Senior Graphic Designer | 12 Month FT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer | 12 Month FT

Company: Petstock Group

Location: Melbourne Support Office, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-06-01

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative execution for impactful campaigns, packaging, and digital assets across multiple brands within the Petstock Group.

• Manage the end-to-end design process, from conceptualization to final artwork, ensuring high-quality and on-brand deliverables.

• Foster strong collaboration with brand, marketing, and cross-functional teams to achieve strategic creative objectives.

• Oversee production processes and stakeholder partnerships to ensure timely and accurate delivery of design outputs across print and digital channels.

• Contribute to a dynamic creative environment, leveraging advanced design skills and a solution-focused mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes a Senior Graphic Designer with a strong focus on campaign and packaging design, requiring end-to-end project management from concept to final artwork. The 12-month fixed term suggests a project-based need, potentially for a new product launch, rebranding initiative, or seasonal campaign push. The emphasis on collaboration with brand and marketing teams highlights the strategic importance of design in achieving business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design compelling marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and digital assets that align with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• Develop and produce polished final artwork for a diverse range of applications, including packaging, print collateral, web graphics, eDMs, and social media content.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, brand managers, and other stakeholders to understand creative briefs, provide design solutions, and ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints.

• Manage the production workflow, including preparing files for print, liaising with external suppliers (printers, agencies), and ensuring assets meet technical specifications and quality standards.

• Edit and refine existing creative assets, ensuring brand integrity and visual appeal across various platforms and media.

• Potentially contribute to motion graphics or video editing, leveraging advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills for dynamic content creation.

• Maintain an organized asset library and ensure efficient file management for all design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to reflect a senior-level designer capable of independent project ownership and cross-functional leadership within creative projects. The inclusion of "final artwork" and "production process management" indicates a hands-on role with a significant emphasis on execution and quality control, rather than pure conceptualization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational qualifications are not listed, candidates are expected to possess a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and mastery of design principles. A degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience is required, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality creative work across both print and digital mediums. Experience in a fast-paced environment or agency setting would be advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is essential.

• Strong conceptualization and design skills with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

• Proven expertise in print production, including file preparation, color management, and understanding of various printing techniques.

• Demonstrated experience in packaging design, from concept development to final artwork specifications.

• Proficiency in digital design, including web graphics, social media assets, and eDM layouts.

• Ability to maintain brand consistency and adapt design approaches across multiple distinct brands.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics and video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro).

• Familiarity with web design principles and user interface (UI) considerations.

• Experience managing creative projects from brief to completion, including timelines and stakeholder communication.

• Understanding of the pet industry or retail marketing landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly indicate a senior-level role, emphasizing practical experience and advanced software proficiency. The preference for motion/video skills aligns with modern digital marketing needs, while experience in the pet industry would provide valuable context for brand understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of design work, with a strong emphasis on campaign design, packaging, and digital assets.

• Demonstrations of end-to-end project management, from initial concept sketches/mood boards to final, production-ready artwork.

• Case studies or examples that highlight the designer's ability to maintain brand consistency across multiple distinct brands within a portfolio.

• Examples of digital design work for web, eDM, and social media, illustrating an understanding of platform-specific best practices.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly demonstrate a structured design process, including:

  • Brief interpretation and conceptualization methods.

  • Iterative design development and feedback incorporation.

  • Production file preparation and quality assurance steps.

  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to not only showcase aesthetic talent but also the capacity for strategic thinking, project management, and a robust understanding of production workflows, especially for print and packaging.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Melbourne, Australia, the estimated salary range for this 12-month full-time contract position is AUD $85,000 - $110,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and skills.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with well-established and diverse brands within the Petstock Group.

• Collaborative and creative team environment.

• Potential for project extension or future opportunities within the organization.

• Access to employee benefits and potential discounts related to Petstock products and services.

• Professional development opportunities, particularly in areas of advanced design and production.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team needs. The role is based at the Melbourne Support Office, indicating an on-site work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical senior graphic designer compensation in Melbourne, Australia, considering the 5-10 years of experience specified. The 12-month contract nature may influence the upper end of the range, but seniority and skill set are key drivers. Benefits are standard for a contract role with a large retail group.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Pet Supplies & Services)

Company Size: Large (1,000+ employees, based on typical Workday job postings for established retail groups)

Founded: Petstock was founded in 2002, indicating a company with over two decades of experience and established market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative & Design team, working closely with Brand and Marketing departments.

• This team likely operates within a broader Marketing or Commercial division, collaborating with various functions like e-commerce, retail operations, and product management.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a data-informed approach to creative strategy, aiming for designs that are both aesthetically appealing and commercially effective.

• Collaboration is key, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork to ensure creative outputs align with business objectives and customer needs.

• A commitment to delivering high-quality, on-brand creative across all touchpoints is a core operational principle.

Company Website: https://www.petstock.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Petstock is a well-established retail chain. The company culture likely reflects a fast-paced retail environment with a strong focus on customer engagement and brand loyalty. The emphasis on "People, Pets & Planet" suggests a commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position within the design function. It requires a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to mentor or guide junior designers indirectly through collaboration and best practice. The 12-month term suggests it's a project-driven role rather than a standard career progression track, although it could lead to further opportunities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Lead or Design Manager, working within the broader Creative & Design team. They will collaborate extensively with Brand Managers and Marketing teams.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales. Effective campaign and packaging design can drive product appeal, differentiate the brand in a competitive market, and enhance the overall customer experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• For the duration of the contract, the opportunity to expand a portfolio with diverse brand work and large-scale campaign experience.

• Potential to gain deeper insights into retail marketing strategies and the pet industry.

