Assistant Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Graphic Designer

Company: HOUCHENS FOOD GROUP INC

Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-29T05:57:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a hybrid design and video production position, primarily focused on graphic design output for diverse retail formats.

• Key responsibilities include creating production-ready assets for print, digital, and video applications, ensuring brand consistency.

• The position will serve as the internal lead for video projects, encompassing shooting, editing, and post-production.

• Tactical support for marketing initiatives across grocery, hardware, QSR, and convenience store brands will be a significant aspect of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges creative production with marketing operations, requiring a blend of design execution and project management for visual assets. The emphasis on "production-ready" assets and vendor readiness points towards a focus on efficient, scalable creative output, typical of operations-minded creative roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and update production-ready assets including flyers, posters, presentations, business cards, direct mail, outdoor billboards, digital graphics, and other marketing materials.

• Develop creative layouts for printed, digital, and video-related assets, ensuring adherence to brand standards and visual consistency across all Houchens Food Group brands.

• Shoot video content for promotions, marketing campaigns, press releases, social media, and internal communications, acting as the primary internal video resource.

• Edit and produce video content using Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Canva, performing post-production tasks such as color correction, basic audio editing, formatting, and exporting final video files.

• Collaborate closely with Marketing Managers & Directors to execute creative concepts, campaign needs, and marketing initiatives, providing essential visual support.

• Prepare, package, and review approved artwork with print vendors to ensure accuracy and quality print production, demonstrating a strong understanding of the print production lifecycle.

• Support creative requests including mock-ups, social media graphics, promotional materials, presentations, and internal communication assets, showcasing adaptability and broad creative skill.

• Ensure all creative materials are accurate, organized, and delivered according to project timelines, highlighting project management and organizational skills crucial for operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a structured approach to creative production, including vendor readiness for print and a focus on timely delivery. This suggests a need for process adherence and efficiency, aligning with core revenue and marketing operations principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Multimedia Design, Video Production, Marketing, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: 1-3 years of experience in graphic design, multimedia design, video production, or a related creative role is preferred; recent graduates with a strong portfolio will also be considered. Experience with graphic design production, print layout, digital design, and/or marketing creative is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for graphic design production.

• Proficiency in Canva for creating and managing brand templates for content teams.

• Strong understanding of design principles including layout, typography, color theory, and brand consistency across multiple platforms.

• Experience with video production, including basic composition, lighting, audio capture, storytelling, and post-production workflows.

• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple project deadlines in a fast-paced retail marketing environment.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams, take feedback constructively, and revise work efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing; After Effects experience is a plus for motion graphics.

• Familiarity with social media content formats, motion graphics, photography, and print production processes.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Familiarity with advertising production systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on proficiency in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications and Canva, alongside video editing software, highlights the technical requirements. The preference for experience with print production and advertising systems indicates a need for understanding operational workflows beyond pure design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is required, showcasing a range of graphic design samples and video work to demonstrate breadth of skill.

• Samples should highlight production-ready assets for both print and digital mediums, illustrating understanding of final output requirements.

• Include case studies or examples demonstrating the ability to maintain brand standards and visual consistency across different projects.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of the print production lifecycle, from design creation to vendor handoff, with examples of how accuracy and quality were ensured.

• Provide examples of workflow management for creative projects, illustrating how multiple tasks and deadlines were handled efficiently.

• Showcase experience in post-production workflows for video, detailing steps taken for color correction, audio editing, and final file preparation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that includes "production-ready" assets and demonstrates adherence to brand standards and print vendor readiness points to an operations-centric approach to creative output. This implies a need for candidates to show not just creative talent, but also an understanding of efficient, scalable production processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Assistant Graphic Designer roles with 1-3 years of experience in Kentucky, a competitive salary range is estimated between $40,000 - $55,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Bowling Green, KY, and the blend of graphic design and video production responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation package.

• Comprehensive Benefits Program, which may include health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and employee ownership opportunities through the ESOP structure of Houchens Industries.

• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement within a growing organization.

• Potential for advancement within the creative and marketing departments.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this on-site position are 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on national averages for similar roles, adjusted for regional cost of living (Bowling Green, KY). The ESOP structure of the parent company, Houchens Industries, is a significant benefit that should be highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail and Convenience Store Operations, with a diversified portfolio including grocery, hardware, and quick-service restaurants.

