Lead Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Graphic Designer

Company: Asahi Beverages

Location: New Zealand

Job Type: Full-Time, Contractor

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

Date Posted: 2026-09-30

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of graphic designers, overseeing workflow, prioritization, and team development to drive creative excellence.

• Manage the end-to-end delivery of diverse graphic design projects, including packaging, point-of-sale materials, trade presentations, and marketing collateral within the FMCG sector.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Innovation, Shopper Marketing, Brand, Supply Chain) to ensure design solutions align with brand, commercial, and manufacturing requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance team efficiency, creative output, and overall design process optimization.

• Execute impactful creative projects hands-on, balancing leadership responsibilities with detailed design work in a fast-paced dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month contract position, offering a significant opportunity for experienced designers to lead a team and manage key projects within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. The focus on both leadership and hands-on execution suggests a need for strong project management and creative direction skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Graphic Design team, ensuring high performance through effective workflow management, prioritization, and fostering team engagement.

• Oversee the comprehensive delivery of graphic design projects across various formats, including packaging artwork, point-of-sale (POS) materials, trade presentations, and marketing collateral.

• Support and contribute to the creative development process for new product concepts, innovation initiatives, and advertising campaigns, translating brand strategy into visual assets.

• Champion and implement process improvements aimed at enhancing team efficiency, streamlining creative output, and elevating the overall quality of design deliverables.

• Act as a key design partner with cross-functional teams, ensuring all creative solutions effectively meet specified brand guidelines, commercial objectives, and manufacturing constraints.

• Proactively manage multiple design projects concurrently, meticulously tracking timelines, budgets, and quality standards to ensure successful and timely completion.

• Provide creative direction and feedback to the design team, ensuring consistency in brand messaging and visual identity across all outputs.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging design technologies, and best practices in graphic design and print production to inform team strategy and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on team leadership and hands-on creative work, requiring a candidate who can effectively manage people and projects while also contributing directly to design output. The emphasis on packaging and print production suggests a need for deep technical knowledge in these areas.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio and demonstrable experience in graphic design, leadership, and project management are paramount. A degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a significant portion in a leadership or senior capacity. Experience within the FMCG sector is highly regarded.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with expert-level skills in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

• Proven experience in leading, coaching, and developing a creative team, including workflow management and performance oversight.

• Strong project management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects from concept to completion.

• Expertise in designing for print production and understanding of manufacturing environments, including specific printing processes and packaging artwork requirements.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with cross-functional teams and present design concepts.

• Demonstrated experience in interpreting and delivering against client or stakeholder briefs accurately and effectively.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality work under pressure. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with packaging design, including structural considerations and artwork preparation for production.

• Knowledge of After Effects or other motion graphics software for creating dynamic visual content.

• Familiarity with brand strategy development and translating brand guidelines into compelling visual assets.

• Experience within the FMCG industry, understanding its unique market dynamics and design demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role explicitly values hands-on technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite alongside leadership and project management. The preference for FMCG and packaging design experience indicates a need for industry-specific knowledge and a portfolio that showcases relevant work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on packaging design, marketing collateral, and POS materials.

• Case studies demonstrating successful project leadership, workflow management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.

• Examples of creative problem-solving, illustrating how design challenges were overcome to meet brand and commercial requirements.

• Evidence of managing the end-to-end design process, from brief interpretation to final production-ready artwork.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite applications, highlighting complex techniques and efficient workflow practices. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have driven process improvements within a design team to enhance efficiency and creative output.

• Documentation showcasing your approach to managing design workflows, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring timely delivery of projects.

• Case studies detailing your experience in collaborating with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure design feasibility and adherence to production standards.

• Methodologies used for interpreting stakeholder briefs and translating them into actionable design plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present a portfolio that not only demonstrates creative talent but also showcases their leadership, project management, and process optimization capabilities within a design context. The emphasis on production readiness and cross-functional collaboration is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Lead Graphic Designer role with 5-10 years of experience in New Zealand, particularly in a contract position within a large organization like Asahi Beverages, the estimated salary range would typically fall between NZD $80,000 - $110,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior creative roles, considering the specific demands of leadership, project management, and FMCG/packaging design expertise in the New Zealand market.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to lead and develop a creative team, fostering professional growth and leadership skills.

• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of iconic beverage brands within the dynamic FMCG sector.

• Involvement in innovative projects and high-impact creative campaigns.

• Potential for contract extension or future opportunities within Asahi Beverages.

• Access to a collaborative and supportive work environment.

• Standard employment benefits as applicable to a contract role in New Zealand.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, flexibility may be offered depending on project demands and team needs, aligning with efficient workflow management and project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a contract role in New Zealand for a Lead Graphic Designer with the specified experience. Actual compensation will depend on Asahi Beverages' internal pay scales, the candidate's specific qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for such roles and companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (FMCG). Asahi Beverages operates within a highly competitive and dynamic consumer goods market, where strong branding and effective visual communication are critical for market penetration and consumer engagement. This industry demands agility, innovation, and a keen understanding of consumer trends.

