UI & Grafikdesigner (m/w/d) in Teilzeit

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI & Grafikdesigner (m/w/d) in Teilzeit

Company: Machineseeker Group GmbH

Location: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Technology / Marketing

Date Posted: 2025-10-07

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on enhancing the user experience and visual appeal of digital products within a growing technology company.

• The position requires a blend of User Interface (UI) design, Graphic Design, and User Experience (UX) principles to create intuitive and modern interfaces for web and mobile platforms.

• The UI & Grafikdesigner will play a key role in the agile product development lifecycle, translating concepts into tangible, user-ready designs.

• This position involves contributing to both digital and print design initiatives, supporting international marketing campaigns and internal company publications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title specifies "UI & Grafikdesigner," the responsibilities clearly indicate a significant UX component, emphasizing a holistic approach to product design. The role's inclusion in a technology company's operations suggests a focus on supporting business objectives through design, rather than pure artistic expression. The part-time nature and on-site requirement are critical for candidates to consider.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate within an agile product development framework, contributing to all phases from initial concept (Discovery) through to final implementation (Delivery) and ongoing iteration.

• Develop user-centered designs, including initial sketches, wireframes, and detailed, production-ready mockups for web platforms and native mobile applications.

• Design and execute compelling digital advertising assets for global marketing campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and campaign effectiveness.

• Create visually appealing and informative print materials, such as regular magazines and brochures, maintaining high design standards.

• Work in close partnership with marketing and product management teams, actively contributing creative ideas and design solutions to enhance user engagement and business outcomes.

• Integrate and leverage AI tools to boost personal productivity and streamline design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a progression from conceptualization to execution, requiring a designer who can think strategically about user journeys and business goals. The mention of "umsetzungsfähigen Designs" (implementable designs) emphasizes the need for practical, production-ready outputs rather than purely conceptual work. Collaboration with marketing and product teams underscores the role's integration into broader business functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2-5 years of demonstrated experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and holistic user experience (UX) for digital products.

• Proficiency in creating intuitive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing User Interfaces (UI) for web and mobile applications.

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

• Hands-on experience with prototyping tools such as Figma.

• Ability to make decisive contributions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proactive and questioning attitude towards the status quo.

• High proficiency in German (native or near-native).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools to enhance design productivity.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Experience in designing for international markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "holistic view on user experience" suggests a need for designers who can think beyond single screens and consider the entire user journey. Proficiency across Adobe Suite and Figma indicates a requirement for versatile design skills. The "decision-making in a dynamic environment" and "questioning the status quo" points towards a need for an adaptable and proactive designer who can drive innovation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of user-centered design projects, showcasing a deep understanding of UX principles and user flows.

• Wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for web and mobile applications that illustrate your design process and problem-solving skills.

• Case studies detailing your involvement in the product development lifecycle, from initial concept and user research to final design implementation and iteration.

• Examples of digital advertising assets and/or print materials that highlight your graphic design capabilities and adherence to brand guidelines.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to translating user needs and business requirements into effective design solutions.

• Illustrate your workflow for creating and iterating on UI designs, including sketching, wireframing, prototyping, and final asset creation.

• Provide examples of how you collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., product managers, developers, marketing) to ensure design vision is realized.

• Document case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the solutions implemented, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved through your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The requirements emphasize not just the final output but also the process, problem-solving, and collaboration aspects, which are crucial for evaluating a candidate's fit within an agile product team. Including AI tool usage in the portfolio would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The company advertises an "Überdurchschnittliches Startgehalt" (Above Average Starting Salary). Based on industry benchmarks for UI/Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Essen, Germany, a competitive annual salary range would typically fall between €45,000 and €60,000 gross.

Benefits:

• Above-average starting salary.

• Access to a fully equipped fitness room and personal trainer.

• Complimentary drinks and meals provided by an in-house chef.

• Secure and permanent employment with a leading European market player.

