challenge or a case study that simulates real-world tasks. This will assess your practical skills, strategic thinking, and ability to work under pressure. Focus on demonstrating your process, not just the final output.
• Stakeholder/Team Interview: Interviews with the Head of Global Creative and potentially other team members or cross-functional partners. This assesses your cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you mentor others and work with diverse stakeholders.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your strategic alignment with the company's vision and your potential impact on global creative initiatives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase leadership, conceptual thinking, and diverse skill sets. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your strategic approach, the process you followed, and the measurable results or impact achieved. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.
• Highlight Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process, including how you approach research, concept development, iteration, feedback integration, and final execution. Mention any tools or systems (like Wrike) used to manage the project.
• Showcase Leadership: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to mentor junior designers, lead projects, and present creative concepts persuasively to stakeholders.
• Tailor for Johnson Controls: If possible, include projects that align with the building technology or B2B industry, or demonstrate an understanding of corporate branding and global campaigns.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design challenge provided. Identify the core objective, target audience, and key constraints.
• Outline Your Approach: Before diving into design, plan your strategy, sketch out initial concepts, and define the steps you will take. This demonstrates structured thinking.
• Focus on Rationale: Be ready to explain the "why" behind your design choices—color palettes, typography, layout, and overall concept. Connect your decisions back to the brief and business objectives.
• Time Management: Practice delivering a polished presentation within the allocated timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate not only design skills but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and collaborative abilities. A well-prepared portfolio that highlights process and impact is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is essential, specifically:
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icon design, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design, publications, brochures, and marketing collateral.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Wrike is preferred for workflow management, task prioritization, and resource planning, reflecting the operational needs of the role.
• Presentation Software: Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating and delivering design presentations to stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how design impacts analytics will be beneficial. Familiarity with Google Analytics or similar platforms to understand website traffic, user behavior, and content performance related to visual assets is a plus.
• Experience with data visualization tools or principles to effectively present performance metrics related to creative campaigns.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified as primary requirements for this design role, but understanding how creative assets integrate with CRM systems (like Salesforce, if used internally) or marketing automation platforms (like Marketo or HubSpot) for campaign deployment can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Wrike highlights the core technical requirements. Understanding the broader marketing technology ecosystem, even if not directly using CRM/automation tools, demonstrates an appreciation for how design fits into the larger GTM operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful creative work that meets strategic objectives and adheres to brand standards.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with marketing, sales, and other departments, viewing them as partners in achieving business goals.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, exploring emerging design trends, and constantly seeking ways to enhance creative processes and outcomes.
• Data-Informed Creativity: Utilizing insights from data and performance metrics to guide design decisions and measure the effectiveness of creative assets.
• Efficiency & Organization: Maintaining organized workflows, managing projects effectively, and striving for efficient use of resources and time.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with various teams to understand their needs and providing creative solutions that support their objectives, ensuring seamless integration of creative within broader GTM strategies.
• Constructive Feedback Culture: Participating in and providing constructive feedback during design reviews, fostering an environment where ideas are openly shared and refined.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share best practices, techniques, and insights with team members to collectively elevate the creative output and operational efficiency of the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative quality, operational efficiency, and collaborative spirit, which are essential for success in a large, global organization's marketing operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Effectively managing and prioritizing a diverse range of creative projects from various stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. This requires strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency Globally: Ensuring a cohesive brand identity across all creative assets, while adapting them for different regional markets and campaign objectives.
• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying abreast of the latest design trends, technologies, and best practices to keep Johnson Controls' visual communications fresh and relevant.
• Working with Ambiguity: Navigating complex projects or unclear briefs by applying strategic thinking and proactively seeking clarity to drive effective design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Access to courses or workshops to deepen expertise in specific design software, techniques (e.g., motion graphics, UI/UX), or emerging creative technologies.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend design conferences, webinars, or workshops to gain insights into industry best practices and network with peers.
• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs, either as a mentee to learn from senior leaders or as a mentor to develop leadership skills.
• Cross-functional Projects: Involvement in projects that span different marketing functions, providing exposure to campaign strategy, digital marketing, and broader business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability and strong organizational skills, common in senior operations-adjacent roles. The growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and career progression within a corporate structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Leadership & Mentorship: "Describe a time you led a significant creative project from concept to completion. How did you manage the process, and how did you mentor any junior designers involved?" Prepare an example that highlights your project management (mentioning tools like Wrike if applicable), strategic thinking, and leadership.
• Stakeholder Management: "How do you approach collaborating with non-design stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into effective visual solutions? Provide an example of a challenging stakeholder interaction and how you resolved it." Focus on your communication skills, diplomacy, and ability to manage expectations.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: "Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge or ambiguity in a design project. How did you adapt your approach, and what was the outcome?" Be ready to showcase your analytical and strategic problem-solving skills, emphasizing flexibility.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Understanding: "What are your initial impressions of Johnson Controls' brand identity, and how would you approach maintaining and evolving it through design?" Research the company's current branding and marketing materials.
• Team Dynamics: "How do you typically collaborate with other designers and cross-functional team members? What makes a creative team successful in your opinion?" Discuss your preferred collaboration style and how you contribute to a positive team environment.
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work? Can you provide an example of how your design contributed to a specific business or marketing objective?" Prepare to discuss metrics or qualitative outcomes that demonstrate the impact of your creative contributions.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your process, and the results. Use a consistent structure for all projects.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, brand recognition).
• Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss the tools and workflows you used, including project management software. This demonstrates your operational awareness.
• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly, stays within the allotted time, and clearly communicates your value proposition as a senior designer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also strategic thinking, leadership, and an understanding of how creative work supports broader business and operational objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Johnson Controls careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, and successful project execution within an operational context. Prioritize quality and relevance to a global B2B environment.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 6+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, project leadership, and any experience with project management tools like Wrike. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic rationale, and leadership experience. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and mentorship. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Johnson Controls' business, its products/services, and its brand identity. Understand the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation, and consider how your design skills can contribute to their 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.