Senior Graphic Designer - Ceres Global Support Centre

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer - Ceres Global Support Centre

Company: Cotton On Group

Location: Geelong, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full time, Temporary (12-month maternity leave cover)

Category: Graphic Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: May 08, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative output for the Ceres Life brand, driving visual identity and campaign execution across digital and print channels.

• Develop and execute engaging, on-brand design solutions that align with brand DNA and commercial objectives.

• Champion performance creative by conceptualizing and producing optimized content for digital platforms, particularly Meta ads.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure timely, high-quality design delivery.

• Contribute to creative strategy, seasonal concept development, and mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Senior Graphic Designer focusing on creative output for the "Ceres Life" brand within the Cotton On Group. While the core function is graphic design, the emphasis on "performance creative," "digital channels," and "Meta ads" suggests a strong alignment with Marketing Operations and GTM (Go-To-Market) strategies, requiring a designer who understands how creative assets directly impact campaign performance and revenue. The temporary nature of the role (12-month maternity leave cover) is a key consideration for candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the creative direction and execution for Ceres Life, from concept ideation through to final delivery of digital and print assets.

• Develop compelling visual narratives for seasonal campaigns, brand moments, and evergreen content that resonate with the target audience and drive engagement.

• Create and optimize graphic assets for digital advertising platforms, with a specific focus on Meta (Facebook/Instagram) ads, understanding engagement drivers and conversion metrics.

• Design and edit content for various digital platforms, including social media, email marketing, and website banners, potentially including basic video editing for social media.

• Translate creative briefs into considered, on-brand design solutions that effectively communicate the brand message, DNA, and product offerings.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, e-commerce, and merchandising teams to ensure creative output aligns with broader GTM strategies and business objectives.

• Maintain brand consistency and integrity across all design outputs, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and ensuring timely delivery within deadlines.

• Support and mentor junior designers or team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative creative environment.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external agencies, and suppliers to facilitate smooth project execution and high-quality outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design leadership and performance-driven marketing execution. The focus on "performance creative," "Meta ads," and "digital channels" indicates this role is not just about aesthetics but also about driving measurable results, making it a critical function within the GTM operations. The emphasis on "owning ideas from concept through to execution" signifies a high degree of autonomy and responsibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5-10 years of demonstrated experience in a Graphic Designer or Senior Graphic Designer role.

• Ideally, experience within the fashion, lifestyle, or retail industries, with a portfolio showcasing relevant work.

Required Skills:

• Conceptual Thinking: Strong ability to develop creative ideas and translate them into compelling visual solutions.

• Digital Design Expertise: Proficient in designing for digital platforms, including social media, web banners, and email campaigns.

• Performance Creative Acumen: Understanding of what drives engagement and conversion on digital advertising platforms, particularly Meta ads.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

• Layout & Typography: Strong command of design principles, including layout, visual hierarchy, and effective typography.

• Brand Stewardship: Ability to interpret brand guidelines and consistently apply them across all creative outputs.

• Project Management: Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and cross-functional teamwork.

• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and solving design challenges, with a willingness to take initiative.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing: Experience in creating and editing short-form video content optimized for digital channels.

• Sketch Proficiency: Familiarity or willingness to learn Sketch for UI/UX design elements.

• Print Design: Experience in producing high-quality print collateral (e.g., lookbooks, in-store signage).

• Fashion/Lifestyle Branding: Specific experience working with brands in similar sectors.

• Adaptability to Feedback: Positive and constructive approach to receiving and implementing feedback to refine creative outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "performance creative" and "Meta ads" is critical and suggests the need for a designer who understands marketing funnels and conversion optimization, bridging the gap between creative and performance marketing operations. The "5-10 years" experience level reinforces the "Senior" title, expecting strategic input and leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, curated portfolio that showcases a breadth of creative work, demonstrating conceptual thinking, design execution, and versatility across digital and print mediums.

• Case studies that highlight end-to-end project ownership, from initial brief to final, impactful delivery.

