Graphic Designer at CCA GLOBAL PARTNERS

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: CCA GLOBAL PARTNERS

Location: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Retail

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

Designs and executes graphics for visual merchandising programs, including branding, logos, displays, environmental graphics, tradeshow materials, exterior signage, and point-of-purchase (POP) displays across various CCA Global flooring divisions.
Manages the end-to-end production workflow for print and environmental graphics, ensuring timely and accurate delivery from concept to final output.
Collaborates cross-functionally with internal teams and external vendors to align creative output with business objectives and maintain brand integrity.
Develops and maintains essential merchandising resources, including guides, showroom tools, and member-facing collateral, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand standards.
Supports visual merchandising programs, showroom initiatives, events, training materials, and internal communications through creative design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Visual Merchandising team, suggesting a strong focus on retail and environmental design. The hybrid work model is a key differentiator, requiring candidates to be comfortable with both independent remote work and collaborative in-office sessions. The emphasis on "bringing brand stories to life" and supporting independent businesses points to a role where creativity directly impacts client success and brand perception.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conceptualize and design a wide array of visual merchandising assets, including branding elements, logos, retail displays, environmental graphics, tradeshow booth designs, exterior signage, POP displays, and collateral materials, adhering strictly to provided art direction and brand guidelines.
Partner closely with the Project Management Specialist to meticulously track project timelines, manage revisions, secure approvals, and ensure the punctual and accurate delivery of all design projects from initial concept to final production.
Actively participate in internal creative meetings and engage in cross-functional collaborations with visual merchandising teams, marketing, and other departments to thoroughly understand creative briefs, project objectives, design direction, and critical deadlines.
Coordinate with external vendors for printing and fabrication, providing precise graphic specifications and ensuring high-quality production, consistency, and adherence to budget and timelines.
Uphold and evolve brand standards across multiple CCA Global flooring divisions and retail programs, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence in all visual communications.
Design, update, and maintain comprehensive visual merchandising guides, showroom experience tools, warranty documentation, and both customer- and store member-facing resources to support sales and brand engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and production management. The need to "maintain and evolve brand standards across multiple divisions" indicates a complex branding environment requiring adaptability and a strong understanding of brand architecture. The collaboration with a "Project Management Specialist" suggests a structured workflow where designers are expected to manage their own project queues efficiently.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related creative field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record in logo development, brand identity creation, and the design of both small and large-format printed graphics. Experience in an in-house creative department or advertising agency setting is strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Demonstrated experience in producing graphics for print production, including understanding of pre-press requirements and file preparation.
Strong portfolio showcasing a range of branding, logo design, and print collateral projects.
Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet competing deadlines effectively.
Solid communication and interpersonal skills, enabling clear articulation of creative concepts and effective collaboration with project managers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
Competency in Mac OS environment and standard office productivity software, including Keynote, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Office Suite. Preferred Skills:
Photography experience, including photo editing and manipulation.
Knowledge of retail design principles and best practices for in-store merchandising and environmental graphics.
Familiarity with digital design tools and workflows, in addition to print.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a digital portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of design capabilities. The emphasis on both "small and large format printed graphics" and "print production" suggests a need for practical knowledge of printing processes and materials. The mention of "retail design" as desirable indicates a preference for candidates who understand the unique needs of the retail environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A comprehensive digital portfolio is mandatory for consideration, showcasing a diverse range of design projects relevant to visual merchandising and brand development.
Projects should clearly demonstrate expertise in logo and brand identity development, print design for various applications (signage, collateral, displays), and ideally, environmental or tradeshow graphics.
Include case studies or project breakdowns that highlight the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of the final design.
Ensure portfolio pieces reflect an understanding of brand standards and the ability to maintain consistency across different applications and divisions. Process Documentation:
Demonstrate ability to manage design projects from initial brief through final production, including file organization, version control, and asset management.
Showcase experience in collaborating with project managers and vendors to ensure accurate execution of designs, including pre-press checks and quality control.
Provide examples of how you have maintained or evolved brand guidelines through design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of process. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design methodology, how they interpret briefs, manage feedback, and ensure production readiness. The inclusion of "warranty guides" and "showroom tools" implies a need for design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and informative.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Manchester, NH, the estimated salary range is $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This range accounts for the required skills in Adobe Creative Suite, print production, brand development, and the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Retirement savings plan with company match.
Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Professional development opportunities, including training and workshops.
Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.
Recognition programs for accomplishments and contributions.
Supportive work environment recognized as one of New Hampshire's Best Companies to Work For.

Working Hours: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The role operates on a hybrid schedule, with remote work expected on Mondays and Fridays, and in-office presence required Tuesdays through Thursdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on regional data for graphic design roles with similar experience in the Manchester, NH area and considers the added value of specialized skills like print production and retail design. CCA Global Partners' recognition as a "Best Company to Work For" suggests a strong benefits package and positive work culture, which should be highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: CCA Global Partners operates within the retail and home furnishings sector, specifically focusing on empowering independent, family-owned businesses in the flooring industry. They leverage a cooperative business model to provide scale, resources, and innovation.

