Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer

Company: Ayr Wellness

Location: United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Creative Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-29

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative execution and brand strategy for multiple cannabis brands including HAZE, Later Days, and Kynd.

• Develop and produce a wide range of marketing assets across digital, retail, and social media channels.

• Support product launches by creating essential collateral such as packaging updates, sell sheets, and menu assets.

• Ensure brand consistency and compliance across all creative materials in a multi-state, regulated environment.

• Translate business needs and rough concepts into clear creative directions and well-defined briefs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as requiring an individual who can "take a brand idea and run with it," indicating a need for proactive creativity and independent judgment beyond simple execution. This suggests a dynamic environment where initiative is valued.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce on-brand digital, retail, and social media assets for AYR Wellness brands.

• Translate established brand guidelines into customer-facing creative across print, digital, and in-store platforms.

• Develop retail and wholesale support materials, including signage, product displays, sell sheets, menu graphics, and educational collateral for budtenders.

• Contribute to in-store merchandising concepts and retail activation strategies.

• Support the development and rollout of new product SKUs, coordinating all launch-related creative assets.

• Manage timelines, revisions, and approvals for ongoing campaigns and product launches, ensuring timely asset delivery.

• Collaborate with compliance, operations, sales, retail teams, and external vendors to ensure smooth execution of product rollouts and marketing initiatives.

• Maintain organized, accurate, and up-to-date customer-facing assets across all channels.

• Identify creative and marketing opportunities to enhance product visibility and drive sell-through.

• Adapt creative content and copy to meet compliance standards in multiple regulated markets while preserving brand consistency.

• Prepare submission-ready assets and implement revisions based on compliance feedback and market-specific requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "multi-state retail support" and "compliance & multi-state execution" highlights the complexity of the role within a regulated industry, requiring adaptability and meticulous attention to detail across diverse markets.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not specified, but a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for this experience level.

Experience: 3–5 years of experience in brand design, creative execution, or content marketing. Agency or in-house consumer brand experience is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Expertise in Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Experience with Canva for efficient asset creation.

• Strong understanding of brand strategy and creative execution principles.

• Proven ability to translate business needs into compelling visual narratives.

• Skill in developing creative briefs and directing creative concepts.

• Experience in creating a variety of marketing collateral for print, digital, and retail environments.

• Knowledge of retail merchandising and in-store activation concepts.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.

• Familiarity with compliance standards within regulated industries.

• Excellent visual communication and design craft. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the cannabis industry.

• Skills in video editing and motion graphics.

• Experience with project management tools and workflows.

• Understanding of wholesale channel marketing requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio demonstrating "both design craft and strategic thinking" is crucial. Candidates should prepare to showcase projects that highlight not only aesthetic appeal but also how their design solutions addressed specific business objectives or brand challenges.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio link is mandatory for all applications.

• Showcase a range of creative projects demonstrating design versatility across different mediums (digital, print, retail).

• Include case studies or project descriptions that explain the strategic thinking behind your design choices, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

• Highlight experience with brand identity development, campaign execution, and product launch collateral.

• Demonstrate proficiency with required design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva). Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation might not be a direct output for this role, the ability to articulate your design process, from brief interpretation to final asset delivery, is critical.

• Be prepared to discuss how you manage project workflows, revisions, and cross-functional feedback.

• Showcase an understanding of how design integrates with broader marketing and sales operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for assessing a candidate's strategic thinking and creative execution capabilities. It should clearly illustrate how the designer translates abstract concepts into tangible, on-brand assets that meet business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Brand Designer with 3-5 years of experience in the United States, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $65,000 and $85,000. This can vary based on specific location, cost of living, and the candidate's portfolio and demonstrated experience.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits package (details not specified).

• Opportunity to work within the dynamic and rapidly growing cannabis industry.

• Exposure to multiple brands and markets within a leading multi-state operator.

• Potential for career growth and development within a growing organization.

• Collaborative work environment focused on innovation and impact.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, indicating a standard full-time schedule. Flexibility may be offered depending on project needs and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the US. A comprehensive benefits package, typical for full-time roles, is assumed but specific details would need to be confirmed with Ayr Wellness.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cannabis Retail and Manufacturing. Ayr Wellness is a multi-state operator (MSO) in a highly regulated and evolving industry. This context implies a need for adaptability, strong compliance awareness, and a proactive approach to innovation.

