Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: 9290 FCX Performance, Inc.

Location: Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: August 12, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-3 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute compelling visual content across diverse marketing channels, including digital, print, and web, to enhance brand presence and engagement.

• Maintain and enforce brand consistency by ensuring adherence to established visual identity standards, including color, typography, and imagery.

• Create and manage digital assets within marketing automation platforms like HubSpot, specifically for blogs, emails, and social media campaigns.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, and other departments to bring integrated campaigns and strategic initiatives to life.

• Support UX/UI design efforts by creating wireframes, storyboards, and prototypes, and assist with website content and landing page development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the marketing team, supporting two business units, which suggests a need for adaptability and the ability to manage multiple brand identities or project streams. The emphasis on HubSpot and web support indicates a strong link between creative output and digital marketing performance, aligning it closely with Marketing Operations functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide array of visual assets, including graphics, layouts, illustrations, and basic animations for digital campaigns, social media, email marketing, web content, and print collateral.

• Ensure strict adherence to brand guidelines and visual identity standards across all created materials, maintaining a cohesive brand narrative.

• Develop and optimize templates within HubSpot for blogs, emails, and social media posts to streamline content creation and ensure brand consistency.

• Collaborate closely with marketing and sales teams to conceptualize and execute visual elements for integrated campaigns, product launches, and promotional activities.

• Design and build user-friendly landing pages, update website content and imagery, and create wireframes, storyboards, and prototypes using tools like Figma or Adobe XD.

• Assist with basic front-end web development tasks, including applying knowledge of HTML/CSS for website updates and landing page implementation.

• Manage project timelines, prioritize tasks effectively, and deliver high-quality creative assets within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Proactively research and stay updated on the latest design trends, software capabilities, and industry best practices to enhance creative output and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of UX/UI support and basic HTML/CSS knowledge elevates this role beyond pure graphic design, suggesting a need for a candidate with a foundational understanding of web development principles and user experience. This also implies a closer integration with digital marketing operations and web development teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 1-3 years of professional graphic design experience, with internships or significant freelance work considered.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for sophisticated graphic creation and manipulation.

• Demonstrated experience with Figma and/or Adobe XD for wireframing, prototyping, and UI/UX design.

• Familiarity with Canva Pro for efficient creation of social media graphics and quick-turnaround marketing materials.

• Experience or strong understanding of marketing platforms, specifically HubSpot, for email, blog, and social media content creation.

• Solid grasp of fundamental design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, and layout design.

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all visual outputs.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Basic understanding of HTML and CSS for website content updates and landing page implementation.

• Knowledge of JavaScript for more advanced web functionalities.

• Experience with animation or motion graphics software (e.g., Adobe After Effects).

• Understanding of SEO principles as they relate to web content and imagery.

• Experience working within a B2B or industrial sector environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 1-3 years of experience, coupled with the mention of internships and freelance work, indicates that the company is open to candidates who are early in their careers but possess demonstrable skills and a foundational understanding of design principles and relevant tools. The preference for HTML/CSS and JavaScript points towards a candidate who can bridge the gap between design and digital implementation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects demonstrating proficiency across digital, print, and web design.

• Include examples of brand guideline adherence and visual identity development or application.

• Present projects that highlight skills in HubSpot template design, email graphics, or social media content.

• Feature examples of wireframes, storyboards, or prototypes created using Figma or Adobe XD.

• Provide case studies or project descriptions that detail the design process, challenges, solutions, and impact. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented design processes or workflows for consistency and efficiency.

• Demonstrations of how you manage feedback, revisions, and stakeholder approvals in a design project.

• Case studies that illustrate your approach to translating marketing objectives into effective visual strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an early-career role, the portfolio is critical. It should emphasize practical application of design software, understanding of brand, and ability to contribute to marketing campaigns. The inclusion of process documentation suggests a desire for a candidate who is not just creative but also process-oriented and capable of contributing to operational efficiency in the design workflow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $65,000 annually.

Explanation of Estimate: This range is based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 1-3 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Cleveland, Ohio. Factors considered include the cost of living, demand for creative talent, and the specific technical skills required (Adobe Suite, Figma, HubSpot). The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. Some flexibility may be available based on project needs and team collaboration, but the role is designated as on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for this experience level and location. Actual compensation may vary. The benefits listed are standard for a full-time role at a company of this size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Distribution and Technical Solutions (Applied Industrial Technologies). The company is a leading distributor of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, and automation technologies, serving MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) end users.

