Graphic Designer 2

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer 2

Company: HDR

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Creative & Design / Visual Communications

Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative problem-solving and visual storytelling through impactful design solutions for a global engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction firm.

• Plan, manage, and deliver design projects from conceptualization to completion, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and internal client needs.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and internal stakeholders to develop compelling corporate and marketing materials that enhance HDR's visual communications.

• Maintain rigorous quality control over all design deliverables, including proof approvals and pre-deployment testing.

• Contribute to a culture of inclusion and innovation within a global employee-owned company committed to making a positive impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a large, established, employee-owned firm (HDR) that operates across diverse sectors like Water, Architecture, Power, and Transportation. The Graphic Designer will be crucial in translating complex technical projects and company initiatives into accessible and compelling visual narratives. The emphasis on "employee-owners" and "making great things possible" suggests a culture that values individual contribution and collective impact, particularly relevant for operations and GTM roles that support broader business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, plan, and execute design projects from initial brief to final delivery, adhering to project timelines and scope.

• Develop a wide range of corporate and marketing materials, including presentations, brochures, digital assets, and internal communications, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.

• Collaborate closely with project managers, marketing teams, and technical subject matter experts to understand project requirements and translate them into effective visual designs.

• Serve as a lead designer on multi-component projects, guiding junior designers and partnering with internal clients to shape and refine design deliverables.

• Conduct quality control checks on all design outputs, including reviewing proofs, coordinating press checks, and ensuring materials meet brand standards and technical specifications before deployment.

• Effectively communicate design concepts, rationale, and progress to internal clients and stakeholders, incorporating feedback to achieve optimal results.

• Assist in the development and presentation of design strategies and solutions for meetings and task force assignments.

• Mentor and guide other designers, sharing expertise in design principles, software proficiency, and project management best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project leadership. For operations professionals, this means the designer will be instrumental in creating materials that support sales enablement, marketing campaigns, and internal communications crucial for GTM strategies. The emphasis on "planning, managing, and delivering projects from concept through completion" and "serving as presenter/contributor/leader" indicates a need for strong project management and client-facing skills, akin to how operations roles manage complex initiatives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality visual assets.

• Experience working in a corporate environment or an agency setting, preferably supporting technical or engineering-focused organizations.

Required Skills:

• Software Proficiency: Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Technical Skills: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for integrated document creation and presentation design.

• Design Principles: Proficient understanding of layout, typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, and branding principles.

• Portfolio: A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing a wide range of design styles and demonstrating experience with corporate and marketing materials.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective client interaction, feedback incorporation, and team collaboration.

• Customer Service: Strong interpersonal and customer service skills to build relationships with internal clients and understand their needs.

• Project Management: Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and handle multiple projects simultaneously with a detail-oriented approach.

• Teamwork: Proven ability to work cooperatively and effectively within diverse teams, including regional and national departments.

• Branding: Understanding of branding and brand development processes and how to maintain brand integrity across various media.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with web design principles and digital asset creation for online platforms.

• Familiarity with project management software and collaboration tools.

• Experience in visual storytelling and translating complex information into compelling graphics.

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

• Mentorship or team lead experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements lean heavily on core design software proficiency and fundamental design principles. For operations candidates, understanding these tools is beneficial for appreciating the design workflow and how design assets integrate into broader GTM strategies (e.g., marketing collateral, sales presentations). The emphasis on "customer service," "communication," and "teamwork" is crucial, mirroring critical soft skills required in operations roles that often involve extensive stakeholder management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates a minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience.

• Showcase a variety of design projects, including corporate identity elements, marketing collateral (brochures, flyers, social media graphics), presentation decks, and potentially web design elements.

• Highlight projects where you managed the entire design process from concept to final delivery, illustrating project management capabilities.

• Include examples that demonstrate a strong understanding of branding and how to apply brand guidelines consistently across different mediums.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of your process for handling design requests, from initial brief intake and client consultation to concept development, revisions, and final output.

• Showcase how you ensure quality control throughout the design lifecycle, including proofing processes and pre-deployment checks.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with internal clients and project teams, detailing how you gather requirements and incorporate feedback.

• Be prepared to discuss your workflow for managing multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating organizational and time management strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is central for this role, emphasizing the need for tangible proof of design skills and process. For operations professionals, this translates to demonstrating a structured approach to work, clear communication of process steps, and the ability to showcase results and impact, mirroring the expectations for operations portfolio reviews that focus on process optimization and efficiency gains.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), offering employee-owners a stake in the company's success.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k) or similar Canadian equivalent, with potential company matching.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and support for continuing education.

