Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Aramark

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop high-quality, brand-aligned visual assets, including signage, templates, and presentations, to enhance the K-12 student and school district partner experience.

• Ensure all created materials adhere to established brand standards and meet ADA accessibility compliance requirements, fostering consistency across diverse operational environments.

• Implement scalable template systems and design guidelines that empower field teams to execute consistently without requiring extensive design expertise.

• Collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization, partnering with marketing, nutrition, and operations teams to deliver visually compelling and operationally sound design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Aramark's Student Nutrition division, indicating a focus on operational execution within educational institutions. The emphasis on "scalable, user-friendly templates" and "empowering field teams" suggests a need for design solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, repeatable, and easily managed by non-designers in a distributed operational setting. This aligns with a GTM (Go-to-Market) operations perspective, where consistent brand representation and operational efficiency are paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce comprehensive sets of operational materials, including signage, reusable templates, digital presentations, and field communications, ensuring alignment with Aramark's brand identity and mission.

• Design and implement scalable, user-friendly templates and robust design systems that enable field operations teams to maintain brand consistency and execute communications effectively, even with limited design backgrounds.

• Translate complex operational information, such as menus, nutritional messaging, and program details, into clear, structured, and visually accessible formats for consistent and repeatable field deployment.

• Continuously iterate and refine existing templates and design assets based on feedback from field teams, usability studies, and evolving business requirements to maximize impact and efficiency.

• Act as a central brand steward, meticulously reviewing and enhancing all visual materials to ensure they meet Aramark's enterprise design expectations and elevate the overall brand perception.

• Maintain and systematically evolve comprehensive brand guidelines and design standards to support scalable, consistent execution of marketing and operational collateral across all K-12 student nutrition programs.

• Proactively communicate and reinforce brand standards across a highly matrixed organizational structure, fostering alignment among diverse stakeholders and mitigating inconsistencies at the local operational level.

• Apply and champion ADA and accessibility standards across all design outputs, meticulously considering typography, color contrast, layout, and overall readability to ensure inclusivity for all users.

• Identify and remediate accessibility gaps within existing design materials, thereby mitigating potential risks and significantly improving the usability and reach of all communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operations-centric approach to design, emphasizing repeatability, scalability, and user enablement for field teams. The focus on ADA compliance and risk mitigation in existing materials indicates a need for a designer who understands the practical implications of design choices beyond aesthetics, integrating them into operational workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant professional experience will also be considered.

Experience: Demonstrated professional experience (typically 2-5 years) in graphic design, with a proven track record of creating brand-aligned materials for diverse audiences. Experience in developing scalable design systems and templates for operational use is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, for creating high-quality visual assets.

• Strong command of Microsoft PowerPoint for developing presentations and templates that integrate design elements effectively.

• Proven ability to design for multiple audiences, including consumer-facing (students, families) and professional/client-facing materials.

• Demonstrated experience in applying ADA and accessibility best practices to design work (print and digital), including typography, color contrast, and layout considerations.

• Exceptional ability to translate complex information into simple, clear, and visually engaging graphics and layouts.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with a demonstrated capacity to influence design direction and gain buy-in from cross-functional stakeholders.

• Proven experience in creating scalable templates and design systems designed for repeatable and consistent use in operational settings.

• Strong project management capabilities, with a proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Meticulous attention to detail, with a strong commitment to quality, consistency, and timely delivery of all design outputs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the K-12 education sector or a related service industry.

• Familiarity with digital design principles and responsive design concepts.

• Understanding of content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) platforms.

• Experience in developing brand guidelines or design system documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified experience level (2-5 years) suggests a mid-level role requiring both foundational design skills and practical application in a corporate or operational setting. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint, coupled with ADA compliance and template development, points towards a need for a designer who can execute efficiently and support broad operational deployment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 projects demonstrating strong brand storytelling and visual identity development.

• Include specific examples of scalable templates and design systems created for repeatable use in operational or marketing contexts.

• Showcase projects that highlight the successful translation of complex information into clear, accessible visual formats.

• Provide evidence of applying ADA and accessibility standards in design work, explaining the considerations and solutions implemented.

• Demonstrate proficiency in both creative design execution and structured, system-based design approaches. Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, briefly outline the design process followed, from initial brief to final deliverable.

• Detail the feedback mechanisms used and how stakeholder input was incorporated into the design iterations.

• Explain the rationale behind design choices, particularly concerning brand alignment, user experience, and accessibility standards.

• Quantify the impact of your designs where possible, such as improvements in engagement, usability, or operational efficiency gained through your templated solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that specifically demonstrates "structured/system-based design" alongside "brand storytelling" is critical. This indicates Aramark is looking for a designer who can not only create compelling visuals but also build repeatable frameworks that support consistent operational execution across a large organization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Philadelphia, PA, the estimated salary range is $65,000 - $85,000 per year. This estimate accounts for the required skills in Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, ADA compliance, and template system development, as well as the specific demands of supporting operational teams within a large organization.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).

