Visual Designer (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual Designer (m/f/d) Company: Circula Location: Berlin, Germany; Leipzig, Saxony, Germany; Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: August 22, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual identity and brand consistency for Circula across all digital and print touchpoints, ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand narrative.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, product, and employer branding teams to deliver high-quality design assets that support business objectives.
• Leverage expertise in design tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud to execute a wide range of design projects, from marketing campaigns to website visuals and internal presentations.
• Contribute to the conceptualization and development of design ideas, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining high standards of quality and brand alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Visual Designer," its responsibilities heavily involve supporting marketing and product go-to-market strategies by creating consistent brand assets. This positions it within the broader scope of "Marketing Operations" or "Creative Services" that directly enable GTM functions. The emphasis on "brand guidelines" and "cohesive visual consistency" is crucial for operationalizing marketing efforts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop Circula's brand and visual design, ensuring a consistent and compelling brand story across all deliverables.
• Create high-quality digital and print assets, including email marketing campaigns, website visuals, social media styles, and internal presentations.
• Develop designs and contribute to the User Experience (UX) for websites and landing pages, optimizing for user engagement and conversion.
• Support various internal teams, such as Content Marketing, Product Marketing, PR, and Employer Branding, by providing expert design solutions.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive brand guidelines, ensuring visual consistency and continuity across all company communications and assets.
• Bring a systematic and structured approach to organizing design assets and optimizing design workflows for efficiency and scalability.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to understand project requirements and translate them into impactful visual designs.
• Participate in the conceptualization and ideation phases of design projects, contributing creative ideas and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for operationalizing brand guidelines into tangible assets that support various marketing and GTM functions. This implies a focus on process efficiency in design execution and a strategic understanding of how visual elements contribute to broader business goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected, though equivalent practical experience will be strongly considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as a Visual Designer, Brand Designer, or in a similar creative role, preferably within a tech startup or fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple design projects concurrently, from conception to final delivery, with a focus on quality and brand consistency.

Required Skills:

• Visual Design Expertise: Proven ability to create compelling visual designs that align with brand identity and marketing objectives.
• Brand Consistency: Strong understanding of brand guidelines and the ability to maintain visual consistency across diverse assets and platforms.
• Design Tools Proficiency: Expert-level skills in industry-standard design software, including Figma and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Illustrator, InDesign).
• Asset Creation: Experience designing a variety of digital and print assets, including marketing collateral, web visuals, social media graphics, and presentations.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Project Management: Structured and organized approach to managing multiple projects, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines without compromising quality.
• Conceptualization: Ability to participate in creative brainstorming sessions and contribute innovative design concepts.

Preferred Skills:

• UX/UI Design: Experience in designing user interfaces and user experiences for websites and landing pages.
• Motion Graphics/Animation: Familiarity with video editing or animation tools for creating dynamic visual content.
• Art Direction: Experience in guiding visual style and direction for creative projects.
• Startup Environment: Previous experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced startup setting.
• Fintech Industry: Familiarity with the financial technology sector and its specific design considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of creative talent and operational rigor. Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud is paramount, alongside strong project management capabilities to handle diverse design requests efficiently. The "Growth Mindset" mentioned in the raw data suggests an openness to learning and adapting design strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of professional visual design work, demonstrating versatility across different project types and mediums.
• Clear examples of how you've maintained brand consistency and storytelling across various deliverables, highlighting your ability to translate brand strategy into visual execution.
• Case studies or examples that illustrate your structured approach to managing design projects, workflow organization, and process optimization.
• Demonstrations of your proficiency in key design tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud, showcasing your ability to create polished and impactful visual assets.
• Evidence of your ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and stakeholders, perhaps through examples of project briefs and final outputs.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have structured and documented design workflows or processes to ensure efficiency and scalability.
• Demonstrations of how you have contributed to or established brand guidelines and style guides, outlining the process of their creation and implementation.
• Case studies that highlight your ability to design for specific marketing channels (e.g., email marketing, social media, web) and the processes involved in adapting designs for these platforms.
• Evidence of your approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, not just for showcasing aesthetic talent but also for demonstrating operational capabilities in managing the design process, maintaining brand integrity, and collaborating effectively. The emphasis should be on how the designer structures their work and ensures consistency and quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Visual Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Berlin, Germany, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €45,000 - €60,000 annually. This estimate considers the company's fintech focus, the hybrid work model, and the benefits package offered.

