Retail Graphic Designer (all genders)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Graphic Designer (all genders)

Company: Maniko Nails GmbH

Location: Berlin, Germany or Remote

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Retail

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid / Remote Flexible

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and adapt creative assets for a wide array of channels including digital, social media, CRM, e-commerce, retail, and print, ensuring strict brand consistency.

• Independently create and verify production-ready print files for packaging and displays, demonstrating a keen understanding of consumer psychology and claim placement.

• Collaborate closely with Art Directors, Brand, Social Media, and Marketing teams to translate campaign concepts and key visuals into impactful formats across all touchpoints.

• Contribute to the maintenance and development of design templates and brand guidelines, upholding the visual integrity of the Maniko Nails brand.

• Proactively research visual trends and contribute fresh, innovative ideas to campaigns and content creation efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Graphic Designer with a strong emphasis on retail and consumer-facing materials. The "all genders" designation indicates a commitment to inclusivity. The hybrid/remote flexibility is a significant perk, with a clear preference for candidates in Germany, but remote work within Germany is fully supported. The role requires a blend of creative execution and technical proficiency in print production.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Design team in developing compelling creatives for digital channels, social media campaigns, CRM communications, e-commerce platforms, retail environments, and print materials.

• Adapt campaign concepts and key visuals into various formats suitable for diverse touchpoints and media.

• Independently create and meticulously check production-ready print files for packaging and displays, ensuring accuracy and quality.

• Develop visually appealing and brand-consistent layouts, graphics, and product-focused assets that resonate with the target audience.

• Strategically determine the optimal placement of claims on packaging, displays, and creative assets to maximize their impact and effectiveness.

• Assist in the preparation of production-ready files for both digital and print applications, adhering to technical specifications.

• Contribute to the upkeep and evolution of design templates and brand guidelines to ensure ongoing brand consistency.

• Handle daily design requests efficiently, maintaining a high standard of consistency and attention to detail.

• Research emerging visual trends and actively propose fresh ideas for campaigns and content to keep the brand innovative and engaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role focused on execution and adaptation. The emphasis on "independently create and verify production-ready print files" is a critical differentiator and a core requirement. The role requires a designer who can translate strategic concepts into tangible creative assets across a broad spectrum of marketing and retail touchpoints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring 2+ years of experience.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of practical experience in graphic or communication design, with a strong emphasis on print production for packaging and displays.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in graphic or communication design.

• Proven, routine proficiency in creating and checking production-ready print files for packaging and displays (absolute must-have).

• A strong portfolio showcasing an excellent eye for typography, layout, color, and composition.

• Proficient working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Solid understanding of fundamental print and digital design requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to consistently apply an existing brand identity across various formats.

• Professional fluency in both German and English.

• High standard for quality and meticulous attention to detail.

• Eagerness to learn, curiosity, and openness to constructive feedback.

• Reliable, organized, and capable of managing multiple smaller tasks concurrently.

• Collaborative spirit and comfort working within a fast-paced team environment.

• Proactive attitude and a willingness to take ownership and responsibility.

• Genuine passion for design, brands, and visual storytelling. Preferred Skills:

• Prior internship, freelance, or junior-level professional experience.

• Foundational knowledge of After Effects, Premiere Pro, or other motion design tools.

• Experience with Figma.

• Experience in designing for social media, CRM, or e-commerce platforms.

• Basic understanding of print production processes and packaging design principles.

• Familiarity with AI-powered design tools.

• Interest in the beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and contemporary visual culture sectors.

• Good grasp of current social media and design trends.

• Confidence in contributing own ideas and asking clarifying questions.

• Flexibility and a hands-on, adaptable mentality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "absolute must-have" for print file experience is a critical filter. The preferred skills suggest a company that is forward-thinking and open to exploring new technologies and design mediums, making candidates with motion design or Figma experience particularly attractive. The strong emphasis on language skills indicates a need for clear communication within a diverse team and with international stakeholders.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio demonstrating a strong aesthetic sense, exceptional typography, layout skills, and color theory application.

• Clear examples of adapting campaign concepts and key visuals into diverse formats suitable for different channels (digital, social, print).

• Specific case studies or examples showcasing the creation and verification of production-ready print files for packaging and displays.

• Evidence of consistent application of brand guidelines and maintaining brand integrity across various design outputs.

• A section highlighting work that demonstrates an understanding of consumer psychology and effective claim placement. Process Documentation:

• Showcase how you approach the workflow for adapting a single campaign concept into multiple creative assets for different platforms.

• Detail your process for ensuring print file accuracy, including pre-press checks and quality control measures for packaging and displays.

