Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: GREAT LAKES BREWING CO

Location: Ohio City - Cleveland, OH

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2025-11-11

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is designed for an early-career Graphic Designer to contribute to a dynamic creative team, focusing on visual brand consistency across all company touchpoints.

• The position involves hands-on design work for a variety of marketing and sales materials, including packaging, advertising, social media, and merchandise.

• Key responsibilities include managing multiple design requests, prioritizing effectively, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining creative quality.

• This role offers an opportunity to develop practical design skills and gain exposure to different aspects of brand visual identity within the craft beer industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The employment_type is listed as "OTHER," which is broad. Given the context of a Graphic Designer role, it's highly probable this is a Full-Time position. The "0-2 Years" experience level suggests an entry-level or junior designer position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and execute graphic design requests submitted by various company departments, ensuring timely and efficient completion.

• Prioritize and balance multiple design projects simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines without compromising the quality of creative output.

• Develop and present multiple design concepts through various mediums, including digital sketches, visual references, and storyboards, to solve design challenges.

• Capture, edit, and produce studio-quality lifestyle and product photography, as well as document select events for use across digital and print platforms.

• Collaborate with the Creative Director and Social Media Specialist to organize and design content for multiple social media platforms.

• Thoroughly proof and review all design work for accuracy, completeness, and production-readiness, maintaining meticulous attention to detail.

• Incorporate feedback effectively from stakeholders and creative leadership, using each project as a learning opportunity to refine design skills and grow professionally.

• Troubleshoot and problem-solve design and production issues through collaboration with cross-functional teams.

• Research and stay current with emerging design trends and technologies to inform creative strategies.

• Prepare print-ready files according to specific production requirements for all project deliverables.

• Manage and maintain organized digital asset libraries, including print, digital, photo, and video files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes "attention to detail," "organization," and "managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment," which are critical for operations-adjacent roles that require process adherence and efficient workflow management. The mention of "preparing print-ready files" and "managing media libraries" highlights the need for systematic organization and file management skills often found in operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, or a related field. Photography coursework or demonstrated experience is preferred.

Experience: Relevant experience in print and digital design gained through academic projects, internships, or freelance work. Professional experience is a plus but not required.

Required Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects) and macOS.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and design fundamentals (typography, color, layout, composition, information hierarchy) through academic coursework, portfolio projects, or internships.

• Keen eye for detail, robust copy review capabilities, and understanding of design hierarchy.

• Ability to independently manage projects, prioritize tasks efficiently, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in designing for both print, web, and social media layouts.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating teamwork, self-motivation, and the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

• Diligent multi-tasking abilities with strong time management and problem-solving skills.

• Experience in photography planning, styling, shooting, and editing, acquired through coursework or personal projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Passion for the craft beer industry.

• Experience with videography and social media content creation.

• Knowledge of printing processes, materials, and production requirements.

• Understanding of design principles specific to digital and social media platforms.

• Comfort using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "managing multiple design requests," "prioritizing effectively," "ensuring deadlines are met," and "maintaining meticulous attention to detail" strongly aligns with the operational rigor expected in Sales Operations, Revenue Operations, and GTM roles. The requirement for a portfolio showcasing "process improvement" (implied through problem-solving and concept presentation) is a key indicator of the need for tangible results and strategic thinking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of design projects across print, digital, and social media.

• Demonstrate the ability to translate creative concepts into tangible design assets that align with brand guidelines and project objectives.

• Include examples that highlight problem-solving skills and the ability to iterate on designs based on feedback.

Process Documentation:

• Examples showcasing the workflow for managing multiple design requests, including prioritization strategies and timeline management.

• Demonstrate the process of concept development, including research, sketching, and presenting multiple options.

• Showcase experience in preparing files for various production processes, emphasizing accuracy and adherence to specifications.

• Include examples of how feedback was incorporated to refine designs and achieve desired outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "portfolio of work (including academic, freelance, or personal projects)" directly translates to a need for a "Process & Systems Portfolio" in operations roles. The emphasis on "managing multiple design requests," "prioritizing effectively," and "preparing print-ready files" highlights the operational aspects of design execution that are analogous to process management and system utilization in operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000 annually.

