Marketing Designer - Performance Marketing (12-month fixed-term contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marketing Designer - Performance Marketing (12-month fixed-term contract)

Company: SumUp

Location: Berlin, Germany / Paris, France

Job Type: Contract

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-01T05:01:21

Experience Level: Mid-Level (implied by responsibilities and required experience)

Remote Status: On-site (Office-first)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end creative execution for performance marketing campaigns across key digital channels, focusing on mobile acquisition.

• Develop high-impact static, video, and motion design assets for platforms including Meta, Google, Snapchat, and TikTok.

• Leverage performance data and A/B testing methodologies to inform creative iterations and optimize campaign effectiveness.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Performance Marketing, Content, and Design teams to ensure brand consistency and drive conversion rates.

• Integrate AI tools and automation into creative workflows to enhance speed, scale, and output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the Performance Marketing team, specifically the Mobile Acquisition squad, indicating a strong focus on direct response marketing and measurable results. The "office-first" and "fixed-term contract" nature suggests a need for immediate contribution and a candidate comfortable with project-based work in a collaborative, in-person environment. The emphasis on data-led creative and AI integration points towards a modern, efficiency-driven marketing operations function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization and execution of creative assets for paid and owned digital channels, directly supporting mobile acquisition goals.

• Produce a high volume of compelling static, video, and motion graphics content tailored for Meta, Google Ads, Snapchat, and TikTok, aligning with creative direction set by the Content Manager.

• Actively analyze performance metrics from paid campaigns to inform creative decisions, design A/B tests, and rapidly iterate on assets based on data-driven insights.

• Collaborate closely with Performance Marketing specialists, Content Managers, and the broader Design team to maintain stringent brand guidelines and ensure a cohesive visual identity across all marketing touchpoints.

• Proactively identify and implement AI tools and automation techniques to streamline the creative production process, increase output velocity, and elevate the quality of delivered assets.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of creative systems, standardized templates, and robust production processes to enable scalable creative operations.

• Translate complex performance data and channel-specific requirements into visually engaging and effective marketing collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative talent and analytical rigor, essential for a performance marketing designer. The emphasis on "owning end-to-end creative execution" and "contributing to creative systems" suggests a need for a proactive, process-oriented individual who can not only create but also improve the operational aspects of creative production.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree is mandated, but a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical knowledge is expected.

Experience: Proven experience in performance marketing creative delivery and a track record of operating autonomously in agile, fast-paced environments.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience creating and delivering performance marketing creative across major digital advertising platforms, including Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Google Ads, TikTok, and Snapchat.

• Advanced proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) and Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Working knowledge of motion design principles and video production techniques to create dynamic and engaging video assets.

• Strong ability to interpret performance data (e.g., CTR, conversion rates, CPA) and translate these metrics into actionable creative improvements and A/B testing strategies.

• Comfort and confidence in leveraging AI tools to enhance creative workflows, accelerate asset generation, and explore innovative design solutions.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a lean, agile team setting, balancing speed, quality, and stakeholder expectations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the fintech, payments, or a similarly regulated and rapidly evolving industry.

• Familiarity with the unique design considerations and best practices for specific channels like TikTok and Snapchat.

• Understanding of conversion rate optimization (CRO) principles as they relate to creative assets.

• Experience in developing and maintaining creative templates and production process documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific platforms (Meta, Google, TikTok, Snapchat) and tools (Adobe Suite, Figma) is crucial. The requirement to "let data challenge creative instincts" and "interpret performance metrics" strongly indicates a need for a designer who can operate effectively within a data-driven marketing operations framework, rather than a purely brand-focused creative role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of performance marketing creative executed across various digital channels (Meta, Google, TikTok, Snapchat).

• Demonstrated examples of static, video, and motion design assets that have driven measurable campaign performance.

• Case studies or project examples that clearly articulate the process from brief to execution, highlighting data-informed iterations and optimization strategies.

• Evidence of using AI tools or automation to improve workflow efficiency and creative output.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate creative production workflows, including brief intake, asset creation, review cycles, and delivery.

• Examples of how you've contributed to or improved creative systems, templates, or production processes to enable scalability.

