Junior Graphic Designer (all genders) // Elternzeitvertretung für 1 Jahr

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer (m/f/d) - Parental Leave Replacement

Company: ARMEDANGELS

Location: Thebäerstraße 17, 50823 Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (1 year parental leave replacement)

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Art Direction & Graphic Design team in creating compelling visual assets for both digital and print channels.

• Develop and realize graphics, ensuring alignment with ARMEDANGELS' sustainability values, brand guidelines, and storytelling objectives.

• Collaborate closely with CRM, Marketing, Product, and E-commerce teams to deliver timely and impactful design solutions.

• Contribute to campaign brainstorming and creative development, bringing fresh ideas for visual evolution.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of design trends, tools, and software to continuously enhance ARMEDANGELS' visual language.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a temporary, full-time position to cover parental leave, lasting for one year. The hybrid work model indicates a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, crucial for design roles requiring both creative input and team synergy. The focus on sustainability and fashion positions this role within a niche but growing sector of the design industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create and execute designs for newsletters and CRM assets, including marketing, automated, and transactional emails.

• Assist the creative team in developing digital and print assets such as social media graphics, presentation slides, and website design elements.

• Ensure all design outputs strictly adhere to established Brand Guidelines and the overarching creative strategy, while proactively suggesting improvements.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions and campaign strategy meetings, contributing to the development of innovative creative solutions.

• Manage design requests from CRM, Marketing, Product, and E-commerce teams, ensuring clear briefing capture and punctual delivery of assets.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, software updates, and industry tools, integrating new insights into the brand's visual identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of execution and contribution. While the role is junior, there's an expectation to bring personal ideas and actively participate in creative processes. The emphasis on CRM and e-commerce assets suggests a strong focus on direct-to-consumer communication and performance marketing visuals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A (Fach-) Hochschulabschluss (University or University of Applied Sciences degree) in Graphic Design, or an equivalent qualification.

• Alternatively, a completed apprenticeship (Ausbildung) in Graphic Design or a comparable qualification. Experience:

• Ideally, some initial professional experience in graphic design is preferred. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Strong design skills with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

• Excellent ability to collaborate within a team environment.

• Outstanding time management and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated ability to translate brand guidelines and creative strategies into visual assets.

• Passion for sustainability and a genuine interest in the fashion industry.

• Fluent written and spoken English and German language skills. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in creating digital assets for social media platforms.

• Familiarity with CRM and email marketing platforms for asset integration.

• Understanding of UI/UX principles for web design elements.

• Experience with motion graphics or basic animation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While "initial professional experience" is mentioned, the "Junior" title and the context of a parental leave replacement suggest that a strong academic background or vocational training combined with a compelling portfolio and demonstrable passion may be sufficient. The emphasis on sustainability and fashion is a key differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of design projects that demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Include examples of digital assets (e.g., social media graphics, web banners, email templates) and print materials (e.g., flyers, brochures, layouts).

• Highlight projects where brand guidelines were applied or developed, illustrating an understanding of brand consistency.

• Present projects that reflect an understanding of visual storytelling and effective communication.

• Demonstrate workflow processes, such as initial concept sketches, mood boards, or iterative design stages, if available. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process from brief to final asset delivery.

• Explain how you approach incorporating feedback and revisions from stakeholders.

• Articulate how you ensure design consistency across various channels and touchpoints.

• Describe your methods for staying organized and managing multiple design projects simultaneously.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, the portfolio is paramount. It should clearly articulate the candidate's design thinking and execution capabilities. Emphasis should be placed on projects that align with ARMEDANGELS' brand aesthetic and mission, particularly those involving digital assets and a conscious approach to design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: €30,000 - €38,000 per year (gross)

• Explanation: This estimate is based on junior graphic designer roles in Cologne, Germany, with 0-2 years of experience, considering the temporary nature of the contract and the specific industry (sustainable fashion). Salary expectations are typically discussed during the application process, and the provided range serves as a benchmark.

Benefits:

• Inspirierendes Arbeitsumfeld: Work in an innovative, sustainable company setting new benchmarks.

• Flexibility: Trust-based working hours and remote work options.

• Team Spirit: Regular company events, a dog-friendly office.

• Employee Discounts: Shopping vouchers and employee discounts at ARMEDANGELS.

• Mobility: Jobrad (company bicycle) or Deutschlandticket (public transport pass).

• Financial Support: Company pension scheme (betriebliche Altersvorsorge).

• Well-being: Employee Assistant Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Culture: Casual dress code ("Come as you are").

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, likely 40 hours per week.

• Flexible working hours based on trust, with potential for remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for a junior, temporary role in Cologne. The benefits package is quite comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance, employee well-being, and a strong connection to the company's mission and products. The hybrid nature of the role is supported by flexible working hours and remote options.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sustainable Fashion & Lifestyle. ARMEDANGELS is a pioneer in ethical and ecological fashion, aiming to redefine industry standards.

