Creative Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Creative Designer
Company: Marmon Holdings, Inc. (Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc.)
Location: Leawood, Kansas, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations
Date Posted: 2026-08-14
Experience Level: 3-5 years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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Develops and executes creative assets for diverse marketing campaigns, sales collateral, digital platforms, and print materials to enhance brand identity and engagement.
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Maintains and evolves brand standards, ensuring consistent application of visual elements across all company communications and deliverables.
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Collaborates cross-functionally with marketing, sales, product, and leadership teams to align design solutions with strategic business objectives and project requirements.
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Translates complex business needs and creative briefs into compelling visual concepts, mockups, and final production-ready files.
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Manages multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing deadlines and ensuring clear communication of status, risks, and dependencies.
π Enhancement Note: While the title is "Creative Designer," the responsibilities strongly indicate a role that bridges creative execution with marketing operations and brand management, requiring a strategic understanding of how design supports business goals. The emphasis on brand standards, stakeholder collaboration, and production readiness aligns with operations-focused creative roles.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Concept, design, and produce a wide range of creative assets, including visuals for marketing campaigns, sales enablement materials, website elements, landing pages, email newsletters, social media graphics, event signage, and print collateral.
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Uphold and advance brand guidelines, ensuring the consistent and accurate application of logos, typography, color palettes, imagery, and overall visual style across all touchpoints.
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Engage actively with stakeholders from marketing, communications, product, sales, and executive leadership to thoroughly understand project objectives, target audiences, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
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Drive creative ideation and conceptualization for integrated marketing initiatives, working in close partnership with copywriters and marketing managers to develop cohesive campaign narratives.
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Effectively translate creative briefs and overarching business requirements into clear visual concepts, detailed layouts, interactive mockups, and final production-ready files for various media.
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Present design concepts and strategic rationale to stakeholders, actively solicit and incorporate feedback, and execute revisions while rigorously maintaining creative quality and brand integrity.
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Manage a portfolio of multiple design projects concurrently, adeptly prioritizing tasks to meet strict deadlines and proactively communicating project status, potential risks, and dependencies.
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Prepare and optimize design files for diverse deployment channels, including digital platforms, professional print production, external vendors, and internal distribution, ensuring meticulous accuracy, superior quality, and adherence to all technical specifications.
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Continuously research and stay abreast of evolving design trends, contemporary marketing best practices, accessibility standards, and emerging creative technologies to consistently elevate the quality and impact of creative output.
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Coordinate directly with external print vendors and suppliers to facilitate material selection, meticulously review proofs, and ensure the highest standards of production quality for all printed materials.
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Independently manage multiple project timelines, employing effective prioritization strategies to meet critical marketing launch dates and campaign schedules.
π Enhancement Note: The detailed breakdown of responsibilities highlights a need for not just creative skill but also strong project management and stakeholder communication, crucial for operations roles. The emphasis on production-ready files and vendor coordination points to a practical, execution-oriented aspect of the role.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
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Bachelorβs degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a closely related field.
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Equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree, demonstrating a strong practical understanding of design principles. Experience:
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3 to 5 years of dedicated professional design experience, with a preference for candidates who have worked within an in-house marketing department or a dynamic creative agency environment. Required Skills:
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Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign for creating and manipulating visual assets.
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Brand Management: Deep understanding of branding principles and the ability to consistently apply and evolve brand standards across all creative outputs.
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Visual Design Principles: Solid grasp of typography, color theory, layout composition, visual hierarchy, and production standards to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.
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Concept Development: Proven ability to brainstorm, ideate, and develop unique, engaging, and impactful visual concepts that align with project objectives.
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Stakeholder Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand diverse perspectives, and incorporate feedback constructively.
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Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet strict deadlines.
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File Preparation: Proficiency in preparing and optimizing design files for various outputs, including digital deployment, print production, and vendor submissions.
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Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Planner, and Outlook for communication, presentation, and project tracking.
Preferred Skills:
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Digital Layout Tools: Familiarity with collaborative content management systems like Canto and digital layout tools such as Figma.
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UX/UI Design Principles: Basic knowledge of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles, responsive layouts, and web design workflows.
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Motion Graphics & Video Editing: Experience with motion graphics, short-form video editing, animation, photography, or multimedia production.
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Accessibility & Inclusive Design: Understanding of accessibility best practices and inclusive design principles for broader audience reach.
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Social Media Platform Specifications: Knowledge of design requirements and best practices for various social media platforms.
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Writing & Proofreading: Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills to ensure clarity and accuracy in all communications and design elements.
π Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, coupled with 3-5 years of professional experience, positions this as a mid-level role. The blend of core design software proficiency with preferred skills in UX/UI, motion graphics, and CMS systems indicates a need for a well-rounded designer capable of contributing to a modern marketing ecosystem.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Diverse Project Showcase: A robust and diverse portfolio demonstrating hands-on experience in content creation, featuring clean typography, strong layout skills, and innovative, real-world examples across both print and digital platforms.
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Brand Integration: Examples that clearly illustrate the ability to design within established brand guidelines and potentially evolve brand identity.
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Problem-Solving Examples: Case studies or project examples that showcase how design solutions addressed specific business objectives or solved creative challenges.
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Process Documentation: Evidence of a structured design process, from initial concept and ideation through to final production and deployment.
Process Documentation:
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Workflow Design: Ability to articulate and demonstrate a systematic approach to managing design projects from brief to completion, including stages for client feedback and revision.
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Production Standards: Clear understanding and application of production standards for both print and digital media, ensuring files are optimized for their intended use.
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Collaboration & Feedback Integration: Examples of how feedback from stakeholders was incorporated into the design process and how collaborative tools were utilized.
π Enhancement Note: For a Creative Designer role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on demonstrating problem-solving, brand integration, and a structured design process is key for showing operational proficiency in creative execution.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
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Based on industry benchmarks for a Creative Designer with 3-5 years of experience in a mid-sized industrial company located in the Kansas City metropolitan area, the estimated annual salary range is $60,000 - $80,000. This range considers the cost of living in Leawood, KS, and the specific skill set required. Benefits:
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Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.
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Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company matching to aid in long-term financial planning.
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Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to promote work-life balance.
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Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and exposure to new design technologies and marketing strategies.
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Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage for added security.
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and work-related challenges.
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be occasional flexibility required to meet project deadlines, especially during campaign launches or event preparations.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for similar roles and locations. Specific compensation will be determined by Marmon Holdings, Inc. based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal compensation structures. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in established corporations.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry:
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Marmon Holdings, Inc. is a diversified global industrial organization with a significant presence in various sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, and services. Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc., a part of Marmon, operates within the funeral care and memorialization industry, focusing on providing comprehensive solutions to funeral professionals and families. This industry requires a blend of sensitivity, professionalism, and a commitment to quality and trust. For a Creative Designer, this means understanding the nuanced brand messaging and visual representation required for both the industrial parent company and the specialized service subsidiary. Company Size:
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Marmon Holdings, Inc. is a large organization, employing thousands of individuals globally. Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc. is a substantial entity within this structure. For a Creative Designer, this size implies access to resources, established processes, and potential for cross-divisional collaboration, but also a need to navigate larger corporate structures and brand guidelines. Founded:
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Marmon Holdings was founded in 1953. Wilbert Funeral Services has a history spanning over 140 years. This long-standing heritage suggests a company that values tradition, stability, and long-term relationships, which can influence its approach to branding and design. Team Structure:
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The Creative Designer will likely be part of the marketing or communications team within Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc. This team is expected to be collaborative, working closely with marketing managers, copywriters, and potentially product specialists.
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Reporting structure will likely be to a Marketing Director or a Creative Lead, with regular interaction with sales and product development teams to ensure design aligns with their needs.
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Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, as the designer will need to support various departments, translating their objectives into visual assets. Methodology:
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The company's backing by Berkshire Hathaway suggests a focus on sound business practices, long-term value, and operational efficiency.
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For design, this likely translates to a data-informed approach to campaign effectiveness, a structured process for creative development and approval, and a commitment to maintaining brand integrity across all outputs.
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Emphasis will be placed on designs that not only are aesthetically pleasing but also drive tangible results and support strategic business goals.
Company Website: https://www.marmon.com/, https://www.wilbert.com/
π Enhancement Note: Understanding Marmon's industrial background and Wilbert's specialized service industry is crucial for a designer. The emphasis on brand integrity and data-informed decisions suggests that creative output needs to be strategic and measurable, aligning with operational objectives.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level:
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This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Creative Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 3-5 years of professional experience, indicating an expectation for independent work, a strong understanding of design principles and software, and the ability to manage projects with minimal supervision. The designer is expected to contribute significantly to marketing initiatives and uphold brand standards, acting as a key visual communicator for the organization. Reporting Structure:
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The Creative Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Director of Marketing, or a Creative Director within Wilbert Funeral Services. They will collaborate closely with marketing specialists, copywriters, sales teams, and potentially product development teams to execute campaigns and create collateral. Operations Impact:
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The Creative Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, market presence, and effectiveness of its marketing and sales efforts. By creating compelling visuals, they help to:
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Strengthen brand recognition and loyalty.