• Demonstration of how you track and measure the impact of your creative work on key performance indicators.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a performance marketing design role, the portfolio is paramount. It must not only showcase visual creativity but also demonstrate an understanding of performance metrics, A/B testing, and the ability to iterate based on data. The expectation to contribute to process improvement suggests a candidate who thinks operationally about creative production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Berlin, Germany: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Marketing Designers in Berlin with a focus on performance marketing and digital channels, and considering the 12-month contract nature, a competitive range would be approximately €45,000 - €60,000 annually, prorated for the contract duration.

• Paris, France: Similarly, for Paris, a comparable range might be €45,000 - €60,000 annually, prorated.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on publicly available data for Marketing Designer roles in Berlin and Paris, factoring in the specified experience level (implied mid-level), contract duration, and the specialized nature of performance marketing creative. These are indicative ranges and may vary based on SumUp's internal compensation structure and the candidate's specific qualifications.

Benefits:

• Virtual Stock Option Programme: Opportunity to gain equity in SumUp's future success.

• Annual L&D Budget: €2000 per year for professional development, conferences, and further education.

• Corporate Pension Scheme: SumUp matches contributions up to 20%.

• Generous Time Off: 28 days of paid leave per year, plus public holidays and special leave days.

• Urban Sports Club Subsidy: Access to a wide range of sports and wellness facilities.

• Kita Placement Assistance: Support with finding childcare.

• Subsidised Office Lunches: Contribution towards daily meals.

• Break4me Sabbatical: A one-month paid sabbatical after 3 years of service.

• Referral Bonus: Additional rewards for successfully referring new talent.

• Contractual Benefits: Standard contractual benefits applicable to a 12-month fixed-term contract in Germany/France.

Working Hours: The description implies a standard full-time work week. Given the "office-first" approach and the fast-paced nature of performance marketing, a typical 40-hour work week is expected, with potential for flexibility based on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, offering a mix of financial incentives (stock options, pension, referral bonus), professional development, work-life balance (generous leave, sabbatical), and lifestyle perks. The L&D budget is particularly relevant for a designer looking to stay current with new tools and techniques.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech / Financial Services (specifically, payment processing solutions for small businesses).

Company Size: Over 3,000 employees globally. This indicates a mature, well-established organization with significant resources, but likely retains some of the agility of a growth-stage company.

Founded: SumUp was founded in 2012, positioning it as a significant player in the European fintech landscape with over a decade of operational experience.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Performance Marketing team, specifically the Mobile Acquisition squad. This implies a highly focused, results-oriented unit that works with substantial budgets and aggressive growth targets.

• The squad likely operates in an agile methodology, involving close collaboration with Performance Marketing Managers, Content Managers, and potentially Data Analysts.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The team relies heavily on performance data (metrics, A/B testing) to guide creative strategy and product development.

• Agile & Iterative: The "fastest-moving and output-intensive" nature suggests rapid cycles of creation, testing, and iteration.

• AI Integration: Proactive adoption of AI tools to enhance efficiency and creative output is a key operational methodology.

• Process Optimization: A focus on improving creative systems, templates, and production workflows for scalability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: SumUp's mission to empower small businesses provides a strong purpose-driven context. The fintech industry implies a need for design that is not only creative but also trustworthy, compliant, and user-friendly. The company's global presence and diverse workforce suggest an inclusive and international work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level designer with significant ownership and autonomy within a specialized marketing function. It requires demonstrated experience and the ability to operate independently, making it a key contributor role rather than an entry-level position.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Content Manager or a Marketing Manager within the Mobile Acquisition squad, who in turn reports into the broader Performance Marketing leadership. Close collaboration with the Head of Design or Design Leads may also occur for brand alignment.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly influences SumUp's ability to acquire new merchants by creating compelling advertising assets. Success in this role translates to tangible business outcomes: increased customer acquisition, higher conversion rates, and efficient allocation of marketing spend. The focus on data-driven optimization means the designer is instrumental in maximizing the ROI of paid media investments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in performance marketing creative for specific channels (e.g., becoming a go-to expert for TikTok creative).

