Lead Designer (d/f/m)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer (d/f/m)

Company: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Location: Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Management & Leadership / Marketing

Date Posted: September 07, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid / Flexible Work Scheme

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creation and editing of master and pre-production digital content, ensuring the highest quality outputs for innovation, marketing, and corporate needs.

• Drive complex projects involving multiple designers and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and efficient studio environment.

• Localize and adapt existing digital assets, identifying opportunities for enhanced design applications and services across various business units.

• Manage project timelines, priorities, and resources effectively, ensuring adherence to internal processes and brand identity standards.

• Champion process improvement initiatives, including onboarding, knowledge sharing, and best practice facilitation for the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Lead Designer," its responsibilities heavily lean into operational aspects of a creative studio, including process management, team development, and stakeholder alignment. This suggests a strong need for candidates with both creative vision and operational rigor, making it a relevant role for individuals transitioning from or excelling in operations-focused creative functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Digital Content Creation & Editing: Develop and refine master and pre-production digital assets (images, illustrations, layouts) utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma to meet specific project objectives and quality standards.

• Project Leadership: Oversee complex design projects, coordinating the efforts of multiple designers and ensuring seamless collaboration with international brand managers and project managers.

• Asset Localization & Adaptation: Modify and localize existing digital assets for diverse applications, including pre-production, product mockups, marketing collateral, and corporate communications, while identifying opportunities for further design innovation.

• Process & Workflow Management: Lead the product packaging and project design process, ensuring designs and deliveries comply with BU/brand guidelines and identity standards, and that cost/time estimates are accurate and tracked.

• Team Development & Mentorship: Define and maintain the onboarding process for new designers, facilitate best practices, manage knowledge-sharing libraries, and provide constructive feedback and critiques to foster team growth and performance.

• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as a key liaison between the design studio and international brand managers/project managers, ensuring clear communication, regular briefings, and timely feedback sessions to meet stakeholder needs.

• Quality Assurance & Governance: Implement rigorous quality control (QC) measures to ensure visual consistency, brand governance, and adherence to typography and global multi-channel campaign standards.

• Continuous Improvement: Drive process improvement initiatives within the studio, focusing on efficiency, workflow optimization, and the adoption of best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and operational oversight. The "Lead Designer" title implies creative direction, but the emphasis on managing projects, processes, onboarding, and ensuring compliance with guidelines points to a significant operational management component. This role is for someone who can balance creative excellence with structured execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for a Lead Designer role. Relevant certifications in design software or project management may also be beneficial.

Experience: 7+ years of professional creative graphic design experience is a mandatory requirement. This includes significant experience in leading projects, managing creative workflows, and working with international teams.

Required Skills:

• Expert Mastery of Design Software: Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Figma for creating and editing digital assets.

• Print Production & Prepress Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of print production and prepress standards to ensure high-quality physical outputs.

• Graphic Design for Online Use: Strong understanding of design principles for digital platforms, user experience (UX), and visual consistency across online channels.

• Project Management Capability: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including scope, timeline, budget, and resource allocation.

• Quality Control (QC) & Brand Governance: Exceptional eye for detail, ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines, visual consistency, and quality standards across all creative output.

• Typography & Visual Consistency: Advanced understanding and application of typography and visual design principles for cohesive brand representation.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to lead a design team, mentor junior designers, and foster a positive and productive work environment.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong skills in working effectively with diverse teams, including brand managers, project managers, and other creative professionals across different locations.

• Fluent English Skills: Excellent written and spoken English proficiency for seamless communication within an international, cross-location team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Familiarity with Agile methodologies in a creative context.

• Understanding of user interface (UI) design principles.

• Experience in a multinational consumer goods company or similar large corporate environment.

• Knowledge of animation or motion graphics software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "7+ years of professional creative graphic design experience" requirement, coupled with "proven capability in project management" and "strong leadership skills," indicates that this role requires a candidate with a solid operational understanding of creative production pipelines, not just pure design talent. The emphasis on "brand governance" and "prepress standards" further highlights the operational rigor expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Creative Excellence: Showcase a range of high-quality digital designs, including marketing collateral, product mockups, and corporate communications, highlighting your aesthetic eye and technical proficiency.

• Project Management Case Studies: Include 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your ability to lead complex projects from concept to completion, detailing your role in planning, execution, stakeholder management, and problem-solving.