Company Size: CCA Global Partners is a significant organization, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals, indicated by their long history and broad impact across multiple divisions and member businesses. This size suggests a stable corporate environment with established processes and opportunities for cross-departmental interaction.

Founded: Founded in 1984, CCA Global Partners has a long-standing history of supporting independent businesses. This longevity implies a stable and experienced organization with a deep understanding of its market and members' needs.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer will be part of the Visual Merchandising team, reporting directly to the Creative Director.
This team likely includes other creative professionals, project managers, and specialists dedicated to enhancing the retail experience for member businesses.
Collaboration is expected with various cross-functional departments, including marketing, sales, product development, and potentially member relations. Methodology:
The company's cooperative model emphasizes collective success and resource sharing.
Design methodologies will likely be driven by a need to support independent entrepreneurs, focusing on practical, effective, and brand-consistent visual solutions.
Emphasis is placed on data-driven insights and measurable impact, particularly in retail environments.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CCA Global Partners' mission to empower independent businesses is a core cultural differentiator. The "cooperative business model" suggests a collaborative and supportive internal culture focused on shared success. The Graphic Designer's role is crucial in translating this mission into tangible visual assets that help their member businesses thrive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer, requiring 3-5 years of experience. It involves significant design responsibility, production oversight, and cross-functional collaboration, indicating a mid-career position with potential for increased leadership in design projects.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Director, who likely provides strategic guidance and creative direction. This structure allows for mentorship and development under experienced leadership.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual presentation and brand strength of CCA Global Partners and its member businesses. Effective design enhances brand recognition, drives customer engagement in retail spaces, and supports sales initiatives, contributing significantly to the overall success and competitiveness of the cooperative.

Growth Opportunities:

Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of visual merchandising, such as environmental design, retail branding, or large-format graphics.
Leadership: Potential to take on lead roles on larger design projects, mentor junior designers, or contribute to the development of design strategies.
Skill Expansion: Exposure to and development in areas like digital design, photography, or even understanding broader marketing and branding strategies within the retail sector.
Internal Mobility: Possibility to move into roles with broader creative responsibilities or management within the marketing or creative departments as experience grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hall of Fame" recognition for being a "Best Company to Work For" suggests a company that invests in its employees. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrated initiative, skill development, and contributions to the company's mission of empowering independent businesses.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates on a hybrid model, blending remote work flexibility with in-office collaboration. The office environment in Manchester, NH, is described as a place where employees are "well taken care of" and collaboration is encouraged.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Manchester, New Hampshire (03101). This location offers a blend of urban amenities and a manageable cost of living, typical for New England.

Workspace Context:

Hybrid Flexibility: The Monday/Friday remote days allow for focused individual work, while Tuesday-Thursday in-office days facilitate team collaboration, brainstorming, and direct interaction with colleagues and the Creative Director.
Collaborative Atmosphere: As part of a "Best Company to Work For," the office environment is expected to be professional yet supportive, fostering teamwork and open communication.
Tools & Resources: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite on Mac) and potentially a well-equipped creative studio or production area.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work hours (approximately 40 hours/week), with mandated in-office days from Tuesday to Thursday. This structure aims to balance individual focus with team synergy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be self-motivated and disciplined to work effectively remotely, while also valuing and actively participating in in-office collaboration and team-building activities. The company's long-standing recognition as a great place to work suggests a positive and stable office culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and mandatory digital portfolio. Candidates without a portfolio will likely be disqualified.
Portfolio Review & Creative Discussion: An interview with the Creative Director or hiring manager to discuss portfolio pieces, design process, and understanding of brand development and print production.
Cross-functional Interview: Potential interview with a Project Management Specialist or other team members to assess collaboration skills and understanding of project workflows.
Cultural Fit Assessment: Discussion to gauge alignment with CCA Global Partners' values, mission (empowering independent businesses), and collaborative work style.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (branding, logo design, print collateral, signage).
Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, design challenges, your creative process, and the final outcome. Use visuals to illustrate key stages.
Highlight Retail Relevance: If you have retail design or visual merchandising examples, emphasize these.
Demonstrate Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and an understanding of print production requirements.
Keep it Concise: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful elements.

