SUPERSTAR - Brand Designer / Art Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Superstar - Brand Designer / Art Director

Company: International Brands AG

Location: Baar, Zug, Switzerland

Job Type: FULL_TIME

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

Date Posted: 2026-09-24

Experience Level: 2-5+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual and creative evolution of multiple FMCG brands, ensuring market-leading shelf presence and consumer appeal.

• Develop and execute high-impact creative concepts that translate into tangible sales performance for diverse retail channels.

• Own the end-to-end design process for packaging, digital assets, and marketing materials, prioritizing conversion and brand recognition.

• Leverage modern tools, including AI, to enhance creative workflows, accelerate project delivery, and achieve superior design outcomes.

• Collaborate directly with senior leadership to shape brand strategy and deliver market-winning products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an "Art Director" with a strong emphasis on "Brand Designer" responsibilities, specifically within the FMCG and retail sectors. The core focus is on tangible market performance and execution rather than purely conceptual or aesthetic design. The "Superstar" title suggests a high-impact, proactive individual who can drive results independently.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute innovative creative strategies that elevate brand visibility, recognition, and market impact across all assigned brands.

• Design and refine robust brand worlds and visual identities, ensuring consistent application and strong brand recall in competitive retail environments.

• Proactively identify opportunities for improvement in existing design approaches and implement enhancements to drive better market performance.

• Develop compelling packaging designs that are strategically optimized for shelf appeal, brand alignment, and consumer conversion.

• Create high-performance web, social media, and marketing assets that prioritize measurable results and sales impact over mere aesthetics.

• Translate creative ideas into finished products and assets with speed, pragmatism, and efficiency, minimizing protracted feedback cycles.

• Integrate AI and contemporary digital tools into daily workflows to boost speed, efficiency, and creative output quality.

• Independently manage creative projects from inception through to final product launch and market presence.

• Oversee and manage external partners and freelancers, upholding rigorous quality standards for all creative deliverables.

• Foster close collaboration with the Head of Brands and cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive brand development and execution.

• Adopt a holistic perspective, considering product, communication, and physical environments to create comprehensive brand experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are heavily skewed towards execution, market performance, and independent project ownership. The emphasis on "turning ideas into reality quickly, pragmatically and efficiently" and "not getting stuck in endless feedback loops" highlights a need for a highly autonomous and results-oriented individual. The integration of AI is a key modern requirement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Art Direction, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education.

Experience: 2-5+ years of demonstrable experience in a creative role, with a significant focus on Art Direction, Brand Design, or a similar capacity. Proven track record in the FMCG or retail sectors is crucial for understanding market dynamics.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in Art Direction and Brand Design, evidenced by a strong portfolio showcasing real-world FMCG or retail work.

• Expert proficiency in Figma, with practical experience in UI design and web design applications.

• Comprehensive experience designing across various mediums including packaging, social media, web, and print.

• Deep understanding of FMCG design principles, retail strategies, and consumer behavior drivers.

• Demonstrated ability to challenge the status quo and proactively seek out and implement improvements.

• A results-oriented mindset focused on impact, performance, and commercial outcomes, rather than solely aesthetic considerations.

• High levels of independence, a hands-on approach, and a solution-oriented disposition.

• Strong initiative and the ability to drive projects forward autonomously.

• A proactive ownership mentality, taking responsibility without requiring explicit instructions.

• Practical experience leveraging AI tools within a daily creative workflow.

• Fluency in both German and English, essential for communication within a Swiss-based international company. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with broader marketing campaign development and asset creation.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools to manage timelines and resources effectively.

• Exposure to international markets and diverse retail landscapes.

• An understanding of product development cycles beyond just design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical execution, market understanding, and a proactive, ownership-driven mindset. The explicit mention of what doesn't fit (purely aesthetic thinking, lack of interest in FMCG, rigid processes, waiting for instructions, struggling with execution) provides critical insight into the desired candidate profile. Figma proficiency is a key technical requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-5 years of work, with a strong emphasis on tangible results in FMCG or retail environments.