• Examples of work specifically tailored for digital channels, including social media campaigns and performance-driven ad creative (e.g., Meta ads).

• Demonstrations of strong layout, typography, and visual hierarchy principles in practice.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, including how they approach:

  • Brief interpretation and concept development.

  • Collaboration with stakeholders and incorporation of feedback.

  • Workflow management for multiple concurrent projects.

  • Optimization of designs for specific digital platforms and performance goals.

  • Execution and delivery of final assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role with a focus on performance, the portfolio must go beyond aesthetic appeal. It needs to demonstrate strategic thinking, understanding of campaign objectives, and the ability to create assets that drive measurable business outcomes. Quantifiable results (e.g., "increased click-through rates by X%" or "contributed to Y% uplift in campaign engagement") will be highly valued in portfolio case studies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.

• Flexible working options and supportive people-first leave initiatives.

• Access to a world-class Support Centre featuring an in-house restaurant and a state-of-the-art wellness centre with a free gym and holistic health services.

• Subsidised onsite childcare centre.

• 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, covering mental health, relationships, family, and more.

• Opportunities for local and global career growth within the Cotton On Group.

• Discounts for employees and their families on medical services, travel, financial services, and more.

• Performance & Peak incentives designed to reward and recognise team contributions.

• Returnity Program: A paid program to support new parents transitioning back to work.

• Dog-friendly workplace policies.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 38-40 hours per week. The role offers flexible working options, suggesting a hybrid model where some days are worked from the Geelong Support Centre and others remotely, allowing for a balance between collaborative in-office work and focused remote design time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general Australian market data for senior creative roles in regional centers, adjusted for the specific industry (fashion/retail) and the inclusion of performance marketing design skills. The comprehensive benefits package is a significant draw for this role, emphasizing work-life balance and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion & Lifestyle Retail

Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees globally)

Cotton On Group is a significant global retailer with a strong presence in Australia and internationally. This large scale means access to robust resources, established processes, and opportunities for broad impact, while also requiring adaptability and efficiency within a structured corporate environment.

Founded: 2000

Cotton On Group was founded in Australia and has grown into a major global fashion retailer. This history signifies a strong Australian heritage and a proven track record of growth and market adaptation, which likely influences its culture towards innovation, community, and a down-to-earth approach.

Team Structure:

• Ceres Life Brand Team: This role is embedded within the Ceres Life brand, likely working closely with marketing, e-commerce, and brand management teams dedicated to this specific label.

• Creative Department: The Senior Graphic Designer will be part of a broader creative or marketing team, potentially including other designers, copywriters, and content creators.

• Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Creative Lead, Art Director, or Marketing Manager, with potential for mentorship of junior roles.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expected to collaborate extensively with marketing managers, digital strategists, e-commerce specialists, and potentially product development teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging and campaign execution.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: The emphasis on "performance creative" and understanding "what drives engagement" indicates a data-informed approach to design, where creative decisions are influenced by analytics and campaign results.

• Agile Campaign Development: The need to develop seasonal campaigns and respond to digital trends suggests an agile approach to content creation and campaign deployment.

• Brand Consistency Focus: A strong emphasis on maintaining brand identity and DNA across all touchpoints, ensuring a cohesive and recognizable brand presence.

Company Website: cottonongroup.com.au

📝 Enhancement Note: Cotton On Group's "purpose is to make a positive difference in people’s lives" and its commitment to diversity and inclusion are key cultural indicators. For a design role, this translates to an environment that values authentic storytelling, community impact, and inclusive representation in creative output.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Team Lead Potential

This Senior Graphic Designer role operates at a senior individual contributor level, expected to lead creative output for the Ceres Life brand autonomously. It offers significant ownership and the opportunity to shape brand aesthetics and campaign effectiveness. For individuals looking to grow, this role can serve as a stepping stone to Art Director, Creative Lead, or a specialized role in performance creative strategy within the broader Cotton On Group.