• Significant learning and development opportunities within a fast-growing company.

• Modern, air-conditioned, and spacious office facilities conveniently located near Essen's main train station (Hauptbahnhof).

• Flexible working hours and a flat organizational hierarchy.

• Full coverage of the "Deutschlandticket" for public transportation mobility.

• Ergonomically designed workstations with adjustable desks and chairs.

• Optional individual English language lessons.

• Regular team events, including summer and Christmas parties.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, likely around 20 hours per week, with flexible working hours. The emphasis on "Working from Office" suggests these hours will be performed on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical market rates for a UI/Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Germany, specifically in a major city like Essen. The "part-time" aspect is crucial for salary calculation, assuming a standard reduction from a full-time equivalent. The extensive list of benefits highlights the company's investment in employee well-being and professional development, which is a strong draw for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Machineseeker Group operates in the online marketplace sector for used machinery and commercial vehicles, serving as a digital intermediary for a vast inventory. This niche places them at the intersection of e-commerce, industrial equipment, and digital platforms.

Company Size: The company has a significant presence, indicated by "12,000 providers" and "over 15 million monthly visitors," with a "yearly mediated inquiry volume of over 120 billion Euros." This suggests a large-scale operation with a substantial user base and revenue, likely supported by a growing internal team.

Founded: Established in 1999, the company has a long-standing history of profitable growth, indicating stability, market understanding, and adaptability over more than two decades.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a team that supports the agile product development process, collaborating closely with Marketing and Product teams. This suggests a cross-functional, collaborative environment.

• The "flat hierarchies" mentioned in benefits point to an accessible management structure where input from all levels is valued.

Methodology:

• Agile Product Development: The role is embedded in an agile process, requiring adaptability, iterative design, and close collaboration with development teams.

• User-Centered Design: A core methodology, focusing on understanding user needs and translating them into intuitive interfaces.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's scale and focus on online marketplaces imply that data analysis likely informs product and marketing strategies, which design must support.

• Innovation through Collaboration: The "Working from Office" policy, with its emphasis on "conversations at the coffee machine," suggests a culture that values spontaneous interaction and idea generation.

Company Website: https://company.maschinensucher.de/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history of profitable growth and its market-leading position in a specific niche are significant indicators of stability and success. The explicit "Working from Office" policy is a defining characteristic, suggesting a preference for in-person collaboration and a strong company culture built around shared physical space and amenities. This is a crucial detail for candidates to consider.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor, likely mid-level, with 2-5 years of experience. It requires a solid foundation in UI/UX and graphic design, with the ability to work independently within an agile framework and contribute to both digital and print projects. The emphasis is on executing design strategies and enhancing user interfaces rather than defining overarching design strategy at a senior level.

Reporting Structure: The UI & Grafikdesigner will report to a manager within the product development or design function. They will work closely with Product Managers and Marketing teams, indicating a collaborative reporting structure where cross-functional input is integral to the design process. The "flat hierarchies" suggest direct access to decision-makers.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to enhancing the usability and visual appeal of the Machineseeker Group's digital platforms (web and mobile apps) and marketing collateral. This translates to improved user engagement, conversion rates, brand perception, and ultimately, the company's ability to facilitate high-value transactions for used machinery and vehicles. Effective design directly supports the company's mission and revenue generation by making its services more accessible and appealing to its vast user base.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UI/UX design, such as interaction design, mobile app design, or design systems.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience collaborating with diverse teams (product, marketing, development), understanding their needs and contributing to integrated business strategies.

• AI Tool Integration: Develop proficiency in utilizing AI tools for design, positioning oneself at the forefront of emerging design technologies.

• Print Design Mastery: Enhance skills in print layout and production for magazines and brochures, a less common but valuable skill in digital-first environments.

