Senior Manager Graphic Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Senior Manager, Graphic Design
Company: Al Futtaim Private Company LLC
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative Operations / Marketing Operations
Date Posted: September 18, 2025
Experience Level: 15+ Years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Oversees creative direction and execution for a design hub, ensuring brand consistency across diverse communication channels.
- Leads and mentors a team of graphic designers, fostering a culture of innovation and quality in design output.
- Drives the adoption and effective utilization of AI-powered design tools to enhance creative processes and outcomes.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align design strategies with overarching business and marketing objectives.
- Manages day-to-day operations, including workload planning, performance tracking, and quality assurance for design deliverables.
π Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Manager, implying significant responsibility for strategic oversight, team leadership, and operational management within the design function. The focus on AI tools and global demand suggests a forward-thinking operations approach to creative services.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and implement high-impact visual creative assets for various platforms including social media, events, web, and internal communications.
- Ensure all design outputs strictly adhere to established brand guidelines and effectively support strategic business objectives.
- Integrate and leverage AI-powered design and productivity tools to elevate creative output and optimize workflow efficiency.
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of industry trends, focusing on design innovation, motion graphics, and emerging AI design capabilities.
- Lead, manage, and mentor the Egypt-based design hub team, overseeing the end-to-end creative process from brief conception to final delivery.
- Effectively allocate team resources to manage design request volumes and meet project timelines, ensuring efficient workload distribution.
- Conduct thorough reviews and provide constructive guidance on all team design outputs to uphold brand identity and achieve creative excellence.
- Drive continuous skill development and foster creative growth within the design team through mentorship and coaching.
- Manage the design hub budget, contribute to headcount planning, and scale the team to meet increasing global demand and expand service scope.
- Own daily team operations, encompassing workload planning, performance measurement, and quality assurance protocols for all design projects.
- Foster strong collaborative relationships with marketing, communications, and content teams across the organization to ensure cohesive campaign execution.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership, team management, and operational oversight, typical for a senior role in a creative operations or marketing operations context. The emphasis on AI tools and scaling suggests a strategic growth mandate.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a closely related field.
Experience:
- A minimum of 15+ years of comprehensive experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality creative work.
- Demonstrated experience in leading and managing design teams, ideally with a team size of 5-10 individuals.
- Prior experience in global consultancies, agencies serving international brands, or large multinational corporations is highly preferred.
Required Skills:
- Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro).
- Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities, with a focus on motivating and developing creative talent.
- Strong understanding and practical application of brand identity principles and visual communication strategies.
- Proficiency in leveraging AI-powered design tools and technologies to enhance creative output and workflow efficiency.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Strong understanding of design principles across various mediums, including digital, print, and motion graphics.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with motion graphics and video editing software.
- Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Jira).
- Knowledge of UX/UI design principles.
- Experience in budget management and resource allocation.
π Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (15+ years) and the specific mention of leading a team of 5-10 people indicate a senior leadership role. The emphasis on both Adobe Creative Suite and AI tools points to a modern, tech-savvy creative operations environment.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 15 years of professional graphic design work, demonstrating a breadth of creative projects across various industries and mediums.
- Specific case studies highlighting successful team leadership, creative direction, and project management of design initiatives from concept to completion.
- Examples of how AI-powered design tools were integrated into workflows to achieve innovative outcomes or improve efficiency.
- Demonstrations of maintaining brand consistency and visual identity across multiple campaigns and platforms.
- Evidence of ability to manage and scale creative operations, including resource allocation and quality assurance processes.
Process Documentation:
- Showcase examples of established design processes, including brief intake, concept development, feedback loops, revisions, and final delivery.
- Include documentation or descriptions of workflow optimization strategies implemented to improve team efficiency and output quality.
- Provide examples of performance tracking mechanisms or quality assurance checks used to ensure design excellence and adherence to brand standards.
π Enhancement Note: For a senior role, the portfolio is expected to reflect not just design skill but also leadership impact, process management, and strategic application of technology. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for managing creative operations and team performance.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Manager, Graphic Design with 15+ years of experience in Cairo, Egypt, the estimated annual salary range is likely between EGP 700,000 to EGP 1,200,000. This estimate considers the significant experience requirement, leadership responsibilities, and the competitive market for creative talent in a major metropolitan area.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Covering medical, dental, and vision for employees and potentially dependents.
- Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays in accordance with Egyptian labor law and company policy.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for advanced training, workshops, and certifications in design software, AI tools, and leadership development.
- Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance.
- Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution to a pension or provident fund.
- Employee Discounts: Potential access to discounts on Al Futtaim Group products and services.
- Relocation Assistance: May be provided for candidates relocating to Cairo.
Working Hours: This role is expected to adhere to a standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week. Specific working hours will be aligned with Al Futtaim's operational requirements in Cairo, likely falling within standard business hours (e.g., Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with potential for flexibility based on project needs).
π Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for senior creative roles in Egypt. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits are standard for large multinational corporations and may vary.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Diversified conglomerate with significant presence in retail, automotive, healthcare, financial services, and real estate. Company Size: Large, with a global presence and a substantial employee base. Al Futtaim is a well-established entity with a wide reach. Founded: 1930, indicating a long history and stability, with decades of experience in building and managing diverse businesses across multiple sectors.
Team Structure:
- The Senior Manager will lead the Egypt Design Hub, likely comprising a team of 5-10 graphic designers with varying specializations.
- This hub functions as a central creative resource, supporting various business units and corporate functions globally.
- The role reports into a higher-level executive within the Corporate Communications or Marketing division.
- Close collaboration is expected with marketing managers, content strategists, brand managers, and other stakeholders across different departments and regions.
Methodology:
- Data-driven decision-making is likely a key aspect, with design performance metrics influencing strategy.
- Emphasis on process optimization and efficiency, particularly with the integration of AI tools.
- Collaborative approach to creative development, encouraging input from marketing and business units to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
- Commitment to quality assurance and maintaining high standards of brand representation.
Company Website: https://www.alfuttaim.com/
π Enhancement Note: Al Futtaim's status as a large, multinational conglomerate suggests a structured corporate environment with established processes and a focus on brand integrity. The role within the "Egypt Design Hub" implies a specific operational model for centralized creative services.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Managerial position, placing the individual at a mid-to-senior leadership level within the creative operations spectrum. The role demands strategic thinking, team leadership, and operational oversight, impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of creative output for a global organization.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager will report to a Director or Vice President within the Corporate Communications or Marketing department. They will, in turn, manage a team of Graphic Designers. This structure allows for clear lines of responsibility and strategic alignment with senior leadership.
Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on the company's brand perception and marketing effectiveness. By ensuring visual consistency, driving innovation in design, and optimizing creative workflows, the Senior Manager directly contributes to the success of marketing campaigns, brand reputation, and overall business objectives. Efficient operations in the design hub can lead to cost savings and faster go-to-market times for creative assets.
Growth Opportunities:
- Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Director-level roles within Creative Operations, Marketing, or Communications, potentially managing larger teams or broader creative functions.
- Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven design, motion graphics, or brand strategy management.
- Cross-Functional Mobility: Possibility to move into related roles such as Brand Management, Digital Marketing Strategy, or Project Management within the Al Futtaim Group.
- Global Exposure: As part of a global team, thereβs potential for international assignments or leadership on global initiatives.
π Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Manager in a large organization like Al Futtaim often involves progression into broader leadership roles, highlighting the strategic importance of operational excellence in creative functions.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based on-site in Cairo, Egypt. This suggests a traditional office environment within Al Futtaim's corporate offices, designed to facilitate team collaboration and direct supervision.
Office Location(s): Specific office locations within Cairo will be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process. These are likely modern corporate facilities equipped to support a global business hub.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace will foster collaboration among the design team and with visiting stakeholders from other departments.
- Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially advanced AI tools will be provided.
- Opportunities for direct interaction with team members for mentorship, feedback, and workflow alignment are inherent to the on-site setup.
- Facilities will likely include meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and individual workstations conducive to creative work.
Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours, likely Sunday to Thursday, with potential for occasional overtime or adjusted hours to meet critical project deadlines or global time zone coordination. Flexibility may be offered based on team and project needs.
π Enhancement Note: An on-site role within a large corporation like Al Futtaim typically offers a stable work environment with access to corporate resources and a structured approach to teamwork and collaboration.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct a preliminary screening to assess basic qualifications.
- Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Hiring Manager to evaluate experience, leadership capabilities, understanding of design principles, and fit with the team culture. This stage may involve a review of the candidate's portfolio.
- Team/Peer Interview: Interviews with potential team members or peers from marketing/communications to assess collaborative skills and technical expertise.
- Creative/Technical Assessment: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a detailed case study from their portfolio that demonstrates problem-solving, creative strategy, and execution. This is a critical stage for a design leadership role.
- Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Director/VP) to assess strategic thinking, overall fit with the organization, and long-term vision for the design hub.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate a portfolio that clearly demonstrates 15+ years of experience, highlighting leadership and team management achievements alongside creative output.
- Structure case studies to show the problem, your approach (including any AI integration), the solution, and quantifiable results or impact.
- Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you mentor designers, and your strategies for managing creative workflows and quality assurance.
- Ensure your portfolio showcases versatility across different design mediums and brand contexts.
- Highlight any experience with global brands or multinational corporations.
Challenge Preparation:
- Anticipate a design challenge that may involve creating assets for a hypothetical campaign or solving a visual communication problem within a given timeframe.
- Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and how you would manage the project and any team members involved.
- Be ready to discuss how you would integrate AI tools into the challenge solution.
- Prepare to answer questions about managing stakeholder expectations and presenting design concepts to non-design audiences.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role emphasizes not only creative talent but also leadership, strategic thinking, and operational management. A strong portfolio presentation is crucial.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency is essential across Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.
