Senior Designer/Sr. Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Designer/Sr. Design Manager

Company: Unilever

Location: Mumbai, India

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Design / Brand Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and execution of compelling brand experiences, with a strategic focus on packaging and visual identity systems that resonate with consumers.

• Drive creative excellence and innovation by exploring new design tools, technologies, and methodologies to elevate brand presence across diverse touchpoints.

• Manage and deliver a portfolio of brand, graphic, and packaging design projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and brand guidelines.

• Foster a collaborative environment, working effectively with cross-functional teams to translate creative briefs into impactful, insight-led design solutions.

• Champion a proactive, curious, and agile design approach, pushing boundaries and continuously learning to maintain the highest creative standards in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Designer or Senior Design Manager, indicating a need for both strong individual contribution in design execution and potential leadership or management responsibilities over projects and potentially junior team members. The focus on "strategic growth driver" and "shaping how brands show up" points to a high-impact role within Unilever's operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute innovative brand experiences, with a primary emphasis on packaging design and cohesive visual identity systems for iconic FMCG brands.

• Translate complex strategic briefs and consumer insights into compelling, design-led solutions that enhance brand desirability and market presence.

• Lead multiple design projects concurrently, from initial concept ideation through to final execution, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to brand standards.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, R&D, and brand management teams to ensure design solutions are strategically aligned, consumer-centric, and commercially viable.

• Actively research and integrate emerging design trends, technologies (including AI tools), and creative methodologies to drive continuous improvement and innovation in design outcomes.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive brand guidelines and visual identity systems to ensure consistency and impact across all consumer touchpoints.

• Mentor and guide junior designers or cross-functional partners on design best practices, fostering a culture of creative excellence and continuous learning.

• Contribute to building distinctive and memorable brand worlds that elevate consumer engagement and drive brand loyalty.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and strategic project leadership. The emphasis on "packaging and visual identity" alongside "brand worlds" suggests a holistic approach to brand presentation, requiring a deep understanding of how design impacts consumer perception from shelf to digital.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related design discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in brand, graphic, or packaging design, with a significant portion ideally within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in brand design, graphic design, and packaging design, with a strong portfolio showcasing conceptual thinking and execution excellence.

• Advanced proficiency in developing and applying visual identity systems and comprehensive brand guidelines.

• Demonstrated ability in concept development and sketching, with strong illustration skills being a significant advantage.

• Deep understanding of contemporary visual culture and the nuances of creating social-first content.

• Experience in leading and managing design projects from ideation to completion, working effectively with cross-functional teams.

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

• Adaptability and resilience, with the capacity to navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities in a dynamic environment. Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to or experience in broader design disciplines such as digital design, motion graphics, or industrial design.

• Interest or practical experience in photography and digital content creation.

• Familiarity with diverse brands, categories, and international markets.

• Experience with AI tools for design development, visualization, and creative exploration.

• Exposure to motion design and animation principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 10+ years of experience requirement, coupled with the Senior Designer/Sr. Design Manager title, implies a need for seasoned professionals who can not only execute at a high level but also provide strategic direction and potentially lead project teams. The preference for FMCG experience is crucial, as it indicates a need for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within this sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of impactful design work, with a strong emphasis on brand, graphic, and packaging design projects.

• Demonstrations of end-to-end project lifecycle management, from initial concept ideation to final execution and implementation.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the strategic brief, the creative process, design rationale, and measurable business outcomes or impact.

• Evidence of developing and applying robust visual identity systems and brand guidelines across multiple applications.

• Examples of innovative solutions for packaging design that address market trends, consumer engagement, and production considerations. Process Documentation:

• Clear articulation of your design process, including how you translate strategic briefs and consumer insights into actionable design concepts.

• Examples of how you have leveraged new tools, technologies (including AI), and creative methodologies to enhance design outcomes and efficiency.

• Documentation of your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (marketing, R&D, etc.) to ensure alignment and successful project delivery.

• Case studies illustrating your ability to maintain high creative standards and attention to detail while working under speed and agility pressures.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, the portfolio must go beyond showcasing aesthetic capabilities. It needs to demonstrate strategic thinking, project leadership, process rigor, and a proven ability to deliver tangible business impact within the FMCG context. The inclusion of AI tools in the requirements suggests a forward-looking approach to portfolio content.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Unilever's global presence and the Senior Designer/Sr. Design Manager title in Mumbai, India, a competitive salary range is estimated between ₹25,00,000 to ₹45,00,000 per annum. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for senior design roles in major metropolitan areas in India, considering Unilever's standing as a large multinational corporation and the specified experience level.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and dependents.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plans and employee stock purchase options.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and access to industry conferences.

• Employee assistance programs offering confidential counseling and support services.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Access to employee discounts on Unilever products.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak project periods. The role is on-site in Mumbai, requiring adherence to local office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for Mumbai, India, is based on data from reputable compensation platforms and industry reports for senior-level design positions in multinational corporations. The range accounts for variations in specific experience, skill set, and negotiation. Benefits are typical for large FMCG companies and are designed to attract and retain top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). Unilever operates in a dynamic, highly competitive market, requiring continuous innovation in product design, branding, and consumer engagement to maintain market leadership across a vast portfolio of household brands.