• Leadership Potential: While not explicitly a management role, demonstrating strong design leadership, mentorship to less experienced colleagues, and strategic input could open doors to senior designer or team lead positions within the design function over time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are focused on deepening design expertise and broadening cross-functional understanding, aligned with the company's agile and collaborative environment. The mention of AI tools is a forward-looking aspect that can contribute to career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company explicitly promotes a "Working from Office" model, emphasizing innovation through in-person collaboration and a strong company culture. This is not a remote or hybrid role.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Essen, Germany, specifically described as "only a few minutes' walk from the Essen Hbf (main train station)," indicating excellent public transport accessibility. The office is described as "air-conditioned, new & spacious."

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on "conversations at the coffee machine" and the "Working from Office" policy fosters a highly collaborative atmosphere.

• State-of-the-Art Tools: Employees benefit from "Broadband, air conditioning, 3 screens, large desks" and ergonomic workstations, suggesting a focus on employee comfort and productivity.

• Team Interaction: The on-site setup with amenities like a chef and fitness coach encourages regular interaction and team building among colleagues.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible working hours are offered, but the "Working from Office" requirement means these hours will be performed on-site. The part-time nature (likely 20 hours/week) allows for flexibility in scheduling these on-site hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Working from Office" policy is a defining characteristic of the work environment. Candidates must be comfortable with a fully on-site role. The description of the office and amenities suggests a company that invests significantly in creating a positive and productive physical workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submission of CV, portfolio, and academic/professional certificates. The portfolio's quality and relevance to UI/UX and graphic design, especially for digital platforms and marketing, will be key.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of their work. Be prepared to articulate your contributions to specific projects.

• Skills Assessment: This may involve a practical design exercise or a case study focusing on a specific design challenge relevant to the company's platforms or marketing needs. Focus on demonstrating your process, tool proficiency, and ability to meet project requirements.

• Team & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with potential team members and managers to assess communication skills, collaborative approach, and alignment with the company's "Working from Office" culture and values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher management to discuss overall fit and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Include examples of your design journey – sketches, wireframes, user flows, and iterations – not just the final polished designs.

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly state the problem you solved, your specific role, the tools used, your design decisions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved conversion, user satisfaction). Quantify results where possible.

• Tailor to Role: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of UI design for web and mobile, graphic design for digital marketing, and any print design experience.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Clearly show your command of Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and Figma. If you've used AI tools to enhance your workflow, include examples.

• Storytelling: Present your work as compelling case studies. Explain the context, your challenges, your solutions, and the results in a narrative format.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research Machineseeker Group's platforms (Maschinensucher, etc.), target audience, and market position. Identify potential design challenges or areas for improvement.

• Agile Mindset: Be prepared for tasks that require quick iteration and adaptation. Focus on delivering a well-reasoned solution within a given timeframe.

• Tool Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable using Figma and Adobe CC under timed conditions if a practical exercise is given.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale and how your design choices support business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio, case studies, and a practical design challenge is standard for design roles. The advice focuses on demonstrating not just creative skill but also strategic thinking, process adherence, and communication effectiveness, particularly within an agile and on-site work context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI/UX Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary tool for UI design and prototyping), Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop for image editing and mockups, Illustrator for vector graphics, InDesign for print layout).

• AI Tools for Productivity: Mentioned as a skill to leverage, suggesting potential integration with AI-powered design assistants or research tools. Specific tools are not named, indicating flexibility.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the designer's primary tools, but awareness of how design integrates with marketing automation platforms or CRM user interfaces could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is centered around industry-standard design software. The mention of AI tools indicates a forward-looking approach, and candidates with experience here will have an advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value, driving the creation of intuitive and effective user experiences. Decisions are made with the user's needs and journey at the forefront.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraged through the agile process and the company's culture of questioning the status quo. This applies to design solutions as well as internal processes.

• Collaboration: Highly valued, especially within the "Working from Office" environment, fostering teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional synergy.