• Process Improvement Examples: Present examples of how you have identified and implemented process improvements within a design studio or creative workflow, detailing the challenges, solutions, and impact.

• Brand Governance & Consistency: Showcase work that exemplifies strong brand governance, visual consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines across multiple channels or campaigns.

• Software Proficiency Showcase: Visually demonstrate your mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Figma, perhaps through examples of complex file structures or advanced techniques used.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of designed or optimized workflows for digital content creation, localization, and asset management, illustrating how you ensure efficiency and quality.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Detail instances where you've implemented new processes or leveraged tools for automation within a creative production pipeline.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase how you track and analyze design team performance, project timelines, and resource utilization, demonstrating your data-driven approach to operational management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Designer role with significant operational responsibilities, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display creative work but also provide tangible evidence of project management skills, process optimization capabilities, and the ability to ensure brand consistency and operational efficiency within a creative team.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Designer roles with 7+ years of experience in major German cities like Düsseldorf, and considering Henkel's status as a large multinational corporation, the estimated gross annual salary range is €65,000 - €90,000. This estimate considers factors such as the required technical expertise (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, print production), project management skills, leadership responsibilities, and the hybrid work model offering flexibility.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Scheme: Enjoy flexibility in your work schedule to better manage work-life integration.

• Hybrid Work Model: Combine remote work with in-office collaboration for a balanced work environment.

• Work From Anywhere Policy: Opportunity to work remotely from approved locations for up to 30 days per year, offering significant location flexibility.

• Diverse Growth Opportunities: Access to national and international career development paths within Henkel.

• Global Wellbeing Standards: Comprehensive programs focused on employee health and preventive care.

• Health & Preventive Care: Access to various health and wellness initiatives.

• Gender-Neutral Parental Leave: A minimum of 8 weeks of gender-neutral parental leave to support new parents.

• Employee Share Plan: Voluntary investment option with Henkel matching shares, fostering employee ownership.

• Company Pension Plan: A 100% Henkel-financed company pension plan for long-term financial security.

• MEGA Preventive Health Insurance: Enhanced preventive health insurance coverage.

• CareFlex Supplementary Care Insurance: Additional supplementary care insurance options.

• Mobility Offers: Benefits like "My Henkel Bike" and "Jobticket" to support commuting.

Working Hours: The role is described as full-time or part-time, with a "flexible work scheme with flexible hours." This suggests a standard full-time week of approximately 40 hours, but with adaptability in scheduling to accommodate project needs and personal work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on current market data for similar roles in Germany, factoring in the specified experience level, technical skills, and leadership responsibilities. Henkel's comprehensive benefits package is a significant draw, particularly the flexibility and long-term financial security offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Henkel operates in the Consumer Goods and Industrial sectors, with a strong focus on Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care, and Laundry & Home Care. This diverse portfolio means the design team supports a wide range of product development, marketing campaigns, and branding initiatives across different markets.

Company Size: Henkel is a large multinational corporation with a global presence, employing tens of thousands of people worldwide. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and numerous opportunities for career advancement and exposure to diverse business functions.

Founded: Founded in 1876, Henkel has a long and rich history, built on innovation and a commitment to sustainability. This heritage suggests a culture that values both tradition and forward-thinking, with a strong emphasis on long-term strategy and responsible business practices.

Team Structure:

• Creative Studio Leadership: The Lead Designer will work closely with a Cluster Lead and/or Principal Designer, indicating a structured hierarchy within the creative function.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role explicitly requires working directly with international brand managers and project managers, highlighting a matrixed organizational structure where design is integrated with broader business functions.

• Designer Team Support: The Lead Designer is responsible for monitoring team performance and supporting team leaders in developing other designers, suggesting a team-oriented approach to creative delivery and talent management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on "brand governance," "visual consistency," and "quality control" suggests a methodical approach to design, likely supported by brand guidelines and potentially market research insights.

• Process-Oriented Workflow: Responsibilities like managing project pipelines, defining onboarding processes, and ensuring adherence to internal protocols point to a structured and systematic operational methodology for creative production.

