Graphic Designer at Fountain Tire

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Fountain Tire

Location: 1006 103A Street SW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Job Type: Other

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: August 19, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Drive visual communication strategies and execute impactful design solutions for marketing initiatives across a national retail network.
Ensure brand consistency and creative integrity across all digital and print marketing collateral, supporting both corporate and local store projects.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external agencies to translate business objectives into compelling, on-brand visual assets.
Manage the lifecycle of creative assets, including content, usage, and evolution, ensuring accessibility for all relevant parties.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and context point towards a role with a strong emphasis on marketing operations and brand management within a retail environment. The role requires not just creative execution but also strategic thinking regarding visual communication across a wide network.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conceptualize and design a wide array of marketing collateral for brand campaigns, nationwide initiatives, and local store projects, spanning both print and digital formats.
Develop engaging digital graphics for the company website, social media channels, and other digital platforms to enhance online presence and engagement.
Present and articulate design rationale and creative concepts effectively to internal clients and stakeholders, incorporating feedback to refine and strengthen visual outcomes.
Maintain and manage the content, usage, and evolution of creative development assets, including providing necessary training and access for internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate closely with the Marketing and Communication team, other internal departments, and external agencies to ensure all creative assets align with brand standards and project requirements.
Prepare and package artwork files accurately for distribution to internal clients, agencies, and print vendors, ensuring production readiness.
Stay abreast of the latest design trends, tools, and best practices, applying relevant insights to foster creative output and innovation within the marketing department.
Travel to various meetings, conferences, or store locations as required to support and execute creative initiatives, demonstrating adaptability and on-site support capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for a designer who can manage multiple projects, understand business objectives, and act as a brand guardian. The mention of travel to store locations suggests a hands-on approach to understanding the retail environment and its visual needs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Related post-secondary diploma or degree from a recognized institution (e.g., Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field).

Experience: Minimum of 4+ years of professional experience as a Graphic Designer, with a proven track record in creating marketing collateral for a multi-location or retail organization.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in industry-standard design software, primarily the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
Strong command of Microsoft programs, including PowerPoint, Word, and Teams, for presentations, documentation, and collaboration.
Demonstrated ability to present design work and concepts confidently to diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders.
Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication abilities.
Proven capacity to excel in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, contributing positively to team dynamics.
Excellent multitasking and project management skills, with a keen ability for creative thinking and problem-solving. Preferred Skills:
Knowledge of animation, motion graphics, and video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro) to enhance digital content.
Experience with content management systems (CMS) for website updates and digital asset management (DAM) systems.
Familiarity with marketing automation platforms and their design integration capabilities.
Understanding of print production processes and best practices for various marketing materials.
Experience working within a franchise or multi-location retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 4+ years of experience and a post-secondary degree positions this role at a mid-level, requiring a blend of creative talent and practical application within a business context. The preference for animation/motion graphics and CMS/DAM knowledge suggests a forward-looking approach to digital marketing content.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase a diverse range of design projects, including print collateral (brochures, flyers, signage) and digital assets (social media graphics, web banners, email templates).
Include case studies that highlight the design process from brief to final execution, demonstrating problem-solving and strategic thinking.
Feature examples of maintaining brand consistency across multiple applications and platforms for a unified brand experience.
Present projects that illustrate effective collaboration with cross-functional teams or clients to achieve project goals.
Demonstrate the ability to adapt design styles to meet the specific needs of different internal clients or campaigns. Process Documentation:
Provide examples of how you have managed project workflows, from initial concept development through to final delivery and asset archiving.
Showcase how you have incorporated feedback and revisions into design projects, illustrating your iterative design process.
Detail your approach to preparing and packaging final artwork files for various outputs (print, web, social media), ensuring technical specifications are met.
Include any experience with documenting design processes, brand guidelines, or asset usage policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is crucial for this role to validate creative skills and process management. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design decision-making, project management approach, and ability to adhere to brand standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 to $80,000 CAD annually.

Benefits:

Comprehensive cost-shared benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and short/long-term disability coverage.
Short-Term Incentive Program with a target incentive of 10% of base salary, tied to organizational contributions.
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) matching program to support long-term financial planning.
Employee perks, such as discounts on tires, parts, and services at all Fountain Tire locations.
Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design and marketing.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with a focus on work-life balance and flexibility where possible within project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $70,000 - $80,000 CAD aligns with mid-level graphic design positions in Edmonton, Alberta, considering the specified experience and responsibilities. The comprehensive benefits package, including RRSP matching and a short-term incentive program, indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Retail and Service (Tire and Auto Care). Fountain Tire operates a network of over 170 locations across Canada, providing a stable and established industry context for its marketing efforts.