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Improve engagement rates on digital platforms and in marketing materials.
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Support sales teams with high-quality collateral, potentially leading to increased conversion rates.
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Communicate complex product or service information clearly and effectively.
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Ensure brand consistency, which is critical for trust and professionalism in the funeral services industry. Growth Opportunities:
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Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as digital design, motion graphics, UX/UI, or packaging design, depending on company needs and individual interests.
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Senior Designer/Art Director Path: With continued growth and demonstrated leadership in creative projects, a progression to a Senior Creative Designer or Art Director role is possible, involving more strategic oversight and team guidance.
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Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into related roles within marketing, such as Marketing Specialist or Brand Manager, leveraging design expertise within a broader marketing strategy context.
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Leadership Development: Participation in leadership training programs offered by Marmon Holdings, Inc., preparing for potential team lead or management positions within creative or marketing functions.
π Enhancement Note: The growth path outlined suggests opportunities for specialization and advancement, which is attractive for ambitious operations-minded designers. The emphasis on "operations impact" highlights the strategic value of design within the business.
π Work Environment
Office Type:
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This is an On-Site role requiring the Creative Designer to be present at the Corporate HQ in Leawood, Kansas. The work environment will likely be a professional office setting designed for collaboration and focused work. Office Location(s):
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The primary work location is Leawood, Kansas, at the Corporate Headquarters. This location is part of the larger Kansas City metropolitan area, offering access to amenities and a vibrant business community. Workspace Context:
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Collaborative Environment: The office is expected to foster a collaborative atmosphere where designers can easily interact with marketing colleagues, sales teams, and other stakeholders for brainstorming sessions and feedback.
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Tools and Technology: Access to up-to-date design software and hardware, as well as company-wide collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Planner, will be provided to facilitate efficient workflow.
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Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, project reviews, and informal discussions to ensure alignment and share creative insights.
Work Schedule:
- The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time employment. While core hours will be established, occasional flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines, particularly around major campaign launches or event preparations, reflecting the operational demands of marketing.
π Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor for candidates. The description emphasizes a blend of focused individual work and collaborative interaction, typical of modern office environments supporting marketing operations.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative alignment with the company's brand and needs.
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First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): This interview will focus on evaluating design skills, experience, understanding of design principles, and ability to articulate creative concepts. Expect questions about past projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches.
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Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcomes. This is a critical step to assess practical application of skills and communication ability.
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Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with key stakeholders from marketing, sales, or product teams to assess collaboration skills, understanding of business objectives, and ability to work effectively with diverse internal clients.
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Final Interview (Senior Leadership): Potentially an interview with a Director or VP to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and overall alignment with Marmon Holdings' values and vision.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills (print, digital, branding, campaigns). Prioritize projects that align with the funeral services industry or demonstrate adaptability.
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Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the solutions you developed, and the measurable impact or outcome. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.
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Highlight Process: Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail β from initial research and concept development to execution, feedback incorporation, and final delivery. Demonstrate your understanding of production standards.
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Showcase Brand Acumen: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to adhere to and strategically evolve brand guidelines, showing an understanding of brand integrity.
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Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss software proficiency, file preparation techniques, and any experience with emerging design tools or technologies.
Challenge Preparation:
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Design Exercise: You may be given a short design challenge or a hypothetical brief to complete within a set timeframe, either before or during an interview. This assesses your ability to think on your feet, apply design principles quickly, and deliver a concept under pressure.
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Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and design concepts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain your rationale and defend your design choices.
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Company Research: Thoroughly research Wilbert Funeral Services and Marmon Holdings. Understand their brand, mission, values, and recent marketing efforts. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong portfolio review and practical application of skills. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and the business impact of their work, demonstrating an operations-minded approach to creative execution.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Adobe Creative Suite:
- Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
- Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
- InDesign: For page layout, brochure design, presentations, and print collateral.
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Microsoft Office Suite:
- Word: For document creation and text editing.
- PowerPoint: For presentation design and delivery.
- Teams: For internal communication, collaboration, and virtual meetings.
- Planner: For project task management and workflow tracking.
- Outlook: For email communication and calendar management.
Analytics & Reporting:
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While not primary design tools, understanding how design impacts analytics is beneficial. Familiarity with how digital designs are tracked via website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) and campaign performance metrics will be advantageous. CRM & Automation:
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No direct CRM/automation tools are listed as primary requirements for this role, but an understanding of how marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) utilize design assets in campaigns would be a plus. Collaboration & Content Management:
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Canto: Preferred familiarity with this Digital Asset Management (DAM) system for organizing, storing, and retrieving brand assets.
