Senior Brand & Visual Designer (m/w/d) Elternzeitvertretung

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Brand & Visual Designer (m/w/d) - Parental Leave Replacement

Company: PAIR Finance

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (2 years)

Category: Brand & Visual Design, Marketing, Creative

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (8+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the evolution and consistent implementation of PAIR Finance's visual brand identity across all digital and physical touchpoints.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Content & PR, Sales, Partnerships, and Product teams to ensure visual coherence and brand consistency.

• Design a wide range of visual assets for diverse formats including web, mobile, social media, email, presentations, and print materials, incorporating icons, illustrations, and simple animations.

• Develop engaging designs for trade shows, event materials, and giveaways that align with the overarching brand identity.

• Support senior leadership and the Partnerships team by translating complex information into clear, compelling, and brand-aligned presentation slides, including the maintenance and advancement of sales pitch master templates.

• Take full ownership of projects from conceptualization through to final execution, managing multiple priorities independently.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is for a "Brand & Visual Designer," the emphasis on supporting sales pitches, collaborating with partnerships, and developing a master sales pitch template indicates a strong connection to Go-To-Market (GTM) operations, particularly in ensuring brand consistency and effective communication for revenue-generating activities. The requirement for independent project ownership and managing multiple priorities also points to a need for strong operational discipline.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute compelling visual narratives that define and advance PAIR Finance's brand identity across all communication channels.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive library of brand assets, including logos, color palettes, typography, iconography, and illustration styles.

• Design engaging and effective marketing collateral, digital assets, and campaign materials that resonate with target B2B audiences.

• Create visually persuasive presentations for executive leadership and sales teams, effectively communicating complex data and strategic messages.

• Collaborate with external vendors and agencies for print production, event staging, and other physical brand touchpoints.

• Research and integrate emerging design trends and technologies, including generative AI tools, to enhance creative output and operational efficiency.

• Provide constructive design feedback to internal stakeholders and manage the design review process to ensure brand adherence and quality.

• Proactively identify opportunities for brand enhancement and visual innovation across all customer touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic brand management, with a clear need for collaboration with revenue-generating teams (Sales, Partnerships). The mention of "master template for sales pitches" and supporting leadership presentations directly links this role to GTM enablement, requiring an understanding of how visual design impacts sales effectiveness and brand perception in a B2B context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Brand Management, or a related field is expected, demonstrated through portfolio and experience.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in B2B brand and graphic design, with a preference for experience within an in-house brand team or a fast-paced startup environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in B2B brand and graphic design, with a strong portfolio showcasing creative execution and strategic brand thinking.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and develop compelling visual identities and design systems.

• Strong understanding of cross-channel brand implementation (digital, print, events, social media).

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence stakeholders.

• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines independently.

• Fluency in both German and English, written and spoken.

• A passion for branding and a proactive approach to exploring new creative avenues and challenging existing norms. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with generative AI tools for image and video creation (e.g., Claude Design).

• Familiarity with motion design principles, including 3D animations or animated videos.

• Experience in designing for Fintech or SaaS industries.

• Understanding of UX/UI principles as they relate to brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "at least 8 years" suggests a senior-level role where strategic thinking and independent execution are paramount. The emphasis on B2B and startup experience points to a need for candidates who understand fast-paced environments and the importance of brand in driving business growth. The "Nice to have" for motion design and AI tools indicates a forward-thinking company that values innovation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 8 years of B2B brand and graphic design experience.

• Case studies showcasing the development and execution of visual brand identities across multiple channels.

• Examples of design for web, social media, presentations, print collateral, and event materials.

• Evidence of conceptual thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to translate complex ideas into impactful visuals.

• Specific examples of designing and maintaining master templates, particularly for sales pitches or presentations.

• Demonstrations of how your design work has contributed to brand consistency and business objectives. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of your process for developing brand guidelines or style guides, ensuring consistency across all applications.

• Illustrate your workflow for collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Product) on design projects.

• Provide documentation or case studies detailing how you manage multiple design projects, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely delivery.