Company Size: Ayr Wellness operates over 100 licensed retail locations across multiple states. This indicates a significant operational footprint and a large employee base, suggesting a structured corporate environment with opportunities for diverse roles and career paths.

Founded: Founded in 2018, Ayr Wellness is a relatively young company, positioning itself for long-term success by "re-imagining how we work" and seeking "builders and doers." This suggests a culture that values initiative, innovation, and shaping the future of the company and the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Brand Designer will likely be part of a marketing or creative team, reporting to a Brand Director.

• Collaboration will be essential with various departments including compliance, operations, sales, and retail teams, as well as external vendors.

• The team structure likely supports a fast-paced environment with cross-functional project teams. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied, especially in a regulated industry where performance metrics and compliance are key.

• Workflow optimization is likely a focus to manage the complexity of multi-state operations and product launches efficiently.

• Automation, where applicable, would support scaled operations and creative asset management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description emphasizes a "builder and doer" mentality and "re-imagining how we work," suggesting a culture that encourages proactive problem-solving and embraces change, which is vital in the fast-paced cannabis sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Brand Designer, requiring 3-5 years of experience. It offers a blend of hands-on creative execution and strategic involvement in brand initiatives and product launches.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Designer will report to the Brand Director, working closely with them on creative strategy and execution. They will also collaborate extensively with other marketing functions, sales, operations, and compliance teams.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's work directly influences brand perception, product appeal, and customer engagement across all touchpoints. Effective creative execution supports sales targets, retail performance, and overall brand equity within competitive markets. Their role is critical in translating business objectives into visually compelling brand experiences that drive consumer behavior and ensure regulatory compliance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in cannabis branding, packaging design, or digital marketing creative.

• Leadership: Transition into a Senior Brand Designer or Art Director role, leading creative projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-functional Movement: Develop a broader understanding of marketing operations, product management, or retail strategy, potentially leading to roles in brand management or marketing leadership.

• Skill Development: Gain experience in video production, motion graphics, and advanced digital design techniques through company-supported learning or project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role provides a strong foundation in brand building within a complex, regulated industry. Growth opportunities are tied to demonstrating creativity, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex, multi-market projects, paving a path toward leadership in brand and creative functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," suggesting a physical office environment. Given Ayr Wellness's multi-state operations, this could be a corporate headquarters, a regional office, or a dedicated creative hub.

Office Location(s): While the job listing specifies "United States," the specific office location for this role is not detailed. Candidates may need to inquire about the primary work location during the application process.

Workspace Context:

• The on-site nature suggests opportunities for direct collaboration and brainstorming with team members and other departments.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva) is expected.

• The environment is likely fast-paced, requiring designers to be agile and responsive to business needs and market dynamics.

• Close proximity to Brand Directors and cross-functional teams will facilitate communication and project alignment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is indicated. However, in creative roles supporting product launches and campaigns, there may be occasional requirements for extended hours or weekend work to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which can be beneficial for creative teams needing to brainstorm and iterate quickly, especially in a dynamic industry like cannabis.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and mandatory portfolio link for basic qualifications and design quality.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, strategic thinking, and problem-solving approaches. This stage will likely involve the Brand Director and potentially other marketing leads.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study relevant to Ayr Wellness brands or product categories. This assesses their ability to apply skills to real-world scenarios and adhere to brand guidelines.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Conversations with representatives from compliance, sales, or operations to assess collaboration skills and understanding of business needs.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior marketing leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your breadth of skills (digital, retail, branding, packaging) and strategic thinking.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, clearly articulate the brief/problem, your role, your process, the creative solution, and the measurable impact or outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Brand Thinking: Emphasize how you maintained brand consistency, adapted to different brand voices (HAZE, Later Days, Kynd), and considered compliance.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio reflects competence in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to discuss your design decisions, challenges faced, and how you navigated feedback or compliance requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brands: Research AYR Wellness's brands (HAZE, Later Days, Kynd) and their target audiences.

• Review Industry Trends: Familiarize yourself with current design trends in the cannabis industry and consumer packaged goods (CPG).

• Practice Brief Interpretation: Be prepared to receive a hypothetical brief and outline your approach to developing creative concepts and assets.

