Co-Op Jr. Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Co-Op Jr. Graphic Designer

Company: TTI, Inc.

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full time, Co-op

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This Co-Op Jr. Graphic Designer role is focused on supporting TTI's marketing and business development efforts through creative design execution.

• The position involves the creation of both print and digital collateral, aligning with established branding strategies for well-known brands like Milwaukee® and RYOBI®.

• The role requires strong proficiency in design software and the ability to manage multiple projects within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• This is an excellent opportunity for a student to gain practical experience in a corporate creative department, contributing to external communications and business development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for a student enrolled in a graphic design co-op or internship program, indicating a focus on foundational skill development and supervised project execution within a corporate marketing operations framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-quality external communication collateral, including in-store point-of-purchase (POP) displays, merchandising materials, advertisements, brochures, and sell sheets.

• Develop creative assets for special events, such as invitations, signage, and other promotional materials.

• Create digital assets for use on the company website, social media platforms, and marketing email campaigns.

• Ensure all designs adhere to and consistently apply TTI's established branding strategy and guidelines.

• Prepare final print-ready files for seamless hand-off to printers and external suppliers, ensuring accuracy and proper specifications.

• Collaborate effectively with the internal creative department to brainstorm ideas and execute design concepts.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines in a busy work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for hands-on design execution across various marketing channels, emphasizing both print production readiness and digital asset creation. This suggests a role deeply embedded within marketing operations' content delivery pipeline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Must be currently enrolled in a College or University graphic design co-op / internship program. A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field is often pursued in conjunction with or following such programs.

Experience: While this is a co-op position, prior internship experience or a strong portfolio demonstrating foundational graphic design skills is beneficial. Experience in a corporate or agency setting, even through academic projects, is valued.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to create original designs or effectively utilize templates consistent with an organization's branding strategy.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite on a Mac platform, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint).

• Familiarity with workflow management and font management principles.

• Excellent time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines.

• Strong organizational skills and acute attention to detail.

• Effective interpersonal and written communication skills for collaboration and feedback. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro.

• Familiarity with creating interactive visual effects using AfterEffects.

• Exposure to digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Understanding of print production processes and pre-press requirements.

• Experience with content management systems (CMS) for website updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for current enrollment in a co-op program is paramount. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and organizational skills points to the need for a candidate who can quickly integrate into design workflows and deliver polished assets under supervision, fitting a junior operations support role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, demonstrating proficiency in branding, layout, typography, and digital asset creation.

• Specific examples of marketing collateral (brochures, sell sheets, POP displays) and digital assets (social media graphics, web banners) should be included.

• Projects that illustrate the ability to work within defined brand guidelines and adapt designs for different media.

• Examples of workflow efficiency or process improvements in design projects, if applicable.

• Evidence of creative problem-solving and attention to detail in design execution. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not expected for a co-op role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, from brief to final delivery.

• Ability to articulate steps taken in managing design projects, including file organization and preparation for production.

• Understanding of how design integrates into broader marketing campaign workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op role, the portfolio is the primary demonstration of capability. It should highlight practical application of design skills relevant to marketing operations, emphasizing the ability to follow instructions and produce work that meets industry standards for TTI's brands.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a co-op position for a student, compensation is typically structured as an hourly wage. Based on industry standards for co-op graphic designers in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the estimated hourly wage range is CAD $18 - $25 per hour. This rate reflects the entry-level nature of the role and the requirement for current student enrollment.

Benefits:

• Co-op program participation often includes valuable hands-on experience and professional development.

• Exposure to a corporate work environment and professional creative teams.

• Potential for networking within the industry and with TTI brands.

• While not typically eligible for full employee benefits, co-op students may receive access to employee discounts on TTI products.

• Opportunity to build a professional portfolio with real-world projects.

Working Hours: This is a full-time co-op position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The specific daily schedule will be determined by the department's operational needs, with potential for some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on current market data for co-op graphic designer roles in Toronto and are subject to variations based on the specific program, year of study, and TTI's internal compensation structure for interns. Benefits are primarily experiential, focusing on skill and career development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: TTI is a global leader in the manufacturing and marketing of power tools, outdoor power equipment, floorcare, and accessories. Their market presence spans consumer and professional sectors, with a strong emphasis on powerful brands and innovation.

Company Size: TTI is a large, publicly traded company with a significant global footprint. This scale offers opportunities for exposure to diverse projects and a structured corporate environment.

Founded: TTI was founded in 1985. Its history is marked by strategic acquisitions and consistent growth, establishing it as a major player in its core markets.

Team Structure:

• The Jr. Graphic Designer will work within the Creative Department, likely reporting to a Graphic Design Manager or Creative Director.

• This team collaborates closely with Marketing, Product Development, and Sales departments to ensure consistent brand messaging and support for business objectives.

• The operations aspect of the creative department involves managing project pipelines, adhering to brand assets, and ensuring timely delivery of marketing materials. Methodology:

• TTI emphasizes operational excellence, innovation, and a focus on powerful brands.

• The creative team operates within this framework, utilizing efficient design processes to support marketing campaigns and sales initiatives.

• Data-driven insights from marketing campaigns inform future design strategies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: TTI's culture is described as fast-paced, energetic, and rewarding of innovative thinking, with a strong emphasis on employee development. The "culture meets opportunity" slogan suggests a dynamic environment where professional growth is encouraged alongside business success, particularly relevant for co-op students looking to build their careers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, co-op position designed for students. It serves as a foundational step within the marketing and creative operations pipeline, providing exposure to corporate design functions.