• Examples of how you have integrated new technologies or tools (like generative AI) into your design workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior design role with significant ownership, a portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase aesthetic quality but also demonstrate strategic thinking, process efficiency, and the ability to deliver on business objectives through design. The specific mention of sales pitch templates and cross-functional collaboration implies a need for portfolio pieces that highlight these aspects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Brand & Visual Designer with 8+ years of experience in Berlin, Germany, and considering the temporary nature of the role, an estimated annual salary range is €65,000 - €75,000. This estimate accounts for the required expertise, the hybrid work model, and the cost of living in Berlin.

Benefits:

• Contract Type: Fixed-term contract for 2 years.

• Working Hours: Flexible working hours, with a standard full-time commitment (approx. 40 hours/week).

• Paid Time Off: 28 days of vacation per year.

• Transportation: Contribution towards a Deutschlandticket (public transport pass).

• Perks: Access to Corporate Benefits platform.

• Onboarding & Development: Structured onboarding program and continuous mentoring.

• Team Engagement: Regular team events, summer and Christmas parties, and office life activities (e.g., shared breakfasts, Kicker).

• Work Environment: Dog-friendly office policy.

• Growth Focus: Emphasis on ownership, rapid learning curves, and genuine professional development.

• Culture: Flat hierarchies, transparent and appreciative feedback culture, regular 1:1 meetings.

Working Hours: The role typically involves a 40-hour work week with flexible scheduling options, allowing for efficient project management and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on the provided AI data and general market research for senior design roles in Berlin. The benefits package reflects the specific offerings listed in the job description, highlighting a focus on employee well-being, professional development, and a positive work environment. The "Elternzeitvertretung" (parental leave replacement) status implies a fixed-term contract, which is crucial for candidates to note.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: PAIR Finance operates within the Fintech industry, specifically focusing on digital debt collection solutions that leverage AI and psychological principles for customer-centric and efficient processes. This positions them as a technology leader in a traditionally service-oriented sector.

Company Size: PAIR Finance is a growing company with a diverse, international team (30+ nationalities), indicating a dynamic and collaborative environment. The role of a sole designer suggests a lean but impactful department.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the company is backed by significant private equity (Pollen Street) and partnerships (Zalando Payments), suggesting a mature yet rapidly evolving organization.

Team Structure:

• The Brand & Communications team appears to be relatively lean, with this role being the sole designer.

• Collaboration is emphasized across multiple departments: Content & PR, Sales, Partnerships, and Product.

• Direct reporting lines are to Denise Schönherr (Head of Brand & Communications) and potentially Stephan Stricker (CEO), indicating high visibility and direct interaction with leadership. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Brand Evolution: The company utilizes AI and technology to drive its core business, suggesting an analytical and data-informed approach to brand strategy and design execution.

• Customer-Centric Design: The emphasis on "customer orientation" and "psychology" in debt collection implies that design decisions are made with a deep understanding of user behavior and empathy.

• Ownership and Agility: The culture promotes "ownership," "fast learning curves," and a "now" mentality, indicating a proactive and agile operational approach.

Company Website: https://pairfinance.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on innovation within the Fintech space, particularly in debt collection, presents a unique challenge and opportunity for a Brand & Visual Designer. The "sole designer" aspect means this role is pivotal, requiring strong self-management and the ability to influence brand direction. The collaborative nature with revenue-focused teams highlights the GTM impact of this creative role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Brand & Visual Designer, requiring a substantial level of experience (8+ years) and the ability to work autonomously. It represents a mid-to-senior level position within the creative function, with significant responsibility for shaping the company's visual narrative.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Designer will report directly to the Head of Brand & Communications, Denise Schönherr, and will also work closely with the CEO, Stephan Stricker, for presentations. This direct access to leadership offers high visibility and opportunities to influence strategic decisions.

Operations Impact: While primarily a creative role, the Senior Brand & Visual Designer significantly impacts GTM operations by:

• Ensuring brand consistency across all sales and marketing materials, which is crucial for lead generation and customer acquisition.

• Developing compelling visual assets for sales presentations and pitches, directly supporting the sales team's effectiveness.

• Contributing to the overall brand perception and market positioning, which influences customer trust and partnership opportunities.

• Potentially driving efficiency through the creation of reusable design templates and systems. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in B2B branding, Fintech design, or emerging areas like AI-driven creative tools.

• Leadership Potential: While a temporary role, successfully driving the brand's visual evolution could open doors to future leadership opportunities in design or brand management, either within PAIR Finance or other organizations.