• Employee assistance programs (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility within core business hours, subject to project demands and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research from reputable job boards and salary aggregators for Graphic Designer roles in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, Canada, for individuals with 2-5 years of experience. The estimated range of CAD $55,000 - $75,000 reflects typical compensation, adjusted for the cost of living and market demand in these urban centers. The mention of "employee-owners" strongly suggests participation in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a significant benefit for long-term employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Consulting, Construction Services

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees globally)

Founded: 1917 (HDR has a long history, indicating stability and established practices)

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger marketing or communications department, potentially with a regional or national focus.

• This team will include other designers, marketing specialists, content creators, and project managers.

• The role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with project teams across HDR's diverse service lines (Water, Architecture, Buildings, Field Services, Power, Waste, Industrial, Transportation).

Methodology:

• HDR operates with a strong emphasis on employee ownership, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued.

• The company promotes a data-driven approach to problem-solving, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement across all disciplines.

• Design processes are integrated into project lifecycles, ensuring that visual communications support business objectives and client needs effectively.

• A commitment to sustainability and shaping resilient communities is embedded in the company's mission and influences design and project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: HDR's identity as a large, employee-owned firm with a long history and diverse service lines shapes its culture around collaboration, innovation, and impact. For operations candidates, understanding this context means appreciating how design supports broad GTM objectives, client engagement, and internal alignment across a complex organization. The emphasis on "shaping resilient, sustainable, and forward-thinking communities" provides a mission-driven backdrop for all roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer

• This role is positioned as a "Graphic Designer 2," indicating a mid-level position requiring a solid foundation of 2-5 years of experience.

• Responsibilities include project leadership and mentorship, suggesting a step towards senior or specialized design roles.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the marketing or communications department, likely overseeing creative output and project coordination.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts HDR's brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and sales enablement efforts.

• High-quality visual communications are crucial for securing new business, reinforcing client relationships, and attracting top talent.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to develop expertise in specific design areas, such as branding, digital design, presentation design, or specific industry-focused graphics (e.g., transportation infrastructure, water systems).

• Leadership: Potential to advance into Senior Graphic Designer roles, leading larger projects, managing design teams, or becoming a subject matter expert in visual communications.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gaining deep insights into HDR's various service lines and their respective marketing and communication needs, which can lead to roles in specialized marketing or GTM support functions.

• Employee Ownership: As an employee-owner, there's a long-term growth path tied to the company's overall success and expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Graphic Designer 2" title, coupled with responsibilities like project leadership and mentorship, signifies a mid-career progression point. For operations professionals interested in design's role in GTM, this position offers a chance to influence brand perception and sales enablement materials, directly impacting revenue generation and market positioning. Growth opportunities point toward specialization or leadership within the creative function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office Environment

Office Location(s): Primarily based in HDR's office locations in Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver, Canada. These are likely modern, professional office settings designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be collaborative, with designers working alongside other marketing professionals, project managers, and technical staff.

• Access to up-to-date technology, including powerful workstations, design software, and potentially shared digital asset management systems.

• Opportunities for interaction and knowledge sharing with colleagues, both within the immediate team and across different departments and disciplines.

Work Schedule:

• The role is on-site, requiring adherence to standard office hours, typically Monday through Friday.

• While the core schedule is fixed, the nature of design projects may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines, with communication and coordination being key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site, corporate office environment suggests a structured yet collaborative setting. For operations professionals, this means a workplace that values in-person collaboration and direct communication, which can be highly effective for aligning design efforts with GTM strategies and ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their process, design rationale, and problem-solving approaches for key projects. This stage will also assess proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and design principles.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on collaboration skills, project management experience, understanding of branding, and how you align with HDR's values and culture. You may be asked behavioral questions related to teamwork, client interaction, and handling feedback.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or cross-functional stakeholder to confirm fit and discuss the broader impact of the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills and industries, ideally including corporate and marketing materials.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your process (research, ideation, execution), your role, and the outcome or impact. Use a storytelling approach to make it engaging.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your problem-solving methodology, how you approach briefs, gather requirements, and iterate based on feedback. This demonstrates your operational thinking.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your software proficiency and how you leverage tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to achieve your design goals.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Include examples where you successfully applied or developed brand guidelines, showing your grasp of brand integrity.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle difficult clients or feedback, and your understanding of HDR's business.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a concept for a specific type of marketing material or re-designing an existing asset based on a brief.

• Practice articulating your design rationale concisely and persuasively, as if presenting to internal clients.