• Real-world examples of packaging designs that demonstrate an understanding of shelf appeal, brand logic, and conversion impact.

• Case studies or examples of web, social media, and marketing assets that highlight performance metrics and commercial success.

• Demonstrations of how AI tools were integrated into the creative process to achieve specific outcomes (speed, efficiency, creative output).

• Evidence of developing and maintaining consistent brand worlds and visual identities across multiple touchpoints. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how creative concepts were developed and executed pragmatically and efficiently, avoiding prolonged feedback loops.

• Documentation of projects managed independently from idea to finished product in market, showcasing ownership and project leadership.

• Insights into how external partners and freelancers were managed to ensure high-quality creative output.

• Examples of how design thinking extends beyond aesthetics to encompass product, communication, and physical environment considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating capability. It needs to go beyond just showing pretty pictures; it must prove market understanding, execution ability, and tangible results. The emphasis on speed, pragmatism, and AI integration suggests a need for process-oriented thinking within a creative context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the location (Baar, Switzerland), the experience level (2-5+ years), and the specialized nature of the role (Art Direction with FMCG focus), a competitive salary range for an Art Director/Brand Designer in Switzerland would typically fall between CHF 85,000 and CHF 120,000 per annum. This range can vary based on the specific company's compensation philosophy, the candidate's proven impact, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Direct collaboration and mentorship opportunities with the Head of Brands, offering significant exposure to senior leadership.

• The chance to make a real, tangible impact on the success and growth of brands and products in the market.

• An environment characterized by fast decision-making processes, minimizing bureaucratic delays and fostering agility.

• High levels of ownership and autonomy, allowing individuals to truly build, shape, and influence brand direction.

• Opportunity to work with brands that are visible in over 90,000 retail locations worldwide.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. However, the description emphasizes speed and pragmatism, suggesting that a focus on delivering results efficiently is valued over strict adherence to hours, with potential for flexibility for the right candidate who demonstrates ownership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on Swiss market rates for experienced creative professionals in comparable roles and locations. Benefits are directly pulled from the provided text, highlighting key advantages for ambitious candidates. The description implies a results-driven work culture that may offer flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Personal Care / FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods). International Brands AG operates in a highly competitive sector where shelf appeal, brand recognition, and consumer purchasing decisions are paramount. The company focuses on building brands that perform "on shelf" and in the market, not just online.

Company Size: International Brands AG is described as a "fast-growing Swiss company." While an exact number isn't provided, the mention of "tens of thousands of retail locations worldwide" and "more than 90,000 retail locations worldwide" suggests a significant operational scale and a growing international presence. This implies an environment that is likely dynamic, agile, and expanding.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's growth trajectory and current market reach indicate a mature yet rapidly evolving organization.

Team Structure:

• The role reports directly to the Head of Brands, indicating a close working relationship with senior brand leadership.

• The broader team likely includes other brand managers, marketing specialists, and potentially product development personnel, all focused on driving brand success.

• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving close interaction with brand strategy, product, and potentially sales teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes performance, conversion, and market impact, suggesting that design decisions are informed by market data and consumer behavior insights, not just aesthetic preferences.

• Agile Execution: "Fast decisions instead of endless alignment rounds" and the ability to "turn ideas into reality quickly, pragmatically and efficiently" point to an agile and iterative approach to brand development and execution.

• Ownership and Initiative: The culture values individuals who "take ownership," "actively shape and grow brands," and "challenge existing ideas," fostering a proactive and entrepreneurial spirit.

• AI Integration: Actively encourages the use of AI and modern tools to enhance workflows and creative output, indicating a forward-thinking and technologically adept environment.

Company Website: https://www.internationalbrands.ch

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by rapid growth, a strong focus on market performance in the FMCG sector, and an agile, ownership-driven environment that embraces modern tools like AI. The emphasis on tangible results and speed is a recurring theme.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level creative professional, likely falling under a "Senior Designer" or "Art Director" track. With 2-5+ years of experience, the candidate is expected to be proficient and largely autonomous in executing creative tasks, but still developing their strategic leadership and comprehensive brand ownership capabilities. The "Superstar" designation suggests potential for accelerated growth for high-performers.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Head of Brands. This provides direct access to senior leadership and key decision-makers, offering significant visibility and opportunities for influence.