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

• Opportunities for professional development, including access to design workshops, industry conferences, and online learning platforms.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and support services.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Meal discounts and other employee perks related to Aramark's services.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, on-site position typically requiring 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, with flexibility potentially available based on project demands and team needs, subject to manager approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Philadelphia, considering the specific requirements and industry context of Aramark's Student Nutrition division. Benefits information is based on common offerings for large corporations like Aramark.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage Services, Hospitality, Education Support. Aramark operates as a global leader in providing food, facilities management, and uniform services. The Student Nutrition division specifically focuses on delivering dining and nutrition programs to K-12 school districts, emphasizing healthy eating and positive culinary experiences for students.

Company Size: Aramark is a large, publicly traded corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally (often cited as over 200,000 employees), operating in 15 countries. This scale implies robust systems, established processes, and a significant corporate structure.

Founded: Aramark was founded in 1960. Its long history signifies stability and a deep understanding of its diverse service industries.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing or Communications team within the Aramark Student Nutrition division.

• This team structure would involve collaboration with marketing specialists, copywriters, and potentially other designers or creative professionals.

• The role operates in a "highly matrixed environment," indicating frequent interaction and collaboration with various departments, including operations, nutrition, sales, and account management teams across numerous school districts.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director who oversees brand consistency and collateral development. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on creating materials that perform and are measurable, aligning with operational objectives and potentially tracking user engagement or adoption rates of templates.

• Scalable Workflow Planning: Focus on developing repeatable processes and systems for content creation and distribution to support a large client base.

• Efficiency and Automation Practices: Designing templates and systems that minimize manual effort for field teams and streamline the creation and deployment of marketing and operational collateral.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Aramark's large size and global presence suggest a need for a designer who can navigate complex organizational structures and adhere to established corporate branding and operational guidelines. The "matrixed environment" is a key aspect, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to ensure design initiatives are well-received and implemented across diverse stakeholders.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is classified as a Mid-Level Individual Contributor. It requires specialized creative skills combined with an understanding of operational needs and the ability to create practical, scalable design solutions. The focus on template development and field enablement elevates it beyond a purely creative role, embedding it within the operational support structure of the Student Nutrition division.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director within the Student Nutrition division. This manager would oversee brand strategy, marketing campaigns, and the overall creative output for the division, ensuring alignment with Aramark's broader corporate marketing objectives.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the operational effectiveness and brand perception of Aramark Student Nutrition. By creating clear, consistent, and accessible materials (signage, templates, presentations), the role supports field teams in delivering a professional and engaging dining experience to students and partners. Strong ADA compliance also mitigates risk and ensures inclusivity, contributing to Aramark's reputation and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in K-12 education design, ADA compliance, or design systems within Aramark.

• Advancement: Opportunity to move into Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Lead Designer roles, potentially managing projects or junior team members.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop deeper understanding of marketing, operations, and nutrition strategy, opening doors to roles in marketing operations, brand management, or program development.

• Skill Development: Access to Aramark's learning and development programs to enhance technical skills, project management abilities, and leadership potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory suggests a path from executing design tasks to strategizing and leading creative initiatives within the operational context. The emphasis on operational impact indicates that understanding the business needs of school districts and Aramark's operational constraints will be key to career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based on-site at an Aramark office in Philadelphia, PA. The office environment is expected to be professional, with collaborative spaces designed to facilitate teamwork and communication.

Office Location(s): Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This location offers access to a major metropolitan hub with various transportation options and amenities. Specific office details would be provided upon advancement in the application process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves working closely with marketing colleagues, operations managers, and potentially other stakeholders, necessitating an environment conducive to brainstorming, feedback sessions, and project reviews.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, including high-performance workstations, design software (Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint), and communication tools (email, internal messaging platforms, video conferencing).

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for interaction with the marketing team and cross-functional departments, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, totaling 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be occasional opportunities for flexible scheduling or remote work on a case-by-case basis, subject to business needs and manager approval, particularly for tasks that can be effectively completed off-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, team integration, and direct engagement with colleagues within the Philadelphia office. This suggests that the company values face-to-face interaction for creative development and operational alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios. Candidates with strong portfolios aligning with the job description will be contacted for an initial phone or video screening.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work from their portfolio, focusing on projects that demonstrate brand storytelling, scalable template design, and ADA compliance. They may be given a design challenge or case study to solve, requiring them to apply their skills to a specific Aramark Student Nutrition scenario.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess technical skills, creative approach, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the marketing and operations teams.

• Final Interview: A potential final interview with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic alignment with Aramark's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your ability to meet the core requirements: brand storytelling, scalable template/system design, complex information simplification, and ADA compliance.

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the process you followed, your design solutions, and the impact or outcome. Use clear visuals and concise explanations.

• Highlight Scalability: Explicitly point out how your templates or design systems are built for repeatable use and how they empower non-designers.

• Explain ADA Considerations: Detail your approach to ADA compliance, discussing specific elements like color contrast ratios, font choices, and layout structures.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Show how your designs align with existing brand guidelines or how you would approach developing them for a new initiative.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Aramark Student Nutrition's mission, target audience (students, parents, school administrators), and typical communication needs.

• Prepare for Operational Scenarios: Anticipate design challenges related to menus, nutritional information, event promotions, or operational updates for schools.