• Skill Development: Hands-on experience with AI creative tools and the chance to refine presentation design skills for executive audiences.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into sales, partnerships, and product development through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The temporary nature of this role (2 years) is a key factor in career growth analysis. While it offers significant autonomy and impact, candidates should view it as a platform to showcase skills and potentially secure future roles, rather than a long-term position within PAIR Finance. The direct interaction with leadership and revenue teams is a significant growth aspect.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: PAIR Finance offers a hybrid work model, indicating a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration. The office is located in Berlin (Charlottenburg).

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Knesebeckstraße 62, 10719 Berlin (Charlottenburg). This location is accessible and situated in a well-known district of Berlin.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: The office environment is designed for collaboration, with specific mentions of an "Office-Life" featuring regular shared breakfasts, a Kicker table, and seasonal events. The interview process includes a face-to-face meeting with the entire Brand & Communications team to foster this collaborative atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: While specific design software is detailed in the "Tools & Technology Stack" section, the environment likely supports the use of these tools effectively. The company's tech-forward approach suggests access to modern workstations and relevant software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction exist through team events, shared office activities, and the hybrid model that encourages in-person collaboration. The "dog-friendly office-policy" adds to a relaxed yet professional atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role offers flexible working hours, supporting the hybrid model and allowing designers to manage their time effectively for both focused work and collaborative sessions. This flexibility is crucial for balancing creative tasks with personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Berlin suggests a company that values both focused individual work and in-person team synergy. For a designer, this means opportunities to collaborate on concepts and receive feedback while also having dedicated time for deep creative work. The office amenities and dog-friendly policy contribute to a positive and inclusive work culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Step 1: Initial Online Interview (30-45 mins) with Jasmin (Talent Acquisition Specialist): Focus on understanding your motivation, background, and general fit for PAIR Finance and the role. This is an opportunity to gain initial insights into the company and the position.

• Step 2: Second Online Interview (60 mins) with Denise (Head of Brand & Communications): A deeper dive into your experience, skills, and how they align with the specific responsibilities of the Senior Brand & Visual Designer. This is your chance to explore the role's challenges and team dynamics.

• Step 3: On-site Interview with the Brand & Communications Team (60-90 mins): A face-to-face meeting at the Berlin office to assess team fit and collaboration style. This step includes a short case study requiring approximately 1 hour of preparation beforehand.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest B2B brand and graphic design projects, prioritizing those that demonstrate your ability to manage a brand identity, work with sales enablement, and handle diverse formats.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your design process (ideation, concept development, execution), and the quantifiable results or impact of your work.

• Highlight Brand Thinking: Emphasize how you've developed or maintained brand consistency, created compelling visual narratives, and translated complex messages into accessible designs. Specifically, include examples related to presentation design or template creation if possible.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio showcases proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and any relevant AI or motion design tools.

• Tailor to PAIR Finance: Research PAIR Finance's current brand and consider how your portfolio aligns with their industry (Fintech) and company values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Focus: The case study will likely involve a brief design challenge related to brand application or a presentation design task. Prepare to spend about an hour on this prior to the interview. Focus on understanding the core brief and delivering a clear, on-brand solution.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and the case study solution concisely and persuasively. Be ready to explain your design decisions and rationale.

• Team Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with different teams and provide constructive feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and strategic thinking. The inclusion of a case study and on-site team interview emphasizes practical application and collaborative potential. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and the business impact of their work, particularly in relation to sales enablement.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for graphic design, illustration, and layout.

• Generative AI Tools: Experience with or a strong interest in exploring generative AI tools for image and video creation (e.g., Claude Design mentioned as an example) is highly valued.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in creating visually engaging presentations, likely using tools such as PowerPoint or Google Slides, especially for sales pitches and executive reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., website conversions, social media engagement) would be beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms to understand design performance is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role. However, understanding how design assets are deployed within marketing automation platforms or CRM systems could be advantageous. Other Potential Tools:

• Motion Design Software: Experience with tools for animation (e.g., After Effects) or 3D modeling (e.g., Blender) is a "nice to have."

