Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Elkay Manufacturing

Location: Milwaukee, WI, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop compelling visual content for marketing campaigns, digital platforms, and sales collateral, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and strategic objectives.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and product development, to translate business needs into impactful design solutions.

• Drive creative execution from concept to completion across various media, including digital assets, print materials, and omni-channel campaigns.

• Uphold and advance the company's brand identity through consistent application of design principles and style guides.

• Manage and organize creative assets, ensuring efficient access and utilization for ongoing projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a Graphic Designer who can operate strategically within a marketing department, not just execute tasks. The emphasis on "thoughtful design and brand expressions" and "ownership of the creative work, from concept through execution" suggests a need for a candidate who can contribute to the strategic direction of visual communications. The mention of "drive creative solutions" and "partner with marketing managers, writers, designers and product specialists" points to a collaborative yet autonomous role where initiative is valued.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute a wide range of marketing materials, including digital advertisements, social media graphics, brochures, sell sheets, and presentation decks.

• Translate complex business initiatives and product information into clear, engaging, and visually appealing design solutions that resonate with target audiences.

• Collaborate with content creators, product specialists, and marketing managers to ensure cohesive messaging and brand consistency across all design outputs.

• Lead the visual direction for omni-channel campaigns, ensuring a unified and impactful brand presence across digital and print platforms.

• Contribute to brainstorming sessions, offering creative insights and innovative design approaches to address marketing challenges and opportunities.

• Maintain and organize the company's digital asset management system, ensuring all creative files are properly cataloged, versioned, and accessible.

• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance brand aesthetics and user experience through design innovation and experimentation.

• Adhere strictly to established brand style guides and design standards, while also being open to evolving them based on strategic direction.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet stringent deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer proficient in both digital and print mediums, with a strong understanding of how to create cohesive campaigns across various channels. The emphasis on translating "business initiatives and product information" into design suggests a requirement for strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied through design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communication, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: 3+ years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within a corporate or agency setting.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design work, including digital assets, print collateral, and branding projects.

• Demonstrated ability in typography, iconography, color theory, and layout design.

• Proven experience in developing creative solutions from concept to final execution.

• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills applied to design challenges.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale effectively.

• Highly organized with a proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, polished work.

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation, motion graphics, or video editing software.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Understanding of marketing principles and how design contributes to campaign success.

• Experience in direct mail design and event support materials.

• Exposure to user interface (UI) or user experience (UX) design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "expert level proficiency" in Adobe Creative Suite, coupled with a strong portfolio, indicates that practical skill assessment will be a critical part of the evaluation process. The "strategic creative thinker" requirement suggests candidates will be expected to go beyond mere execution and contribute to the conceptualization and strategic intent of design projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio demonstrating expertise across various design disciplines (e.g., branding, digital, print, campaign development).

• Case studies that clearly articulate the design process, from initial brief and concept development through to final execution and impact.

• Examples of projects that showcase strategic thinking and problem-solving applied to marketing objectives.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in typography, color theory, and layout principles across diverse media.

• Inclusion of projects that highlight strong storytelling through visual communication. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a structured design process, including stages for research, ideation, prototyping, feedback incorporation, and final delivery.

• Examples of how feedback from stakeholders and cross-functional teams was integrated into design iterations.

• Documentation or case studies illustrating the effective use of design systems or brand style guides.

• Demonstrations of project management skills, including how timelines were managed and how work was organized.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of skill, creativity, and strategic thinking. The enhancement note emphasizes that the portfolio should not just display finished work but also the thought process and problem-solving that led to those outcomes, aligning with the "ownership of the creative work, from concept through execution" aspect of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in Milwaukee, WI, the estimated salary range is $60,000 - $80,000 per year. This estimate considers the company's size, industry, and the required skill set.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), and Life Insurance.

• Competitive Matching 401(k) Contribution to support retirement savings.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) to assist with medical expenses.

• Generous Paid Time Off, starting with up to 3 weeks of Vacation, potentially increasing with tenure.

