Graphic Designer

BendPak Inc
Full-timeโ€ข$25-30/hour (USD)โ€ขAgoura Hills, United States

๐Ÿ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: BendPak Inc

Location: Agoura Hills, CA, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-05T14:56:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

๐Ÿš€ Role Summary

  • Design and execute compelling product labels, decals, and various digital and print graphics that align with BendPak's brand identity and marketing objectives.

  • Play a pivotal role in the new product development lifecycle, focusing on innovative packaging design and execution for a global leader in vehicle repair equipment.

  • Manage a diverse range of day-to-day design requests, including photo editing, cropping, and optimization, ensuring high-quality visual assets for all marketing channels.

  • Operate within a fast-paced, commercially-minded marketing department, requiring agility, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit to meet multiple deadlines and evolving project needs.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Graphic Designer," the description specifically mentions "Mid-Level Graphic Designer" and a focus on product labels, decals, and packaging design. This suggests a specialized role within a broader marketing team, requiring a blend of creative execution and commercially-driven design thinking, especially within the manufacturing and automotive equipment sectors.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Collaborate closely with the Marketing department and cross-functional teams to conceptualize and create impactful product labels, decals, and packaging designs that enhance brand recognition and product appeal.

  • Execute daily design requests, including but not limited to photo editing, image cropping, and optimization for various digital and print applications, ensuring assets meet technical specifications and brand standards.

  • Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, effectively prioritizing workload and maintaining clear communication to ensure all projects progress efficiently and meet established deadlines.

  • Demonstrate agility and flexibility in a dynamic environment, readily adapting to changing project requirements and turnaround times, while maintaining a high level of creativity and inventiveness.

  • Uphold and enforce BendPak's design standards and brand guidelines across all creative output, ensuring consistency and integrity of the brand image in every visual communication.

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and workflows, identifying opportunities for efficiency gains and enhanced creative output.

  • Perform other related duties and assignments as required to support the broader marketing and product development initiatives.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize not just creative output but also project management, adaptability, and adherence to brand guidelines, which are critical in a manufacturing environment where product consistency and regulatory compliance (e.g., for labels) are paramount.

๐ŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associateโ€™s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a related field. A Bachelorโ€™s degree is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 2-4 years of professional experience in graphic design and basic illustration, with a strong emphasis on layout and packaging design.

Required Skills:

  • Proven proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, for creating and manipulating complex graphics.

  • Strong understanding of layout principles and general design aesthetics, with the ability to create visually appealing and functional designs.

  • Experience with photo editing, cropping, and optimizing images for various media, ensuring optimal quality and file performance.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts, receive and provide constructive criticism, and collaborate effectively with team members.

  • High level of organization and attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in all design work.

  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, for general business operations and communication. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with packaging design specifically for manufactured goods or automotive equipment.

  • Basic illustration skills for creating custom graphics or icons.

  • Familiarity with print production processes and pre-press requirements.

  • Understanding of digital design principles for web and social media assets.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is clearly stated as 2-4 years, fitting a "Mid-Level" designation. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, layout, and packaging design are core to the role. The preferred skills highlight areas where a candidate could further differentiate themselves, particularly in the context of BendPak's manufacturing industry.

๐Ÿ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on layout design and packaging design examples.

  • Specific case studies or examples demonstrating the creation of product labels and decals, highlighting design rationale and problem-solving.

  • Visual evidence of photo editing and optimization skills, showcasing before-and-after examples or a diverse range of edited imagery.

  • Projects that illustrate adherence to brand guidelines and consistency across different design applications.

  • Examples of digital and print graphics, demonstrating versatility in media output. Process Documentation:

  • While not explicitly stated, a candidateโ€™s portfolio should implicitly demonstrate their design process, from initial concept to final execution.

  • Ability to articulate the design process for specific projects during an interview, including ideation, sketching, digital rendering, revisions, and final delivery.

  • Understanding of workflow management for design requests, including brief intake, execution, feedback, and final approval stages.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, especially one focused on product development and packaging, a strong visual portfolio is paramount. The enhancement note guides candidates on what types of projects and what aspects of their process should be highlighted to align with the job description's focus.

๐Ÿ’ต Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $25 - $30 per hour.

Benefits:

  • Full-time employment status, offering stability and a consistent work schedule.

  • Potential for growth within the company, as indicated by the company's history of employee development and career progression.

  • Exposure to a global brand recognized for quality in the automotive service equipment industry.

  • Opportunity to contribute to new product development and see designs come to fruition in the market.

  • Fast-paced, challenging work environment that rewards passion and hard work.

Working Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday. This totals 40 hours per week.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined as $25-$30 per hour. Benefits are not itemized but implied through "Full Time Non-Exempt" status and the company's culture of employee growth. The working hours are specific, providing clarity on the daily schedule. The provided salary range is competitive for a mid-level graphic designer in the Agoura Hills, CA area, considering the cost of living and industry benchmarks for creative roles in manufacturing.