- AI-Powered Design Tools: Proficiency with emerging AI tools for image generation, content creation, workflow automation, or design assistance (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly, Canva AI features, etc.).
- Project Management Software: Experience with tools such as Asana, Monday.com, Jira, or similar platforms for managing design projects, tasks, and team workloads.
Analytics & Reporting:
- Web Analytics Tools (Basic Understanding): Familiarity with how design impacts website performance (e.g., Google Analytics) is beneficial.
- Social Media Analytics: Understanding how design performs on social platforms.
- Reporting Tools: Ability to use or interpret data from reporting dashboards to assess design effectiveness.
CRM & Automation:
- CRM Systems (Awareness): Understanding how design assets are utilized within CRM-driven marketing campaigns (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).
- Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with DAM solutions for organizing, storing, and retrieving creative assets is a plus.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI-powered tools indicates a need for candidates who are not only skilled in traditional design software but also forward-thinking and adaptable to new technologies shaping the creative industry.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful design that meets and exceeds expectations.
- Innovation: Encouraging experimentation with new design techniques, tools (especially AI), and creative concepts.
- Collaboration: Fostering a supportive and communicative environment where team members and stakeholders work together effectively.
- Efficiency: Driving streamlined workflows and processes to optimize resource utilization and project delivery timelines.
- Brand Stewardship: Acting as guardians of the company's visual identity, ensuring consistency and integrity across all touchpoints.
Collaboration Style:
- Proactive and communicative, working closely with marketing, communications, and business unit stakeholders to understand needs and deliver aligned creative solutions.
- Team-oriented, promoting a culture of mutual support, knowledge sharing, and constructive feedback among designers.
- Adaptable, willing to iterate on designs based on feedback and evolving project requirements.
- Strategic, ensuring that creative output is not just aesthetically pleasing but also serves clear business objectives.
π Enhancement Note: Cultural fit within a large, global conglomerate like Al Futtaim often means embracing a blend of structured processes with a drive for creative excellence and adaptability to new technologies.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Global Consistency with Local Relevance: Ensuring brand guidelines are maintained while adapting designs for specific regional nuances or campaigns.
- Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively gathering requirements and managing expectations from various business units with differing priorities.
- Integrating AI Tools Seamlessly: Successfully implementing and optimizing AI tools within existing workflows without compromising quality or team roles.
- Scaling Creative Operations: Growing the design hub's capacity and service offerings to meet increasing global demand efficiently.
- Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Continuously evolving creative approaches and skillsets in a rapidly changing design landscape.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Access to advanced training programs for new design software, AI tools, and creative technologies.
- Opportunities to attend industry conferences and workshops focused on design innovation and creative leadership.
- Mentorship from senior leaders within Al Futtaim, providing guidance on career progression and strategic thinking.
- Potential to lead specialized projects or initiatives, such as a brand refresh or the implementation of new creative technologies.
π Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to lead in a dynamic, global creative environment, with challenges that foster significant professional growth and skill development, particularly in leveraging cutting-edge design technologies.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe your approach to developing and maintaining brand consistency across a global organization with diverse business units." (Focus on process, guidelines, and stakeholder alignment.)
- "How would you integrate AI-powered design tools into a team's workflow to enhance efficiency and creativity? Provide specific examples." (Highlight practical application and potential challenges.)
- "Walk me through a time you successfully led a design team through a challenging project with tight deadlines and evolving requirements. What was your strategy?" (Demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and process management.)
- "How do you measure the success and impact of design work, and how do you communicate this to stakeholders?" (Focus on metrics, ROI, and communication of value.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What do you know about Al Futtaim and its diverse business operations? How do you see design supporting these different sectors?" (Show research and understanding of the conglomerate structure.)
- "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within a creative team?" (Discuss mentorship, feedback, and embracing new technologies.)
- "Describe your experience working with global teams and managing cross-cultural communication." (Highlight collaboration and awareness of international business practices.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Select 3-4 key projects that best represent your leadership, creative vision, and operational management skills.
- For each project, clearly articulate the business challenge, your role, the creative solution, the team's contribution, and the measurable impact.
- Be prepared to discuss the specific tools and processes you employed, including any AI integration.
- Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly, allowing time for questions.
π Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design prowess but also their strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and understanding of operational efficiency in a creative context.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Senior Manager, Graphic Design position:
- Submit your application through the provided link on the Al Futtaim careers portal.
- Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your leadership experience, team management successes, and a minimum of 15 years of diverse design work. Include specific case studies that highlight your strategic approach to brand management and process optimization, especially with AI tools.
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 15+ years of experience, leadership roles, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and AI design tools, and any experience with global corporations or agencies. Quantify achievements wherever possible.
- Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, design strategy, and how you manage creative operations. Prepare to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate problem-solving, innovation, and team development.
- Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Al Futtaim's various business sectors, its global presence, and its brand values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during the interview process.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field and a minimum of 15+ years of experience in graphic design. Experience leading a team and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and AI-powered design tools are also required.