Lead Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Graphic Designer

Company: Nord Security

Location: Vilnius, Vilnius County, Lithuania

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Graphic Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-21

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of graphic design initiatives for a portfolio of cybersecurity products.

• Drive visual consistency and brand integrity across all marketing and communication channels.

• Mentor and develop a team of graphic designers, fostering a culture of creativity and high performance.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to translate business objectives into compelling visual narratives.

• Contribute hands-on to concept development, art direction, and exploration of new visual frontiers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lead Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and emphasis on performance-driven design, brand consistency, and cross-functional collaboration indicate a role with significant strategic and operational impact, aligning it closely with Marketing Operations functions that manage creative output for GTM strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and elevate the quality and craft of graphic design for all marketing and brand-related projects, ensuring alignment with business goals.

• Provide direct support, direction, and mentorship to graphic designers through constructive feedback, design reviews, and creative guidance.

• Facilitate the development of stronger visual concepts, compelling aesthetics, and effective storytelling capabilities within the design team.

• Partner closely with Project Managers, Copywriters, Stakeholders, and Design Leadership to ensure seamless project execution and strategic alignment.

• Translate complex briefs and overarching business objectives into clear, actionable design direction and visual strategies.

• Ensure strict adherence to brand guidelines while simultaneously pushing creative boundaries to achieve design excellence.

• Engage in hands-on design work when necessary, particularly in early-stage concepting, art direction, and exploring innovative visual territories.

• Manage and refine feedback loops from stakeholders, guiding designers on how to effectively incorporate input while maintaining design integrity.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices, encouraging continuous improvement and skill development within the team.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of design processes and workflows to enhance team efficiency and output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a leadership role focused on both creative output and team development, with a strong emphasis on strategic alignment with business goals. This goes beyond typical individual contributor graphic design roles and touches upon operational oversight of creative processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio and demonstrated experience are paramount. A degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field is often preferred.

Experience: 6+ years of experience in marketing design, branding, or agency environments, with a proven track record of leading or guiding design teams.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional visual design and art direction capabilities.

• Proven ability to provide clear, constructive, and actionable feedback to design peers.

• Deep understanding of brand systems, multi-channel design principles, and their application across various platforms.

• Strategic thinking and robust problem-solving skills with a focus on achieving business objectives through design.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for effective collaboration and stakeholder management.

• Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, evolving work environments.

• Fluent written and verbal English communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with photography, photo editing, and digital compositing techniques.

• Proficiency in illustration or experience guiding illustration styles for brand assets.

• Familiarity with or experience using Generative AI tools within creative workflows.

• Understanding of 3D visuals or experience collaborating with 3D design teams.

• Experience managing design for large-scale, global brands.

• Knowledge and understanding of the digital product design environment and its unique demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "6+ years of experience in marketing design, branding, or creative agencies" and "Experience leading or guiding designers" strongly suggests a mid-to-senior level leadership role. The emphasis on strategic thinking and problem-solving, coupled with the need for a portfolio demonstrating "design thinking," points towards an operations-minded individual who can connect design execution to business outcomes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates a minimum of 6 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong emphasis on marketing and branding projects.

• Case studies showcasing leadership or mentorship responsibilities, detailing how you guided designers, improved their craft, and managed creative output.

• Examples of strong visual design execution across diverse marketing channels (e.g., digital ads, social media, website assets, campaign materials).

• Demonstrations of strategic thinking, illustrating how design solutions addressed specific business goals or challenges.

• Visuals that highlight your art direction skills, showcasing a keen eye for composition, color, typography, and overall aesthetic quality.

• Evidence of understanding and applying brand systems consistently across multiple touchpoints.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a "requirement" for submission, candidates are expected to articulate their approach to design processes, including:

• Workflow design for creative projects, from briefing to final delivery.

• Methods for providing and receiving feedback, fostering constructive critique.

• Strategies for maintaining brand consistency and quality control across a broad portfolio.

• Approaches to concept development and creative exploration.