Company Size: Approximately 190 employees. This size indicates a company that is established and growing, offering opportunities for impact without being overly bureaucratic.

Founded: 2007. ARMEDANGELS has a significant history in the sustainable fashion movement, positioning itself as a leader and innovator.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the Art Direction & Graphic Design Team.

• This team likely collaborates closely with Marketing, CRM, Product, and E-commerce departments.

• The reporting structure will probably be to a Senior Graphic Designer or an Art Director. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creativity is key, designs are expected to align with brand strategy and potentially performance metrics from CRM and E-commerce.

• Collaborative Workflow: The role emphasizes teamwork, brainstorming, and cross-functional communication to ensure cohesive brand messaging.

• Sustainability Focus: All creative output must reflect and champion the company's core values of sustainability and ethical production.

Company Website: https://www.armedangels.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: ARMEDANGELS has a strong, mission-driven culture. Candidates should demonstrate genuine passion for sustainability and ethical fashion. The company's growth from a small initiative to a leading European label signifies a dynamic and purpose-led environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Graphic Designer. This role is an entry-level position focused on execution and learning within the creative department.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will report to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director, providing direct guidance and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The role contributes to ARMEDANGELS' brand presence and communication effectiveness across all channels, directly influencing customer engagement and brand perception through visual content.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone graphic design skills, particularly in digital assets, CRM integration, and social media content, under expert guidance.

• Industry Exposure: Gain in-depth knowledge of the sustainable fashion industry and its unique marketing and communication needs.

• Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust portfolio with diverse projects within a reputable and mission-driven brand.

• Potential for Extension/Future Roles: While a temporary role, exceptional performance and cultural fit could potentially lead to future opportunities within the company, though this is not guaranteed.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, growth is primarily about skill acquisition and portfolio building. The temporary nature means career progression within this specific role is limited, but the experience gained can be a significant stepping stone into the design field, especially within the sustainable sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role involves a mix of in-office work at their Cologne headquarters and remote work.

Office Location(s): Thebäerstraße 17, 50823 Köln, Germany. This location is in Cologne, a major city in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is described as having "history and love for dogs," suggesting a potentially relaxed yet professional atmosphere conducive to creative collaboration.

• Tools & Technology: Access to Adobe Creative Suite and other design software is implied. The team stays updated on new tools and software.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the Art Direction & Graphic Design team, as well as cross-functional teams, is expected.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible working hours based on trust.

• Standard full-time employment, likely around 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model offers flexibility, but the emphasis on collaboration means regular in-office presence is likely beneficial for team integration and creative synergy. The dog-friendly office and casual dress code suggest a company culture that values employee comfort and individuality.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Apply online via the provided button, including CV, pronouns/preferred name, earliest start date, and salary expectations.

• Initial Screening: HR or hiring manager reviews applications for suitability based on requirements and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant design work and explaining their creative process.

• Creative Task/Challenge: A design task may be assigned to assess practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with team members and potentially other stakeholders to assess collaboration skills and alignment with company values.

• Final Interview: Possibly a final discussion with a hiring manager or senior leader.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and align with ARMEDANGELS' aesthetic and mission.

• Highlight Process: For each project, explain your role, the brief, your design process (ideation, execution, revisions), and the outcome.

• Emphasize Digital & CRM: Given the responsibilities, include examples of digital assets, social media graphics, and email designs if possible.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Show how you interpret and apply brand guidelines. If you have sustainability-focused projects, highlight them.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Articulate your design choices, software proficiency, and passion for sustainability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a task that might involve creating a social media graphic, a simple email banner, or adapting an existing asset.

• Focus on speed, adherence to brand guidelines, and clear visual communication.

• Be prepared to explain your rationale quickly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a personal touch ("a few words why you really want to start with us") and a need for a strong portfolio that speaks to the company's values. The interview process will likely assess both technical design skills and cultural alignment with ARMEDANGELS' mission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design, brochures, newsletters, and print materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility, familiarity with how design impacts metrics (e.g., click-through rates for emails, engagement on social media) is beneficial. Understanding of basic analytics dashboards might be helpful for context. CRM & Automation:

• CRM Assets: Experience or understanding of creating assets for CRM platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Salesforce Marketing Cloud) is a plus for newsletter and email campaigns.

• Email Marketing Platforms: Familiarity with how designs are implemented in email builders.

Other Potential Tools:

• Figma/Sketch: Increasingly common for digital design collaboration and UI/UX.

• Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar for task management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite. While direct experience with CRM or analytics tools isn't explicitly listed as mandatory, understanding how designs function within these systems is a significant advantage for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability First: A deep commitment to environmental and