• Collaborative Development: The role encourages working directly with stakeholders and other designers, indicating a collaborative methodology for idea generation, feedback, and final output refinement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Henkel's long history and multinational status suggest a structured, process-driven culture that values both innovation and adherence to global standards. For a Lead Designer, this means balancing creative freedom with the operational requirements of a large, established corporation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Lead" level, indicating significant experience and responsibility beyond individual contribution. It involves managing projects, overseeing junior designers, and influencing creative processes. For operations professionals, this signifies a move into a leadership role where strategic input on creative operations, workflow optimization, and team development is expected.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer reports to a Cluster Lead and/or Principal Designer, suggesting a clear reporting line within the creative department. They, in turn, are responsible for supporting and monitoring the performance of other designers, indicating a direct leadership influence over a team.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer's impact is crucial for ensuring that Henkel's brands are consistently and effectively represented across all digital touchpoints. This includes driving innovation in design, optimizing the creative production pipeline for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and ensuring brand integrity globally. Their work directly influences product perception, marketing campaign success, and overall brand equity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Principal Designer, Cluster Lead, or Head of Design roles, taking on greater strategic responsibility and managing larger creative teams or functions.

• Operations & Process Specialization: Develop expertise in creative operations management, workflow automation, and process optimization within a multinational context, potentially leading to roles in GTM operations or creative operations strategy.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to leverage design leadership experience in roles within brand management, marketing, or product development, drawing on a deep understanding of visual communication and brand strategy.

• Global Exposure: Continued international exposure and opportunities to lead global projects and initiatives, fostering a broad understanding of diverse markets and consumer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" designation signifies a critical juncture for career growth, moving from a purely execution-focused role to one that combines creative leadership with operational management. The opportunities for progression are substantial, particularly for those who can demonstrate strong process management and strategic thinking alongside their design expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Henkel offers a hybrid work model, meaning the role involves a combination of working from the office in Düsseldorf and working remotely. This provides flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Düsseldorf, Germany. Specific details about the office environment (e.g., open-plan, dedicated studio space) are not provided, but as a large corporation, it's likely to be a modern, well-equipped facility designed for collaboration and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest an environment where teamwork and shared problem-solving are encouraged, both virtually and in person.

• Access to Tools & Technology: As a Lead Designer, you can expect access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma) and potentially advanced hardware and digital asset management systems.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a team of designers, as well as with brand managers and project managers, will be a key part of the daily work, fostering a dynamic and communicative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The "flexible work scheme with flexible hours" combined with a full-time or part-time option allows for significant autonomy in managing one's schedule, provided project deadlines and team needs are met. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for operations-oriented roles that may require focused, uninterrupted work periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and flexible work arrangements are significant benefits, catering to modern work preferences. For operations roles, this flexibility is often crucial for deep work and managing complex workflows efficiently.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Skills Assessment: Likely a practical design exercise or case study focusing on digital content creation, localization, or problem-solving within brand guidelines. This may involve using Adobe Creative Cloud or Figma.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions designed to evaluate leadership style, project management capabilities, cross-functional collaboration, and how you handle challenges and team dynamics. Expect questions around process improvement and mentorship.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, explaining your design process, project rationale, and demonstrated impact, with a particular focus on your leadership and operational contributions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term career aspirations within Henkel.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best showcase your expertise in digital design, leadership, project management, and process improvement.

• Highlight Operational Contributions: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced (especially operational ones like timeline constraints, resource allocation, or process inefficiencies), the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes.

• Showcase Process & Methodology: Explain your design process, how you manage projects, ensure brand consistency, and collaborate with stakeholders. Include examples of workflows you've designed or optimized.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved efficiency by X%, reduced errors by Y%, successful launch of Z campaigns).

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your leadership style, how you mentor designers, handle difficult stakeholders, and manage competing priorities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Henkel's Brands: Research Henkel's key brands and their current visual identities to understand their market positioning and design language.

• Practice Design Challenges: Be prepared for a task that might involve adapting existing assets for a new campaign, creating a concept for a new product launch, or solving a visual communication problem for a specific business unit.

• Focus on Process & Rationale: During any challenge, articulate your thought process, the steps you're taking, and how your decisions align with brand strategy and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, testing both creative talent and operational acumen. A portfolio that clearly demonstrates leadership, process management, and quantifiable results will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert mastery is required for Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, used extensively for creating and editing digital content, illustrations, and layouts.

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX design tasks, indicating a modern design workflow.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, experience with tools like Asana, Jira, Trello, or Monday.com is highly probable for managing project pipelines, timelines, and team tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Brand Governance Tools: Familiarity with tools or systems that enforce brand guidelines and ensure visual consistency across all assets.

• Performance Tracking Tools: Ability to interpret and utilize data from marketing campaigns or design performance metrics to inform creative decisions and optimize future work.