• Focus on Practicality: Frame your solutions around usability, scalability, and adherence to brand and accessibility standards, rather than solely aesthetic appeal.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making for any design task or case study, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge suggests that Aramark places high value on practical application and the ability to translate creative concepts into tangible, operational assets. Candidates should prepare to discuss their process and demonstrate how their design choices support business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in InDesign (for template and layout design), Illustrator (for vector graphics and logos), and Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation).

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Strong command for creating presentations, templates, and integrating design elements into business communications.

• Design Systems: Familiarity with creating and maintaining design systems or style guides for consistent brand application.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary requirement for this role, an understanding of how design impacts user engagement metrics or template adoption rates through reporting tools may be beneficial for demonstrating impact.

• Familiarity with standard office productivity suites for reporting and communication. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role, but an understanding of how marketing collateral integrates with CRM or marketing automation platforms can be advantageous for cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint as required skills indicates the core technical toolkit for this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate mastery of these applications, particularly in the context of creating practical, operational assets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service Excellence: A commitment to providing high-quality services that support the success of students, families, and school partners.

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking responsibility for delivering on commitments.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively across departments and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Seeking new and better ways to serve clients, enhance operational efficiency, and improve user experiences.

• Inclusivity and Diversity: Championing an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, reflected in design through accessibility and representation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is inherently collaborative, requiring close partnership with marketing, operations, and nutrition teams to ensure design solutions are effective and well-received.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on design processes and outputs to drive continuous improvement and ensure alignment with operational needs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, design trends, and lessons learned across teams to foster collective growth and maintain high standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aramark's stated values emphasize service, integrity, and collaboration. For this role, this translates to designing with the end-user (students, school staff) in mind, ensuring brand integrity, and working effectively with diverse internal teams to achieve operational and marketing objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Operational Constraints: The primary challenge is to produce visually appealing designs that also meet strict brand guidelines, ADA accessibility standards, and are easily executable by non-designers in diverse field environments.

• Matrixed Organization Navigation: Effectively managing stakeholder expectations and gaining buy-in from multiple departments with potentially differing priorities requires strong communication and diplomacy.

• Ensuring Brand Consistency at Scale: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across hundreds of school districts, each with unique operational contexts, presents a significant consistency challenge.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Staying current with design trends, accessibility standards, and the specific needs of the K-12 education sector requires continuous learning and adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations-Specific Design Training: Opportunities to deepen understanding of how design supports operational efficiency and client satisfaction in the education sector.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Access to events focused on graphic design, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), and marketing for educational institutions.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior design professionals or marketing leaders within Aramark to guide career development.

• Cross-Departmental Learning: Opportunities to learn from colleagues in operations, nutrition, and sales to better understand the end-to-end service delivery model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a designer who is not only creative but also strategic, adaptable, and adept at navigating complex organizational dynamics to ensure design solutions are practical and impactful in an operational context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a template for non-designers. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure usability and brand consistency?" (Focus on template development, user enablement, and brand governance)

• "How do you approach incorporating ADA accessibility standards into your design process for print and digital materials? Can you provide an example?" (Focus on ADA compliance and practical application)

• "Walk us through your process for translating complex information (like menus or nutritional data) into a clear and engaging visual format." (Focus on simplification, visual communication, and audience understanding) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for the K-12 student nutrition sector, and how do you see your role contributing to Aramark's mission?" (Focus on mission alignment and sector interest)

• "How would you manage feedback or conflicting design direction from multiple stakeholders in a matrixed organization?" (Focus on collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and accessibility best practices, and how would you apply that knowledge at Aramark?" (Focus on continuous learning and relevance) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight "System" Thinking: For your portfolio presentation, dedicate specific slides or talking points to projects where you developed scalable templates, design systems, or repeatable frameworks. Explain the system's structure and benefits.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have metrics on template adoption, reduced errors, or improved efficiency due to your designs, present them clearly. Even qualitative feedback from users can be powerful.

• Showcase ADA in Action: Select a project where ADA compliance was a significant factor and visually demonstrate how you addressed it (e.g., side-by-side comparisons of accessible vs. non-accessible elements).

• Tailor to Aramark: Connect your portfolio examples to the specific needs of Aramark Student Nutrition – think about how your skills in signage, templates, and simplifying information can directly benefit their operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent, but also a practical, operational mindset. Candidates need to show they can create designs that are functional, scalable, compliant, and support the business objectives of Aramark Student Nutrition.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position at Aramark:

• Submit your application through the Aramark careers portal via the provided URL.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your proficiency in brand storytelling, scalable template/design system development, complex information simplification, and ADA compliance. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a link to a personal website or a well-organized PDF).

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to highlight experience and skills directly relevant to the job description, using keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Template Development," "ADA Compliance," "Brand Governance," and "Project Management." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio selections, focusing on articulating your design process, the rationale behind your creative decisions, and the impact of your work, especially concerning operational efficiency and user enablement.

• Research Aramark Student Nutrition: Familiarize yourself with Aramark's mission, values, and the specific services they offer to K-12 schools. Understand their target audience and the challenges they aim to solve. This research will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.