Company Size: Asahi Beverages is a significant player in the Australian and New Zealand beverage market, indicating a large organization with established processes, a substantial employee base, and a broad operational footprint. This size suggests opportunities for impactful work and exposure to complex projects.

Founded: Asahi Beverages has a long history, with its origins tracing back to established brewing and beverage companies. This history implies a company with deep industry knowledge, established brand portfolios, and a culture that likely balances tradition with innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design team is an in-house function, likely comprising several designers with potentially varied specializations.

• The Lead Graphic Designer reports into a Marketing, Brand, or Creative Director, overseeing the day-to-day operations and creative output of the design function.

• Close collaboration is expected with departments such as Innovation, Shopper Marketing, Brand Management, and Supply Chain, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Design decisions are likely informed by market research, consumer insights, and brand performance data to ensure creative strategies are effective.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on streamlined processes for project intake, creative development, feedback loops, and final asset delivery to maximize efficiency and quality.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploration of tools and techniques to automate repetitive design tasks and optimize workflows, particularly in areas like packaging artwork preparation.

Company Website: https://www.asahibeverages.com.au/ (While the specific NZ site may differ, this provides general company context)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's position in the FMCG sector implies a fast-paced, brand-centric environment where design plays a crucial role in product success. The large company size suggests robust internal processes and cross-functional collaboration needs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into leadership within the creative field. It's positioned as a "Lead" role, signifying not just individual contribution but also team management, mentorship, and strategic input into the design function's operations. It bridges senior individual contributor roles with management positions.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Graphic Designer will likely report to a senior marketing or brand management executive. They will be responsible for managing a team of graphic designers, providing direction, and ensuring the team's output aligns with broader organizational goals.

Operations Impact: The Lead Graphic Designer's impact is directly tied to the effectiveness of Asahi Beverages' visual communication across its product portfolio. This includes driving brand perception, supporting sales initiatives through impactful collateral, and ensuring product packaging meets both aesthetic and functional requirements for market success. Strong design leadership can directly influence market share and consumer loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone people management, team development, and strategic leadership skills within a large corporate structure.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in FMCG and packaging design, becoming a subject matter expert in a high-demand area.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience collaborating with diverse departments, understanding broader business objectives and how design contributes to them.

• Potential for Permanent Role: Depending on performance and business needs, this 12-month contract could lead to permanent opportunities within Asahi Beverages.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role offers a clear pathway for career advancement into management and specialized creative leadership. The emphasis is on developing both creative and managerial competencies within a large, established organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a traditional office environment within one of Asahi Beverages' New Zealand facilities. This suggests a structured workplace conducive to team collaboration and in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): While specific locations in New Zealand are not detailed, Asahi Beverages has a significant presence across the country. The successful candidate will be based at one of their operational sites, likely near major urban centers where their headquarters or key facilities are located.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site nature facilitates direct interaction with the design team and cross-functional colleagues, fostering a dynamic and collaborative creative process.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and hardware is expected, including advanced Adobe Creative Suite licenses, and potentially specialized packaging design software.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and design reviews are integral to the daily operations, promoting knowledge sharing and skill development.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week, aligned with standard business operations. The on-site requirement ensures consistent availability for team collaboration and project engagement during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and team cohesion for this role, suggesting that Asahi Beverages values direct communication and team dynamics in its creative operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative capabilities.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (e.g., Marketing Director, Creative Director) to discuss experience, leadership approach, and alignment with team needs. Focus on strategic thinking and team management.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, design process, and how they managed stakeholders and achieved objectives. This is a critical step for assessing creative output and communication skills.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with potential team members or key stakeholders from departments like Brand or Innovation to evaluate collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussions regarding contract terms, compensation, and confirmation of the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 strong projects that best represent your leadership, FMCG/packaging experience, and Adobe Creative Suite proficiency.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples where you led a project, managed a team, or influenced design direction. Detail your role clearly.

• Highlight Process: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome (including any measurable results).

• Emphasize Production: Demonstrate your understanding of print production and packaging artwork requirements by showing examples of final production-ready files or discussing the production process.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased sales, improved brand perception, efficiency gains).

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your leadership style, how you handle difficult stakeholders, your process for managing competing priorities, and your technical approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design exercise or a detailed discussion about how you would approach a specific design challenge relevant to Asahi Beverages' brands or products.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your creative decisions align with business objectives.

• Research Asahi Beverages' brands, their current marketing efforts, and their competitive landscape to inform your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process, leadership impact, and stakeholder management skills. Thorough preparation of case studies and understanding of the FMCG context are crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential and advanced proficiency required, specifically:

  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, retouching, and digital asset creation.
  • InDesign: For layout design of marketing collateral, presentations, and packaging elements.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, and intricate packaging artwork.