Reporting Structure: The Jr. Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Creative Department, likely a Graphic Design Manager or Creative Lead, who will oversee daily tasks and provide mentorship.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is primarily on the execution of marketing collateral that supports brand visibility, sales enablement, and customer engagement. High-quality design directly contributes to the perception and effectiveness of TTI's brands in the marketplace.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, learn professional design workflows, and gain experience in branding execution.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in the power tools and outdoor equipment industry, understanding its unique marketing demands.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with real-world projects, showcasing capabilities to future employers.

• Networking: Connect with experienced design professionals and marketing teams within a large corporation.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful co-op performance can lead to recommendations for future internships or even entry-level positions upon graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op role, growth is measured by skill acquisition, portfolio development, and industry exposure rather than traditional career progression. The "operations impact" is in enabling marketing and sales through effective visual communication.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position at TTI's Toronto Headquarters, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setting facilitates direct collaboration, access to resources, and immersion in the company culture.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific details about the office's amenities or accessibility would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• The Jr. Graphic Designer will have a dedicated workspace within the Creative Department, equipped with necessary hardware (likely a Mac) and software.

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with other designers, marketing professionals, and potentially other co-op students.

• Access to company-provided design software licenses and potentially a library of brand assets and templates.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The specific daily schedule will align with standard business hours at the Toronto headquarters, allowing for consistent workflow and team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is crucial for a co-op student, offering direct mentorship and a hands-on learning experience that is often more impactful in person than remote work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and any requested supporting documents through the Workday portal.

• Initial Screening: Review of applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and design aptitude.

• First Interview: Typically a phone or video call with a hiring manager or recruiter to discuss background, motivation, and suitability for the co-op program.

• Portfolio Review/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio and discuss specific projects, or complete a small design exercise to evaluate their skills and problem-solving approach.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional team members or the Creative Director to assess cultural fit and confirm suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best 5-8 projects that are most relevant to the job description (marketing collateral, digital assets, branding).

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: If you have experience working with brand guidelines, emphasize this.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio clearly and professionally, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize clear communication of your design choices and rationale.

• Aim for a well-executed, on-brand solution within the given timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is central to the evaluation for this design role. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design thinking and demonstrate practical application of skills relevant to marketing collateral creation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator (mandatory).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint (for presentations and document creation).

• Font Management Software: For organizing and utilizing fonts effectively.

• Workflow Management Tools: Internal TTI systems for project tracking and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of how design assets perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement, website click-through rates) may be beneficial, though not a primary responsibility. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how marketing collateral is used in CRM or marketing automation platforms is a plus but not required for this co-op role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is the core technical requirement. The role is focused on design execution rather than complex system administration or deep analytics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: TTI encourages innovative thinking, which can translate to creative solutions within design projects.

• Operational Excellence: A focus on efficiency and delivering high-quality work on time is critical.

• Brand Focus: Deep respect and understanding for powerful brands like Milwaukee® and RYOBI®, ensuring all creative output aligns with their established identities.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within the creative department and with other business units is key.

• Customer Centricity: Designing materials that effectively communicate value and appeal to target customers.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative spirit, where designers work together, share feedback, and support each other to meet project deadlines.

• Cross-functional collaboration with marketing managers, brand specialists, and potentially product teams is expected.

• Open communication and a willingness to receive and provide constructive feedback are essential for effective teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values innovation and brand strength, which the creative team must embody. For a co-op student, demonstrating a collaborative attitude and a willingness to learn and adapt to TTI's operational standards will be crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing diverse design requests from different stakeholders under tight deadlines is a common challenge.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Ensuring all creative output consistently reflects TTI's powerful brands requires meticulous attention to detail.

• Adapting to Corporate Environment: Transitioning from academic projects to a professional corporate setting with established processes and expectations.

• Learning New Software/Workflows: Quickly becoming proficient with internal systems and potentially advanced features of design software.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Design Experience: Practical application of design skills in a professional context.

• Industry-Specific Design: Learning to design for the power tool and outdoor equipment market.

• Professional Mentorship: Guidance from experienced graphic designers and marketing professionals.

• Portfolio Building: Creating tangible work samples that demonstrate real-world capabilities.

• Understanding Marketing Operations: Gaining insight into how creative assets fit into broader marketing strategies and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a junior role and offer significant learning opportunities. Focusing on overcoming these challenges will be a key part of the co-op experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator." (Be ready to provide specific examples of projects where you used these tools.)

• "How do you approach a new design project from brief to completion?" (Outline your process, including research, concept development, execution, and finalization.)

• "Describe a time you had to work within strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure consistency?" (Highlight your attention to detail and understanding of brand integrity.)

• "How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple deadlines?" (Discuss your time management and organizational strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about TTI and our brands like Milwaukee® and RYOBI®?" (Research the company's products, market position, and recent news.)

• "Why are you interested in a co-op position with TTI?" (Connect your career goals and interest in design with the opportunity.)

• "How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism on your designs?" (Showcase your openness to learning and improvement.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, website) with clear sections for different project types.

• Storytelling: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description (e.g., marketing collateral, digital assets).

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your technical approach and software usage.

• Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in TTI's brands and the opportunity to contribute.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical design skills, understanding of brand consistency, effective project management, and a genuine interest in TTI and its brands. The portfolio is the most critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Co-Op Jr. Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday portal link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, design software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite), and any prior design experience or projects. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your digital portfolio is up-to-date, professionally organized, and showcases projects relevant to marketing collateral and digital asset creation. Be ready to discuss your process and design choices.

• Research TTI: Familiarize yourself with TTI, its key brands (Milwaukee®, RYOBI®), and its position in the market. Understand their brand aesthetics.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on your design skills, project management abilities, and enthusiasm for the role and company.

⚠️ 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.