Challenge Preparation:

Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing graphics for a new retail display or a tradeshow booth for one of CCA Global Partners' flooring divisions.
Prepare examples of how you have managed tight deadlines or challenging client feedback in previous design projects.
Think about how you would maintain brand consistency across multiple, distinct product lines or divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates should treat their portfolio as a primary application document and be ready to defend their design choices and explain their creative process in detail. The company's mission-driven nature means candidates should be prepared to articulate how their design work contributes to empowering small businesses.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator are essential. Candidates must be highly proficient.
Mac Environment: The company operates on macOS, requiring familiarity and comfort with the platform.
Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is expected for general office tasks and presentations.
Keynote: Required for presentations, indicating its use in internal and external communications.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not explicitly a data analysis role, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., engagement, sales conversions in retail) is beneficial. Experience with tools that track design performance or user interaction in digital/print contexts could be a plus. CRM & Automation:
Not directly relevant to the core design tasks, but familiarity with how creative assets are used within CRM systems or marketing automation platforms could be advantageous for understanding the broader business context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical requirements are heavily focused on industry-standard design software. The inclusion of Keynote suggests a presentation-heavy culture, where designers need to effectively communicate their ideas visually and verbally. The "Mac environment" requirement is specific and should not be overlooked.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Empowerment: A core value, reflecting the company's mission to enable independent businesses. This translates to creating designs that empower members with effective marketing tools.
Collaboration: Essential for success in a cooperative model and hybrid work environment. Team members are expected to work together, share ideas, and support one another.
Innovation: Driving new solutions and approaches to help members compete in a challenging market. This applies to design thinking and creative problem-solving.
Integrity & Excellence: Maintaining high standards in all work, from design quality to client service, reflecting the company's long-standing reputation.
Community: Fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support among employees and member businesses.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with project managers, marketing, and other departments, requiring clear communication and understanding of diverse needs.
Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure they meet objectives effectively.
Shared Success: Emphasis on collective achievement, where the success of member businesses is seen as the success of CCA Global Partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply tied to its unique business model. Candidates should be able to articulate how their design approach aligns with empowering entrepreneurs and fostering a sense of community and shared success. The "WE SAY WELCOME HOME!" tagline emphasizes a welcoming and inclusive culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Brand Consistency with Diverse Needs: Designing for multiple flooring divisions and member businesses, each with potentially unique branding elements or market positioning, requires adaptability and strong brand stewardship.
Managing Hybrid Workflows: Effectively collaborating and maintaining project momentum across remote and in-office days requires strong self-discipline, communication, and organizational skills.
Translating Business Needs into Visual Solutions: Understanding the strategic goals of visual merchandising programs and translating them into impactful, actionable designs for retail environments.
Keeping Pace with Retail Trends: Staying current with evolving retail design trends and consumer expectations to ensure CCA Global Partners' visual merchandising remains relevant and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses focused on advanced techniques in retail design, environmental graphics, or specific Adobe Suite features.
Industry Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of the flooring retail industry and the challenges faced by independent businesses.
Cross-functional Skill Development: Learning about marketing strategies, project management, and vendor relations through direct collaboration.
Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced Creative Directors and industry professionals within CCA Global Partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to roles that bridge creative execution with business objectives in a complex market. The growth opportunities are framed around enhancing both design craft and business acumen, preparing the designer for more strategic roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a time you had to balance multiple brand identities within a single project. How did you ensure consistency and clarity?" (Focus on brand stewardship and organizational skills).
"How do you approach translating a creative brief for a retail display into a tangible design concept?" (Focus on creative process and understanding of retail objectives).
"Walk us through a project where you had to manage competing deadlines. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on time management and problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:
"What interests you about CCA Global Partners' mission to empower independent businesses?" (Showcase alignment with company values).
"How do you envision contributing to a hybrid work environment to ensure effective collaboration?" (Demonstrate understanding of hybrid dynamics).
"Describe your experience working with external vendors for print production. What are the key elements of a successful vendor relationship?" (Assess practical production knowledge). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest examples first. Have a "go-to" project ready that perfectly exemplifies your skills for this role.
Storytelling: For each selected piece, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your process, and the results. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "led to X% increase in inquiries").
Technical Clarity: Be prepared to discuss the software used, file formats, and any specific print production considerations.
Conciseness: Practice presenting your portfolio within a set timeframe to ensure you cover key points without rushing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for not just design talent but also a strong understanding of process, collaboration, and alignment with CCA Global Partners' unique mission. Be prepared to connect your design expertise to business outcomes and the company's core values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application along with your resume and a mandatory digital portfolio through the provided application link.
Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant work, such as branding, logo development, print collateral, and signage. Tailor your presentation to highlight skills in Adobe Creative Suite and print production.
Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 3+ years of experience, focusing on quantifiable achievements and responsibilities that align with the job description, especially in brand development and print graphics. Use keywords from the job posting.
Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how your work aligns with CCA Global Partners' mission. Prepare to discuss your experience with hybrid work environments and cross-functional collaboration.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CCA Global Partners' cooperative business model and their commitment to empowering independent businesses. Understand their values and how your design work can support their mission.

⚠️ 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.

Graphic Designer