Operations Impact: The "operations" impact here is directly tied to revenue generation and market share. The Art Director is responsible for creating visual assets and brand identities that drive consumer attention, purchase decisions, and ultimately, sales performance in the retail environment. Their work directly influences brand perception and commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Brand Development: Potential to grow into a lead Art Director or Creative Director role, taking on greater strategic responsibility for multiple brands or larger brand portfolios.

• Skill Specialization & Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in FMCG design, retail strategies, and digital performance marketing, or expand into adjacent areas like product development or integrated campaign management.

• Strategic Influence: With demonstrated success and ownership, the individual can influence brand strategy, creative direction, and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies within the company.

• Direct Impact on Scale: Contributing to the growth of brands that are already in over 90,000 retail locations worldwide offers a unique opportunity to see and measure the impact of one's work on a massive scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path is likely focused on deepening creative expertise within the FMCG/retail domain and growing into roles with greater strategic and leadership influence. The direct reporting line and emphasis on ownership provide a strong foundation for rapid advancement for high-impact individuals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site" in Baar, Switzerland. This suggests a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration and team interaction are valued. Given the company's growth and international scope, it's likely a modern, professional office space designed to support creative work and team synergy.

Office Location(s): Baar, Zug, Switzerland. This location is known for its business-friendly environment and accessibility within Switzerland.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While the role requires independence, the "direct collaboration with the Head of Brands" and working within a "broader team" implies a collaborative setting where ideas are shared and refined.

• Tool Availability: The emphasis on Figma and AI tools suggests that the company provides or supports the necessary technological infrastructure for modern creative workflows.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with brand leaders and cross-functional colleagues will be present, facilitating a holistic understanding of business objectives and challenges.

Work Schedule: The role is "FULL_TIME," indicating a standard 40-hour work week. However, the company culture emphasizes speed and results. This suggests that while hours are standard, efficiency and achieving project goals are paramount, potentially allowing for some flexibility for high-performing individuals who manage their time effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment in Baar suggests a professional, collaborative office setting. The emphasis on efficiency and results may imply a degree of flexibility for individuals who consistently deliver high-quality work on time.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and portfolio, focusing on relevant FMCG/retail experience, Figma proficiency, and demonstrated impact.

• Creative Challenge/Portfolio Review: A key stage will involve presenting the portfolio, discussing specific projects, and potentially undertaking a short creative task or case study. This will assess understanding of FMCG logic, consumer behavior, and execution ability.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will likely probe ownership, initiative, problem-solving skills, ability to handle feedback, and experience with AI tools. Expect questions like "Tell me about a time you challenged an existing idea" or "How do you ensure your designs perform in market?"

• Team/Leadership Fit: Interviews with the Head of Brands and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, communication style, and alignment with the company's fast-paced, results-oriented approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Focus on 3-5 of your strongest FMCG or retail projects. Ensure each project clearly demonstrates your role, the challenge, your creative solution, and most importantly, the results or impact.

• Showcase FMCG Logic: Highlight how your designs grab attention on shelf, communicate brand value, and drive consumer purchase decisions. Use visual examples of packaging and point-of-sale materials.

• Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, showcasing UI design, web design elements, and efficient workflow practices.

• Highlight AI Integration: If applicable, present projects where you used AI tools. Explain how and why you used them, and the benefits achieved (e.g., faster ideation, enhanced asset generation).

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to support your claims of performance and impact.

• Tell a Story: Frame each project as a narrative: problem, solution, outcome. Be articulate and passionate about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand FMCG Dynamics: Research current trends in personal care and FMCG packaging design, retail merchandising, and consumer psychology.

• Practice Figma: Be comfortable navigating and presenting within Figma under potential time constraints.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your thought process for solving design problems, especially those related to shelf impact and market performance.