Benefits:

• Virtual Stock Option Plan (VSOP): Opportunity to share financially in Circula's success, aligning personal incentives with company growth.
• Allowances: Up to €200 per month for food, internet, and mobility expenses, contributing to daily living costs and work-from-home productivity.
• Flexible Working: Hybrid work model allowing for a balance between office collaboration and remote work flexibility.
• Learning and Development Budget: An annual budget of €1,500 for professional development, including books, conferences, and courses, supporting continuous skill enhancement.
• Urban Sports Club Membership: Access to a wide range of sports and fitness activities to promote well-being.
• Social Events: Opportunities to connect with colleagues through team and company events, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Pet-Friendly Office: Dogs are welcome in the office, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, with an estimated standard working week of 40 hours. The hybrid model offers flexibility in how and where these hours are completed, balancing structured work with personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive and indicative of a company that values employee well-being and professional growth. The inclusion of VSOP, significant allowances, and a dedicated L&D budget are strong selling points for ambitious professionals in the tech and design space. The salary estimate is based on German market rates for similar roles and experience levels.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech (Software-as-a-Service) Company Size: Circula is a growing company with approximately 115 employees, indicating a dynamic and evolving organizational structure. This size often means opportunities for direct impact and cross-functional exposure, while still maintaining a tight-knit culture. Founded: Circula was founded with the mission to simplify finance and payroll administration through smart automations, suggesting a culture driven by innovation, efficiency, and problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• The design function likely operates within or closely supports the Marketing and Product teams.
• Designers collaborate with Marketing specialists (Content, Product Marketing), PR, and Employer Branding teams.
• There's a clear reporting line to a manager (Marie Mörtzsch) and potential interaction with co-founders, indicating a relatively flat hierarchy and open communication channels.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes "smart automations" and simplifying complex processes, suggesting a data-driven and efficiency-focused approach to operations and product development.
• The culture values "ownership," "drive," and a "growth mindset," encouraging proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Cross-cultural collaboration is a key aspect, with over 30 nationalities represented, promoting diverse perspectives and an inclusive environment.

Company Website: https://circula.com/ (Assumed, based on Job URL)

📝 Enhancement Note: Circula's culture appears to be a blend of ambitious startup energy and a commitment to employee well-being and diversity. The fintech context implies a need for precision, reliability, and user-centric design, all supported by efficient operational processes. The "New Work" philosophy suggests a modern approach to workplace flexibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience). It involves executing established brand guidelines and creating assets for various teams, indicating a focus on reliable output and contributing to ongoing marketing and GTM efforts. The expectation of "ownership" and driving projects to completion suggests a level of autonomy within defined parameters.

Reporting Structure: The Visual Designer will report to Marie Mörtzsch, their manager, and will likely collaborate closely with various internal teams, including Content Marketing, Product Marketing, PR, and Employer Branding. Interaction with co-founders (Nikolai and Roman) is also mentioned, suggesting accessibility to leadership.

