Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Koala

Location: Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

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

Date Posted: 2026-07-31T05:15:12

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual brand excellence across all customer touchpoints by translating brand strategy into compelling creative assets.

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of design projects, ensuring high standards of craft in typography, layout, and visual storytelling.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Brand, Performance Marketing, eCommerce, and CRM teams to develop creative that achieves both brand and commercial objectives.

• Leverage customer insights and campaign performance data to continuously inform and improve creative output, demonstrating a data-driven approach to design.

• Contribute to evolving the creative function by identifying opportunities for process improvement, system enhancements, and maintaining brand consistency as Koala scales globally.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, implying a need for not only exceptional design execution but also strategic input, process ownership, and mentorship within the creative team. The emphasis on "bringing our brand to life across every touchpoint" and "contributing creative thinking at the briefing stage" suggests a proactive, strategic role rather than purely execution-focused. The mention of "evolving the AU creative team" points towards a candidate who can contribute to process optimization and system improvements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process for integrated campaigns across paid media, organic social, CRM (campaigns and automated flows), ecommerce platforms, and retail environments.

• Develop innovative visual concepts and design approaches during the initial campaign development phase, not solely during the execution stage.

• Translate high-level brand strategy and campaign briefs into visually engaging and effective creative assets that meet defined brand and commercial KPIs.

• Uphold and elevate the visual identity of Koala by ensuring consistent application of brand guidelines across all creative materials, maintaining exceptional standards in typography, layout, composition, colour, and visual storytelling.

• Actively participate in evolving the creative team's capabilities by identifying and implementing improvements to design templates, workflows, documentation, and ensuring overall creative consistency.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with Brand, Performance Marketing, eCommerce, CRM, Social Media, and Production teams to ensure creative outputs are aligned and perform effectively.

• Analyze campaign performance data, A/B testing results, and customer behaviour insights to iteratively refine and enhance future creative strategies and executions.

• Provide constructive and insightful creative feedback during design reviews, actively contributing to a culture of high-quality work and continuous improvement across the broader team.

• Support art direction for photography, video, and content creation by developing mood boards, providing visual references, and contributing to layout and stylistic direction.

• Prepare production-ready assets for both digital and print mediums, ensuring all work adheres to specific platform requirements, technical specifications, and quality standards.

• Maintain and organize the creative asset library, ensuring all materials are easily accessible, up-to-date, and available for broader team utilization.

• Proactively identify potential creative risks, production challenges, or new opportunities, communicating these early and effectively to the Creative Lead.

• Research and propose adoption of new creative trends, tools, AI workflows, and emerging technologies that can enhance both creative output quality and team efficiency.

• Champion a positive, solutions-focused, and collaborative creative culture that aligns with Koala's core values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "contributing creative ideas, visual concepts and design approaches during campaign development" and "using campaign results, testing insights and customer behaviour to continually improve future creative" underscores the need for a designer who is not just an executor but also a strategic thinker and data-informed creative. The responsibility to "help evolve the AU creative team by identifying opportunities to improve templates, systems, documentation and creative consistency" indicates a proactive role in process optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio is the primary indicator of capability. A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is often preferred in such roles.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive graphic design experience, with a strong preference for experience within fast-paced retail, direct-to-consumer (DTC), lifestyle brands, or agency environments.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional portfolio showcasing strong conceptual thinking, strategic brand application, and high-quality visual execution across diverse media.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Deep understanding of fundamental design principles including typography, layout, composition, colour theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Proven ability to develop compelling visual storytelling that resonates with target audiences.

• Experience designing and implementing integrated marketing campaigns across multiple digital and physical channels.

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

• Data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret campaign performance metrics and customer insights to inform creative decisions and optimize design outcomes.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to articulate design rationale and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• High level of organization and meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of work.

• Commercial acumen and a proactive, curious mindset focused on identifying opportunities to enhance creative quality and business impact. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics (e.g., After Effects) for digital content.

• Familiarity with web design principles and UI/UX best practices.

• Experience with AI-powered design tools and workflows for enhanced efficiency.

• A strong understanding of sustainability principles and how they can be visually communicated.

• Experience working within a B Corp-certified company or with a strong focus on social impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of creative talent, technical proficiency, and strategic business understanding. The "Ideal background" section clearly states "5+ years of experience in graphic design within a fast-paced retail, DTC, lifestyle or agency environment role" and "Exceptional portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual thinking and high-quality visual execution." The requirement for "Advanced proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud & Figma" is a critical technical skill. The inclusion of "Data-driven decision maker with ability to analyse campaign performance and use this to inform future campaigns through a creative lense" highlights the need for a designer who understands marketing performance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design work, showcasing a range of projects from concept to final execution.

• Include case studies that highlight conceptual thinking, problem-solving, and the strategic rationale behind design decisions, particularly for integrated campaigns.