• 12 Paid Holidays annually.

• Eligibility for an Annual Bonus, recognizing performance contributions.

• Educational Reimbursement to support professional development and continued learning.

• Matching Gift Program to encourage community involvement.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offering the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.

Working Hours: The standard work week is approximately 40 hours, consistent with full-time employment. While the role is on-site, specific daily start and end times may offer some flexibility within business operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for a Graphic Designer role with the specified experience level and location. Actual compensation will be determined by the company based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal compensation structures. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Plumbing and Water Delivery Solutions), with a focus on sustainability and responsible business practices.

Company Size: Over 2800 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established organization with a global presence.

Founded: Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation has a history of over 100 years of operation, suggesting a stable company with deep industry experience and a commitment to long-term success.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing and Communications team, potentially structured with specialists in areas like digital marketing, content creation, and brand management.

• Collaboration is expected across various departments, including Channel Marketing, Sales, and Product teams, highlighting a matrixed or highly integrated operational model.

• Reporting likely falls under a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, with significant interaction with various business units. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a "values-driven" culture, "doing the right things," and a commitment to integrity and giving back.

• They are recognized for being a "fast growing, publicly traded company" and have been named one of "America's Most Responsible Companies."

• The culture appears to foster an "engaging, inclusive environment where careers flourish and grow."

Company Website: zurnelkay.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company positions itself as a responsible and growth-oriented entity with a strong emphasis on its people and values. The "values-driven" aspect suggests that candidates will be assessed not only on their technical skills but also on their alignment with the company's ethical and social commitments. The long history and responsible company designations imply a stable yet forward-thinking work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring established skills and a degree of independence. It's a crucial contributor role within the marketing function, expected to execute and enhance brand communications.

Reporting Structure: The role will report to a manager within the marketing department, likely a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, and will collaborate extensively with various business units and cross-functional teams.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. High-quality design drives brand awareness, supports sales initiatives, and contributes to the overall success and growth of Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as digital campaign development, animation, or UX/UI design, potentially through specialized projects or training.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and initiative, opportunities may arise to lead design aspects of larger campaigns or mentor junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working closely with sales, product, and marketing teams provides broad business exposure, potentially opening doors to roles in marketing strategy or brand management.

• Continuing Education: The company offers Educational Reimbursement, supporting professional development through courses, workshops, or certifications relevant to graphic design and marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities suggest a career path that can extend beyond pure design execution, allowing for specialization or a move into broader marketing roles. The company's emphasis on employee development and career flourishing implies a supportive environment for individuals looking to advance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the Milwaukee, WI location, indicating a traditional office environment.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in Milwaukee, WI, a significant hub for the company, with additional locations worldwide.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, with opportunities to interact with designers, writers, marketers, and product specialists.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Adobe Creative Suite, is expected.

• The environment is described as "fast-paced," requiring designers to be agile and responsive to evolving business needs.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. While on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily schedules, but the core expectation is consistent presence and availability during business hours to support ongoing projects and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct engagement with colleagues. The "fast-paced" nature implies a dynamic environment where quick turnarounds and adaptability are key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, strategic thinking, and the rationale behind their creative decisions.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A design challenge or practical exercise may be administered to evaluate technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and response to creative briefs under timed conditions.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with marketing managers, potential team members, and stakeholders from sales or product teams to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential with the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills and problem-solving capabilities. Tailor selections to highlight experience in digital assets, sales collateral, and campaign development.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you developed, and the outcomes or impact achieved. Use visuals effectively to guide the narrative.

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Emphasize how your design decisions addressed specific business objectives, target audiences, or brand challenges.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your tool usage and how you leverage software like Adobe Creative Suite to achieve your design goals.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, your approach to feedback, how you handle tight deadlines, and your understanding of brand consistency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Elkay's brand identity, products, and recent marketing efforts.

• Practice creating design concepts quickly based on hypothetical briefs, focusing on conveying a clear message and visual hierarchy.