• If successful, there may be opportunities for contract extension or conversion to a permanent role, or to be considered for future senior design positions within Petstock Group or its associated brands.

• Skill enhancement in areas like large-scale production management and cross-brand creative coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section has been reframed to focus on the impact of design operations within the business, as this is not a traditional operations role. The growth opportunities are tailored to a contract position within a creative team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Melbourne Support Office, implying a professional office environment rather than a retail store setting. This environment is likely designed for collaborative work among support functions.

Office Location(s): Melbourne Support Office, Victoria, Australia. Specific address details would be available upon application or during the interview process. The job listing also mentions Ballarat and South Melbourne as potential locations, suggesting a broader reach for the company, but the primary role is in Melbourne.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace designed to foster teamwork and communication among creative and marketing professionals.

• Access to standard office amenities and potentially specific design-focused hardware and software.

• Regular interaction with brand managers, marketing specialists, and other creative team members.

• A dynamic environment where creative briefs and project priorities can shift, requiring adaptability.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time office hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While on-site, there may be some flexibility, but the primary expectation is consistent presence at the Melbourne Support Office to facilitate collaboration and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" focuses on the professional setting of a corporate support office, emphasizing collaboration and access to resources relevant to a creative role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed by HR and the hiring manager to assess qualifications and portfolio relevance.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: Candidates shortlisted will be invited for an interview, during which their portfolio will be discussed in detail. This stage assesses design thinking, technical skills, and experience with specific project types (campaigns, packaging, digital).

• Skills Assessment/Task: A practical design task or case study may be assigned to evaluate problem-solving abilities, design execution under pressure, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Final Interview: This may involve meeting with broader team members or senior management to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Present your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, prioritize campaign design, packaging projects, and digital assets.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process, challenges faced, and the impact of your work. Quantifiable results are a bonus.

• Highlight Brand Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to adapt your style and approach to different brands effectively.

• Prepare for Specifics: Be ready to discuss your experience with print production, final artwork preparation, and managing supplier relationships.

• Digital Fluency: Be prepared to talk about your experience with web, eDM, and social media design. If you have motion/video skills, have examples ready.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brands: Research Petstock and its associated brands thoroughly. Understand their market position, target audience, and visual identity.

• Anticipate Creative Briefs: If a task is assigned, it will likely involve creating a concept or design for a campaign, product, or promotional material relevant to the pet retail space.

• Focus on Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate how your design decisions support marketing objectives and brand messaging.

• Time Management: Practice working within time constraints, as design tests are often timed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are tailored to a senior graphic designer role, emphasizing practical skills, process understanding, and brand adaptability. The potential for a design task highlights the hands-on nature of this position.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. Advanced proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is a must. Familiarity with After Effects and Premiere Pro is a significant plus for motion/video capabilities.

• File Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based storage (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive) and internal asset management systems for organizing and sharing design files.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but an understanding of marketing automation platforms (e.g., for eDMs) can provide context for digital design requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on design software, with Adobe Creative Suite being the core requirement. The mention of motion/video indicates a need for more advanced software capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, engaging, and impactful designs that stand out.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals and deliver cohesive creative solutions.

• Quality & Detail: A commitment to excellence, precision, and delivering polished, error-free work.

• Brand Stewardship: Upholding and enhancing the integrity and consistency of multiple brands.

• Solution-Oriented: A proactive approach to problem-solving and finding effective creative solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and active listening with brand and marketing teams to ensure design aligns with strategic objectives.

• Willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback within the creative team and with stakeholders.

• A team-oriented approach to project management, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive creative atmosphere.

• Adaptability in responding to evolving project needs and stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are inferred from the job description's emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and quality, typical for a creative department within a large retail organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Brands: Effectively switching between and maintaining distinct brand identities and visual languages for various Petstock Group brands.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Thriving and delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines common in retail marketing.

• Balancing Creativity and Commercial Needs: Ensuring designs are not only aesthetically strong but also strategically effective in driving business outcomes.

• Production Complexity: Navigating the technical intricacies of print and digital production to ensure successful execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Skills: Opportunity to hone skills in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly if motion graphics or video editing are utilized.

• Retail Marketing Insights: Gaining a deeper understanding of how design contributes to success in the competitive pet retail market.

• Project Management Experience: Developing skills in managing end-to-end creative projects, including stakeholder communication and production oversight.

• Portfolio Expansion: Adding significant campaign and packaging design work to your professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the specific demands of the role (multi-brand, retail pace), while growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and portfolio building within the context of a contract position.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conceptualizing a campaign from a brief." (Focus on your approach to understanding objectives, research, ideation, and presenting concepts.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different applications and for different brands?" (Highlight your methods for brand guideline adherence and adaptation.)

• "Walk us through a complex packaging design project you've managed. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a case study that demonstrates your end-to-end process, problem-solving, and production knowledge.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Petstock Group and our brands?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent campaigns.)

• "How do you see your design style fitting with our brand aesthetics?" (Connect your portfolio examples to Petstock's visual identity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your role, and the outcome.

• Showcase Process: Include mockups, sketches, or mood boards to illustrate your thought process.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your software proficiency and your understanding of print production specifications.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any metrics or results that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful launch).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, process, and ability to handle the specific demands of a senior graphic designer role in a retail environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Curate a strong portfolio that prominently features your best work in campaign design, packaging, and digital assets. Ensure it demonstrates your ability to manage projects from concept to final artwork.

• Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience, advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills, and specific expertise in print production and digital design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio, focusing on your process, problem-solving, and ability to maintain brand consistency across multiple brands. Be ready to articulate your understanding of the design production workflow.

• Research Petstock Group and its brands thoroughly to understand their market position and visual identity, and be prepared to explain how your skills align with their needs.

⚠️ 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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