Benefits: Specific benefits are not detailed in the provided information. However, typical benefits for a full-time position in this industry and region may include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k))

• Employee Discounts on Brewery Products

• Opportunities for Professional Development and Training

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, likely around 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $45,000-$50,000 for a Graphic Designer in Cleveland, OH, aligns with entry-level to junior positions. This range is competitive for the market, considering the cost of living and the typical compensation for creative roles in the food and beverage industry. The "OTHER" employment type is assumed to be Full-Time, which typically comes with a standard benefits package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (specifically Craft Beer). Great Lakes Brewing Company is an established brewery known for its award-winning products and strong community presence.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Great Lakes Brewing Company is a well-recognized regional brewery, suggesting a mid-sized company with established departments. This typically means a structured environment with opportunities for collaboration across teams.

Founded: Great Lakes Brewing Company was founded in 1988, indicating a long-standing history and established brand identity within the craft beer market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Design Team, working under the guidance of a Senior Graphic Designer and Creative Director.

• This role involves collaboration with various departments across the company, including marketing, sales, and potentially production.

Methodology:

• Design processes emphasize creativity, attention to detail, and brand consistency.

• Workflow management involves prioritizing and executing design requests efficiently.

• Collaboration is key, with regular communication and feedback loops between designers and stakeholders.

• A data-driven approach may be employed, with design decisions informed by market trends and performance of previous campaigns.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Food & Beverage" and "Craft Beer" industry context is crucial. Operations roles within this sector often involve managing supply chains, production schedules, and distribution networks, which can influence marketing and design timelines. Understanding the company's established history (founded 1988) suggests a mature brand with established processes, which a Graphic Designer would need to adhere to while also bringing fresh creative ideas.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level/Junior Graphic Designer. This role is positioned as an opportunity for an "early-career designer" to gain foundational experience.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to the Senior Graphic Designer and/or the Creative Director, indicating a structured mentorship and oversight environment.

Operations Impact: This role's impact is primarily on brand perception and marketing effectiveness. Strong visual design is crucial for product packaging, advertising campaigns, social media engagement, and overall brand recognition, which indirectly contributes to sales performance and market presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, photography, and various design disciplines (packaging, digital, social media).

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience within the thriving craft beer industry, understanding its unique branding and marketing demands.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer or specialize in areas like packaging design, digital marketing design, or brand management, depending on performance and company needs.

• Learning & Mentorship: Work closely with experienced creative professionals, receiving guidance and feedback to hone design skills and professional acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a creative role, the emphasis on "managing multiple projects," "prioritizing effectively," and "ensuring deadlines are met without compromising quality" are core operational competencies. The growth trajectory implies a structured development path, similar to how junior operations analysts might progress to more senior roles with increased responsibility for process optimization and strategic implementation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Ohio City, Cleveland, OH. This suggests a traditional office or studio environment within the brewery's facilities.

Office Location(s): Cleveland, Ohio. The specific office is likely co-located with the brewery operations, potentially offering a dynamic environment that blends creative work with the tangible aspects of brewing.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with the Creative Director, Senior Graphic Designer, and potentially other members of the marketing and brewery teams.

• Access to design software and hardware (Adobe Creative Suite on Mac OS) is a given.

• The environment is described as "fast-paced," indicating a need for adaptability and efficient workflow management.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, likely Monday to Friday, with potential for occasional event support outside of standard hours if required for specific photography or design needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and "fast-paced environment" are key operational considerations. It implies a need for consistent presence, adherence to office protocols, and the ability to manage time effectively within a structured workday, mirroring the demands of many operational roles that require hands-on execution and team collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative aptitude.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to discuss the candidate's portfolio, focusing on process, problem-solving, and creative rationale. Be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or test project to evaluate practical skills in areas like typography, layout, and software proficiency.

• Interviews: Conversations with the hiring manager (Creative Director/Senior Designer) and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and understanding of brand.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best work, ensuring a variety of projects that align with the job description (packaging, social media, print, digital).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your thought process, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final solution. This demonstrates your operational approach to design.

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Emphasize how your designs consider brand identity, target audience, and marketing objectives.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any projects had measurable results (e.g., improved engagement on social media, successful campaign execution), mention them.

• Organize Clearly: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, whether it's a digital link or a physical presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Design Fundamentals: Refresh knowledge on typography, color theory, layout principles, and information hierarchy.

• Familiarize with Adobe Suite: Be ready to demonstrate proficiency in core Adobe applications.