• Collaboration processes with cross-functional teams (e.g., Project Management, Copywriting, Marketing).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio demonstrating "both strong execution and design thinking" implies that candidates should be prepared to discuss the strategic rationale behind their design choices, not just the aesthetic outcome. For a Lead role, this also extends to showcasing their ability to manage processes and mentor others.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided text, typical offerings for a role of this level and in this region (Lithuania) often include:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, public holidays).

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or stock options, depending on company policy.

• Access to company-provided equipment and software (Figma, Adobe Suite, etc.).

• Opportunities for remote work or flexible working arrangements, though this role is listed as on-site.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. However, the role's leadership nature and the mention of a "fast-paced, evolving environment" suggest that occasional flexibility or extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines or critical business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to Lithuania. For a Lead Graphic Designer role with 6+ years of experience and leadership responsibilities in a company like Nord Security, this range is competitive for the Vilnius market. It's crucial for candidates to research local cost of living and average salaries for similar roles to assess the offer accurately. The absence of detailed benefits necessitates proactive inquiry during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity, Technology, Software. Nord Security operates at the forefront of digital privacy and security, offering a suite of products designed to protect users online. This industry context implies a culture that values innovation, reliability, security, and user empowerment.

Company Size: Nord Security is a rapidly growing global company. While the exact current employee count isn't provided, their portfolio of "VPN, password management, identity protection, and beyond" suggests a significant operational scale, likely placing them in the "Large Enterprise" category (500+ employees). This size offers opportunities for impact and career progression but also requires structured processes and efficient collaboration.

Founded: Nord Security was founded in 2012. This relatively young age, combined with its rapid growth and expansion into multiple product lines, suggests a dynamic and agile organizational culture that embraces change and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The design team is multidisciplinary, comprising Product Designers, Web Designers, UX Researchers, UX Writers, and Graphic Designers. This collaborative structure allows for diverse perspectives and integrated design solutions.

• The Lead Graphic Designer will likely report to a Design Director or Head of Design, overseeing a specific group of graphic designers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on "performance-driven design" suggests that design decisions are informed by data, analytics, and user behavior.

• Agile Development: Given the fast-paced tech environment, design processes likely integrate with agile development methodologies, requiring flexibility and iterative work.

• User-Centricity: The company's mission to provide "privacy, security, and control over their digital lives" indicates a strong user-centric approach, where design prioritizes user experience and trust.

• Brand Consistency: A core operational focus is ensuring a unified and high-quality brand experience across all Nord Security products and marketing efforts.

Company Website: https://nordsecurity.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in cybersecurity and digital privacy is a strong cultural anchor. For a graphic designer, this means creating visuals that convey trust, security, and ease of use, often simplifying complex technical concepts for a broad audience. The "fast-paced, evolving environment" means designers need to be adaptable and proactive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Lead" position, signifying a transition from an individual contributor to a management and mentorship role. It's a mid-to-senior level position requiring significant experience in graphic design, coupled with leadership capabilities. The focus on "performance-driven design" also hints at a strategic operational component, where design output directly impacts business metrics.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Graphic Designer will likely report to a higher-level design manager (e.g., Design Director, Head of Design) and will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of graphic designers. They will also collaborate extensively with project managers, marketing leads, and other department heads.

Operations Impact: The Lead Graphic Designer has a direct impact on how millions of users perceive and interact with Nord Security's brands. Their work influences brand recognition, campaign effectiveness, user acquisition, and overall customer trust. By ensuring high-quality, consistent, and performance-driven design, they contribute significantly to the company's marketing success and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Clear pathway to further management roles (e.g., Design Manager, Head of Design) by honing leadership, strategic planning, and team-building skills.

• Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like performance marketing design, brand system architecture, or emerging visual technologies (AI, 3D).

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader business acumen through close collaboration with product, marketing, and sales teams, potentially leading to roles in broader GTM strategy or product marketing.

• Global Brand Experience: Contributing to a globally recognized brand offers significant career capital and exposure to international market dynamics.

• Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning through access to tools like Generative AI, Adobe Suite, and Figma, along with potential for training and conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title implies a significant step up in responsibility, moving from pure execution to strategic guidance and team oversight. This is a crucial juncture for operations-focused designers who want to influence process and strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is listed as On-site in Vilnius. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and direct team interaction. Nord Security likely invests in modern office spaces that foster creativity and productivity.

Office Location(s): Vilnius, Lithuania. This location provides access to a growing tech talent pool and a vibrant city environment. Specific office details (e.g., amenities, accessibility) would be clarified during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will facilitate face-to-face interaction with design colleagues, project managers, copywriters, and other stakeholders, crucial for the dynamic nature of design projects.

• Tools & Technology: Access to the latest design software (Figma, full Adobe Suite) and potentially dedicated hardware for creative work. The mention of Generative AI tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to creative technology.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with the design team, fostering a strong sense of community, shared learning, and rapid feedback loops. The multidisciplinary nature of the design team means exposure to various design disciplines.

Work Schedule: The primary work schedule is expected to be full-time (40 hours/week). However, given the "fast-paced, evolving environments" and "performance-driven design" focus, there may be an expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines, especially for critical campaigns or product launches. This would likely be managed through effective time management and prioritization, rather than strict overtime mandates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Vilnius suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for creative leadership roles requiring strong team cohesion and direct mentorship.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications, focusing on experience, portfolio relevance, and alignment with the "Lead" responsibilities. AI tools may be used for initial assessment as mentioned in the job description.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design thinking, leadership experience, and how they've driven results. Expect detailed questions about their process, decision-making, and mentorship approach.

• Skills & Competency Interviews: Interviews to assess specific design skills (art direction, brand systems), leadership capabilities (mentorship, feedback delivery), and strategic thinking (problem-solving, translating briefs).

• Cross-Functional / Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators (Project Managers, Marketing Leads) to evaluate communication, collaboration style, and ability to integrate design into broader GTM strategies.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior design leadership or a hiring manager to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and overall strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase projects that highlight your leadership, art direction, and performance-driven design experience. Include 2-3 in-depth case studies.

• Highlight Leadership: For each case study, clearly articulate your role in guiding designers, providing feedback, and influencing the creative direction. Use "I" for your individual contributions and "We" for team efforts you led.

• Demonstrate Design Thinking: For each project, explain the initial brief, the problem you were solving, your strategic approach, the design rationale behind key decisions, and the measurable impact (e.g., improved conversion rates, brand engagement, campaign performance).

• Showcase Brand Acumen: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work within and evolve brand guidelines across multiple channels.

• Visual Storytelling: Present your work in a visually appealing and organized manner. Use clear, concise copy to explain your process and results.

• Address AI Usage: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Generative AI tools and how you integrate them into your workflow, as mentioned in the "What will make you stand out" section.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a brief to create a concept or a small campaign element, assessing your ability to quickly grasp objectives, generate ideas, and articulate your design thinking.

• Leadership Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common team challenges, such as managing conflicting feedback, motivating designers, or addressing underperformance.

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge for one of Nord Security's products, focusing on business objectives and user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI in the application process, including the possibility of AI evaluation and the "Generative AI tools" in the tech stack, means candidates should be prepared to discuss this. It's crucial to be transparent about AI usage in their own work and portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI design. Proficiency is expected for team workflows.

• Full Adobe Suite: Includes Photoshop (photo editing, compositing), Illustrator (vector graphics, icon design), InDesign (layout, print materials), and potentially After Effects (motion graphics, if applicable).

• Generative AI tools: Familiarity with tools like Midjourney, DALL-E, or Stable

Diffusion for concept generation, asset creation, or exploring new visual styles.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed for this role, a Lead Graphic Designer working on performance-driven design would likely need to understand how to interpret data from:

• Web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior on landing pages and campaign sites.

• Marketing automation platforms to track campaign performance.

