Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer Company: YABA Ventures SA Location: Madrid, Madrid Community, Spain Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Date Posted: 2025-09-26 Experience Level: 10+ Years (Senior) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of graphic designers, fostering a high-performance creative environment and ensuring the consistent application of brand visual identities.
• Develop and execute high-impact creative assets across packaging, social media, e-commerce, and marketplace platforms for purposeful consumer brands in the healthy food, nutrition, and wellness sectors.
• Translate brand strategy and marketing objectives into visually compelling designs that drive brand growth and emotional connection with target audiences.
• Leverage both traditional design tools and emerging AI technologies to enhance creative output, streamline workflows, and elevate the overall efficiency and quality of design deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, strategy, and product development, to ensure cohesive brand messaging and visual consistency across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is for a Senior Graphic Designer, the emphasis on leading a team, strategic input, and leveraging AI suggests a significant operations component within the creative function, akin to a Creative Operations Lead or Design Operations Manager, focusing on process, efficiency, and team management. The "startup-minded team" context implies a need for adaptability and hands-on involvement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide creative direction and art direction for all visual assets, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, target audience, and market positioning for multiple brands.
• Oversee the design and production of packaging, digital marketing collateral (social media graphics, ad creatives, website banners), e-commerce product listings, and marketplace content.
• Guide and mentor junior designers, providing constructive feedback, skill development opportunities, and ensuring adherence to design best practices and brand guidelines.
• Implement and manage design workflows, project timelines, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and timely delivery of all creative projects.
• Integrate AI-powered design tools and methodologies to optimize creative processes, explore innovative visual concepts, and enhance the speed and quality of design output.
• Collaborate with marketing and product teams to conceptualize and execute integrated campaigns that effectively communicate brand value propositions and drive consumer engagement.
• Maintain and evolve brand style guides, ensuring consistency and quality across all brand touchpoints and asset types.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify design trends and opportunities for brand differentiation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and leadership, with a strong focus on brand development and cross-functional collaboration. The integration of AI tools points towards a need for operational efficiency and forward-thinking design process management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles in this domain. Experience: 8+ years of experience in graphic design and art direction, with a strong preference for experience within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), food, wellness, or beauty industries. Experience in international environments is a plus. Proven experience in leading and mentoring design teams is essential.

Required Skills:

• Extensive portfolio showcasing brand development across both print (packaging) and digital (social media, e-commerce) mediums.
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Figma.
• Proficiency in leveraging modern AI-powered design tools for creative enhancement and workflow optimization.
• Strong understanding of visual storytelling, branding principles, and consumer psychology.
• Demonstrated ability in art direction, creative concept development, and execution.
• Proven experience in team coordination, mentorship, and performance management.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Problem-solving aptitude and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced, startup-like environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics and video editing software.
• Familiarity with e-commerce platform design requirements and best practices.
• Knowledge of SEO principles as they relate to visual content optimization.
• Experience in a startup or high-growth company environment.
• Understanding of the healthy food, nutrition, and wellness market landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8+ years of experience and team coordination/mentoring skills strongly indicates a senior-level role with leadership responsibilities. The explicit mention of AI tools suggests a need for candidates who are not only skilled designers but also operationally minded in adopting new technologies to improve efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record in brand development, including logos, brand identity systems, packaging design, and marketing collateral.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the design process, strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and the impact of design on business objectives (e.g., brand awareness, sales conversion).
• Examples of work across digital platforms, including social media campaigns, website design elements, and e-commerce content, showcasing adaptability to different media.
• Visualizations of how designs have been applied to physical products (packaging mockups) and digital interfaces.
• Evidence of ability to maintain brand consistency across diverse applications and platforms.