Company Size: Large enterprise (estimated 5,000-10,000+ employees, based on publicly traded status and broad operational reach). This size implies a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact within specific teams.

Founded: 1923. With a long history, the company likely has a stable culture focused on long-term relationships and reliability, while also embracing innovation to remain competitive.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a dynamic marketing team supporting two business units. This team likely includes marketing managers, digital marketers, content creators, and potentially other designers.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, with close collaboration across functional marketing roles and with sales teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving regular interaction with sales, product management, and potentially IT or web development teams to ensure cohesive campaign execution and brand representation. Methodology:

• The marketing team likely employs a data-driven approach to campaign development and measurement, utilizing analytics from platforms like HubSpot.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be employed to manage multiple projects and business units efficiently, likely involving project management tools.

• Automation and efficiency practices are expected, especially with the use of HubSpot for templated content and potential integration with other marketing technology tools.

Company Website: https://www.fcxperformance.com/ (Note: The provided URL jobs.applied.com/us/en is for the job board, not the company's primary website. FCX Performance is a business unit of Applied Industrial Technologies).

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding that FCX Performance is part of Applied Industrial Technologies provides crucial context. The role operates within a large, established industrial company, meaning the design work will likely be more B2B-focused, emphasizing professionalism, clarity, and technical accuracy over purely aesthetic trends. The support for two business units suggests a need for strong organizational skills and adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an Entry-Level to Junior Graphic Designer role, suitable for individuals with 0-3 years of experience. It offers a foundational position within a marketing department, providing exposure to various design disciplines and marketing functions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Lead within the FCX Performance marketing team. This structure offers direct mentorship and oversight.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and lead generation efforts by creating visually appealing and on-brand assets. Successful design contributes to stronger customer engagement, clearer communication of value propositions, and ultimately, supports sales objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in specific design areas such as digital marketing design, UX/UI, or motion graphics.

• Platform Proficiency: Deepen knowledge and application of marketing technology tools like HubSpot, becoming a go-to resource for digital content creation.

• Brand Management: Gain experience managing design for multiple brands or business units, understanding strategic brand differentiation.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, take ownership of smaller projects or specific campaign components.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Transition into roles with broader marketing responsibilities or collaborate more closely with web development or digital strategy teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is geared towards becoming a more senior designer within the marketing team, potentially specializing in digital or brand management, or moving into a broader marketing role. The emphasis on HubSpot and web support suggests a leaning towards digital marketing operations and content strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role at the Cleveland, Ohio location. This implies a traditional office setting conducive to in-person collaboration and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Cleveland, Ohio, specifically within the 44115 zip code. This is a central business district location, likely accessible via public transport or with available parking.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with marketing team members and other departments.

• Access to standard office technology and design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, HubSpot) is assumed.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues will facilitate learning, feedback exchange, and team-building.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility for project-specific needs, but a consistent presence in the office is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key. It signifies a preference for in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and immediate availability for discussions and creative brainstorming, which is common for roles requiring close teamwork and hands-on design execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will review applications and resumes, focusing on relevant experience, skills, and portfolio links.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, project rationale, and impact. This may include a technical assessment or a short design challenge.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the marketing team. Questions will focus on design methodology, collaboration, and understanding of brand principles.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with other marketing team members or individuals from departments they will collaborate with (e.g., sales, web development) to assess teamwork and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those showcasing digital design, brand application, and experience with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and HubSpot.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the design process, challenges faced, your solutions, and the outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, not just the final output. Show wireframes, sketches, mood boards, or iterations.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency in required software. If you have basic HTML/CSS experience, highlight a project where you applied it.

• Tailor to B2B: If possible, include projects with a B2B or industrial focus to demonstrate understanding of this market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a social media graphic, a simple landing page concept, or a visual asset based on a brief.

• Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Understand the company's brands (FCX Performance and its related business units) and their target audience to inform your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge suggests that practical skills and the ability to articulate design thinking are paramount. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their technical proficiency and strategic approach to design problems relevant to a B2B industrial context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential for professional graphic design, photo editing, vector illustration, and layout design.