• Prepare for "Why": Be ready to explain the rationale behind your design choices, linking them directly to business objectives and consumer insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes the portfolio as proof of capability. Candidates need to demonstrate not just design skill, but a deep understanding of FMCG market dynamics, a results-driven approach, and proficiency with modern tools like Figma and AI.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly required. Proficiency in UI design, web design, prototyping, and collaborative features within Figma is essential. This will be a primary tool for creating web assets, social media graphics, and potentially packaging mockups.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): While not explicitly mentioned, these are industry-standard for graphic design and often used in conjunction with Figma for more complex image manipulation or vector work, particularly for packaging.

• AI Tools: Mentioned as a requirement for improving workflows, speed, and creative output. This could include generative AI platforms for ideation, asset creation, or even workflow automation tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While no specific tools are listed, the role's focus on "performance, not aesthetics alone" and driving "sales" implies a need to understand and potentially utilize:

  • Web Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to track performance of web assets.

  • Social Media Analytics platforms to measure engagement and reach of social content.

  • Retail sales data (which would be provided by the company) to understand the impact of packaging and marketing efforts. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core design responsibilities of this role. However, understanding how design assets integrate into broader marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the standout technical requirement. The integration of AI is a key modern expectation. While specific analytics or CRM tools aren't listed as required for the designer, an understanding of how their work impacts these areas will be beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance-Driven: A core value is achieving tangible results in the market, translating design into sales and brand success. Aesthetics are secondary to performance and impact.

• Ownership & Initiative: The company values individuals who take full responsibility for their work, proactively drive projects, and don't wait for instructions. This fosters an entrepreneurial spirit.

• Agility & Speed: Decisions are made quickly, and projects are executed pragmatically and efficiently. The culture avoids lengthy alignment processes and encourages rapid iteration.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to challenge existing ideas and actively seek ways to improve processes, designs, and outcomes is highly valued.

• Pragmatism: A focus on practical solutions and execution over theoretical concepts or endless ideation.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Efficient: Collaboration is likely direct, with clear communication lines, especially with the Head of Brands. The emphasis on speed suggests that discussions are focused and action-oriented.

• Cross-Functional Integration: While the role is creative, it requires close work with brand strategy, product teams, and potentially sales, necessitating an ability to translate creative vision into business objectives.

• Feedback-Oriented (but efficient): While "endless feedback loops" are discouraged, constructive feedback is implied as part of the process of improvement and ensuring high quality. The key is efficient and actionable feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is characterized by a high-energy, results-focused environment where initiative, speed, and tangible market impact are paramount. Collaboration is direct and pragmatic, aimed at efficient execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics with Performance: The primary challenge is ensuring that designs are not only visually appealing but also demonstrably effective in driving consumer behavior and sales in a competitive FMCG market.

• Speed vs. Quality: Maintaining a high standard of creative output while working at a rapid pace and managing multiple projects simultaneously can be demanding.

• Navigating a Fast-Growing Environment: Adapting to the dynamic nature of a fast-growing company, which may involve evolving priorities and processes.

• Driving Change: Convincing stakeholders and executing designs that challenge existing norms or traditional approaches requires strong communication and persuasive skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep FMCG/Retail Expertise: Gaining profound insight into the specific dynamics, consumer behaviors, and market strategies of the FMCG and retail sectors.

• Brand Strategy Influence: Opportunity to move beyond execution and contribute to higher-level brand strategy and creative direction.

• Technology Adoption: Becoming proficient in cutting-edge tools like AI for creative workflows, positioning oneself at the forefront of design innovation.

• Leadership Experience: Developing leadership skills through direct reporting to senior management and managing projects and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the role's core function: creating commercially successful designs in a fast-paced industry. Growth opportunities lie in deepening domain expertise and moving towards strategic leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing packaging that stands out on a crowded retail shelf and drives purchases." (Focus on FMCG logic, consumer behavior, and measurable outcomes).

• "How do you balance creative vision with the need for speed and efficiency in a fast-paced environment?" (Highlight your process for managing feedback loops and prioritizing tasks).

• "Provide an example of how you've used AI tools to enhance your creative workflow or output. What were the results?" (Be specific about the tool, application, and benefits).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various touch