Senior Creative Designer (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Creative Designer (m/w/d)

Company: Mawave Marketing GmbH

Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Job Type: Festanstellung (Full-time)

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations / GTM Enablement

Date Posted: 2026-08-04

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead project management and client communication for major accounts, driving creative strategy and ensuring design excellence.

• Mentor and guide a team of Creative Designers, translating client needs into clear creative briefs and maintaining high-quality output.

• Act as a key point of contact for clients, presenting compelling design concepts and fostering strong relationships.

• Utilize Asana for end-to-end creative process management, from requirement definition to final client approval.

• Develop accurate cost estimates and manage project budgets for profitable project controlling through structured hour-based calculations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of creative execution and operational management within a fast-paced agency environment. The emphasis on project control, client communication, team leadership, and financial oversight suggests a strong need for individuals with robust operations and project management skills applied to creative workflows, aligning with GTM enablement and creative operations functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end creative process for key clients, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project scope and quality standards.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, proactively offering creative insights and presenting innovative design solutions that align with business objectives.

• Provide mentorship and leadership to a team of Creative Designers, fostering their growth and ensuring consistent delivery of high-caliber work.

• Collaborate closely with the Creative Art Director to translate visionary ideas into actionable concepts and compelling visual narratives.

• Implement and manage project workflows within Asana, meticulously tracking progress, managing feedback loops, and ensuring final client sign-off.

• Generate precise cost estimates (KVAs) and conduct detailed hour-based calculations to ensure profitable project controlling and resource allocation.

• Contribute strategic input and operational best practices in regular team meetings and dedicated forums like the Senior Stammtisch.

• Stay abreast of emerging social media trends and new technologies, particularly AI, and integrate them into creative strategies and client recommendations.

• Ensure all creative output aligns with Mawave's core values and client-specific business goals across the marketing funnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership and operational rigor. The emphasis on "project steering," "profitability," "budgeting," and "resource management" indicates that candidates will be evaluated not just on creative output but also on their ability to manage the operational aspects of creative production and client services, a key component of GTM enablement and creative operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles in this domain.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Social Media Content Creation & Design, preferably within an agency setting, with a proven track record of managing large client projects to measurable success.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Social Media Content Creation & Design, ideally in an agency environment.

• Proven experience managing significant client projects and achieving measurable success.

• Strong trend scouting abilities for social media and a keen interest in new technologies, especially AI.

• Excellent proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and After Effects.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership, with a strong hands-on mentality.

• Very good German (C1) and English (B2) language skills, both written and spoken.

• Expertise in project management, including workflow definition, feedback management, and client approvals.

• Experience with Asana or similar project management tools for workflow control.

• Ability to create accurate cost estimates (KVAs) and perform structured hour-based project controlling. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Creative Art Direction or a strong understanding of art direction principles.

• Familiarity with data-driven optimization strategies in social media marketing.

• Understanding of the full marketing funnel and how creative assets contribute to business goals.

• Mentoring or team leadership experience.

• Familiarity with AI-powered design tools and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of creative technical skills, client-facing experience, and operational management capabilities. The explicit mention of "measurable success," "project controlling," and "AI" points towards an expectation of data-informed creativity and efficient operational execution within the creative process, making this a strong GTM-aligned role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 large-scale client projects demonstrating end-to-end creative execution from concept to final delivery.

• Include examples of social media content creation across various platforms, highlighting adaptability and trend awareness.

• Present case studies that detail your role in project management, client communication, and problem-solving.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, After Effects) with examples of complex video editing, motion graphics, and static design.

• Highlight any experience with AI tools used in the creative process or for content optimization. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have structured creative workflows using tools like Asana, including brief development, feedback cycles, and approval processes.

• Illustrate your approach to creating and managing project cost estimates (KVAs) and performing hour-based project controlling for profitability.

• Showcase how you have collaborated with Art Directors and managed creative teams to ensure consistent quality and strategic alignment.