• Figma / Adobe XD: Required for wireframing, prototyping, and UI/UX design, particularly for web and landing page development.

• Canva Pro: Useful for rapid creation of social media graphics, presentations, and other marketing collateral.

Analytics & Reporting:

• HubSpot: Expected to be used for email marketing, blog content creation, social media posting, and landing page development. Familiarity with its design capabilities is key.

• Google Analytics (or similar): While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how design impacts web traffic and conversions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• HubSpot CRM: Likely used by the marketing team for managing leads and campaigns.

• Project Management Tools: Potentially Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar for task and project tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a given. The specific mention of Figma/Adobe XD and HubSpot points to a role that is deeply integrated with digital marketing operations and content management workflows, requiring a candidate to be comfortable with these platforms for both creation and deployment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce visually engaging content that pushes creative boundaries while remaining on-brand.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and a willingness to support colleagues across marketing and other departments.

• Detail-Oriented: A commitment to accuracy, quality, and adherence to brand standards in all design outputs.

• Efficiency & Adaptability: The ability to manage multiple projects, adapt to changing priorities, and optimize workflows for maximum output.

• Customer Focus: Understanding that design serves business objectives, aiming to engage target audiences effectively and support sales goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with marketing managers, digital strategists, sales teams, and potentially web developers, involving regular communication and feedback loops.

• Process Review Culture: An environment where design processes are discussed, refined, and improved to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: An openness to sharing design tips, best practices, and creative inspiration within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative output and operational efficiency. The ability to collaborate effectively across departments is crucial for a role supporting multiple business units and integrated marketing campaigns.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Brands/Units: Effectively managing design needs for two distinct business units, ensuring brand integrity for each while optimizing workflow.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Keeping up with frequent requests and tight deadlines common in marketing campaigns and promotional activities.

• Technical Integration: Bridging the gap between creative design and digital implementation, ensuring designs translate well to web, email, and marketing automation platforms.

• Evolving Trends: Staying current with design software updates, digital marketing best practices, and visual trends relevant to the B2B industrial sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

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

• Digital Marketing Fundamentals: Gaining a better understanding of SEO, email marketing, social media strategy, and web analytics through practical application.

• B2B Marketing Insights: Learning about the specific needs and communication styles of industrial markets and B2B customers.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced marketing professionals and potentially senior designers within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around managing complexity (multiple brands, fast pace) and integrating design with technical execution. The growth opportunities are well-defined, focusing on skill development in both creative and operational marketing domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach for different target audiences or brands. How did you ensure brand consistency?"

• "How do you prioritize competing design requests from different teams or business units?"

• "Walk us through your process for designing a landing page. What elements do you consider most crucial for conversion?"

• "How do you incorporate feedback from stakeholders, especially when it conflicts with your initial design vision?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about FCX Performance and Applied Industrial Technologies? What interests you about working in the industrial sector?"

• "How do you approach collaboration within a marketing team? Describe your ideal working relationship with a marketing manager."

• "What are your thoughts on brand consistency, and why is it important for a company like ours?"

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new software?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem you solved, your design process, the tools used, and the results/impact.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma/XD, and HubSpot. Highlight any UI/UX considerations or basic HTML/CSS implementation.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%", "led to Y% higher click-through rates"). If quantitative data isn't available, focus on qualitative improvements or strategic rationale.

• Be Prepared for a Live Exercise: You might be asked to sketch out a concept or critique an existing piece of design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely assess both creative thinking and operational awareness. Candidates should prepare to discuss their design process, problem-solving skills, collaboration style, and understanding of how design contributes to business objectives within a B2B context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the jobs.applied.com portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume includes a direct link to your online portfolio. Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that showcase your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma/XD, HubSpot, and your ability to create digital assets for marketing campaigns.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Figma," "HubSpot," "digital campaigns," "brand consistency," and "UX/UI." Quantify achievements and responsibilities where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project rationale, and collaboration experiences. Prepare specific examples for common behavioral and situational interview questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research FCX Performance and Applied Industrial Technologies. Understand their brands, products, target markets, and recent marketing activities to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.