Company Size: Houchens Food Group, Inc. is a subsidiary of Houchens Industries, Inc., which is recognized as one of the largest, most successful, and most diversified 100% wholly owned S Corporation ESOPs in the country. This indicates a large, established, and employee-owned organization.

Founded: Houchens Industries, Inc. has a long history, establishing a foundation for stability and growth. The specific founding date for Houchens Food Group is not provided, but its parent company's history suggests a strong legacy.

Team Structure:

• The role will work closely with Marketing Managers & Directors, indicating a structured marketing department.

• Collaboration will extend to other Houchens departments and subsidiaries, suggesting a matrixed or cross-functional team environment.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes being a "fearless innovator and smart competitor," suggesting a culture that values creativity, strategic thinking, and continuous improvement.

• A commitment to communities served is a core value, indicating a socially responsible approach.

• The ESOP structure fosters an employee-ownership mindset, likely promoting collaboration, dedication, and a shared sense of purpose.

Company Website: https://www.hfginc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's ESOP structure is a significant cultural differentiator, implying a strong emphasis on employee engagement and shared success. This "employee-owner" mentality can translate to a collaborative and dedicated work environment, beneficial for operations roles that rely on team cohesion.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry to mid-level in the creative production pipeline, serving as an Assistant Graphic Designer with emerging responsibilities in video production. It's a foundational role for developing skills in visual asset creation and marketing support.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Graphic Designer will report to Marketing Managers & Directors, working within a dedicated marketing team. This structure allows for direct mentorship and guidance on creative and marketing initiatives.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts marketing effectiveness by producing high-quality visual assets that drive customer engagement, promote sales, and maintain brand integrity across multiple retail formats. Efficient and accurate creative production supports the operational efficiency of marketing campaigns.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and expand into advanced video editing and motion graphics.

• Brand Management: Gain exposure to managing brand consistency across a diverse portfolio of retail brands, enhancing understanding of brand operations.

• Project Management: Develop skills in managing creative projects from concept to completion, including vendor coordination and timeline adherence, crucial for career progression in operations.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to lead internal video projects and contribute to broader marketing strategies, paving the way for future creative leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is clearly focused on evolving from a production artist to a more strategic creative role, with potential to lead specific operational aspects of creative output (like video production). This aligns with operations career progression where efficiency and project ownership are key.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an in-office position, emphasizing a collaborative physical workspace rather than remote work.

Office Location(s): 700 Church St, Bowling Green, KY 42101.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as a "growing team," suggesting a dynamic and potentially evolving workspace.

• Close collaboration with Marketing Managers & Directors and other Houchens departments implies an interactive and team-oriented setting.

• As an "in-office position," it allows for direct team interaction, spontaneous brainstorming, and hands-on use of necessary creative tools and equipment.

Work Schedule: The role involves a standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday, providing a consistent schedule for planning and executing creative and operational tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "in-office" nature of the role is crucial for operations professionals who thrive on direct collaboration, immediate feedback loops, and the ability to physically manage assets and equipment. This setting is conducive to efficient workflow and problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or marketing lead to discuss experience, skills, and cultural fit. Expect questions about design philosophy, project management approach, and experience with specific software.

• Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session where candidates present and discuss their portfolio, highlighting specific projects relevant to the role's responsibilities (graphic design production, video editing).

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a practical design or video editing exercise to evaluate real-time capabilities and problem-solving skills under pressure.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional team members or leadership to confirm fit and discuss final details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Organize for Clarity: Structure your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (graphic design, video) or by brand if you have diverse experience.

• Highlight Production Readiness: For graphic design pieces, emphasize how they are "production-ready" – clean files, proper formatting, and consideration for print vendor needs.

• Showcase Video Workflow: For video work, include examples of raw footage, editing process (e.g., before/after), and final polished pieces. Detail your role in shooting, editing, and post-production.

• Demonstrate Brand Consistency: Include examples where you've successfully applied brand guidelines across different assets or for multiple brands.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for creative roles, try to mention any measurable impact (e.g., "designed flyer that led to X% increase in foot traffic," "produced promotional video that achieved Y views").

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice with Software: Ensure you are comfortable and efficient with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and Canva.

• Time Management: If a timed challenge is given, practice completing design or editing tasks within a set timeframe.

• Follow Instructions: Carefully read and adhere to all instructions provided for any practical assessment.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to explain your design choices, editing decisions, and how you approached the problem, aligning with operational efficiency and brand goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential skills assessment suggests a practical evaluation of the candidate's ability to execute production-ready creative assets and manage workflows, which is core to operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign are essential for graphic design production.