• Consider how your design solution aligns with broader business objectives, such as enhancing brand recognition or supporting a specific GTM campaign.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical skills and portfolio presentation. For operations professionals, this highlights the importance of demonstrating a structured approach, clear communication, and the ability to connect design outputs to business outcomes, mirroring the analytical and strategic aspects of operations roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential. Proficiency in these is non-negotiable.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint, Excel for document creation, presentations, and data integration. Advanced PowerPoint skills are particularly valuable for creating effective internal client presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira, if used by the team for task tracking and workflow management.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing and distributing creative assets.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack for team communication and file sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack is standard for graphic design roles, focusing on the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. For operations professionals, understanding these tools is key to appreciating how visual assets are created and integrated into marketing and sales workflows, enabling more effective collaboration and alignment with GTM strategies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Employee Ownership: A core value at HDR, fostering a sense of responsibility, accountability, and shared success among all employees. This translates to a proactive approach to work and a commitment to the company's long-term goals.

• Inclusion and Respect: HDR actively promotes an environment where all employees are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their authentic selves. This means embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a supportive workplace.

• Innovation: Encouragement to bring "novel ideas to work every day," driving creativity and continuous improvement in design and problem-solving.

• Quality and Excellence: A commitment to high standards in all aspects of work, from technical execution to client service and visual communication.

• Impact: A strong focus on making a positive difference in communities and the world, with design playing a role in communicating the significance of HDR's projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with project managers, marketing specialists, technical experts, and internal clients from various disciplines.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that values constructive feedback for continuous improvement in design quality and project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share best practices, design trends, and project learnings among team members.

• Team-Based Approach: While individual contributions are important, the company emphasizes collective effort to achieve project goals and company objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: HDR's values, particularly employee ownership and inclusion, shape a culture where individuals are empowered and encouraged to contribute holistically. For operations professionals, this means a workplace that values initiative, collaboration, and a commitment to shared success, aligning well with the GTM ecosystem's emphasis on teamwork and achieving collective revenue goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that strictly adhere to HDR's established brand guidelines and corporate messaging.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling requests and feedback from various internal clients with different priorities and expectations across numerous service lines.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Delivering high-quality design work under pressure, especially for critical marketing campaigns or project submittals.

• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends and Technologies: Staying current with new software features, design methodologies, and digital platforms to ensure HDR's visual communications remain modern and effective.

• Communicating Design Rationale: Clearly articulating the strategic thinking behind design choices to non-design stakeholders who may have different perspectives on visual communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design software and tools.

• Branding Workshops: Training sessions focused on brand strategy, development, and management.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend design conferences or workshops to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced designers or creative leaders for guidance and career development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working on projects for various HDR service lines provides exposure to different industries and technical challenges, broadening design versatility and understanding of business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in corporate design roles, requiring strong adaptability and communication skills. For operations candidates, these challenges highlight the need for resilience, strategic thinking, and continuous learning—qualities highly valued in the dynamic GTM landscape. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous skill enhancement and broad exposure to the business.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance a strong creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses understanding of brand integrity and creative problem-solving.)

• "Walk us through your process for managing a design request from an internal client who has unclear requirements. How do you ensure you deliver what they need?" (Evaluates client management, communication, and process adherence.)

• "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests from different departments?" (Tests time management, organizational skills, and ability to manage competing demands.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about HDR and our mission to 'make great things possible'?" (Gauges alignment with company values and mission.)

• "How do you contribute to an inclusive and collaborative work environment?" (Probes understanding of HDR's culture and personal approach to teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, present the challenge, your specific role and process, the solution, and the impact or outcome.

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually appealing, well-designed, and error-free. Use high-quality mockups and clear typography.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a set timeframe (e.g., 15-20 minutes), focusing on the most impactful aspects.

• Narrative: Weave a story around your projects, highlighting your problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and technical execution.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, software proficiency, and how you handle feedback. Be ready to discuss your understanding of HDR's brand and industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating not just design skill but also strategic thinking, client management, and alignment with company values. For operations professionals, this means emphasizing the 'how' and 'why' behind your work, linking design execution to broader business goals and demonstrating a professional, collaborative approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the HDR careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experiences relevant to corporate and marketing design, emphasizing your 2+ years of industry experience and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your design software skills, project management experience, and any relevant achievements in improving visual communications or branding. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Walkthrough Practice: Prepare a concise presentation of your portfolio, focusing on 3-5 key projects that best showcase your skills in corporate branding, marketing collateral, and presentation design. Practice articulating your design process and rationale for each project.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with HDR's work, values, and recent projects. Understand their industry sectors and how design plays a role in their overall GTM strategy and brand representation.

⚠️ 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.

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