• A/B testing tools to understand the impact of different design variations.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role's core function, but understanding how marketing campaigns are executed and tracked within CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Figma, the full Adobe Suite, and Generative AI tools are critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with each, especially how they leverage these tools for efficiency and creative output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality design execution and attention to detail across all visual output.

• Ownership & Responsibility: Taking initiative, driving projects forward, and being accountable for design outcomes.

• Honest Feedback & Collaboration: Fostering an environment where constructive criticism is welcomed and shared openly to improve work.

• Creative Initiative: Encouraging exploration, experimentation, and the development of innovative design solutions.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing data and performance metrics to guide design choices and measure impact.

• User Focus: Prioritizing the user experience and ensuring designs are clear, accessible, and trustworthy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with marketing, product, project management, and copywriting teams to achieve shared objectives.

• Process-Oriented: Valuing structured workflows and clear communication channels to ensure efficiency and predictability in creative production.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Actively seeking and providing feedback to continuously refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and new techniques within the design team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "honest feedback" and "creative initiative" suggests a culture that values open communication and proactive problem-solving, which are key traits for successful operations professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Performance Goals: Ensuring that creative output adheres to strict brand guidelines while also being optimized for conversion and engagement in performance marketing campaigns.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Input: Navigating and synthesizing feedback from various departments and leadership levels, ensuring design integrity is maintained.

• Leading and Mentoring a Growing Team: Developing leadership skills to effectively guide, motivate, and support designers with varying levels of experience.

• Adapting to Rapid Technological Advancements: Staying ahead of the curve with new design tools, AI technologies, and evolving digital marketing trends.

• Scaling Design Operations: Ensuring that design processes can scale efficiently to meet the demands of a growing product portfolio and global market presence.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership Training: Access to courses or workshops focused on people management, strategic planning, and creative direction.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Opportunities to attend leading design and marketing conferences to gain insights and network.

• Skill Specialization: Deepening expertise in areas like UI/UX design, motion graphics, advanced photo manipulation, or generative AI applications.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within Nord Security or the broader tech industry.

• Exposure to Global Marketing Strategies: Learning from and contributing to campaigns targeting diverse international markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are typical for a Lead role in a fast-growing tech company, requiring strong operational skills in process management, stakeholder communication, and team leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a design team through a challenging project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and team management.)

• "How do you balance maintaining brand integrity with the need for performance-driven design in marketing campaigns?" (Assess strategic thinking and understanding of GTM objectives.)

• "Walk us through your process for providing constructive feedback to a designer. How do you ensure it's actionable and well-received?" (Evaluates mentorship and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Nord Security's mission and products, and how do you see graphic design contributing to our goals?" (Shows research and alignment with company mission.)

• "Describe your ideal team culture. How would you foster that within a graphic design team?" (Assesses understanding of team dynamics and leadership philosophy.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, begin with the business problem or objective, then outline your strategic approach, showcase your design solutions (highlighting leadership/art direction), and conclude with the results and impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., increased conversion rates, engagement, brand recall) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your design work.

• Showcase Leadership: Explicitly point out instances where you mentored designers, provided art direction, or managed the creative process.

• Explain Your "Why": Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them back to strategy and user needs.

• Address AI: If you've used AI tools in your portfolio projects, be ready to discuss your process, the benefits, and any limitations or ethical considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss how they leverage design to achieve measurable business outcomes, a key aspect of operations roles. Demonstrating an understanding of performance metrics and stakeholder management is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate a compelling portfolio that specifically highlights your leadership experience, art direction skills, and successful marketing/branding projects. Ensure it includes case studies demonstrating strategic thinking and measurable results.

• Tailor your resume to emphasize your 6+ years of experience, leadership roles, and proficiency with key tools like Figma, Adobe Suite, and Generative AI. Use keywords relevant to performance-driven design and brand management.

• Prepare a concise presentation of your portfolio, ready to discuss your process, design rationale, leadership approach, and the impact of your work. Practice articulating these points clearly and confidently.

• Conduct thorough research on Nord Security's products, brand identity, and recent marketing campaigns to demonstrate your understanding of their market and how your design leadership can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.