• Showcase high-quality visual execution across various mediums, including digital (paid media, social, web), CRM, and potentially print or retail elements.

• Feature examples where data or customer insights were used to inform design choices and improve campaign performance, demonstrating a data-driven approach.

• Highlight projects that exhibit strong typographic skills, layout composition, and visual storytelling capabilities.

• Present work that clearly reflects an understanding and application of brand guidelines, with examples of maintaining brand consistency. Process Documentation:

• For each case study, briefly outline the design process followed, from brief interpretation and concept development to final asset delivery and post-campaign analysis.

• Detail how collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., Brand, Marketing, eCommerce) was managed throughout the project lifecycle.

• Explain how feedback was incorporated and how revisions were managed to ensure project objectives were met.

• Where applicable, show examples of how templates, systems, or documentation were improved or utilized to enhance workflow efficiency and creative consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for an "Exceptional portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual thinking and high-quality visual execution" is paramount. The enhancement focuses on structuring this portfolio to demonstrate not just design skill but also process, strategic thinking, and data-informed decision-making, aligning with the role's senior nature and emphasis on collaboration and performance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Graphic Designers in Alexandria, NSW, Australia, with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be AUD $90,000 - $130,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the high demand for skilled designers in the DTC/retail sector, and the cost of living in the Sydney metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Model: Approximately 3 days per week in the Alexandria office, with flexibility for remote work ("work from bed/home").

• Generous Time Off: Includes standard annual leave, volunteer leave, parental leave, and specific "Koala life leave" to support work-life balance.

• Fully Stocked Kitchen: Access to healthy local produce, breakfast options, a salad bar, kombucha on tap, and regular team BBQs.

• Pet-Friendly Office: The "Koala Treehouse" office environment welcomes pets.

• Product Perks: Free Koala products and "mates rates" for friends and family, reflecting the company's "surprise & delight" ethos.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Comprehensive support for financial, work, relationship, family, and general wellbeing, offering unlimited sessions.

• Career Acceleration: Access to a Learning Management platform, individual and team growth budgets, and dedicated days for professional development.

• Community & Connection: Opportunities to engage with a strong company culture, including B Corp initiatives, WWF partnerships, volunteer days, and other community-focused activities.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 38-40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on publicly available data for similar roles in Sydney, Australia, considering the specified experience level (5+ years). Benefits are directly extracted from the provided perks list, with added context relevant to operations professionals where applicable (e.g., flexibility for data analysis, dedicated growth budgets).

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture & Home Goods Retail (Direct-to-Consumer - DTC), with a strong focus on design, innovation, and sustainability. Koala is a B Corp-certified company, indicating a commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in this listing, Koala is a global brand with operations in Australia, Japan, the US, and the UK, suggesting a mid-to-large sized company with significant growth. The "Global R&D Centre" in Alexandria and the mention of a "creative asset library for wider team use" imply a structured, growing organization.

Founded: Koala was founded in 2015, positioning it as a relatively young but rapidly scaling company that has successfully disrupted the furniture market.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will report to the Creative Lead, indicating a hierarchical structure within the creative department.

• Collaboration is expected across multiple departments, including Brand, Performance Marketing, eCommerce, CRM, Social Media, and Production, highlighting a cross-functional, integrated marketing approach.

• The role is based in Australia ("Senior Graphic Designer, AU"), suggesting a regional creative team that likely works closely with global marketing functions. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The company emphasizes using customer insights and campaign performance data to inform creative strategies and optimize outcomes.

• Customer-Obsessed: A core value driving product development, brand communication, and service.

• Innovation & Disruption: A mindset of challenging norms and finding creative, bold solutions.

• Sustainability: A key pillar of their business model, reflected in their B Corp certification and operational practices.

• Agile & Action-Oriented: A culture that values speed, iteration, and a bias for action, with a focus on "what's next."

Company Website: https://careers.koala.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the "description" field, highlighting Koala's DTC model, B Corp status, global presence, and founding year. The "Team Structure" and "Methodology" sections infer how a Senior Graphic Designer would operate within this environment, emphasizing collaboration, data usage, and a proactive, innovative culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as "Senior," indicating a mid-to-high level of experience and responsibility. A Senior Graphic Designer is expected to be a key contributor, capable of leading projects independently, mentoring junior designers (if applicable), and influencing creative strategy. They are beyond an entry-level or mid-level designer and are expected to bring a refined skillset and strategic perspective.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will report directly to the Creative Lead. This suggests a clear line of command within the creative team, with the Creative Lead acting as a mentor, approver, and strategic guide. The Senior Designer will likely be a key support to the Lead in driving the team's output.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and commercial performance. High-quality, strategically aligned creative assets are crucial for:

• Building brand love and recognition across all touchpoints.