• Video Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro is preferred, with After Effects being a plus for motion graphics.

• Canva: Required for providing brand templates to content teams, indicating its use in scalable content creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for general office productivity, communication, and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this design role, but an understanding of how creative assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Adobe Creative Suite, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Canva highlights the core technical proficiencies required. Understanding how these tools integrate with broader marketing automation and CRM systems is a valuable, though not explicitly required, operational insight.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Smart Competition: Houchens Food Group values "fearless innovation and smart competitor" approaches, encouraging creative problem-solving and strategic thinking in asset creation.

• Community Commitment: A focus on serving the communities highlights a purpose-driven approach that can extend to creating marketing materials that resonate locally.

• Employee Ownership: As an ESOP company, there's likely a strong emphasis on collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to the company's success, fostering a supportive and results-oriented environment.

• Efficiency & Quality: The need for "production-ready" assets and delivery "according to project timelines" underscores the value placed on efficient, high-quality output.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with Marketing Managers & Directors, and support for other Houchens departments and subsidiaries. This points to an integrated, team-oriented approach where communication and partnership are key.

• Feedback Incorporation: The ability to "take creative direction and feedback constructively" is explicitly mentioned, indicating a culture that values open communication and iterative improvement based on input.

• Proactive Support: The expectation to "support creative requests" suggests a proactive and service-oriented mindset within the creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ESOP culture is a significant factor, promoting a sense of shared responsibility and collective success. This can translate to a more cohesive team dynamic where individuals are invested in process efficiency and overall business outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Brands: Managing design and video production for a diverse portfolio of retail formats (grocery, hardware, QSR, convenience) requires adaptability and the ability to shift creative focus quickly.

• Video Production Lead: Stepping into an internal lead role for video, potentially with limited current full-time workload, requires initiative in defining processes and best practices.

• Fast-Paced Retail Environment: Meeting tight deadlines and evolving marketing needs in a dynamic retail sector demands strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Integrating Feedback: Effectively incorporating feedback from various stakeholders while maintaining creative vision and brand consistency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Proficiency: Opportunity to master Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, potentially leading to more complex motion graphics and video work.

• Print Production Expertise: Gaining deeper knowledge of print production processes and vendor relations, enhancing operational understanding.

• Brand Strategy Exposure: Learning how creative assets contribute to broader marketing strategies for different retail segments.

• Video Storytelling: Developing skills in visual storytelling and narrative creation for promotional and internal communication videos.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of graphic design and emerging video responsibilities presents a unique challenge and growth opportunity, allowing the candidate to build a comprehensive creative operations skillset.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating production-ready graphic assets, from initial concept to final delivery to a print vendor." (Focus on workflow, quality control, and vendor communication.)

• "Walk us through a video project you recently completed. What was your role in shooting, editing, and post-production, and what challenges did you overcome?" (Highlight technical skills, problem-solving, and end-to-end execution.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple, diverse retail brands within a single organization?" (Emphasize understanding of brand guidelines, adaptability, and systematic approaches.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Houchens Food Group and our diverse brand portfolio?" (Research HFG's brands and their market presence.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to the success of our retail operations through your design and video work?" (Connect your skills to business objectives and operational efficiency.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation by project type or by the impact you made. Clearly label each piece with its purpose and your role.

• Highlight Production Aspects: For graphic designs, talk about file preparation, color modes (CMYK vs. RGB), and resolutions relevant to print or digital output.

• Demonstrate Video Process: For video, show clips of your editing process, explain your choices in pacing, music, and graphics, and present the final polished product.

• Quantify Results: If possible, mention metrics related to the assets you created (e.g., engagement rates for digital graphics, views for videos, or any anecdotal success stories).

• Be Concise and Enthusiastic: Clearly articulate your contributions and passion for design and video production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also an understanding of operational processes, project management, and the ability to deliver high-quality, production-ready assets efficiently.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.paylocity.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight examples of production-ready graphic design assets (flyers, digital graphics, direct mail) and your video shooting/editing work. Showcase your ability to maintain brand consistency across different projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and video editing software (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Canva). Quantify achievements where possible and highlight experience with print production or retail marketing.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, video production workflow, and how you handle feedback. Prepare to discuss your understanding of brand standards and operational efficiency in creative output.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Houchens Food Group's various retail brands and their market presence. Understand the company's commitment to innovation and community.

⚠️ 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.