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Figma: Preferred familiarity with this collaborative interface design tool for prototyping and team-based design workflows.
π Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is fundamental. Familiarity with Canto and Figma indicates a modern workflow that values collaboration and efficient asset management, aligning with operational efficiency in creative teams.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished creative work that meets or exceeds expectations, reflecting a dedication to operational standards.
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Brand Integrity: A core value of protecting and consistently representing the company's brand across all visual communications, ensuring a unified and professional image.
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Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open communication, teamwork, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals.
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Adaptability & Continuous Improvement: An openness to feedback, a willingness to learn new tools and techniques, and a drive to improve design processes and outcomes.
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Impact-Driven Design: Creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically effective in achieving business objectives, demonstrating an understanding of design's role in driving results.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-Functional Partnership: The team likely operates with a strong emphasis on cross-functional partnerships, working closely with marketing managers, copywriters, and other departments to ensure design solutions are integrated and effective.
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Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and improve processes, fostering a continuous improvement mindset.
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Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share insights, best practices, and new creative approaches within the team and potentially across Marmon Holdings, promoting collective growth.
π Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative excellence and operational rigor, which is ideal for a role that bridges creative and marketing operations functions.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Maintaining strict brand guidelines while still producing fresh, engaging, and innovative designs for diverse campaigns and audiences.
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Managing Multiple Stakeholder Demands: Effectively prioritizing and managing design requests and feedback from various departments and individuals with potentially competing priorities.
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Adapting to Evolving Design Trends and Technologies: Staying current with the rapid pace of change in design software, digital platforms, and user expectations.
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Translating Complex Concepts Visually: Effectively communicating technical or sensitive information (related to industrial products or funeral services) through compelling and easily understandable visual narratives.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or online courses to deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced Photoshop techniques, motion graphics) or emerging areas like UX/UI or accessibility.
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Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences or events related to design, marketing, or the funeral services sector to gain insights and network.
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Mentorship: Access to experienced design professionals or marketing leaders within Marmon Holdings who can provide guidance and support for career development.
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Project Variety: Exposure to a wide range of projects across different Marmon divisions or Wilbert product lines, offering diverse creative challenges and learning experiences.
π Enhancement Note: Acknowledging potential challenges and outlining clear growth opportunities provides a realistic and attractive outlook for potential candidates. The focus on continuous learning aligns with the dynamic nature of design and marketing operations.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe your process for taking a creative brief from a non-designer and translating it into a visual concept that meets their objectives." (Focus on your structured approach, questioning techniques, and how you ensure alignment.)
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"How do you balance maintaining strict brand guidelines with the need to produce fresh, innovative creative work?" (Prepare examples of how you've achieved this balance.)
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"Walk me through a project where you had to manage conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:
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"What do you know about Marmon Holdings and Wilbert Funeral Services, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Demonstrate thorough research and connect your abilities to the company's purpose.)
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"How do you approach staying current with design trends and new technologies relevant to marketing and brand representation?" (Show your proactive approach to professional development.)
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"Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with marketing and sales teams." (Align your preferences with the described company culture and team structure.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your specific role, the challenges, your creative process, the final solution, and any measurable results or impact.
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Highlight Process Over Perfection: Be ready to discuss the "why" behind your design choices, not just the "what." Show your thought process, iterations, and how you incorporated feedback.
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Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, positive feedback).
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Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience with brand consistency, campaign development, and collateral creation relevant to Wilbert's industry.
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Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, file preparation, and any experience with DAM systems or prototyping tools.
π Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions will help candidates demonstrate not only their creative talent but also their understanding of business objectives and operational execution within a corporate environment.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Creative Designer position:
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Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.
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Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio directly showcases your best work relevant to brand identity, marketing collateral (print and digital), and campaign visuals. Tailor your presentation to highlight projects that demonstrate strong typography, layout, and concept development.
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Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 3-5 years of experience, specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office), and any experience with Canto or Figma. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on contributions to marketing campaigns or brand consistency.
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Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Marmon Holdings and Wilbert Funeral Services. Prepare to discuss your design process, how you handle feedback, and how your skills align with the company's mission and values. Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling and demonstrating business impact.
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Company Research: Understand the funeral services industry and Marmon's broader industrial context. Familiarize yourself with their brand voice and visual style to effectively communicate how you can contribute to their strategic goals through design.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, including salary estimates and specific benefit offerings, should be verified directly with Marmon Holdings, Inc. during the application and interview process.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have 3 to 5 years of professional design experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in print and digital media. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, along with proficiency in industry-standard design software.