Company Size: Over 3,000 associates across 170+ locations. This signifies a large, established organization with a significant internal client base for marketing and design services.

Founded: 1956 in Wainwright, Alberta. Fountain Tire has a long-standing history and deep roots in Western Canada, emphasizing partnership and long-term success.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer reports to the Marketing Manager, indicating a direct line of communication and collaboration within the marketing department.
The role involves collaboration with various internal departments (e.g., Operations, Retail Management) and external agencies, suggesting a matrixed or project-based interaction model.
The marketing team likely consists of specialists in areas such as digital marketing, communications, and content creation, fostering a collaborative environment. Methodology:
Emphasis on a "win-win partnership mindset" and "practical solutions" suggests a collaborative and results-oriented approach to marketing and design projects.
The company's recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies highlights a commitment to operational excellence, strategic planning, and strong financial performance, which the design team must support visually.
A "balance of heart, head, and hands" leadership philosophy implies a culture that values both empathy and strategic thinking, alongside hands-on execution.

Company Website: http://www.fountaintire.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Fountain Tire's strong reputation and long history in Canada provide a stable foundation for the marketing team. The company's values suggest a culture that promotes collaboration, practical problem-solving, and a focus on long-term success, which are key for a designer supporting a retail network.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, requiring a solid foundation of 4+ years of experience. It involves executing design tasks, contributing creative ideas, and managing smaller projects, with potential to lead specific design initiatives under the Marketing Manager's guidance.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Marketing Manager. This provides clear reporting lines and opportunities for direct mentorship and feedback from a senior marketing leader.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping Fountain Tire's brand perception and driving customer engagement through compelling visual communications. Their work directly influences marketing campaign effectiveness, brand recognition across 170+ locations, and the overall professionalism of corporate and retail marketing materials.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in digital design, motion graphics, or animation, becoming a go-to resource for advanced visual content.
Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects of larger marketing campaigns or specific product launches, gaining project management and strategic planning experience.
Brand Development: Contribute to evolving brand guidelines and visual identity standards, influencing the long-term aesthetic of the Fountain Tire brand.
Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain insights into other areas of the business (e.g., retail operations, customer experience) by supporting their visual communication needs.
Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or interns as the team grows, developing leadership and training skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within the marketing department of a large, stable company. The emphasis on digital and potential for leadership development makes it attractive for designers looking to expand their skill set beyond traditional graphic design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at Fountain Tire's South Edmonton Corporate Head Office. The office is described as a "dynamic Marketing team" environment, suggesting a collaborative workspace.

Office Location(s): 1006 103A Street SW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6W 2P6. The location is noted as convenient, near Calgary Trail and Anthony Henday, offering good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with the Marketing and Communication team.
Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and Microsoft programs is essential and will be provided.
Opportunities will exist to collaborate on projects with various internal departments and external agencies, promoting a diverse and engaging work environment.
The office environment likely supports a professional setting for client presentations and team meetings.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely 40 hours per week. The company mentions supporting "work-life balance supported by flexible policies," which may extend to some flexibility in daily scheduling, though the on-site requirement is firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor for candidates. The location and description of the marketing team suggest a professional, collaborative office setting conducive to creative work and team interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output. Candidates will be evaluated on their experience with Adobe Creative Suite, brand standards, and relevant design projects.
First Interview: Likely with the Marketing Manager, focusing on creative approach, problem-solving skills, project management experience, and cultural fit within the marketing team. Be prepared to discuss your design process and rationale.
Portfolio Presentation: A key stage will involve presenting a curated selection of your portfolio work. Be ready to articulate your design choices, the business objectives of each project, and the outcomes achieved. This may include a practical design challenge.
Second Interview/Final Round: Potentially with other marketing leaders or key stakeholders. This stage will likely assess your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and align with Fountain Tire's values and brand.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Selectively: Choose 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your versatility and ability to meet business objectives. Prioritize projects demonstrating print and digital design for a retail or multi-location context.
Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the creative process, the tools used, and the results achieved. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand recall).
Highlight Brand Adherence: Showcase your ability to work within established brand guidelines and develop creative solutions that are on-brand.
Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques you employed. If a design challenge is given, focus on a clear, logical approach and well-reasoned execution.
Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or in-person.