Reporting Structure:

The role likely reports to a Creative Director, Head of Creative, or a Senior Marketing Manager. This allows for high-level strategic guidance while providing the autonomy to execute daily creative tasks and lead specific projects. Collaboration with peers in marketing and e-commerce is crucial.

Operations Impact:

The Senior Graphic Designer's impact is directly tied to the commercial success of the Ceres Life brand. By creating engaging and performance-optimized visual content, they will influence:

• Brand Perception & Awareness: Shaping how customers perceive Ceres Life.

• Customer Engagement: Driving interaction with marketing campaigns and brand content.

• Conversion Rates: Contributing to sales through effective ad creative and website assets.

• Campaign ROI: Directly impacting the effectiveness and return on investment of marketing initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in performance creative, digital marketing design, or video content creation.

• Leadership: Progress to an Art Director or Creative Lead role, managing a team and overseeing larger creative projects.

• Brand Expansion: Potentially contribute to the creative direction of other brands within the Cotton On Group.

• Cross-functional Moves: Transition into roles within marketing strategy, digital marketing management, or content production management.

• Skill Development: Access to internal training, workshops, and potential external courses supported by the company's commitment to career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's position as a 12-month cover might influence long-term growth perceptions. However, the seniority and responsibilities offer substantial experience that can be leveraged for future opportunities within or outside Cotton On Group. The "Local & Global career growth" benefit specifically points to internal mobility potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern Corporate Support Centre

The role is based at Cotton On Group's "world-class Support Centre" in Geelong. This implies a professional, well-equipped office environment designed for collaboration and employee well-being.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Support Centre is designed to foster interaction, with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and communal spaces like the in-house restaurant. This facilitates easy collaboration with marketing, e-commerce, and other creative teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other creative tools like Sketch. High-speed internet and modern IT infrastructure are expected.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with colleagues, including creative peers and stakeholders from various departments, promoting a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere. The "Bring your dog to work" policy also contributes to a unique, relaxed office culture.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours, with an emphasis on flexibility. The hybrid work arrangement allows for a structured work week that balances in-office collaboration with remote focus, catering to the needs of creative processes and individual productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the Support Centre as "world-class," featuring amenities like an in-house restaurant and wellness centre, suggests a company culture that invests heavily in employee experience and well-being, which is attractive for attracting and retaining talent in creative roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted applications, focusing on CV and portfolio.

• First Interview: Likely a video call with the hiring manager or a member of the creative/marketing team to assess experience, conceptual thinking, and cultural fit. This stage may involve a brief discussion of portfolio highlights.

• Portfolio Presentation/Creative Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present a selection of their work from their portfolio, detailing their process, rationale, and impact. Alternatively, a design challenge relevant to Ceres Life's brand or campaign needs might be given, requiring candidates to demonstrate their skills and problem-solving approach within a specific timeframe.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior stakeholders (e.g., Head of Marketing, Creative Director) to discuss strategic alignment, leadership potential, and finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills for this specific role, focusing on fashion/lifestyle, digital performance creative, and end-to-end ownership.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your creative process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Performance: Emphasize any work that directly contributed to campaign success, engagement metrics, or conversion rates. Data and results are key.

• Showcase Brand Alignment: Demonstrate your ability to understand and adapt to the Ceres Life brand aesthetic and values.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to discuss your design choices, software proficiency, and how you handle feedback and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a creative challenge is issued, thoroughly research the Ceres Life brand, its target audience, and recent campaigns.

• Focus on delivering a solution that is not only visually appealing but also strategically sound and aligned with performance objectives.

• Be mindful of time constraints and present your work clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on performance creative, interviewers will likely probe deeply into how candidates measure the success of their designs and their understanding of A/B testing, conversion rate optimization (CRO), and the customer journey in digital marketing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for graphic design, layout, and image manipulation.

• Sketch: Preferred but not essential; willingness to learn is valued. This is relevant for UI/UX components that might be integrated into digital designs.