Company Size: Unilever is a global giant, employing over 127,000 people worldwide, with a significant presence in India. This scale offers both stability and extensive opportunities for professional growth and impact.

Founded: Unilever was formed in 1929 through the merger of the Dutch margarine company Margarine Unie and the British soapmaker Lever Brothers. This long history signifies a deep-rooted understanding of consumer markets and a commitment to brand building.

Team Structure: The HUL Design team operates as a strategic growth driver, integrated within the broader marketing and brand management functions. Designers collaborate closely with brand managers, marketing teams, R&D, and external agencies. The team likely comprises specialists across various design disciplines, fostering a rich environment for cross-pollination of ideas.

Methodology: Design at Unilever is characterized by a data-driven, consumer-centric approach. The team utilizes market research, consumer insights, and performance analytics to inform creative strategies. Methodologies likely include agile design sprints, collaborative workshops, and rigorous testing to ensure design solutions are both creatively compelling and commercially effective.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Unilever's scale and FMCG focus is critical. This means the design team must be adept at creating work that is not only aesthetically strong but also scalable, cost-effective, and resonant with a broad consumer base. The emphasis on "strategic growth driver" positions design as a core business function, not just an aesthetic service.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior individual contributor or early management level, indicated by "Senior Designer/Sr. Design Manager." It requires a deep level of design expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead projects and influence outcomes. The scope includes shaping brand identity and consumer experiences for some of the world's most recognized FMCG brands.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Designer/Sr. Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Design, Design Director, or a senior marketing leader within the HUL Design or Brand Management function. They will collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams across marketing, product development, and consumer insights.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on brand perception, consumer engagement, and ultimately, sales performance. By shaping visual identity and packaging, the designer influences how brands are perceived on shelf and in the digital space, directly contributing to brand desirability and market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into a Design Manager, Design Director, or Head of Design role, leading larger teams and strategic initiatives.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as packaging innovation, digital design systems, or brand strategy.

• Cross-Category Exposure: Gain experience across a wide array of FMCG categories (e.g., beauty, home care, food & beverages), broadening industry knowledge.

• Global Exposure: Potential to work on global brand initiatives or collaborate with international design teams within Unilever.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Unilever's extensive learning and development programs, industry conferences, and workshops focused on design innovation and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr. Design Manager" title suggests a dual path: deepening design expertise or moving into management. Candidates should consider their career aspirations and how this role can serve as a stepping stone, whether towards leading larger design functions or becoming a subject matter expert in FMCG brand expression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in Mumbai, India, within Unilever's corporate offices. The environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and dynamic, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the FMCG industry.

Office Location(s): Mumbai HO (Head Office), India. This location is a major business hub, offering accessibility and integration within Unilever's Indian operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated creative studios designed to foster collaboration among design teams and with other departments.

• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Miro), potentially including hardware and resources for prototyping and digital content creation.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with marketing, brand management, and R&D teams, facilitating a holistic understanding of brand challenges and opportunities.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule, likely Monday to Friday, with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines. The on-site nature emphasizes in-person collaboration and engagement with the broader Unilever team in Mumbai.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Mumbai suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, essential for the hands-on creative process and cross-functional teamwork that defines design roles in large FMCG companies. Candidates should be prepared for a structured office environment that supports both focused work and team interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios by the recruitment team and hiring manager to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's creative and strategic demands.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing their process, rationale, and the impact of their work on past projects, with a focus on FMCG and brand building.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially involving a brief for a Unilever brand, to assess problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and application of design tools and methodologies.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions focused on collaboration, leadership potential, adaptability, and how candidates handle ambiguity and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Discussions with key stakeholders from marketing, brand management, or R&D to evaluate collaboration style and understanding of business objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in brand identity, packaging design, and strategic concept development, ideally with FMCG examples.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the creative process, key decisions, and the measurable impact or learnings.

• Showcase Process: Include sketches, mood boards, wireframes, and iterations to illustrate your thinking and problem-solving approach.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Demonstrate your advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Miro, and any experience with AI design tools.

• Address FMCG Context: Explain how your designs address specific challenges and opportunities within the FMCG market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Unilever Brands: Research key Unilever brands, their current market positioning, and potential design opportunities or challenges.

• Practice Design Thinking: Prepare to articulate your approach to solving a design problem, focusing on consumer insights, strategic objectives, and creative execution.

• Time Management: Be prepared to work efficiently within time constraints during any practical design exercise.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively, anticipating questions from the panel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior design role at a company like Unilever will likely be rigorous, emphasizing both creative talent and strategic business acumen. A well-prepared portfolio that tells a compelling story of process and impact is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, illustration, and photo editing (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Figma: Increasingly important for UI/UX design, collaborative workflows, and prototyping, especially relevant for digital touchpoints.