• Driving conversion rates on paid media, social channels, and the ecommerce website.

• Enhancing customer experience through consistent and effective CRM communications and website design.

• Supporting retail environments with impactful visual merchandising elements.

• Ultimately contributing to Koala's revenue growth and market expansion. Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Creative Lead or Art Director role, managing larger projects, teams, or specific brand initiatives. This could involve further development in strategic planning and team management.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as motion graphics, UI/UX design, or digital campaign strategy through dedicated learning budgets and project involvement.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader marketing experience by working closely with Performance Marketing, eCommerce, and Brand teams, understanding how creative integrates into broader business objectives.

• Process Improvement Contribution: Opportunities to lead or significantly contribute to refining design workflows, implementing new tools (like AI), and establishing best practices for creative asset management.

• Mentorship: As a senior member, there will be opportunities to mentor and guide junior designers, developing leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis interprets the "Senior" title and the described responsibilities to outline career trajectory. The "Operations Impact" section links the design role to core business outcomes (revenue, engagement), which is crucial for operations-minded candidates. Growth opportunities are framed around typical career paths for senior creative roles within growing companies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Koala operates from a "Treehouse" office, described as a pet-friendly, well-resourced space with a focus on employee well-being and collaboration. The hybrid model suggests a modern, flexible work environment.

Office Location(s): The primary location mentioned is Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia, specifically the "Koala - Global R&D Centre." This suggests a central hub for creative and potentially product development activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The ~3 days in the office are intended for collaboration, team connection, and leveraging shared resources. The "fully stocked kitchen," regular BBQs, and pet-friendly atmosphere foster a social and engaging work environment.

• Technology & Tools: While not explicitly detailed for the workspace, the role requires advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, implying these tools are readily available and supported. The company's focus on innovation suggests access to modern creative technology.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model encourages in-person interaction for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and feedback exchanges, balanced with the flexibility of remote work.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an expected 38-40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility in where work is done, but the core hours and deliverables remain consistent. This structure aims to balance productivity with employee well-being and personal life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section draws on descriptions of the "Treehouse" office, the hybrid work model, and the company's overall ethos to paint a picture of the physical and cultural work environment. The emphasis is on how this environment supports collaboration, creativity, and a healthy work-life balance for a senior creative professional.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the application, resume, and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: A dedicated session with the Creative Lead and potentially other team members to deep-dive into the candidate's portfolio. This will focus on conceptual thinking, problem-solving, execution quality, and strategic rationale. Expect questions about specific projects and design decisions.

• Cross-Functional Meet & Greet: Interviews with stakeholders from other departments (e.g., Brand, Marketing, eCommerce) to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and understanding of business objectives.

• Skills/Creative Test (Potential): A small design exercise or brief to assess practical skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to work under a simulated deadline.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Marketing, Creative Director) to discuss overall fit, long-term potential, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase conceptual thinking, execution quality, and campaign integration. Tailor your selection to highlight experience in retail, DTC, or agency environments.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process (including any data/insight usage), the solution, and the impact/results. Use visuals effectively to guide the narrative.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to design across multiple channels (digital ads, social media, web, CRM, etc.) and maintain brand consistency.

• Highlight Data Integration: If possible, include projects where you used data or performance metrics to inform or improve your design work. This is a key requirement for this role.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, including specific features or workflows you leverage.

• Demonstrate Conceptual Strength: Be prepared to talk through your thought process for developing creative concepts and translating brand strategy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Koala Brand: Thoroughly research Koala's current brand identity, campaigns, target audience, and market positioning. Understand their B Corp status and sustainability focus.

• Anticipate Creative Briefs: If a test is given, expect it to be related to a common Koala marketing channel (e.g., a social media campaign, an email banner, a website hero image). Focus on delivering a clear, on-brand concept with strong visual execution.

• Practice Articulating Rationale: Be ready to clearly and concisely explain your design choices, linking them back to the brief, brand strategy, and potential commercial impact.

• Time Management: If given a timed exercise, practice working efficiently to deliver a polished outcome within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates the typical interview process for a senior creative role within a growing, data-informed company. The portfolio and challenge preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description, such as data-driven decision-making and integrated campaign experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency required across core applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic design, image manipulation, and layout.

• Figma: Advanced proficiency required for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX elements, especially for digital and web assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Campaign Performance Tools: Familiarity with analyzing data from platforms like Google Analytics, social media analytics dashboards (Facebook Ads Manager, etc.), and CRM reporting to understand creative effectiveness.

• A/B Testing Platforms: Understanding how design variations are tested and how results inform future creative decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience designing assets for email campaigns and flows within CRM platforms (e.g., Klaviyo, Mailchimp, or similar). Understanding how design impacts user journeys.