• Understand Brand: Research Great Lakes Brewing Company's existing branding, style guide, and recent marketing campaigns to inform any design challenges and demonstrate cultural fit.

• Prepare for Photography Scenarios: If photography is a focus, be ready to discuss your approach to product styling and shooting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges highlights the need for candidates to demonstrate not just creative output but also their process and problem-solving capabilities, which are critical operational skills. Preparing to discuss "process," "challenges," and "solutions" is directly transferable to how operations professionals present their work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects are explicitly mentioned. Proficiency is required.

• macOS: The operating system environment is specified.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how design assets are utilized within marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and macOS is critical. In operations, understanding the core technology stack is paramount. For a designer, this means deep proficiency in their primary tools, which function as their "systems" for executing tasks and delivering outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Attention to Detail: Consistently emphasized, crucial for brand consistency and error-free production.

• Organization & Efficiency: Managing multiple projects and deadlines requires strong organizational skills and a focus on efficient workflows.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working with a team and across departments is essential for success.

• Creativity & Innovation: Bringing fresh ideas while respecting brand guidelines.

• Passion for Craft: Demonstrating enthusiasm for the craft beer industry is a preferred trait.

Collaboration Style:

• The team expects designers to be self-motivated but also comfortable working collaboratively.

• Clear communication with the Creative Director and Senior Graphic Designer is vital for managing priorities and receiving direction.

• Cross-departmental collaboration is necessary to fulfill design requests from various parts of the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of "Attention to Detail," "Organization & Efficiency," and "Collaboration" are foundational to any operations role. These values ensure that processes are followed, projects are managed effectively, and team synergy is maintained, all of which are critical for successful GTM and operational functions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Effectively managing numerous design requests with varying deadlines and creative demands.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs adhere to Great Lakes Brewing Company's established brand identity across diverse applications.

• Adapting to Fast-Paced Environment: Thriving in a dynamic setting that requires quick turnarounds and continuous workflow management.

• Incorporating Feedback: Skillfully integrating constructive criticism into designs while retaining creative integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Experience: Gaining practical experience across a wide range of design projects within a specific industry.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced creative professionals within the Design Team.

• Skill Enhancement: Developing advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and photography.

• Industry Knowledge: Deepening understanding of the craft beer market and its design nuances.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed – balancing priorities, maintaining consistency, adapting to pace, and incorporating feedback – are direct parallels to challenges faced in operations roles, such as managing complex projects, ensuring data integrity, adapting to market shifts, and iterating on processes based on performance metrics.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process-Oriented: "Describe your process for managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How do you prioritize?" (Focus on workflow, time management, and organizational strategies).

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a challenging design project from your portfolio. What was the problem, what was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your problem-solving methodology and ability to iterate).

• Brand Awareness: "What are your thoughts on Great Lakes Brewing Company's current branding? How would you approach designing for our brand while bringing fresh ideas?" (Demonstrate research and understanding of brand identity).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Collaboration: "How do you prefer to receive feedback on your designs? Describe a time you collaborated with a team on a creative project." (Assess your teamwork and communication style).

• Adaptability: "This is a fast-paced environment. How do you stay organized and ensure quality when working under pressure?" (Evaluate your ability to manage stress and maintain standards).

• Passion: "What interests you about the craft beer industry and Great Lakes Brewing Company specifically?" (Gauge your genuine interest and cultural fit).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a story – the challenge, your solution, and the result.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize the steps you took, from initial concept to final output, showcasing your systematic approach.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you employed.

• Be Concise: Present your strongest work efficiently, allowing time for discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions for this role will likely probe for operational thinking, such as process management, prioritization, and problem-solving, even within a creative context. Preparing to articulate your design process in a structured, results-oriented manner is key to demonstrating operational aptitude.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Paycom.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects demonstrating print, digital, and social media design capabilities, as well as photography. Tailor it to highlight your understanding of brand consistency and project management.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight relevant skills and experiences such as Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, project management, time management, and any experience in the food and beverage or craft beer industry. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you manage multiple projects. Be ready to articulate your passion for design and the craft beer industry. Research Great Lakes Brewing Company's brand and recent marketing efforts.

• Company Research: Understand Great Lakes Brewing Company's mission, values, and product offerings. Familiarize yourself with their existing visual identity to demonstrate a strong cultural fit and understanding of their brand.

⚠️ 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.