• Process Improvement Leadership: Take a leading role in refining and scaling creative production processes and systems for the wider marketing team.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience in marketing strategy, content planning, and potentially product marketing through collaboration.

• Potential for Full-Time Conversion/Extension: While a fixed-term contract, strong performance could lead to extensions or opportunities in permanent roles within SumUp's marketing or design departments, especially within a growing company like SumUp.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in AI tools, new creative techniques, and performance analytics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term nature presents a unique growth dynamic. While direct promotion might be limited within the contract period, the opportunity lies in building a strong portfolio, demonstrating high-impact results, and potentially securing a permanent role or leveraging the experience for future opportunities. The emphasis on process improvement suggests a path toward operational leadership within design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: "Office-first" setup, indicating a preference for in-person collaboration and a structured work environment within SumUp's physical office spaces in Berlin or Paris.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany and Paris, France. These are major European hubs with vibrant tech and creative scenes.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, essential for working with performance marketing managers, content specialists, and other designers.

• Tooling: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Suite, Figma) and potentially advanced creative/AI tools will be provided, supporting efficient workflow.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with team members, fostering a dynamic and communicative work culture. The "fast-moving" nature suggests a energetic and responsive atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an expected 40-hour work week. The "office-first" approach means predictable workdays at the office, but the fast-paced nature of performance marketing may occasionally require flexibility to meet campaign deadlines or urgent creative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "office-first" designation is critical. Candidates must be willing and able to work from the designated office location in Berlin or Paris. This setup supports the "hands-on" and collaborative nature of performance marketing creative development, where quick feedback loops and spontaneous brainstorming are valuable.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit CV and portfolio through the SumUp careers portal.

• Initial Screening: Review of application and portfolio against requirements, focusing on performance creative examples and tool proficiency.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about experience, motivation, understanding of performance marketing, and creative approach. This may include a review of portfolio highlights.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially involving designing an asset based on a brief, or a more in-depth portfolio review with a focus on how data informed creative decisions. This is where the ability to interpret metrics and iterate will be tested.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with potential collaborators (e.g., Content Manager, Performance Marketing Manager) to assess cultural fit, communication style, and ability to work within an agile team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in Marketing or Design to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize Performance: Showcase projects where your creative directly led to measurable improvements in KPIs (e.g., higher CTR, lower CPA, increased conversions). Quantify results whenever possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, from understanding the brief and target audience to testing and iterating based on data. Use visuals to illustrate your steps.

• Channel Specificity: Highlight work done for Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat, explaining how you adapted creative to each platform's nuances.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Suite, Figma, and any AI tools you've utilized.

• Data Integration: Prepare to explain how you used performance data to make creative decisions and how you approached A/B testing.

• Conciseness: For a fast-paced role, ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and your key achievements are immediately apparent.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a brief that requires you to design an asset for a specific platform (e.g., a Snapchat story ad, a Google display banner).

• Be prepared to explain your creative rationale, target audience considerations, and how you would approach testing and optimization.

• Practice articulating how you would integrate AI tools into the workflow for such a task.

• Think about how you would ensure brand consistency while meeting performance objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "data challenge creative instincts" and "interpreting performance metrics" will likely be a core focus during the interview and any practical assessments. Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about their experience with A/B testing and data-driven iteration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, motion graphics, and video editing. Proficiency expected in Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.

• Figma: Crucial for collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially creating design systems or templates.

• AI Tools: Expected to be proficient with AI-powered design assistants or content generation tools (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E for ideation, AI video editing tools, AI copywriting assistants for ad copy).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Platform Analytics: Familiarity with performance dashboards within Meta Ads Manager, Google Ads, TikTok Ads Manager, and Snapchat Ads Manager.

• Data Interpretation: Ability to work with data provided by Performance Marketing Managers, potentially from tools like Google Analytics or internal BI dashboards, to understand campaign performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how creative assets integrate into the customer acquisition funnel managed through CRM systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with any project management or asset management tools used by the team (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Coda, Bynder) would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI tools highlights SumUp's forward-thinking approach to creative production. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific AI tools they have used and their impact on efficiency and creativity. Proficiency in Figma is also increasingly standard for collaborative design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance-Oriented: A strong focus on measurable results and driving key business metrics is paramount.