Challenge Preparation:

Expect a design challenge that may involve creating a piece of marketing collateral (e.g., social media graphic, flyer) based on a given brief.
Practice time management to complete the challenge within the allotted time.
Focus on understanding the brief, applying brand guidelines, and creating a clear, impactful design solution.
Be ready to present and justify your design choices, similar to your portfolio presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh creative execution, strategic thinking, and the ability to integrate into a corporate marketing team. A strong portfolio and the ability to articulate design decisions are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide range of print and digital graphics.
Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of PowerPoint for presentations, Word for documentation, and Teams for communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not explicitly listed, familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) or social media analytics platforms would be beneficial for understanding the performance of digital designs.
Ability to interpret basic performance data to inform future design decisions. CRM & Automation:
Experience with Content Management Systems (CMS) for website updates is a preferred skill.
Familiarity with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems for organizing and distributing creative assets.
Knowledge of marketing automation platforms and their design integration capabilities is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. However, candidates with experience in CMS, DAM, and analytics tools will have a competitive edge, indicating the company's interest in a designer who understands the broader digital marketing ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Partnership Mindset: Collaboration is key, working effectively with the Marketing Manager, internal stakeholders, and external agencies to achieve shared goals.
Opportunity Thinking & Innovation: Encouraged to bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to marketing challenges, contributing to innovative campaigns.
Simplicity & Practical Solutions: Focus on creating clear, effective designs that meet business needs without unnecessary complexity.
Work Hard, Have Fun: A balanced approach to work, valuing diligence and productivity while fostering a positive and enjoyable team environment.
Balance of Heart, Head, and Hands: Demonstrating empathy in understanding client needs, strategic thinking in design solutions, and skilled execution in delivering high-quality creative work.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Will work closely with various departments, requiring strong communication skills to understand diverse needs and translate them into visual assets.
Feedback Exchange: Open to receiving and incorporating feedback from clients and team members to refine designs and ensure project success.
Knowledge Sharing: Part of a dynamic marketing team, encouraging the sharing of design trends, best practices, and creative insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fountain Tire's values are deeply embedded in their operations. A candidate who embodies these values – particularly partnership, innovation, and a balanced approach to work – will likely thrive in this team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Diverse Needs: Effectively managing design requests from multiple internal departments and 170+ retail locations, each with potentially unique requirements.
Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all visual communications adhere to strict brand standards across a wide array of applications and touchpoints.
Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with rapidly changing design trends and digital technologies while ensuring solutions remain practical and on-brand.
Project Prioritization: Juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines and stakeholders, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to gain proficiency in motion graphics, animation, and video editing through on-the-job application and potentially external training.
Digital Marketing Integration: Deepen understanding of how design integrates with digital marketing strategies, SEO, and social media engagement.
Brand Strategy Contribution: Play a role in shaping and refining Fountain Tire's visual identity and brand messaging.
Industry Exposure: Exposure to the automotive retail sector, offering unique insights into consumer marketing and operational challenges.
Mentorship: Learn from experienced marketing professionals and potentially mentor junior team members in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle significant brand management challenges and grow in specialized areas of digital design, all within a stable and reputable company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a time you had to balance conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on communication, compromise, and strategic decision-making.)
"How do you ensure your designs align with broader marketing objectives and brand strategy?" (Highlight your process for understanding briefs and translating business goals into visual solutions.)
"Walk us through a complex design project from concept to completion. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Use a portfolio piece as an example, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and process.) Company & Culture Questions:
"What do you know about Fountain Tire's brand and values? How would your design approach align with them?" (Research the company’s history, values, and recent marketing efforts.)
"How do you approach collaboration within a marketing team and with external clients?" (Emphasize your teamwork, communication style, and client-service orientation.)
"How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you decide which trends are appropriate for a brand like Fountain Tire?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and strategic application of trends.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative process, and the final outcome. Use a consistent framework.
Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, present metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, positive client feedback).
Be Ready for a Design Challenge: Practice creating a quick design concept or mock-up based on a hypothetical brief, focusing on clarity and alignment with brand objectives.
Articulate Your 'Why': Be prepared to defend your design choices and explain the rationale behind your creative decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also strategic thinking, strong communication, and an understanding of how design supports business objectives within a retail context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application through the Fountain Tire careers portal via the provided URL.
Curate a compelling portfolio that clearly showcases your best work, emphasizing print and digital marketing collateral relevant to a retail or multi-location business.
Tailor your resume to highlight your 4+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with brand management or marketing initiatives.
Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Practice explaining how your skills align with Fountain Tire's values and brand.
Research Fountain Tire thoroughly, understanding their brand, values, and market position, to effectively answer company-specific questions and demonstrate your genuine interest.

⚠️ 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