• Video Editing Software: Basic proficiency in tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro may be beneficial for creating and editing video content for digital channels.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Meta Ads Manager: Understanding of how to design assets optimized for Facebook and Instagram ads, and potentially basic familiarity with ad performance metrics.

• Google Analytics (or similar): Awareness of how website and campaign performance is tracked and measured, to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary requirement for this design role, familiarity with how creative assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of "performance creative" and "Meta ads" implies that familiarity with the requirements and best practices for these platforms, rather than deep technical expertise in analytics tools, is what's being sought. The emphasis is on designing for performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, engaging, and effective design solutions that push creative boundaries while staying true to the brand.

• Customer-Centricity: Designing with the target audience in mind, ensuring that creative output resonates and meets their needs and desires.

• Responsibility & Sustainability: Reflecting Ceres Life's commitment to responsible design and production in visual storytelling.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with others, share ideas, and contribute to a positive and productive team environment.

• Data-Informed Decision-Making: Valuing insights from performance data to refine creative strategies and optimize campaign effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing, e-commerce, and brand teams, requiring clear communication and a collaborative spirit to align on campaign goals and execution.

• Feedback-Oriented: The culture encourages responding positively to feedback, using it as an opportunity to refine and elevate creative outcomes, fostering continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing design expertise and learning from peers and stakeholders to foster collective growth and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated purpose ("to make a positive difference in people’s lives") and its emphasis on diversity and inclusion likely permeate the team culture, encouraging an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and creative expression is encouraged in a responsible manner.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics with Performance: The primary challenge will be to consistently deliver visually appealing designs that also meet specific performance metrics and conversion goals for digital campaigns.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Keeping pace with rapid changes in digital marketing platforms, ad formats, and consumer behaviour to ensure creative remains relevant and effective.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively translating diverse stakeholder needs and feedback into cohesive and impactful design solutions within brand and commercial constraints.

• Temporary Role Transition: For the candidate, managing the transition into a 12-month contract role and ensuring their contributions are impactful within that timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Performance Creative Specialization: Gaining deeper expertise in designing for conversion, A/B testing creative variations, and understanding digital ad platform optimization.

• Brand Storytelling: Developing advanced skills in narrative creation and visual communication for lifestyle brands.

• Cross-Brand Exposure: Potentially gaining exposure to the creative needs and strategies of other brands within the Cotton On Group.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced creative leaders and collaborating with a large, established retail organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section focuses on the inherent demands of a performance-driven creative role in the fast-paced digital marketing landscape. The "Growth Opportunities" highlight how navigating these challenges can lead to significant professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance aesthetic quality with strict performance metrics for a digital campaign. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and digital marketing best practices, especially for platforms like Meta?"

• "Walk us through your process for developing a seasonal campaign concept from initial brief to final execution."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the Ceres Life brand and the Cotton On Group's mission? How do you see your design work contributing to these?"

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you handle creative feedback from stakeholders with differing opinions?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the "why" behind your design choices, linking them directly to objectives (brand building, engagement, conversion).

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs. If direct metrics aren't available, explain the intended impact and how you would measure it.

• Showcase Process: Be prepared to detail your workflow, from brief to final output, including any challenges overcome and how you collaborated with others.

• Tailor to Ceres Life: Select projects that best align with the Ceres Life brand aesthetic and the demands of performance creative for a fashion/lifestyle brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of how graphic design directly influences business outcomes, particularly in e-commerce and performance marketing contexts.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link, ensuring your CV is up-to-date and highlights relevant experience.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to prominently feature work that demonstrates your skills in digital design, performance creative for platforms like Meta, and end-to-end project ownership, ideally within fashion or lifestyle sectors.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as "performance creative," "digital design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "conceptual thinking," and "stakeholder management." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your process, rationale, and any measurable results. Prepare to discuss your approach to balancing aesthetics with performance metrics and your understanding of the Ceres Life brand.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Cotton On Group's brands, purpose, and values. Understand the Ceres Life brand's unique positioning and aesthetic to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.