Job Title : Design Lead
Location : Chennai
Role Overview
The Design Lead will be responsible for
all static design and packaging design at Sweet Karam Coffee. This role is
execution-led, not idea-led. The person will work closely with the Brand Head, Product team, Content Lead and Founders to
translate clear briefs into high-quality design output, while managing and guiding a team of designers. The focus is on
consistency, speed, and quality, not creative experimentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Static Design Ownership
- Social media static posts and carousels
- Website, app, and CRM creatives
- Catalogue pages and product listing visuals
- Retail POSMs and quick commerce creatives
- Performance statics (as per briefs from Growth team)
- Expectation: Clean, brand-correct designs delivered on time with minimal rework.
- Packaging Design Ownership
- Primary and secondary packaging design
- New SKU packaging rollouts
- Pack adaptations for quick commerce and retail
- Claims layout, ingredient communication, hierarchy
- Coordination with Product team for accuracy and timelines
- Expectation: Packaging that is clear, compliant, and visually consistent with the SKC brand.
- Brand Consistency & Design Governance
- Ensure all designs follow SKC's visual system
- Maintain consistency across platforms and formats
- Review and approve outputs before final release
- Push back on off-brand requests with clear reasoning
- Expectation: One strong, recognisable SKC look across all touchpoints.
- Cross-functional Coordination
- Work closely with:
- Brand Head for direction and priorities
- Product team for packaging inputs
- Content team for campaign requirements
- Growth team for performance static briefs
- Founders for final alignment
Expectation: Smooth coordination and fewer back-and-forth cycles.
- Team Management
- Lead and guide a team of 45 designers
- Assign work clearly with timelines
- Review designs for quality and brand fit
- Help designers improve execution skills
- Ensure work does not get stuck with one individual
- Expectation: A reliable, self-sufficient design team with steady output.
What This Role Is Not
- Not responsible for campaign ideation or brand storytelling
- Not responsible for copywriting or messaging
- Not a growth or performance strategy role
- This role is about executing well-defined ideas, not creating them.
Experience
Experience & Skills Required
- 68 years of experience in design
- Experience in FMCG, D2C, retail, or consumer brands preferred
- Hands-on experience with packaging and digital statics
- Prior experience managing or mentoring designers
Skills
- Strong packaging layout and hierarchy sense
- Good understanding of digital and print formats
- Comfortable working with brand guidelines
- Ability to handle multiple stakeholders calmly
- Clear communication and practical problem-solving