Operations Impact: The Visual Designer's work directly impacts the company's external perception and internal communication effectiveness. By ensuring brand consistency and creating compelling visual assets, they support marketing campaigns, product launches, and employer branding initiatives, all crucial for go-to-market success and talent acquisition. Their output contributes to lead generation, customer engagement, and building a strong company brand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas like UX/UI, motion graphics, or digital asset management.
• Leadership Potential: As the company grows, there may be opportunities to take on more senior design roles, lead projects, or manage junior designers.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Working with diverse teams provides exposure to different aspects of the business, aiding in a holistic understanding of GTM strategies.
• Learning & Development: The allocated €1,500 budget for learning and development directly supports acquiring new skills, staying updated with design trends, and potentially exploring new software or methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a visual designer looking to grow within a dynamic fintech company. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and the company's growth trajectory suggest ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement, particularly in areas supporting GTM operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Circula operates with a hybrid working model, meaning employees split their time between a central office and remote work. This model aims to combine the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Office Location(s): The primary office is in Berlin, with other potential locations in Leipzig and Düsseldorf. The Berlin office is described as "centrally located," suggesting accessibility and a vibrant working environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages face-to-face collaboration during office days, fostering teamwork and idea exchange. The mention of "socializing at team and company events" further emphasizes a people-centric culture.
• Tools & Technology: Employees are expected to be proficient with design tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud. The company likely provides necessary software licenses and potentially hardware, although specific details are not provided. The focus on "smart automations" in their product suggests an appreciation for efficient technology solutions.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with team members, managers, and co-founders are present, facilitating quick feedback loops and a sense of connection. The pet-friendly policy contributes to a more relaxed and personal office atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 40 hours, common for full-time positions in Germany. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in scheduling these hours, enabling designers to manage their time effectively around project deadlines and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a significant aspect, blending the benefits of a physical office space for collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. This setup is common in modern tech companies and requires strong self-management and communication skills from employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a short call with Talent Acquisition Partner Rüzgar Çako to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit. Expect feedback within 2 working days.
• Manager & Team Interviews: Meetings with Marie Mörtzsch (manager) and potentially other team members to discuss design skills, project experience, and collaborative approach.
• Co-founder Interaction: Potential meetings with co-founders Nikolai and Roman for a broader discussion on vision, culture, and strategic alignment.
• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their design process, rationale, and impact. Be prepared to walk through specific projects.
• Design Challenge (Potential): While not explicitly stated, companies often include a small design task or case study to evaluate practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your visual design skills, brand consistency efforts, and ability to support marketing/GTM initiatives.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem/brief, your role and process, the tools used, the challenges faced, your design solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
• Highlight Brand Consistency: Specifically showcase how you've applied brand guidelines or developed them, ensuring visual coherence across different assets.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples of projects where you worked with cross-functional teams, detailing how you managed feedback and integrated different perspectives.
• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow within Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud, highlighting efficient techniques or custom setups.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, decision-making process, how you handle constructive criticism, and your understanding of Circula's brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Circula's Brand: Thoroughly review Circula's website, social media, and any available marketing materials to grasp their current visual identity and tone.
• Think about Fintech Design: Consider the unique design challenges and opportunities within the fintech space – trust, clarity, security, and user-friendliness are key.
• Practice Articulating Processes: Be ready to explain your design processes clearly and concisely, focusing on efficiency and problem-solving.
• Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios: Consider how you would handle design requests from different teams (e.g., marketing needing a quick social graphic vs. product marketing needing a landing page design).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a holistic assessment, from technical skills and portfolio presentation to cultural fit and alignment with the company's vision. Thorough preparation of the portfolio and practicing the narrative around your work is crucial for success. The encouragement to apply even if not meeting all criteria suggests a focus on potential and cultural alignment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency in its features for component libraries, auto layout, and prototyping is expected.
• Adobe Creative Cloud:
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of print materials, presentations, and digital publications.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly used by the designer for reporting, understanding how design assets perform in marketing campaigns (e.g., click-through rates on ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or social media analytics tools could be advantageous for understanding user behavior related to visual content.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Visual Designer role, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-related communications (e.g., email templates) would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of the tool stack revolves around design creation and collaboration. Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. An understanding of how design assets integrate into broader marketing technology stacks can provide a competitive edge.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Simplicity & Efficiency: Reflecting the company's mission to "simplify finance and payroll administration," the design team likely values clear, uncluttered design solutions and efficient workflows.