Process Documentation:

• While not a direct requirement for the designer, the role implies a need to contribute to or adhere to established design process documentation. This could include:
  • Workflow design for asset creation, review, and approval cycles.
  • Implementation of design systems and style guides.
  • Measurement and analysis of design performance metrics (e.g., engagement rates for social media content, conversion rates for e-commerce visuals).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role with leadership responsibilities, the portfolio isn't just about aesthetics; it's a demonstration of strategic thinking, process management, and tangible business impact. The company's focus on "building and scaling" brands suggests a need for designers who can contribute to scalable design processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Madrid, Spain's market rates for a Senior Graphic Designer with 8-10+ years of experience, including art direction and team leadership responsibilities, the estimated annual salary range is €45,000 - €65,000 gross. This estimate accounts for the company's focus on the CPG/wellness sector and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• People-First Culture: Emphasis on a supportive and impactful work environment.
• 25 Vacation Days: Generous annual leave for rest and personal time.
• Smart Compensation: Access to tax-advantaged flexible retribution, allowing personalization of compensation with lifestyle-fitting benefits.
• Work-Life Harmony: Flexible hours and a hybrid work option promoting balance.
• Monthly Wellbeing Day Off: 12 extra days off per year dedicated to personal well-being.
• Birthday Off: A day off during the birthday month for personal celebration.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. The hybrid arrangement and flexible hours offer adaptability, allowing designers to manage their schedules effectively while meeting project demands and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are strong and indicate a company that values employee well-being and work-life balance. The salary range is an estimation based on industry benchmarks for a senior role in Madrid, Spain, considering the specific industry and responsibilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage, Nutrition, Wellness, Consumer Goods (CPG). YABA Ventures SA focuses on building and scaling purposeful brands in these high-growth sectors, aiming for "thriving longevity" through a combination of health and pleasure. Company Size: The description implies a growing, entrepreneurial team that is "startup-minded." While an exact number isn't given, the context suggests a dynamic, agile environment, likely in the startup or scale-up phase, where individual contributions have a significant impact. Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's mission and approach suggest a modern, forward-thinking organization dedicated to innovation in the wellness space.

Team Structure:

• The role involves leading and coordinating a "small design team," indicating a direct reporting structure where the Senior Graphic Designer acts as a team lead or manager.
• Collaboration is expected with "talented marketers, strategists, and entrepreneurs," suggesting cross-functional interaction with various departments to drive brand initiatives.
• The environment is described as "fast-paced, agile," requiring adaptability and proactive engagement.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly detailed for design, the company's mission implies a data-informed approach to brand building, suggesting designs should be informed by market insights and performance metrics.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role requires managing projects and potentially contributing to the optimization of design workflows, especially with the integration of AI tools.
• Automation & Efficiency Practices: The explicit mention of leveraging AI technologies points towards a company culture that embraces automation and efficiency in creative processes.

Company Website: https://yaba.jobs.personio.com/job/2363644 (This appears to be a job portal link, not the main company website.)

📝 Enhancement Note: YABA Ventures SA positions itself as a curator of well-being, emphasizing a holistic approach. The culture seems to value growth, collaboration, and innovation, particularly in leveraging technology like AI within creative operations. The "startup-minded" aspect suggests a need for proactive, adaptable individuals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Senior Graphic Designer" with leadership responsibilities, placing it at a senior individual contributor or first-level management level within the creative function. It requires a blend of advanced design skills, strategic thinking, and team management capabilities. Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Head of Marketing, or a similar leadership role responsible for brand strategy and execution. They will, in turn, lead and guide a small team of designers. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on brand perception, market positioning, and consumer engagement. By shaping the visual identity of multiple brands across key channels, the Senior Graphic Designer influences brand recognition, customer acquisition, and ultimately, sales performance. Their ability to streamline creative processes and integrate new technologies also impacts overall operational efficiency within the marketing and creative departments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Development: Opportunity to develop skills in creative operations, design workflow management, and the strategic integration of AI tools within a creative context.
• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into a Creative Director role or manage larger creative teams as the company scales.
• Brand Portfolio Expansion: Gain experience managing visual identities for a diverse portfolio of brands across different wellness and nutrition categories.
• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge and expertise in the CPG, food, nutrition, and wellness sectors.
• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the development of internal creative talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth from a senior individual contributor to a leadership position, with significant opportunities to shape creative operations and brand strategy in a dynamic industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work arrangement, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. This suggests a modern office space designed to facilitate teamwork, brainstorming, and focused work. Office Location(s): The office is located in Madrid, Spain, specifically at Calle Virgen de los Peligros 3 Izquierda 3, 28013 Madrid. This central location likely offers good accessibility for employees commuting to the office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on teamwork suggest an environment where collaboration and idea-sharing are encouraged, likely facilitated through designated meeting spaces and digital collaboration tools.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and potentially cutting-edge AI design tools, supporting both creative execution and process efficiency.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing, strategy, and fellow design team members, fostering a cohesive and supportive working dynamic.