• Illustrate your method for collaborating with Art Directors, Brand, and Marketing teams to gather requirements and iterate on designs.

• Provide examples of how you maintain and update design templates and brand guidelines to reflect evolving brand needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It's not just about showcasing creative talent but also about demonstrating practical production skills, especially in print. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process for file preparation and quality assurance, as this is a non-negotiable requirement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on experience level (2-5 years), location (Berlin, Germany), and the specialized nature of print production skills, a competitive salary range for a Graphic Designer in this market would typically fall between €38,000 - €55,000 annually. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for similar roles in major German cities, considering the full-time employment type and the specific skill set required.

Benefits:

• 100% Remote Work Option in Germany: Full flexibility to work from anywhere within Germany, promoting work-life balance.

• Flexible Working Hours: Ability to manage personal and professional commitments with adaptable work schedules.

• Deutschlandticket: A public transport ticket valid across Germany, enhancing mobility and reducing commuting costs.

• Urban Sports Club Membership: Access to a wide range of sports facilities and activities to support physical health and well-being.

• Workation Opportunities: The chance to combine work with travel, offering a unique lifestyle benefit.

• Annual Professional Development Budget: A €300 budget for continuous learning and skill enhancement, with potential for adjustment based on individual needs.

• Team Events: Regular invitations to Berlin for team gatherings, fostering strong connections and camaraderie.

• Home Office Equipment: Full provision of necessary equipment to ensure a productive and comfortable remote working setup.

• Individual Travel Budget: Financial support for travel to Berlin for office-based work or team events.

• Ownership and Impact: Significant autonomy, creative freedom, and direct influence on company growth and success.

• Growth Opportunities: Clear pathways for personal and professional development within the company.

• Inspiring Culture: A flat hierarchy, rapid decision-making, and a focus on genuine teamwork.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The company offers flexible working hours, allowing employees to structure their workday to best suit their productivity and personal needs, within the framework of achieving project deadlines and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on market data for graphic designers in Germany with 2-5 years of experience. The benefits package is exceptionally strong, particularly the remote work flexibility, travel budgets, and professional development allowance, indicating a company that invests in its employees' well-being and growth. The "100% Remote in Deutschland" is a significant draw for candidates seeking location independence within Germany.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates in the innovative and fast-growing nail lacquer industry, specifically known for its revolutionary, self-adhesive nail polish technology. This positions Maniko Nails at the intersection of beauty, fashion, and consumer lifestyle.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description of a "fast-growing team" and the need for a Graphic Designer suggests a growing startup or scale-up environment, likely in the range of 50-200 employees. This size typically offers a dynamic atmosphere with opportunities for significant individual impact.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company is described as "innovative" and "fast-growing," implying a relatively modern establishment or a recent surge in growth and market penetration.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a Design team, likely collaborating with Art Directors.

• Close interaction is expected with Brand, Social Media, and Marketing teams, indicating a cross-functional operational structure.

• The company culture emphasizes "Facts over Ego," "Challenge accepted," "Power to the people," and "Who if not you?", promoting a data-driven, growth-oriented, and empowered work environment. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The "Facts over Ego" value suggests that decisions are based on data, results, and logical reasoning rather than personal opinions.

• Agile & Iterative Design: The fast-paced environment and focus on "Challenge accepted" imply an iterative approach to design, with continuous improvement and adaptation.

• Empowerment & Ownership: "Power to the people" and "Who if not you?" highlight a culture where employees are trusted with responsibility and encouraged to take initiative.

Company Website: www.maniko-nails.de

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is clearly defined by its four core values, which are central to how work is done. The "Facts over Ego" principle is particularly relevant for operations-focused roles, emphasizing objective analysis and results. The size and growth trajectory suggest an exciting environment for those who thrive in dynamic, evolving companies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring at least 2 years of experience and the ability to work independently on critical production tasks like print file preparation. It's an execution-focused role with significant responsibility for brand consistency and product presentation.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will support the Design team and work closely with Art Directors. They will also collaborate extensively with Brand, Social Media, and Marketing teams, indicating a matrixed reporting or strong project-based collaboration structure rather than a rigid hierarchy.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement across various channels, and product sales through effective packaging and retail displays. Their ability to translate brand strategy into visually compelling assets is crucial for the company's marketing and retail success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in print production for packaging and displays, or explore motion design and digital asset creation based on company needs and individual interest.

• Brand Design Evolution: Contribute to the development and refinement of brand guidelines and visual identity, taking on more strategic design responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working on diverse projects across different marketing functions, potentially leading to specialized roles in areas like E-commerce Design or Social Media Creative.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated initiative and strong performance, there may be opportunities to mentor junior designers or lead specific design projects as the company scales.

