Graphic Designer | Retail Marketing & Advertising

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We're building talent pipelines for Graphic Designer roles supporting a Fortune 500 home improvement retailer's marketing, advertising, and merchandising operations. This is not an active requisition-we're identifying qualified designers now for anticipated opportunities in 2026.

Why register your interest?

• Early access when roles open
• Direct connection to hiring managers
• First consideration before public postings

THE ROLE

As a Graphic Designer, you'll create compelling visual communications across print and digital channels including advertising, promotional materials, social media content, email campaigns, presentations, and in-store collateral. You'll work within an established creative team to design layouts that are visually appealing, technically accurate, and aligned with brand standards and merchandising strategies.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN EXECUTION (60%)

• Drive creation of original design concepts that result in effective, compelling communication
• Design high-quality images for print advertising (run-of-press, tabloids, brochures, signage, catalogs, circulars) within assigned product categories
• Create digital assets including social media content, blog graphics, email messaging, display advertisements, and presentations
• Illustrate concepts by designing rough layouts considering arrangement, composition, type size and style, color theory, and aesthetic principles
• Prepare final layouts by marking up and assembling finished copy and art
• Use words, illustrations, fonts, colors, and visual layouts to effectively communicate messages and showcase products
• Work within provided templates while maintaining creative excellence and brand consistency
• Adapt designs for multiple channels and formats (print, web, mobile, social, in-store)

COLLABORATION & APPROVAL PROCESS (20%)

• Plan concepts by studying project information, materials, and creative briefs
• Collaborate with merchandising partners, creative managers, and senior designers on content development under tight deadlines
• Present rough layouts and obtain approval from stakeholders before proceeding to final execution
• Work closely with outside creative agencies, providing photo and layout art direction consistent with advance planning team creative
• Partner with production artists and provide training/guidance when needed
• Attend ad review meetings to present layouts and sketches
• Ensure look and feel of deliverables aligns with direction from Creative Manager, Senior Designer, and merchandising leadership

RESEARCH & TREND MONITORING (10%)

• Research design trends in home improvement industry and retail advertising
• Maintain industry and product knowledge to guide creative process
• Keep visual solutions consistent with current trends while remaining unique and innovative
• Understand consumer appeal of product categories and particular brands
• Stay current on channel best practices (print, digital, social media)

ASSET MANAGEMENT & TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE (10%)

• Maintain image library through electronic archiving process
• Maintain deep working knowledge of design software (Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Adapt to design software improvements and technology advancements
• Ensure technical accuracy in all design work (color specifications, file formats, production requirements)
• Prepare files for various output methods (digital, offset printing, large format, web)

KEY DESIGN TYPES YOU'LL CREATE

Print Advertising:

• Run-of-press (ROP) newspaper ads
• Tabloid inserts and circulars
• Brochures and catalogs
• In-store signage and point-of-purchase displays
• Direct mail pieces
• Promotional flyers

Digital & Social Media:

• Social media graphics (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok)
• Email campaign designs and templates
• Display advertising (banner ads, retargeting ads)
• Blog post featured images and graphics
• Website landing page designs

Presentations & Collateral:

• PowerPoint/Keynote presentation decks
• Sales collateral and one-pagers
• Trade show materials
• Internal communications materials

Packaging & Product Marketing:

• Private label packaging design support
• Product photography art direction
• SKU-specific promotional materials

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

• 3-5+ years professional graphic design experience
• Portfolio demonstrating strong design fundamentals and range across print and digital
• Experience designing under tight production deadlines
• Proven ability to work within brand guidelines and templates while maintaining creativity

Design Skills:

• Typography: Hierarchy, readability, font pairing, type systems
• Layout & Composition: Grid systems, visual balance, white space, alignment
• Color Theory: Color psychology, brand color systems, print vs. digital color
• Visual Communication: Translating complex messages into clear, compelling visuals
• Print Production: Understanding of bleed, trim, color modes (CMYK/PMS), file prep
• Digital Design: Web-optimized graphics, responsive design principles, social media formats

Software Proficiency:

• Adobe Photoshop (expert level - image editing, compositing, retouching)
• Adobe Illustrator (expert level - vector graphics, logos, icons, illustrations)
• Adobe InDesign (advanced - multi-page layouts, print production)
• Microsoft PowerPoint/Keynote (presentation design)
• Working knowledge of Adobe XD or Figma (digital/web design)

Work Style:

• High-energy professional with passion for design
• Ability to execute work under tight deadlines (fast-paced retail environment)
• Strong attention to detail and technical accuracy
• Collaborative mindset-works well with creative teams, merchandising, agencies
• Receptive to feedback and direction from senior designers and creative leadership
• Adaptable to changing priorities and last-minute requests

Industry Experience:

• Retail advertising background (circulars, promotional materials, seasonal campaigns)
• CPG/product marketing experience (showcasing physical products)
• Agency experience (fast-paced, multi-client environment)
• Home improvement, hardware, or building materials industry knowledge

Specialized Skills:

• Photography art direction or basic photography skills
• 3D rendering or product visualization (KeyShot, Cinema 4D, Blender)
• Motion graphics (After Effects - animated social content, video ads)
• Illustration capabilities (custom illustrations, iconography)
• Web design fundamentals (HTML/CSS understanding)
• Print production management (working with printers, understanding print processes)

Technical Knowledge:

• Understanding of prepress and print production workflows
• Experience with large format printing (signage, banners, displays)
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (ADA compliance, readability)
• Familiarity with DAM systems (Digital Asset Management - Bynder, Widen, etc.)
• Experience with project management tools (Workfront, Asana, Monday.com)

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**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.