• Data-Driven: Decisions are informed by data and analytics, requiring a scientific approach to creative testing and optimization.

• Agile & Iterative: Embracing rapid cycles of creation, testing, and learning to adapt quickly to market dynamics.

• Collaborative: Working effectively across teams (Marketing, Content, Design) to achieve shared goals.

• Innovative: Proactive adoption of new technologies (like AI) and creative approaches to stay ahead.

• Ownership: Taking responsibility for outcomes and driving projects to completion with autonomy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Performance Marketing Managers and Content Managers to align creative vision with campaign objectives and performance targets.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is exchanged regularly to improve creative output and processes.

• Efficiency-Focused: A shared drive to optimize workflows and leverage tools to maximize output and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: SumUp's stated core values (empowerment, innovation, collaboration, diversity) likely underpin the team's operational culture. For this role, the emphasis on "empowering small businesses" translates to a mission-driven approach, while "innovative mindset" aligns with the adoption of AI and new creative strategies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume, Fast Pace: Producing a consistent stream of high-quality creative assets under tight deadlines for multiple platforms.

• Data Interpretation Complexity: Translating nuanced performance data into actionable creative insights can be challenging.

• Balancing Brand and Performance: Ensuring creative is both on-brand and optimized for conversion across different channels.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with new AI tools, platform algorithm changes, and emerging creative trends.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Navigating a role with a defined end date, requiring a focus on maximizing impact within the given timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Performance Creative: Gaining deep expertise in designing for high-conversion digital advertising channels.

• AI Tool Proficiency: Becoming an expert in leveraging AI for creative production and workflow optimization.

• Data Analytics Skills: Enhancing ability to interpret marketing data and translate it into creative strategy.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Developing a strong understanding of marketing strategy, content planning, and business objectives within a leading fintech company.

• Portfolio Building: Creating a strong body of work that showcases significant impact and advanced skills, valuable for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the inherent tension between creative expression and performance optimization in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. The growth opportunities are directly tied to mastering these challenges and becoming a highly skilled performance marketing designer.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used performance data to significantly improve a creative asset. What was the data, what did you change, and what was the result?" (Focus on A/B testing, metric interpretation, and iterative design).

• "How do you approach creating a new set of ad creatives for a platform like TikTok versus Meta? What are the key differences in your creative strategy?" (Demonstrates platform-specific understanding).

• "Imagine you have a limited budget and need to create 10 variations of an ad. How would you use AI tools to maximize your output and creative quality?" (Tests AI integration and efficiency).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about SumUp's mission to empower small businesses?" (Connect your work to the company's purpose).

• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your creative work from stakeholders or data?" (Assesses resilience and data-driven approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by case study. For each case study, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge/Brief
  • Your Role & Responsibilities
  • The Strategy/Approach (including data insights or hypothesis)
  • The Creative Solution (showcase the assets)
  • The Results (quantify impact with metrics)
  • Key Learnings/Iterations

• Highlight Performance: For each project, explicitly state the KPIs you impacted and by how much. Use clear visuals of the assets and, if possible, charts showing performance improvements.

• Showcase Process: Walk through your design process step-by-step, emphasizing how you used data and feedback to iterate.

• Tool Demonstration: Be ready to discuss how you used specific tools (Adobe, Figma, AI) and any unique workflows you employed.

• Conciseness: Practice presenting your key projects within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful and relevant work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not just a skilled designer but also a strategic thinker who understands the business objectives of performance marketing and can leverage data and technology to achieve them.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the SumUp careers portal, ensuring your CV and portfolio are up-to-date and readily accessible.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature performance marketing creative examples, especially for Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat. Quantify the impact of your work with specific metrics and highlight your process for data-driven iteration and A/B testing.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords related to performance marketing design, digital channels, Adobe Suite, Figma, AI tools, and data interpretation. Clearly list achievements and responsibilities that align with the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your creative process, your approach to data-driven design, and how you integrate AI tools into your workflow. Prepare to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your ability to drive conversion.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SumUp's mission, values, and recent marketing campaigns. Understand their target audience (small businesses) and how design contributes to their acquisition strategy.

⚠️ 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.