Work Schedule: The work schedule likely follows standard business hours, but the "flexible hours" benefit provides a degree of autonomy. This flexibility is crucial for a role that balances creative output with team coordination and potential client/stakeholder interactions. The hybrid nature allows for structured workdays in the office and focused time remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model combined with flexible hours aims to provide a good work-life balance, appealing to professionals who value autonomy and adaptability. The office location in Madrid provides a vibrant urban setting for those who choose to work from the office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The process is designed to be simple and transparent, with a maximum of three interactions:

1. People & Culture Screening: An initial assessment, likely with HR or a People & Culture representative, to gauge cultural fit, alignment with YABA's values (care, curiosity, eagerness, joy), and basic qualifications.
2. Technical Interview: A deeper dive into design skills, creative process, technical proficiency (Adobe Suite, Figma, AI tools), and art direction capabilities, conducted with team members. This is where your portfolio will be a key discussion point.
3. Interview with Leader: A final interview, likely with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Marketing, CEO), to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit with the company's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Brand Development: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to build and evolve brand identities from concept to execution across diverse platforms.
• Strategic Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your strategic approach, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results or impact achieved.
• Process and Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your design process, including how you approach briefs, conduct research, iterate on concepts, and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: Include examples or discuss your experience leading design projects, mentoring junior designers, and managing team workflows.
• AI Integration Examples: If possible, showcase projects where AI tools were used to enhance creativity, efficiency, or explore new visual territories.
• Tailor to YABA: Research YABA Ventures' portfolio of brands and tailor your presentation to highlight relevant experience and demonstrate an understanding of their market.

Challenge Preparation: While a specific "challenge" isn't outlined, be prepared for potential discussion points or hypothetical scenarios related to:

• Brand Visual Identity Development: How would you approach creating a visual identity for a new wellness brand?
• Creative Problem-Solving: How would you address a situation where a design project is falling behind schedule or not meeting initial expectations?
• Team Management: How would you provide feedback to a junior designer whose work isn't meeting brand standards?
• AI in Design: Discuss your perspective on integrating AI into creative workflows and potential benefits or challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate not only technical skills but also cultural fit and leadership potential. A strong, well-articulated portfolio that showcases strategic thinking and leadership is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential for all graphic design tasks, from asset creation to final production.
• Figma: Increasingly the industry standard for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency is explicitly required.
• AI-Powered Design Tools: Candidates are expected to be proficient in or willing to learn modern AI tools for design enhancement, ideation, and efficiency. Examples could include tools for generative design, image editing/upscaling, or content creation assistance.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly managed by the designer, understanding how design impacts performance metrics is key. Familiarity with analytics dashboards that track website traffic, social media engagement, and e-commerce conversion rates would be beneficial for understanding design effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as primary requirements for this role, but experience with project management or workflow automation tools within a creative context could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is non-negotiable. The emphasis on "modern AI-powered design tools" signals a need for a candidate who is forward-thinking and adaptable to new technologies that can streamline creative operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Care: Demonstrated through a "People-First Culture" and a focus on well-being, suggesting a supportive and empathetic team environment.
• Curiosity: Encouraged by the "startup-minded team" and the opportunity to "propose and test new design approaches," fostering a culture of exploration and learning.
• Eagerness: Implied in the fast-paced, agile environment and the mission to build and scale impactful brands, requiring proactive and driven individuals.
• Joy: Highlighted as a core value, suggesting a positive and engaging workplace where passion for the mission and work is celebrated.
• Efficiency & Innovation: The integration of AI tools and the focus on evolving creative standards point to a value placed on efficient processes and innovative solutions within the creative function.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with marketing, strategy, and other entrepreneurial teams, emphasizing a cohesive approach to brand building.
• Process Review & Feedback: The culture supports open collaboration, suggesting that feedback exchange and process improvement discussions are common and valued.
• Knowledge Sharing: A collaborative environment likely fosters knowledge sharing, particularly around design trends, AI tool applications, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: YABA Ventures SA cultivates a culture that balances professional drive with personal well-being. The values encourage a proactive, curious, and collaborative approach to creative work, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and positive impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Brands: Managing the visual identity and creative output for a diverse portfolio of brands requires strong organizational skills and the ability to switch contexts effectively.
• Integrating AI: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating new AI design tools into existing workflows can be a learning curve and requires continuous adaptation.
• Startup Pace: Operating in a "startup-minded" environment means adapting to rapid changes, evolving priorities, and potentially limited resources, demanding agility and resourcefulness.
• Elevating Creative Standards: The responsibility to "evolve Yaba’s creative standards and toolkit" requires proactive initiative and a strategic vision for design excellence.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Develop expertise in creative operations management, including workflow optimization, project management, and the strategic use of technology.
• Industry Specialization: Gain deep expertise in the rapidly growing wellness, nutrition, and healthy food sectors.
• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone leadership and mentoring skills by guiding a design team and contributing to strategic brand decisions.
• Exposure to AI Innovation: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools in a creative context, positioning the candidate at the forefront of design technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to grow not only as a designer but also as a creative operations leader, navigating the challenges of a scaling business with a focus on innovation and well-being.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Strategy to Visuals: "How would you translate YABA's mission of 'lifelong well-being curator' and 'thriving longevity' into a compelling visual identity for a new nutrition brand?" Focus on your process, conceptualization, and how you'd ensure strategic alignment.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: "Describe a situation where you had to mentor a junior designer who was struggling with a specific design task or brand guideline. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" Be ready to discuss your leadership style and feedback mechanisms.
• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Imagine a scenario where a key marketing campaign's visual assets are delayed due to unforeseen design complexities. How would you troubleshoot this, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure timely delivery, potentially leveraging AI tools?" Highlight your process for overcoming bottlenecks.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding YABA's Mission: "What aspects of YABA Ventures' mission and values resonate most with you, and how do you see your role contributing to our focus on well-being and longevity?" Show genuine interest and alignment.
• Hybrid Work & Collaboration: "How do you proactively maintain strong collaboration and communication with your team and cross-functional partners in a hybrid work environment?" Discuss your strategies for staying connected and productive.
• AI in Design: "What are your thoughts on the role of AI in graphic design, and how do you see it impacting the creative process and brand development in the wellness industry?" Be prepared to discuss its potential benefits and challenges.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your strategic approach, the design solutions, and the impact (quantifiable if possible).
• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio showcases your proficiency in brand development, packaging, digital design, and your ability to lead/mentor.
• Demonstrate Process: Walk through your design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and final execution.
• Emphasize AI Integration: If applicable, clearly communicate how AI tools were used and the benefits they provided.
• Conciseness and Impact: Be prepared to present key projects efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful work for YABA Ventures.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design expertise but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and adaptability, particularly regarding new technologies like AI and the company's specific industry focus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the YABA Ventures careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest work in brand development, packaging design, and digital marketing assets, especially those relevant to the CPG, food, wellness, or beauty sectors. Consider creating a concise presentation deck or highlighting specific case studies that align with YABA's mission.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8+ years of experience, art direction capabilities, team leadership/mentorship experience, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and AI design tools. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and leadership philosophy. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and mentorship. Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough to be clear, concise, and impactful.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research YABA Ventures SA, their mission, their current brand portfolio (if publicly available), and their values. Understand their focus on wellness and longevity to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.