• Present instances where you have translated client requirements into clear, actionable creative briefs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role involving project steering and client management, a portfolio that clearly articulates not just creative output but also the process by which that output was achieved is crucial. This includes demonstrating project management methodology, financial oversight (KVAs, controlling), and team leadership, aligning with operational excellence in creative delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Creative Designers in Munich with 5-10 years of experience, especially within a leading agency, the estimated annual salary range is €60,000 - €80,000. This estimate considers the company's leading position in Europe for social media outcomes, the scope of client management, and the responsibilities for project controlling and team leadership.

Benefits:

• Team Spirit & Culture: Great team spirit, collegial atmosphere, flat hierarchies, fun yet professional environment.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours and the possibility for Homeoffice.

• Time Off: 30 days of vacation per year.

• Unique Work Options: Workation (up to 3 months) and Sabbatical (up to 2 months) opportunities.

• Wellness & Lifestyle: Sachbezug (monthly benefit) or EGYM Wellpass (access to over 8,000 sports and wellness facilities).

• Daily Perks: Tax-free meal allowance (€7.50 per day), plus drinks and snacks.

• Commute Support: Mobility allowance (€32 per month) for public transport users.

• Social Events: Numerous team and after-work events throughout the year (e.g., rooftop BBQs, ski trips, retreats).

• Workplace: Modern, bright office in Munich with city views and excellent public transport links.

• Tools: Your own MacBook for work.

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible working hours and Homeoffice options available, allowing for dynamic scheduling and work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in Munich, Germany, considering the company's description as a "European leader" and the seniority of the position. A detailed breakdown of the salary research methodology would typically include data from platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and local recruitment agency reports for senior creative roles in the German agency sector. The benefits package is extensive and reflects a company that invests in employee well-being and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising (Social Media Focus). Mawave is positioning itself as a leader in "Social Media Outcomes," translating consumer brands into social media success. They emphasize an "always-on" approach, data-driven optimization, and a full integration of media, creation, and production.

Company Size: Approximately 170+ employees ("Social Natives"). This size indicates a dynamic, growing agency with established processes but likely still retaining a somewhat agile and collaborative feel, avoiding the bureaucracy of much larger corporations.

Founded: While not explicitly stated, the company's description suggests significant growth and market leadership, implying a foundation that has allowed for substantial scaling and investment in talent and technology.

Team Structure:

• The Creative Department likely includes Creative Designers, Art Directors, and potentially other specialists (e.g., motion graphics, video editors).

• The Senior Creative Designer reports to a Creative Art Director and manages a team of Creative Designers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working closely with media teams, account managers, and potentially data analysts to ensure creative aligns with media strategy and business objectives. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Optimization: Decisions are guided by performance metrics and customer-relevant business goals, not just creative intuition.

• Agile "Always-On" Approaches: Focus on continuous content creation and optimization rather than traditional, fixed campaign structures.

• Integrated Craftsmanship: Seamless integration of media, creation, and production to ensure holistic campaign execution.

• Client-Centricity: Deep understanding of social media and client brands to deliver impactful outcomes.

Company Website: mawake.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Mawave's positioning as a "Social Media Outcomes" leader and their "always-on," data-driven methodology is key. This implies a culture that values efficiency, measurable results, and continuous adaptation, which is highly relevant for operations professionals looking to align with GTM strategies. The "Social Natives" term suggests a modern, digitally-native workforce.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Creative Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level within the creative function. It involves significant responsibility for client project management, team mentorship, and contributing to operational efficiency (e.g., cost estimation, process control). It's a step towards leadership within the creative domain, bridging creative execution with operational management.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Creative Designer will likely report to a Creative Art Director or Head of Creative. They will directly manage a team of Creative Designers, acting as a mentor and supervisor. Collaboration with account management and potentially GTM leads will be a key aspect of their role.

Operations Impact: The role's operational aspects directly impact the agency's profitability and client satisfaction. Effective project steering, accurate cost estimation, and efficient workflow management ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to client expectations. This operational efficiency is critical for the agency's overall success and its ability to scale its "Social Media Outcomes" offering.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Track: Potential to advance to Creative Art Director, Head of Creative, or a similar leadership role, taking on greater strategic and managerial responsibilities.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI in creative, advanced motion graphics, or specific client industry verticals.