• Continuous Learning: Utilize the annual professional development budget and exposure to new tools (like AI design tools) and trends to stay at the forefront of the design field.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a Graphic Designer role, the emphasis on print production, consumer psychology, and cross-functional collaboration means that a candidate with an operations-minded approach to design – focusing on efficiency, impact, and measurable results – will excel. Growth will likely stem from mastering core competencies and demonstrating adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a "100% Remote in Deutschland" option, alongside an office presence in Berlin. This suggests a hybrid work model is standard, with employees having the choice to work from home or utilize office facilities. The Berlin office is located near Hackescher Markt, a central and vibrant area.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Berlin, Germany, specifically in the Hackescher Markt area, known for its accessibility and lively atmosphere. The remote option allows employees across Germany to participate.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite the remote option, the company fosters collaboration through regular team events in Berlin and encourages strong team interaction, aiming to connect employees and build rapport.

• Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially newer tools like Figma and AI design tools, supported by provided home office equipment.

• Operations Integration: The design team works closely with marketing, brand, and social media teams, ensuring that design output is integrated with broader business objectives and marketing campaigns.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment with flexible working hours is offered. This allows designers to structure their day effectively, balancing personal needs with project deadlines and collaborative sessions. The focus is on output and achieving results rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and remote-first approach, coupled with the central Berlin office location for optional use, offers significant flexibility. The provision of home office equipment and travel budgets for office visits underscores the company's commitment to supporting its remote workforce.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Focus on your portfolio and resume, ensuring they clearly highlight your print production experience (packaging/displays) and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

• Skills Assessment / Technical Interview: Expect a discussion or practical exercise focused on your print file preparation capabilities, understanding of color profiles, and workflow for creating production-ready files. This is a critical stage given the "absolute must" requirement.

• Creative/Conceptual Interview: Discuss your design process, how you approach adapting campaign concepts, and your understanding of typography, layout, and brand consistency. Be ready to present specific portfolio pieces and explain your design choices.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Engage with members of the Design, Brand, or Marketing teams to assess your collaborative style, alignment with company values (Facts over Ego, Challenge Accepted, etc.), and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, remote-friendly environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize Print Production: Dedicate a significant section of your portfolio to examples of packaging and display designs, including the final print-ready files or detailed process explanations. Clearly state your role and responsibilities for each project.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Showcase how you've translated a single concept or key visual into multiple formats for different channels (social, digital, print).

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Include examples where you've successfully applied existing brand guidelines or developed assets that maintain strong brand integrity.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio reflects strong skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. If you have experience with Figma or motion design tools, include relevant examples.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your approach, the challenges faced, and the outcome, with a focus on how your design contributed to the brand's objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve adapting a creative concept for a specific retail application or preparing print-ready files for a mock product.

• Practice articulating your design process and decision-making, especially concerning technical aspects like print specifications and consumer psychology.

• Prepare to discuss how you manage multiple design requests and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's print production skills. Candidates should be ready to go deep on the technical aspects of print file creation and pre-press. The "Facts over Ego" culture means being objective and data-informed in your explanations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for daily design tasks, asset creation, and print file preparation.

• Adobe Acrobat Pro: Crucial for creating, editing, and pre-flighting print-ready files.

• Figma (Preferred): Experience with Figma is a plus for collaborative design and prototyping, especially for digital assets.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design impacts campaign performance (e.g., through social media engagement or e-commerce conversion rates) is beneficial.

• Google Analytics (Basic understanding): Useful for context on digital campaign performance.

• Social Media Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with basic metrics for social media creatives.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot - Basic understanding): Awareness of how CRM campaigns use visual assets.

• E-commerce Platforms (e.g., Shopify - Basic understanding): Understanding of product listing image requirements.

Other Potential Tools:

• After Effects, Premiere Pro (Preferred): For motion graphics and video editing, if the candidate has these skills.

• AI-Powered Design Tools (Preferred): Familiarity with emerging AI tools for design assistance or content generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep expertise in Adobe Creative Suite for graphic and print design. Proficiency in print file preparation is paramount. Experience with Figma and motion design tools are strong differentiators, suggesting the company is open to expanding its creative capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Facts over Ego: All design decisions and justifications should be grounded in data, results, and logical reasoning, not personal preference. This fosters a culture of objective critique and continuous improvement.

• Challenge Accepted: Embrace complex design challenges, especially those related to adapting concepts for diverse retail and print applications, viewing them as opportunities for growth and innovation.