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing design projects and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud is standard for a Senior Designer. The explicit mention of generative AI tools signals a company that is embracing new technologies for creative output. Candidates should highlight their experience or willingness to learn these tools, as they can drive efficiency and innovation in design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A core value, influencing design to be empathetic, user-friendly, and effective in communicating with customers, especially in the sensitive area of debt collection.

• Transparency: Reflected in the company's feedback culture and flat hierarchies, encouraging open communication and honest dialogue.

• Integrity: Fundamental to their business, meaning design should uphold ethical standards and accurately represent the brand.

• Proactiveness & Drive: The "will to push things forward - not someday, but now" mentality means designers are expected to be self-starters, take initiative, and drive projects to completion efficiently.

• Efficiency & Innovation: The use of AI and digital solutions in their core business demonstrates a commitment to leveraging technology for efficiency and exploring new approaches.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with Content & PR, Sales, Partnerships, and Product teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate needs across departments.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: The company values open and constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, which is essential for growth and quality improvement in design.

• Ownership and Autonomy: While collaborative, the role emphasizes individual ownership of projects, suggesting a trust in team members to manage their work effectively.

• Knowledge Sharing: The diverse international team and emphasis on continuous learning likely foster an environment where knowledge and best practices are shared.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a results-oriented, collaborative, and innovative environment. For a designer, this means being not just a creator but also a strategic partner who understands business objectives and can work effectively with diverse teams to achieve them. The "sole designer" aspect means being comfortable with autonomy while actively seeking collaboration and feedback.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Sole Designer Responsibility: Managing all visual design needs for a growing company as the only designer can be demanding, requiring excellent prioritization and time management skills.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Diverse Needs: Ensuring a consistent brand identity across a wide range of channels and collaborating with various teams with potentially competing visual requirements.

• Translating Complex Fintech Concepts: Visually communicating the intricacies of AI-driven debt collection and financial technology to different audiences effectively.

• Adapting to Rapid Growth: Staying ahead of evolving brand needs and design trends in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Leveraging New Technologies: Integrating and effectively utilizing emerging tools like generative AI into established workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Brand Strategy: Deepen expertise in developing and managing a brand identity for a B2B Fintech company.

• GTM Enablement through Design: Gain practical experience in how visual design directly supports sales and partnership efforts.

• AI & Emerging Tech: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge generative AI tools and their application in creative processes.

• Executive Communication: Hone skills in designing presentations and communicating visually with senior leadership.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Develop stronger stakeholder management and communication skills by working with diverse internal teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a growing company, particularly for a sole contributor. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to develop specialized skills, gain exposure to leadership, and work with innovative technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Evolution: "How would you approach evolving PAIR Finance's visual brand identity over the next two years, considering our Fintech focus and B2B audience?"

• Sales Enablement Design: "Describe your process for creating compelling sales pitch presentations that effectively communicate complex information and align with brand guidelines."

• Cross-functional Collaboration: "How do you manage design requests from multiple departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Product) while ensuring brand consistency and timely delivery?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Vision: "What are your initial thoughts on PAIR Finance's current brand presence, and where do you see opportunities for visual enhancement?"

• Team Dynamics: "How do you envision collaborating with a lean Brand & Communications team and other departments in a hybrid work environment?"

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work, particularly in relation to brand perception and business objectives?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, narrate the challenge, your approach, your specific contributions, and the impact of your design.

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate your design workflow, from concept to execution, highlighting your problem-solving skills.

• B2B & Fintech Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience with B2B audiences and complex industries like Fintech.

• AI Integration: If applicable, showcase any projects where you've experimented with or implemented AI tools.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe, focusing on the most relevant and impactful pieces.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and strong communication skills. Be ready to discuss your process, your understanding of the B2B Fintech landscape, and how your design work contributes to business goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Brand & Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the PAIR Finance careers page.

• Curate a targeted portfolio: Select 3-5 key B2B brand and graphic design projects that best showcase your experience with brand identity development, cross-channel execution, and presentation design. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your process and impact.

• Optimize your CV: Highlight your 8+ years of relevant B2B design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, and any experience with generative AI or motion design. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for the case study: Understand that a short, pre-interview case study will be part of the process. Allocate approximately 1 hour for its completion.

• Research PAIR Finance: Familiarize yourself with their brand, services (Fintech, digital debt collection), company values (customer-centricity, transparency, integrity), and recent news to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.