• Focus on Compliance: Think about how you would approach design challenges within a regulated environment, considering legal disclaimers and advertising restrictions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio link and the emphasis on strategic thinking mean that candidates must invest significant time in preparing a compelling and well-documented portfolio that goes beyond just showcasing pretty pictures.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for professional graphic design, including Photoshop (image editing, digital assets), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print collateral, packaging). Proficiency is a must-have.

• Figma: A collaborative interface design tool, increasingly used for brand asset creation, prototyping, and team collaboration. Its integration capabilities and real-time editing are key advantages.

• Canva: A user-friendly graphic design platform, likely used for quicker asset creation, social media graphics, or for less complex collateral, enabling efficiency and accessibility across teams.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct design tool, understanding how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial. No specific analytics tools are listed as required for this design role.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the Brand Designer role, but awareness of how marketing assets are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms might be helpful for understanding the broader campaign lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva are explicitly listed as required. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their expertise in these tools, potentially through portfolio examples or a practical design assessment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: Upholding brand consistency and visual identity across all touchpoints is paramount.

• Creative Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design and innovative visual solutions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams (marketing, sales, compliance, operations) to achieve shared goals.

• Compliance-Driven: Understanding and adhering to strict regulatory requirements in a sensitive industry.

• Agility & Responsiveness: Adapting quickly to market changes, campaign needs, and product development timelines.

• Impact-Oriented: Focusing on how design contributes to business objectives, such as sales, brand awareness, and customer engagement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to partner closely with various departments, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to translate needs and manage feedback.

• Feedback Loops: An open exchange of feedback is likely encouraged to refine creative work and ensure alignment with business and compliance requirements.

• Shared Vision: Working towards a unified brand vision across multiple product lines and markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on being "builders and doers" and "re-imagining how we work" suggests a culture that values proactive contribution, problem-solving, and a forward-thinking mindset, which designers will need to embody.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Regulatory Compliance: Adapting creative to meet varying state-level regulations in the cannabis industry while maintaining brand impact.

• Balancing Multiple Brands: Managing distinct brand identities (HAZE, Later Days, Kynd) and their specific creative needs simultaneously.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Keeping up with rapid product development cycles, marketing campaigns, and retail support demands across multiple states.

• Translating Abstract Concepts: Effectively interpreting business needs and translating them into clear, compelling creative briefs and designs.

• Stakeholder Management: Coordinating feedback and approvals from diverse internal teams and external vendors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the cannabis market, its unique branding challenges, and consumer insights.

• Advanced Design Skills: Developing expertise in areas like motion graphics, video editing, or advanced digital design through project exposure or training.

• Strategic Brand Development: Contributing to higher-level brand strategy and campaign planning.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Learning about sales, operations, and compliance functions to better inform design decisions.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into senior design roles, art direction, or brand management positions within Ayr Wellness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cannabis industry presents unique challenges, particularly around compliance and brand perception. This role offers significant opportunities to develop specialized expertise in a high-growth sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a brand concept from initial brief to final asset delivery, especially when dealing with regulatory constraints."

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple brands and different marketing channels (digital, print, retail)?"

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to balance creative vision with business objectives or compliance requirements. What was the outcome?"

• "How do you approach creating marketing collateral for different customer segments or sales channels (e.g., retail vs. wholesale)?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the cannabis industry and AYR Wellness's brands specifically?"

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and best practices, particularly within regulated industries?"

• "Describe a time you collaborated with a team that had differing opinions on a creative project. How did you navigate that?"

• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your designs?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the solution, and the results.

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Emphasize why you made certain design choices, linking them to business goals or brand strategy.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva within your projects.

• Address Compliance: Be prepared to discuss how you incorporated compliance considerations into your designs.

• Engage and Discuss: Treat the portfolio review as a conversation, inviting questions and elaborating on your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate not just what they designed, but why and how it solved a problem or met a business objective, demonstrating strategic thinking alongside creative talent.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobvite.com.

• Crucially, include a direct link to your online portfolio (website, Behance, Dropbox, etc.) within your resume or application. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

• Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in brand design, creative execution, and your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare to discuss 2-3 key projects from your portfolio during the interview process, focusing on your strategic approach, creative process, and the impact of your work.

• Research Ayr Wellness, its brands (HAZE, Later Days, Kynd), and the current landscape of the cannabis industry to demonstrate your understanding and interest.

⚠️ 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.