• Process Improvement: Chance to influence and refine the agency's creative operational processes, contributing to greater efficiency and scalability.

• Client Strategy: Develop deeper strategic client advisory skills, becoming a key partner in their GTM efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused candidate, understanding the growth trajectory from Senior Creative Designer to roles with more strategic operational oversight is important. The emphasis on managing projects, budgets, and teams highlights the operational leadership potential inherent in this creative position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description mentions a "modern, bright office in Munich with a view over the city and good public transport connections." This suggests a professional, contemporary workspace designed for collaboration and comfort.

Office Location(s): Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specifically at Moosacher Str. 70, 80809 München. The location is noted for good public transport access.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to facilitate interaction, with team events and a collegial atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: Employees receive their own MacBook, indicating a commitment to providing high-quality tools for creative work. The use of Asana for project management is also highlighted.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction are built into the workday through team meetings and social events, fostering a strong sense of community.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours) with flexible working hours and the option for Homeoffice, allowing for a hybrid work model that balances office collaboration with personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and emphasis on a collaborative office environment are key considerations. For operations professionals, understanding how this environment supports efficient workflow, cross-team communication, and the adoption of new tools is important.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio, focusing on relevant experience, project management skills, and creative output.

• Creative/Operational Challenge: Likely a case study or task requiring the candidate to demonstrate their ability to manage a creative project, develop a concept, estimate costs, or outline a workflow. This assesses both creative and operational skills.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Meetings with the Creative Art Director, potential team members, and hiring manager to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and leadership potential.

• Client Presentation Simulation: Potentially a scenario where the candidate must present a creative concept or project plan to simulate client interaction.

• Final Round: Discussion on strategic input, leadership approach, and alignment with Mawave's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Project Management: Clearly articulate your role in steering projects, managing timelines, budgets, and client communication. Use specific examples.

• Showcase Operational Efficiency: Include examples of how you've structured workflows, created cost estimates, or implemented process improvements. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "reduced project turnaround time by X%").

• Demonstrate Creative Leadership: Present a range of your best work, explaining the strategic thinking behind each piece and your leadership in guiding its creation.

• Address AI Integration: If you have experience with AI tools in design or content creation, highlight these applications and their impact.

• Tailor to Mawave: Research Mawave's clients and their social media presence to tailor your presentation and highlight relevant experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to outline a step-by-step process for managing a social media creative project from brief to delivery, including key checkpoints and tools.

• Cost Estimation: Practice creating realistic cost estimates for creative projects, considering different asset types and team member rates.

• Client Communication Scenarios: Prepare responses for common client interaction challenges, focusing on problem-solving and strategic advice.

• Team Mentorship: Think about how you would onboard, guide, and provide feedback to junior designers to ensure high-quality output and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely scrutinize both creative talent and operational acumen. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only design skills but also their ability to manage projects, teams, and budgets effectively, reflecting the operational demands of a senior agency role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Premiere Pro (video editing), Photoshop (image editing and manipulation), and After Effects (motion graphics and visual effects).

• Asana: The primary project management tool for workflow control, task assignment, progress tracking, and client communication/approval cycles.

• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides for client presentations and internal strategy discussions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for this role, familiarity with social media analytics platforms (e.g., Meta Business Suite insights, TikTok Analytics, LinkedIn Analytics) would be beneficial for understanding campaign performance and informing creative direction.

• Data-driven optimization implies an understanding of how to interpret performance metrics to refine creative strategies. CRM & Automation:

• Mawave's focus on "Social Media Outcomes" and "Always-on" approaches suggests a need for efficient campaign management. While direct CRM usage might be more on the media/account management side, understanding how creative assets feed into broader marketing automation or campaign execution platforms would be advantageous.

• Familiarity with AI tools for content generation, editing, or optimization is explicitly requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Asana is non-negotiable. The emphasis on "AI" and "data-driven optimization" suggests a forward-thinking approach to creative operations, where candidates are expected to leverage technology for efficiency and effectiveness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Together We Thrive: Emphasizes collaboration, shared success, and a supportive team environment where everyone contributes to collective achievements.