• Performance & Excellence: The company aims to attract and work with "top performers" and expects "high performance," indicating a results-oriented culture where quality and efficiency are paramount.

• Proactive Contribution: Employees are expected to actively contribute ideas and solutions, demonstrating initiative and ownership.

Collaboration Style:

• In-Person & Agile: Collaboration is primarily in-person, facilitated by the office environment and agile methodologies. This involves frequent communication, brainstorming sessions, and joint problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with product management and marketing teams are essential, ensuring design aligns with business objectives and marketing strategies.

• Open Communication: Flat hierarchies and the emphasis on "conversations at the coffee machine" suggest an open and direct communication style, encouraging feedback exchange and a supportive atmosphere.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of high-performance expectations, collaborative in-person work, and a strong user-centric design philosophy. The "Working from Office" policy is a key cultural differentiator that shapes the collaboration style.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating user experience requirements into designs that also drive business objectives for a large-scale marketplace.

• Adapting to Rapid Product Evolution: Working within an agile framework means designs must be adaptable to frequent updates and changes in product direction.

• International Market Considerations: Designing for a diverse user base across different regions, considering cultural nuances and varying technical capabilities.

• Integrating AI Tools Effectively: Learning and implementing new AI tools to enhance productivity without compromising design quality or originality.

• Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive visual identity and user experience across multiple platforms (web, mobile apps) and print materials, especially as the product suite grows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in specialized areas of UI/UX and graphic design through project work and potential training.

• Agile Methodologies: Deepen understanding and practical application of agile product development processes from a design perspective.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain insights into marketing strategies, product roadmapping, and development workflows, broadening overall business acumen.

• Emerging Technologies: Exposure to and practical application of AI tools in the design process.

• Industry Leadership: Working with a market leader provides exposure to best practices and high-impact projects that can significantly boost professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a role in a growing tech company but are framed in a way that highlights opportunities for skill development and strategic contribution. The emphasis on AI tools and cross-functional learning points to modern career development paths.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs with business objectives in a design. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and data-driven justification).

• "How do you approach the discovery phase of a new feature or product? What methods do you use to gather user insights and translate them into design concepts?" (Highlight your UX research and ideation techniques).

• "Walk me through your process for designing a complex UI element for a web or mobile application. What tools do you use, and how do you ensure it's user-friendly and implementable?" (Showcase your workflow, tool proficiency, and attention to detail).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Machineseeker Group's business model and its position in the market?" (Research their platforms and market impact).

• "The company emphasizes 'Working from Office.' What are your thoughts on this approach, and how do you thrive in an on-site, collaborative environment?" (Align your response with their stated values).

• "How do you contribute to a positive team culture, especially in an office setting where spontaneous interactions are encouraged?" (Highlight your collaborative and communicative nature).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solution, and the measurable results.

• Focus on Process & Rationale: Don't just show pretty pictures. Explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing user needs and business goals.

• Demonstrate Tool Fluency: Be ready to discuss your use of Figma, Adobe CC, and any AI tools. If possible, show interactive prototypes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Be Enthusiastic and Collaborative: Show your passion for design and your ability to work effectively within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating core design competencies, strategic thinking, and cultural fit, particularly emphasizing the company's "Working from Office" policy and its user-centric, performance-driven values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI & Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UI/UX design skills for digital platforms (web/mobile) and your graphic design capabilities for marketing materials. Ensure these projects highlight your process, problem-solving, and impact.

• Tailor Your CV: Emphasize experience with Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, user-centered design, and any experience with AI tools. Quantify achievements where possible and ensure keywords from the job description are naturally integrated.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a focus on your design process, rationale, and the results achieved. Be ready to articulate how your skills align with Machineseeker Group's business and culture.

• Research the Company: Thoroughly review Machineseeker Group's online marketplaces (Maschinensucher, TruckScout24, etc.) to understand their user base and current design. Prepare thoughtful questions about their product development and design challenges.

⚠️ 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.