๐ŸŽฏ Team & Company Context

๐Ÿข Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Automotive Service Equipment). BendPak is a global leader in vehicle repair equipment, including automotive service lifts, parking lifts, tire changing machines, wheel balancers, and wheel alignment systems. This context implies a need for designs that are both visually appealing and technically accurate, often requiring clear communication of product features and safety information.

Company Size: BendPak has a significant global presence, though specific employee numbers for the Agoura Hills location aren't detailed. The company's description suggests a well-established organization with a history of growth and employee retention, indicating a stable yet dynamic work environment.

Founded: BendPak has a long-standing history in the industry, with many employees having 20+ years of tenure. This suggests a culture that values experience, loyalty, and internal growth, offering a stable career path for motivated individuals.

Team Structure: The Graphic Designer will work within the Marketing department. This team is described as "commercially-minded" and operates in a "fast-paced environment." Collaboration with other teams, particularly for new product development, is expected. The reporting structure likely involves a Marketing Manager or Director.

Methodology: The company emphasizes a fast-paced, challenging environment that rewards passion and hard work. There's a focus on pushing boundaries and being inventive. The marketing team is expected to be commercially-minded, suggesting an approach that balances creative excellence with business objectives and market impact.

Company Website: https://www.bendpak.com/ (Note: The provided URL was for ADP recruitment, but the company's primary domain is bendpak.com)

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: Understanding BendPak's industry (manufacturing of heavy equipment) is crucial. Designs for this sector often need to convey durability, functionality, and safety, in addition to brand aesthetic. The company culture appears to value long-term commitment and internal development.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Graphic Designer. This role is positioned as a contributor within the marketing team, with responsibilities focused on execution and supporting product development. The "Mid-Level" designation implies a need for independent work and problem-solving, but within established guidelines and under the direction of senior marketing staff.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Marketing department, likely a Marketing Manager or Director. Collaboration with other departments, especially Product Development and potentially Sales, is expected.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is primarily on product presentation and brand communication. Effective design of labels, decals, and packaging directly influences product perception, brand consistency, and potentially sales effectiveness. Their work supports new product launches and ongoing marketing efforts for a global product line.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in packaging design, product labeling, and potentially industrial design aesthetics within the manufacturing sector.

  • Career Advancement: Potential to move into Senior Graphic Designer roles, Art Director positions, or even specialized marketing roles within BendPak, leveraging their understanding of the company and its products.

  • Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience working closely with product development and marketing teams, offering broader business insights.

  • Continuous Learning: The company's culture encourages growth, suggesting opportunities for learning new design techniques, software, or industry trends through on-the-job experience and potentially professional development.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The "Mid-Level" designation suggests that while independent work is expected, direct mentorship and guidance from senior marketing professionals will likely be available. Growth opportunities are framed within the context of a manufacturing company, emphasizing practical application and industry-specific design skills.

๐ŸŒ Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a traditional office or studio environment within BendPak's facilities in Agoura Hills, CA. This environment likely fosters direct collaboration and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Agoura Hills, California. This location offers access to the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area's creative talent pool and resources.

Workspace Context:

  • A collaborative workspace within the Marketing department, facilitating easy communication and teamwork with colleagues.

  • Access to standard office equipment and likely a dedicated workstation equipped with the necessary design software and hardware.

  • The environment is described as fast-paced and challenging, suggesting a dynamic atmosphere where creative solutions are actively sought.

  • Opportunities for direct interaction with product samples and prototypes, aiding in the design process for labels and packaging.

Work Schedule: A structured Monday-Friday schedule from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, providing a consistent work week and predictable hours for work-life balance.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is clear. The description of a "fast-paced, challenging environment" suggests a dynamic workplace where initiative and collaboration are valued, common in manufacturing companies with product development cycles.

๐Ÿ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by HR or the hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and design style.

  • Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design rationale, and process. This may include technical questions about Adobe Creative Suite and design principles.

  • Skills Assessment/Challenge: A potential design exercise or challenge to evaluate practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and speed under pressure, focusing on tasks relevant to product labels or packaging.

  • Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with the marketing team and/or other stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with BendPak's values and work environment.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your layout and packaging design skills. Include at least 2-3 strong examples of product labels or decals.

  • Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain your role, the problem you were solving, your design approach, and the outcome. Visuals of sketches or early concepts can be beneficial.

  • Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, especially within the Adobe Creative Suite.

  • Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: If possible, include projects where design directly contributed to business goals (e.g., improved product visibility, successful launch).

  • Tailor to BendPak: If possible, research BendPak's current product line and branding to understand their aesthetic and consider how your work aligns or offers innovative improvements.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for a timed design task that might involve creating a label for a fictional product or refining an existing design.

  • Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale under pressure.

  • Focus on meeting the specific requirements of the challenge while also demonstrating creativity and adherence to brand principles.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge is standard for creative roles. This section provides actionable advice for candidates to prepare, focusing on demonstrating relevant skills and understanding the company's context.

๐Ÿ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop are explicitly required. Proficiency in these is essential for creating vector graphics, manipulating photos, and laying out complex designs.

  • Adobe Acrobat: Required for managing and exporting print-ready files and potentially for reviewing documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not directly for graphic design, understanding how graphics perform (e.g., click-through rates for digital ads, product visibility on shelves) can be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics tools or reporting dashboards might be a plus. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly relevant to the core design tasks, but understanding how design assets are used within marketing campaigns managed through CRM or marketing automation platforms could be advantageous.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) is critical. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate mastery of these tools. While not listed, experience with project management or asset management systems could also be beneficial in a team environment.

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Passion and Hard Work: The company culture rewards individuals who are dedicated and put in significant effort.

  • Inventiveness and Collaboration: There's an expectation to be creative, flexible, and work well with others.

  • Growth and Development: BendPak values its employees and provides opportunities for them to build long-term careers within the company.

  • Quality and Global Recognition: The company strives for excellence, with its brands being globally recognized badges of quality.

  • Commercial-Mindedness: The marketing team, in particular, is expected to be commercially aware, balancing creative output with business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

  • The role requires collaboration with the Marketing department and other teams, especially for new product development.

  • The ability to give and receive constructive criticism is highlighted, suggesting an open and feedback-oriented environment where designs are refined through discussion.

  • A positive, optimistic approach to work and feedback is valued, indicating a supportive and forward-looking team dynamic.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a culture that values hard work, innovation, and collaboration, with a strong focus on employee development. The "commercially-minded" aspect for the marketing team suggests that designs should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also strategically aligned with business goals.

โšก Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Consistency: Ensuring designs are innovative and visually appealing while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and technical specifications for product labels.

  • Managing Multiple Deadlines in a Fast-Paced Environment: Effectively prioritizing and executing numerous design requests under tight timelines.

  • Adapting to Evolving Product Lines: Staying current with new product development and translating technical specifications into clear, effective graphic designs for labels and packaging.

  • Receiving and Implementing Constructive Criticism: Effectively using feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs while maintaining creative integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deepen Packaging Design Expertise: Gaining specialized experience in the intricacies of packaging design for manufactured goods.

  • Industry-Specific Design Skills: Developing a nuanced understanding of design requirements within the automotive equipment manufacturing sector.

  • Career Progression: Potential to advance to senior design roles, art direction, or specialized marketing positions within BendPak.

  • Exposure to Global Branding: Working with a globally recognized brand, offering insights into international market design considerations.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the practical demands of a graphic designer in a manufacturing setting. The growth opportunities are tied to specialization within design and potential career advancement within the company.

๐Ÿ’ก Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and outcome.)

  • "Walk us through your design process for a complex packaging project from concept to final delivery." (Highlight your workflow, software usage, and problem-solving.)

  • "How do you prioritize multiple design requests with competing deadlines?" (Discuss your organizational methods and communication strategies.)

  • "How do you handle receiving negative feedback on a design you're passionate about?" (Emphasize your ability to be objective and use feedback constructively.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about BendPak and its products?" (Research the company's website, product lines, and brand positioning.)

  • "How do you see your design style fitting with BendPak's brand?" (Connect your portfolio examples to the company's aesthetic and values.)

  • "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you handle a fast-paced, collaborative setting?" (Align your response with the job description's emphasis on agility and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: For each project, tell a concise story about the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

  • Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use high-quality mockups.

  • Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects most relevant to packaging, labels, and print collateral. Be prepared to discuss your process for these specific types of work.

  • Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, and how they contributed to the final outcome.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: This section provides specific types of questions candidates can expect, along with strategic advice on how to approach them, focusing on demonstrating relevant skills, understanding the company, and presenting their portfolio effectively.

๐Ÿ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 5-7 projects, with a clear emphasis on packaging design, product labels, and layout work. Ensure each project includes a brief explanation of your role, the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, packaging design, and any experience in manufacturing or automotive industries. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed packaging for X product line, contributing to a Y% increase in shelf appeal").

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Be ready to walk through 2-3 key portfolio pieces during an interview, clearly articulating your design process and rationale. Practice explaining your technical skills and how you handle feedback.

  • Research BendPak: Familiarize yourself with BendPak's products, brand aesthetic, and company values. Understand their market position and consider how your design skills can contribute to their success.

โš ๏ธ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have an Associateโ€™s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, or a related field, with a Bachelorโ€™s degree preferred. Applicants should possess 2-4 years of professional experience and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.