• Stay Unconventional: Encourages innovative thinking, challenging traditional approaches, and embracing new ideas and technologies, particularly relevant in the fast-evolving social media landscape.

• Be Bold: Promotes taking initiative, making confident decisions, and pushing creative boundaries.

• Take Responsibility: Highlights ownership of tasks, projects, and outcomes, fostering accountability and reliability among team members.

• Strive for Excellence: Drives a commitment to high-quality work, continuous improvement, and achieving outstanding results for clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working collaboratively across departments (creative, media, production, account management) to deliver holistic solutions.

• Open Communication: A culture that values transparency, feedback exchange, and open dialogue, especially within the team and with clients.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of learning from peers and sharing insights, supported by regular meetings and team events.

• Agile & Responsive: The "always-on" methodology implies a flexible and adaptive approach to collaboration, ready to respond quickly to client needs and market changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values—"Stay Unconventional," "Be Bold," "Strive for Excellence"—suggest a dynamic, performance-oriented culture that rewards innovation and high achievement. For operations professionals, understanding how these values translate into daily work, decision-making, and process improvements is key to cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Client Expectations: Balancing client demands with creative vision and operational realities, especially for major accounts.

• Pace of Social Media: Keeping up with the rapid evolution of social media platforms, trends, and AI technologies to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

• Ensuring Profitability: Consistently delivering high-quality creative work while managing project costs and timelines effectively within a competitive agency environment.

• Team Development: Mentoring a diverse team of designers, fostering their growth while ensuring consistent output and adherence to quality standards.

• Integrating AI: Successfully integrating new AI tools into existing workflows without compromising creative integrity or operational efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI tools and their application in creative design and content optimization.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop advanced client advisory and GTM strategy skills, potentially leading to roles with broader strategic impact.

• Process Optimization: Opportunity to contribute to the refinement and innovation of Mawave's creative operational processes.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with leading clients and staying at the forefront of social media marketing trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal opportunities to learn from senior leaders within the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a fast-paced agency, emphasizing the need for strong operational and strategic thinking. The growth opportunities highlight a clear path for career advancement within both creative leadership and operational management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a large client project from concept to completion. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on project management, cost control, and client communication).

• "How do you approach translating client business objectives into creative briefs and design concepts, especially within a social media context?" (Assess strategic thinking and understanding of the marketing funnel).

• "Imagine a client wants to incorporate AI-generated content into their campaign. How would you assess its viability, integrate it into your workflow, and manage potential risks?" (Evaluate AI awareness and operational integration skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'Social Media Outcomes' mean to you, and how would you ensure our creative work drives measurable results?" (Demonstrate understanding of Mawave's core offering and data-driven approach).

• "How do you embody Mawave's values like 'Stay Unconventional' and 'Be Bold' in your daily work and team interactions?" (Assess cultural alignment and proactive mindset).

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers. What is your approach to feedback and professional development?" (Evaluate leadership and team management style). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining your role, the client's objective, your creative solution, and the measurable outcome.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, use metrics to demonstrate success (e.g., engagement rates, conversion improvements, ROI).

• Process Focus: Explain the operational steps you took – project planning, cost estimation, workflow management, stakeholder communication.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, highlighting your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and leadership.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how you utilized tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Asana to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who can articulate both their creative vision and their operational expertise. Preparing case studies that showcase successful project management, budget control, and strategic client advisory will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Creative Designer position at Mawave Marketing GmbH:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Personio careers portal.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight specific experience in social media content creation, design, project management, and team leadership. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select 3-5 strong client projects that showcase your creative skills, project management capabilities, and understanding of operational processes (e.g., cost estimation, workflow management). Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, emphasizing your role and the project's outcomes.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Anticipate a practical exercise or case study focusing on creative concept development, project planning, or cost estimation for a social media campaign.

• Research Mawave: Understand their client roster, their "Social Media Outcomes" methodology, and their core values to articulate how you align with their culture and strategic direction.

⚠️ 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.

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