CRM & Automation:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Likely used for organizing, storing, and distributing digital assets, ensuring brand consistency and efficient retrieval.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for seamless communication and collaboration within a hybrid and international team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools (Adobe CC, Figma) are core to the design function. However, the "Lead" aspect and operational responsibilities imply familiarity with project management and workflow tools that are common in operations environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful designs that meet stringent brand and production standards.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to continuously improve creative processes, workflows, and resource utilization to maximize output and minimize waste.

• Collaboration & Communication: A belief in the power of teamwork, open communication, and constructive feedback to achieve shared goals across diverse teams and locations.

• Innovation & Adaptability: An openness to exploring new design approaches, technologies, and adapting to evolving market trends and business needs.

• Brand Integrity: A deep respect for and dedication to upholding Henkel's brand identity and governance across all creative outputs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Actively engage with brand managers, project managers, and other departments to ensure design initiatives are aligned with business objectives.

• Mentorship and Development: Foster a supportive environment where junior designers can learn, grow, and contribute effectively, providing constructive critique and guidance.

• Transparent Communication: Maintain open lines of communication regarding project status, challenges, and potential solutions, ensuring all stakeholders are informed.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Leverage insights from performance metrics and brand guidelines to inform design decisions and strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Henkel's emphasis on sustainability and innovation likely translates into a culture that values responsible execution and forward-thinking design. For this role, a collaborative and process-driven approach, combined with a strong sense of brand stewardship, will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Governance: Effectively translating innovative design concepts while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and corporate standards across diverse product lines.

• Managing Global Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating diverse needs and feedback from international brand managers and project managers across different regions and cultures.

• Optimizing Creative Workflows: Continuously identifying and implementing improvements in studio processes to enhance efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and manage resources effectively in a hybrid environment.

• Leading and Developing a Diverse Team: Guiding and mentoring designers with varying skill sets and experience levels, fostering a cohesive and high-performing team in a cross-location setup.

• Keeping Pace with Design Technology: Staying current with evolving design software, tools, and digital trends to ensure Henkel's creative output remains cutting-edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Technology Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops on new design software features, AI in design, or emerging digital design techniques.

• Leadership and Project Management Skills Development: Opportunities to attend workshops or pursue certifications in leadership, strategic planning, and advanced project management.

• Cross-Industry Exposure: Gaining experience across Henkel's diverse business units (Adhesives, Beauty Care, Laundry & Home Care) to broaden understanding of different market dynamics and design challenges.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Henkel or to mentor emerging talent, further honing leadership and coaching skills.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Opportunities to attend relevant design and marketing conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a lead role in a large, global organization, requiring a blend of creative problem-solving and operational management. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering clear paths for both creative and operational career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex design project from concept to completion. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on project management, stakeholder communication, and process adherence.)

• "How would you approach improving the onboarding process for new designers within our creative studio?" (Highlight your experience with process definition, documentation, and team development.)

• "Walk me through how you ensure brand consistency and quality control across multiple digital assets and campaigns for a global brand." (Emphasize your understanding of brand governance, QC, and systematic approaches.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Henkel's brands and our commitment to sustainability?" (Research Henkel's mission, values, and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and communication within a hybrid design team spread across different locations?" (Provide examples of your communication strategies and team-building efforts.)

• "Describe your experience with managing competing priorities and tight deadlines in a fast-paced creative environment." (Focus on your organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the solutions you implemented (especially operational ones), and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Process & Tools: Explain your design process, the tools you used (Adobe CC, Figma), and any workflow optimizations you introduced.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase instances where you led a team, mentored junior designers, or managed stakeholder expectations.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss specific techniques used in print production, prepress, or digital asset creation.

• Showcase Brand Governance: Present examples that clearly illustrate your understanding and application of brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess your ability to balance creative leadership with operational execution. Prepare specific examples that highlight your experience in process management, team leadership, and ensuring brand consistency within a large corporate structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Henkel careers site.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most impactful projects, focusing on those that demonstrate your leadership, project management skills, process improvement initiatives, and mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma. Ensure it clearly showcases your ability to maintain brand governance and quality control.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of experience, emphasizing leadership responsibilities, project management achievements, and any experience in process optimization or team development. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your portfolio projects, focusing on the operational challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and experience with hybrid teams.

• Research Henkel: Understand Henkel's brands, their market presence, and their commitment to sustainability and innovation. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.