Other Potentially Relevant Tools:

• After Effects: Preferred for motion graphics and animated content.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing project workflows and deadlines.

• Asset Management Systems: Experience with organizing and managing digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section lists the explicitly mentioned tools (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma) and infers others based on the responsibilities (e.g., campaign performance analysis, CRM design). This provides candidates with a clear understanding of the expected technical toolkit.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: Every design decision should aim to resonate with and delight the Koala customer, driving brand loyalty and purchase intent.

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creativity is paramount, it must be informed by data. This means a willingness to test, learn, and iterate based on performance metrics.

• Bias for Action & Agility: A proactive approach to design and problem-solving, embracing speed and iteration in a fast-paced environment.

• Boldness & Innovation: Encouragement to challenge conventions, explore new creative angles, and push boundaries to disrupt the market.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, constructive feedback, and a willingness to work seamlessly with cross-functional teams.

• Sustainability & Impact: A commitment to design that not only performs commercially but also aligns with Koala's B Corp values and contributes positively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Brand Managers, Performance Marketers, eCommerce Specialists, and CRM Managers, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate design concepts into business objectives.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: The role involves providing and receiving constructive creative feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning.

• Solutions-Oriented: A collaborative approach focused on overcoming challenges and finding effective creative solutions that meet project goals.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices, new trends, and efficient workflows with other team members, contributing to the overall growth of the creative function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section elaborates on Koala's stated values and desired culture, framing them through the lens of how a Senior Graphic Designer would embody and contribute to them. The emphasis is on how these values translate into daily work and team interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Performance: Ensuring all creative assets are unmistakably "Koala" while also being optimized for conversion and specific channel performance can be a delicate balance.

• Pace of a DTC Environment: The fast-paced nature of DTC marketing requires rapid turnaround times and the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously without sacrificing quality.

• Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying ahead of new digital trends, platform algorithm changes, and emerging creative technologies (like AI) requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Measuring Creative Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of design on commercial results requires strong analytical skills and effective collaboration with performance teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like motion graphics, advanced Figma workflows, AI-driven design tools, or UI/UX principles through provided learning resources and project exposure.

• Industry Exposure: Access to learning budgets that can be used for online courses, workshops, conferences, or certifications relevant to graphic design, digital marketing, and creative strategy.

• Leadership & Mentorship: As a senior member, opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to team process improvements, fostering leadership and coaching skills.

• Strategic Input: Involvement in higher-level campaign strategy discussions, providing a pathway to influence broader marketing initiatives beyond pure execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in a senior creative role within a fast-paced, data-driven DTC company and frames them as opportunities for growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you translated a complex brand strategy into a compelling visual campaign. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on strategic thinking, process, and impact.)

• "How do you balance maintaining brand consistency with the need to optimize creative for specific channel performance (e.g., paid social vs. email)? Can you provide an example?" (Assesses understanding of integrated marketing and data-informed design.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you used customer insights or campaign data to significantly improve the design's effectiveness." (Highlights data-driven approach and analytical skills.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with non-creative teams (e.g., marketing, product) to ensure your designs meet their objectives?" (Evaluates cross-functional communication and teamwork.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Koala specifically, beyond the Senior Graphic Designer role?" (Research Koala's mission, values, B Corp status, sustainability efforts.)

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with Koala's 'surprise & delight' ethos and their commitment to innovation?" (Demonstrate cultural fit and understanding of brand personality.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive and productive creative culture?" (Assesses collaboration style and team contribution.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your solution (design process), and the outcome (results). Use a template like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) if helpful.

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Emphasize why you made certain design choices, linking them to campaign goals, brand strategy, or data insights. Don't just show pretty pictures; explain the thinking behind them.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., increased click-through rates, improved conversion, higher engagement) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work.

• Showcase Tools & Process: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe CC and Figma, and how you use these tools to achieve efficient and high-quality outcomes. Mention any experience with AI tools if relevant.

• Prepare for an Exercise: Be ready for a short, timed design challenge that simulates a real-world task. Practice delivering a clear, on-brand concept quickly.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice tailored to the role's requirements, including sample interview questions that probe strategic thinking, data usage, and cultural fit, along with detailed portfolio presentation guidance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature 3-5 of your strongest projects that align with Koala's DTC/retail focus, demonstrating integrated campaign design, strong conceptual thinking, and data-informed decision-making.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5+ years of relevant experience, advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, and any experience with data analysis for creative optimization. Use keywords like "DTC," "retail," "campaign development," "brand strategy," and "data-driven."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design rationale, process, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss how you would approach challenges specific to Koala's brand and market. Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Koala's brand, mission, values (especially B Corp and sustainability), recent campaigns, and target audience. Understand their unique culture and "surprise & delight" philosophy to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.