• Power to the People: Employees are empowered to take ownership of their work, contribute ideas freely, and have a direct impact on the brand's visual output and success.

• Who if not you?: A proactive mindset is highly valued. Designers are expected to take initiative, identify opportunities, and drive tasks forward without constant supervision.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Art Directors, Brand Managers, Social Media Specialists, and Marketing teams to ensure design aligns with overall business objectives and campaign strategies.

• Feedback-Driven Process: Openness to constructive feedback is essential, particularly in a fast-paced environment where iterations are common. The team values clear communication and mutual respect.

• Knowledge Sharing: The company encourages sharing insights on design trends, new tools, and best practices, particularly concerning visual storytelling and consumer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are central to its operational ethos. For a designer, this means being data-informed in your creative justifications, proactive in your approach, and collaborative in your interactions. The emphasis on "Facts over Ego" is particularly important for justifying design choices, especially when dealing with print production where technical accuracy is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating creative concepts into production-ready print files for packaging and displays, adhering to strict technical specifications and deadlines.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Channels: Ensuring a unified brand message and visual identity across a wide range of touchpoints, from social media graphics to complex retail displays.

• Adapting to Rapidly Evolving Trends: Staying current with design trends, social media aesthetics, and consumer preferences in the dynamic beauty and fashion industry.

• Managing Multiple Projects Simultaneously: Juggling various design requests and deadlines in a fast-paced startup environment, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Print Production Techniques: Opportunity to deepen expertise in pre-press, color management, and specialized print finishes for packaging and displays.

• Digital Design Expansion: Develop skills in motion graphics, UI/UX design principles, or advanced digital asset creation for e-commerce and social media.

• Brand Strategy Contribution: Gain exposure to broader brand strategy discussions and contribute to the evolution of the Maniko Nails visual identity.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Learn about marketing campaign planning, social media strategy, and CRM implementation to better understand how design integrates with business goals.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers or lead design initiatives as the company grows and the team expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a growing e-commerce/retail brand, emphasizing the need for a designer who is both creatively adept and operationally sound. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for skill development and career advancement within a dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for preparing print-ready files for packaging and displays. What are the key checks you perform?" (Focus on technical accuracy, color profiles, bleed, trim, and critical dimensions.)

• "How do you approach adapting a single key visual or campaign concept for multiple channels like social media, CRM, and print packaging?" (Highlight your understanding of format differences and brand consistency.)

• "Walk us through a time you had to balance creative ambition with technical limitations or tight deadlines. How did you resolve it?" (Demonstrate problem-solving skills and adaptability.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across all your design outputs, especially when working with different teams and stakeholders?" (Emphasize your understanding of brand guidelines and collaborative communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you align with our company values, particularly 'Facts over Ego' and 'Who if not you?' in your design work?" (Prepare examples of objective decision-making and proactive initiative.)

• "What are your thoughts on the current design trends in the beauty and fashion industry, and how would you apply them to Maniko Nails?" (Show your industry awareness and creative thinking.)

• "Describe your ideal remote or hybrid work environment and how you maintain productivity and collaboration when working outside a traditional office setting." (Highlight your self-management skills and remote work experience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with your strongest print production examples (packaging/displays). Clearly label each project with its objective, your role, and key technical considerations.

• Demonstrate Process: For selected pieces, walk through your workflow, from initial concept to final file preparation. Use visuals to illustrate steps like layout development, color selection, and pre-press checks.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have any data on how your designs performed (e.g., increased engagement, successful product launches), present it to showcase your understanding of design's business impact.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dive: Anticipate detailed questions about your print file creation process, software settings, and troubleshooting.

• Engage and Ask Questions: Show genuine interest in the company's brand, products, and design challenges. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and future vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely be highly practical, focusing on your ability to deliver high-quality, technically sound designs for retail and print. Be prepared to defend your design choices with both creative rationale and technical understanding.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Retail Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Maniko Nails GmbH's careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 2+ years of graphic design experience and specifically calls out your expertise in print production for packaging and displays. Use keywords from the job description like "production-ready print files," "Adobe Creative Suite," "typography," and "layout."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Focus on showcasing your strongest print design work, especially packaging and display projects. Include examples of adapting designs across multiple channels. Be prepared to explain your print file preparation process in detail.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your print production workflow, software proficiency, and understanding of pre-press requirements. Practice articulating your technical knowledge clearly.

• Research Maniko Nails: Familiarize yourself with their brand, products, and current marketing efforts. Understand their values ("Facts over Ego," "Challenge Accepted," etc.) and be ready to discuss how your design approach aligns with them.

⚠️ 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.