• Collaboration & Ownership: The emphasis on "collaboration" and "ownership" suggests a culture where team members are encouraged to contribute ideas, take responsibility for their work, and work effectively with others.
• Quality & Consistency: As a designer, maintaining high visual standards and ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints is paramount. This drives the quality of external communications and internal alignment.
• Growth Mindset: An openness to learning, adapting to new tools and trends, and embracing feedback is crucial in a fast-paced tech environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with marketing, product, PR, and employer branding teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate diverse needs into visual solutions.
• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs is essential for iteration and improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Designers may share best practices, design techniques, or insights on user behavior to foster collective learning and elevate the team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values proactive individuals who can contribute creatively while also being organized and collaborative. The "New Work" philosophy points towards a culture of trust and flexibility, where employees are empowered to manage their own time and work effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Assets: Ensuring a unified visual identity across a wide range of digital and print materials, each with specific technical requirements and target audiences.
• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Objectives: Translating marketing goals and user needs into visually appealing and effective designs that also adhere to brand guidelines.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Requests: Effectively prioritizing and delivering design work for various internal teams with potentially competing deadlines and requirements.
• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends and Technologies: Staying current with new design tools, software updates, and aesthetic trends in the fast-paced tech and fintech industries.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like UX/UI design for fintech applications, motion graphics for marketing videos, or advanced digital asset management.
• Industry Exposure: Utilize the €1,500 L&D budget for courses, workshops, or conferences focused on visual design, branding, UX, or the fintech sector.
• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior team members or leadership, offering guidance on career progression and skill development.
• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide array of design projects provides continuous learning through practical application and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to hone skills in a dynamic environment, facing challenges that foster growth. The company's investment in learning and development indicates a commitment to employee advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your typical design process from receiving a brief to delivering final assets. How do you ensure brand consistency throughout?" (Focus on structured steps, feedback loops, and quality checks).
• Collaboration: "How do you approach working with non-design stakeholders, such as marketing or product managers, to understand their needs and incorporate feedback?" (Highlight active listening, clear communication, and managing expectations).
• Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a time you faced a design challenge where you had to balance creative expression with strict brand guidelines or technical limitations. How did you resolve it?" (Showcase adaptability, creative solutions, and adherence to constraints).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Circula and our mission to simplify finance?" (Research the company's values, product, and market position).
• "Based on what you've seen, how do you think your design style aligns with Circula's brand identity?" (Connect your aesthetic and approach to their existing visuals).
• "How do you prefer to work in a hybrid environment, and what are your strategies for effective collaboration when not in the office?" (Discuss communication tools, proactive engagement, and time management).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best demonstrate your skills in brand consistency, digital asset creation, and collaboration. Prioritize relevance to Circula's needs.
• Narrative Flow: For each project, clearly explain the objective, your role, the process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Use visual aids effectively.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention metrics or results that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates).
• Tool Demonstration: Be prepared to briefly explain your workflow in Figma or Adobe Creative Cloud if prompted, highlighting efficiency or specific techniques.
• Enthusiasm & Fit: Convey your passion for design and your enthusiasm for Circula's mission and culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your design process, demonstrating your understanding of brand operations, and showcasing your collaborative skills. Being able to connect your work to business objectives and the company's specific context will be highly advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Circula careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong visual design, brand consistency, and experience with digital/print asset creation relevant to marketing and GTM efforts. Include case studies that showcase your process for managing design projects and workflows.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3+ years of experience, proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud, and any experience in tech startups or fintech. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on contributions to brand consistency and marketing support.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project rationale, and collaborative approach. Prepare to present your portfolio with a clear narrative, focusing on how your work drives brand consistency and supports business objectives. Research Circula's brand and mission thoroughly.
• Company Research: Understand Circula's product, target audience, and company culture. Identify how your design skills can contribute to their growth and operational efficiency, particularly in their marketing and GTM initiatives.

⚠️ 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.