• Be ready to articulate your design rationale concisely and defend your creative choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to not only showcase their work but also to articulate the strategic thinking and problem-solving process behind it, demonstrating their value beyond just aesthetic execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for creating a wide array of visual assets.

• Adobe Acrobat: Essential for finalizing and distributing print-ready files and interactive PDFs.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with organizing and managing digital assets is preferred, indicating a need for familiarity with systems that store, tag, and retrieve creative files.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, an understanding of how design impacts campaign performance metrics (e.g., click-through rates, engagement) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms to understand design effectiveness is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an understanding of how marketing automation platforms deliver content can inform design choices for digital campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. The mention of DAM systems suggests a more structured approach to asset management within the company, and familiarity with this would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: A fundamental value driving all business decisions and interactions.

• Responsibility: Commitment to ethical business practices and environmental stewardship, as evidenced by industry recognition.

• People-Centric: A focus on creating an engaging and inclusive environment where employees can thrive and develop their careers.

• Growth-Oriented: A dynamic approach to business, embracing expansion and innovation within the water solutions market.

• Quality & Ingenuity: A dedication to superior product quality and innovative solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring designers to work closely with marketing, sales, and product teams.

• Cross-functional communication is key to translating business needs into effective design.

• An expectation of constructive participation and the ability to clearly express rational behind design decisions.

• The environment is described as "highly collaborative, fast-moving."

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes values like integrity and responsibility, suggesting that candidates who align with these principles will be a better fit. The collaborative style is critical, as the designer will be a key interface between creative output and business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Needs: Effectively translating marketing objectives and product features into compelling designs that also adhere to brand standards and strategic direction.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting quickly to changing priorities, tight deadlines, and evolving campaign requirements common in marketing departments.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified brand voice and visual identity across a diverse range of marketing materials and touchpoints.

• Technical Evolution: Staying current with design software updates, digital trends, and emerging creative technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications or explore new design software.

• Marketing & Brand Strategy Workshops: Learning how design integrates with broader marketing strategies and brand management principles.

• Industry Conferences & Webinars: Access to events that provide insights into the latest design trends, tools, and best practices.

• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from senior designers or marketing leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of the role, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards continuous improvement in design expertise and strategic marketing understanding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex product feature or business objective into a clear and compelling visual design. What was your process?" (Focus on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication of rationale.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple design projects and platforms, especially in a fast-paced environment?" (Highlight organizational skills, understanding of brand guidelines, and adaptability.)

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio that you are most proud of. What were the key challenges, your approach, and the results?" (Prepare a concise narrative for 1-2 key portfolio pieces, emphasizing process and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation and our commitment to sustainability and responsible business?" (Research company values, recent initiatives, and demonstrate alignment.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as marketing managers or product specialists?" (Discuss communication strategies, feedback integration, and teamwork.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, and how might you apply them to our brand?" (Showcase continuous learning and forward-thinking design application.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a progression of skills. Start with a strong overview of your capabilities.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your solution, your role, the tools used, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "This design contributed to a 15% increase in click-through rates").

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation slides are clean, well-designed, and effectively showcase your work without overwhelming the viewer. Use high-resolution images.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure you can cover your key points efficiently and engagingly.

• Engagement: Be ready to pause for questions and engage in a dialogue about your work, demonstrating your thought process and passion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe beyond technical skills to assess strategic thinking, collaborative ability, and cultural fit. Thorough preparation of portfolio presentations with a focus on process and impact is crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Elkay Manufacturing careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and online portfolio are specifically tailored to highlight experience in digital content, sales collateral, and campaign development, showcasing projects relevant to a manufacturing or B2B environment.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and list your years of experience. Quantify achievements where possible, referencing specific design outcomes or contributions.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, using examples from your portfolio. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and brand consistency.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation's mission, values, products, and recent marketing campaigns. Understand their commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.

⚠️ 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.