• Miro: Crucial for collaborative ideation, brainstorming, workflow mapping, and project planning in a remote or hybrid setting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., brand perception surveys, sales data, digital engagement) is key. Familiarity with how to interpret and leverage data from marketing analytics platforms can be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly used by designers, but understanding how design assets are managed and deployed through marketing automation platforms or DAM (Digital Asset Management) systems can be beneficial for workflow efficiency. Emerging Technologies:

• AI Tools for Design: Explicitly mentioned as a requirement, indicating expected proficiency or strong interest in leveraging AI for concept generation, visualization, image enhancement, or other design tasks.

• Motion Design Software: Proficiency or exposure to tools like After Effects is a plus, especially for creating dynamic brand content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Miro indicates a modern design workflow. The specific mention of "AI tools for design development, visualization, and creative exploration" is a critical differentiator, suggesting candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience or innovative approaches using these technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Excellence: A commitment to pushing creative boundaries and delivering high-quality, impactful design work that resonates with consumers.

• Consumer Centricity: Placing the consumer at the heart of all design decisions, ensuring solutions are relevant, desirable, and meet user needs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional partnerships thrive.

• Agility & Proactivity: Embracing a dynamic approach to design, responding swiftly to market changes, and taking initiative to drive projects forward.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Continuously exploring new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to stay ahead of trends and deliver forward-thinking design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with marketing, brand management, R&D, and other departments, acting as key partners in brand development.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, constructive feedback and open dialogue to refine design concepts and ensure strategic alignment.

• Shared Ownership: Promoting a sense of collective responsibility for brand success, where design plays a critical role in achieving business objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Cultivating a culture where designers share insights, best practices, and learnings to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Unilever's culture emphasizes the integration of design into the core business strategy. The values highlight a blend of creative passion with a pragmatic, consumer-focused, and collaborative approach essential for success in the FMCG sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commerciality: Developing innovative designs that are also commercially viable, scalable, and align with strict brand guidelines and production constraints.

• Navigating Ambiguity & Pace: Thriving in a fast-paced FMCG environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines, requiring agility and resilience.

• Brand Consistency Across Portfolio: Ensuring a unified brand voice and visual identity across a diverse range of products and categories, each with unique market dynamics.

• Integrating New Technologies: Effectively incorporating emerging tools like AI into the design process while maintaining creative integrity and delivering tangible benefits.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Workshops: Access to training on the latest design software, techniques, and emerging trends in branding and packaging.

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

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Rotational opportunities or project involvement with other departments (e.g., marketing strategy, consumer insights) to broaden business understanding.

• Leadership Development Programs: For those aspiring to management, Unilever offers programs focused on leadership skills, team management, and strategic planning.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders within Unilever for guidance on career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large FMCG companies. The growth opportunities are robust, reflecting Unilever's commitment to employee development and career progression within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a strong creative vision with strict brand guidelines or commercial constraints. How did you achieve both?" (Focus on process, negotiation, and outcome.)

• "How do you approach translating consumer insights into compelling design solutions for FMCG products?" (Highlight research methods, empathy, and strategic application.)

• "Walk us through a project where you leveraged new technology (e.g., AI tools) to enhance your design process or outcome. What was the impact?" (Prepare a specific case study.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a diverse portfolio of products or brands?" (Discuss brand guideline development, implementation, and communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for Unilever and specifically within the HUL Design team?" (Research Unilever's brands, mission, and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you adapt your design approach for different brands and target audiences within the FMCG sector?" (Showcase versatility and strategic thinking.)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. How do you manage your workload and priorities?" (Emphasize time management and resilience.)

• "How do you collaborate with marketing and product development teams to ensure design aligns with business objectives?" (Focus on communication, partnership, and shared goals.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your solution, your role, the process, and the results. Use a consistent story arc.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased sales, improved brand perception, higher engagement rates).

• Showcase Your Process: Include sketches, mood boards, wireframes, and prototypes to illustrate your thinking and problem-solving journey.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific use of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Miro, and any AI design tools, demonstrating advanced skills.

• Tailor to Unilever: Select projects that are most relevant to Unilever's brands and the FMCG industry. Be prepared to discuss how your work aligns with their values and strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their understanding of the FMCG landscape, Unilever's specific brands, and how their design process contributes to business objectives. Demonstrating adaptability, strategic thinking, and proficiency with modern design tools, including AI, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Designer/Sr. Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to prominently feature relevant FMCG brand, graphic, and packaging design projects, clearly articulating your strategic process and impact. Ensure it highlights your experience with visual identity systems and brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of experience, specific skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Miro, and any AI design tools, as well as your experience in project leadership and cross-functional collaboration within design contexts.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, showcasing your design process, and quantifying the business impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to brand strategy and consumer insights.

• Company & Industry Research: Thoroughly research Unilever's brands, the FMCG market, and recent design trends. Understand HUL's design philosophy and how your skills align with their strategic goals and culture.

⚠️ 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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