• Packaging Design Software: While not explicitly named, familiarity with specialized software used in packaging artwork creation and pre-press preparation is highly advantageous.

• Motion Graphics Software (Desirable): After Effects for creating animated graphics and short video content for digital marketing or presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., engagement rates for digital assets, sales uplift for packaging) is key. Familiarity with reporting dashboards that track marketing campaign performance may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to core design tasks, but understanding how design assets are managed and distributed within broader marketing or product lifecycle management systems could be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Proficiency in packaging-specific design software and a foundational understanding of motion graphics are significant advantages, reflecting the diverse creative needs of the FMCG sector.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries while delivering impactful and effective design solutions that align with brand strategy.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams, fostering open communication and mutual respect to achieve shared goals.

• Quality & Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-standard creative work, paying meticulous attention to detail, especially in print production and packaging artwork.

• Efficiency & Agility: Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and optimize workflows to meet business demands.

• Brand Stewardship: A deep respect for brand guidelines and a commitment to upholding and enhancing brand integrity through design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands active participation in team meetings, design reviews, and project discussions with stakeholders from Brand, Marketing, Innovation, and Supply Chain.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive continuous improvement and team development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where designers share best practices, new techniques, and insights to elevate the team's collective skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: Asahi Beverages likely values a team culture that is both creatively driven and highly collaborative, with a strong focus on delivering business results through high-quality, brand-aligned design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Leadership and Execution: Effectively managing team workflow and individual development while remaining hands-on with complex design projects requires strong time management and delegation skills.

• Navigating Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Translating varied briefs from different departments (e.g., innovation vs. sales vs. supply chain) into cohesive and effective design solutions can be challenging.

• Pace of the FMCG Industry: Keeping up with rapid product launches, marketing campaigns, and evolving consumer trends demands agility and quick turnaround times for design assets.

• Technical Demands of Packaging: Ensuring design accuracy and compliance with complex printing processes and manufacturing specifications for packaging artwork.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to develop formal leadership and team management capabilities through practical experience.

• FMCG & Packaging Specialization: Deepening expertise in the specific demands and best practices of design within the food and beverage sector and packaging production.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Gaining insights into broader business functions such as product innovation, marketing strategy, and supply chain logistics.

• Exposure to a Major Brand Portfolio: Working with well-established and diverse brands offers a rich learning experience in brand management and visual identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges common to lead creative positions in fast-paced industries, particularly around balancing multiple demands and stakeholder expectations. The growth opportunities are significant for individuals looking to advance in creative leadership and industry specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading and developing a graphic design team. How do you foster creativity while ensuring deadlines are met?" (Focus on your leadership philosophy, team motivation techniques, and workflow management strategies.)

• "Walk us through a complex packaging design project you led from concept to production. What were the key challenges, how did you collaborate with manufacturing, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study showcasing your process, problem-solving, and understanding of production.)

• "How do you prioritize design requests when faced with competing demands from different departments like Innovation, Marketing, and Sales?" (Demonstrate your ability to assess business impact and manage stakeholder expectations effectively.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Asahi Beverages and our brands? How do you see your design leadership contributing to our success?" (Research Asahi's brands, their market position, and recent campaigns. Connect your skills to their business objectives.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder. How did you manage the relationship and ensure a positive outcome for the design project?" (Prepare an example that highlights your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, especially within the FMCG and packaging sectors?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear story: Brief -> Your Role/Process -> Challenges -> Solutions -> Outcome/Impact.

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading the project, managing the team, or influencing the design direction.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite and any specialized packaging software, demonstrating your technical expertise.

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to illustrate the effectiveness of your design work (e.g., improved shelf appeal, successful product launch).

• Engage and Interact: Treat the presentation as a conversation. Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices and your approach to challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that highlight both their creative vision and their operational/leadership capabilities. Demonstrating an understanding of Asahi Beverages' brands and the FMCG context will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Asahi Beverages careers page.

• Curate a compelling portfolio: Select your strongest 5-7 projects, focusing on those that demonstrate leadership, FMCG/packaging design experience, and advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency. Ensure each project clearly outlines your role, process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Optimize your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight key responsibilities and achievements relevant to team leadership, project management, packaging design, and print production. Integrate keywords such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "FMCG," "packaging artwork," and "stakeholder management."

• Prepare your presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a clear, concise narrative. Be ready to discuss your design rationale, leadership approach, and how you manage cross-functional collaborations and production requirements.

• Research Asahi Beverages: Understand their brand portfolio, recent marketing activities, and the competitive landscape in the New Zealand beverage market. Prepare to articulate how your skills align with their business objectives and company culture.

⚠️ 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.