Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kinder's

Location: Walnut Creek, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Food & Beverage

Date Posted: 2026-05-18T23:33:12

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the collaborative creative process for branded materials and sales tools within a fast-growing CPG company.

• Execute diverse graphic design initiatives, translating concepts into digital and conventional print-ready assets.

• Manage the full project lifecycle for creative requests, from initial brief to final file dissemination.

• Develop comprehensive visual programs across various consumer touchpoints, ensuring brand consistency and impact.

• Produce rapid-turnaround product mocks and renders to support sales and marketing efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is situated within the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry, specifically focusing on food and beverage. The emphasis on "flavor-obsessed" and "pirate ship in a sea of cruise ships" suggests a dynamic, entrepreneurial company culture that values innovation and a hands-on approach. The mention of "approaching $1 billion in revenue" indicates significant growth and opportunity for impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, refine, and execute a wide range of graphic design projects, including packaging, marketing collateral, digital assets, and promotional materials.

• Develop and maintain brand consistency across all visual communications, upholding brand guidelines and standards.

• Create visually compelling product mocks and renders to support sales pitches, trade shows, and marketing campaigns.

• Manage and update project details using workflow management tools (DAM/PIM), ensuring organized and accessible asset libraries.

• Provide clear and comprehensive briefs to external vendors (e.g., co-packers, print partners), ensuring accurate and timely production of materials.

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (e.g., marketing, sales, product development) to understand project requirements and deliver effective design solutions.

• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues with co-packers and print partners, ensuring print quality and adherence to specifications.

• Advocate for and uphold standard operational procedures within the creative department, contributing to process improvements.

• Iterate through multiple rounds of feedback and revisions to finalize designs, ensuring all stakeholders are satisfied and final files meet dissemination requirements.

• Translate rough mockups and renders into polished, print-ready assets for various applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management skills, particularly in managing creative requests through their entire lifecycle. The emphasis on "rapid-turnaround product mocks" and "translating rough mockups into print-ready assets" indicates a fast-paced environment where efficiency and quick execution are critical. The requirement to "advocate for and uphold standard operational procedures" suggests a desire for a designer who can contribute to process optimization within the creative workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience and responsibility. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of applied graphic design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects, preferably within the CPG or food and beverage industry.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating and manipulating graphics, illustrations, and layouts.

• Skilled in 2D rendering for product visualization and mockups.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and vendor communication.

• Ability to build communication hierarchies within designs to convey messages clearly and impactfully.

• Expertise in visually narrating compelling stories through design.

• Proven ability to adapt quickly to shifting project priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Experience with iterative design processes, embracing multiple rounds of revisions.

• Proactive problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and adaptability.

• Master of multitasking and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Growth mindset with a demonstrated enthusiasm for learning and sharing knowledge.

• Proven record of completing projects on time and in full through excellent cross-functional team management, leadership, communication, and influence.

• Self-starter with a proactive initiative and willingness to voice opinions constructively.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with DAM (Digital Asset Management) and PIM (Product Information Management) systems for managing creative assets and product data.

• Experience with established workflow management systems.

• Understanding of print production processes and pre-press requirements.

• Knowledge of branding principles and application across various touchpoints.

• Experience in the food and beverage CPG industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is heavily weighted towards personal characteristics and soft skills, such as adaptability, problem-solving, and a growth mindset, which are crucial for thriving in an "agile environment." The explicit mention of "proven record of completing projects on time and in full through excellent cross functional team. management, leadership, communication and influence" suggests that candidates will be evaluated on their ability to drive projects to completion and influence stakeholders. The "Preferred Skills" hint at the company's investment in systems for managing assets and product information, indicating a move towards more structured operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of applied graphic design work.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, including examples of complex illustrations, photo manipulations, and layout design.

• Specific examples of 2D rendering capabilities for product visualization or mockups.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight the ability to translate rough concepts into polished, print-ready assets.

• Visuals that exemplify strong communication hierarchies and compelling visual storytelling.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have managed creative requests throughout project lifecycles, ideally illustrating workflow management.

• Showcase instances where you have collaborated with external vendors (e.g., print partners, co-packers) and how you ensured clarity and successful project delivery.

• Include projects that demonstrate your ability to uphold brand standards and operational procedures within design execution.

• If possible, include examples of how you have utilized or interacted with DAM/PIM systems or similar workflow tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are geared towards demonstrating practical application of design skills and project management within a creative context. The emphasis on "translating rough mockups into print-ready assets" and "managing creative requests through project lifecycles" suggests that the company values designers who can not only create visually appealing work but also manage the technical and logistical aspects of production. Familiarity with DAM/PIM systems is a plus, indicating the company may use these tools for asset management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000 per year.

Explanation of Range: This range is typical for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in a high-cost-of-living area like Walnut Creek, California, especially within a growing CPG company. Factors influencing the exact salary within this range will include the candidate’s specific qualifications, depth of relevant experience, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401k retirement savings plan

• Bonus / Incentive Eligibility

• Equity Grants

• Competitive Health Benefits (medical, dental, vision)

• Parental Leave

• Other family-friendly benefits

Working Hours: The standard work week is 40 hours. While the role is primarily office-based (4 days/week), Fridays are designated as flex days, offering the option to work from home or in the office based on individual needs and project priorities. This hybrid model aims to balance collaboration with work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is within industry standards for a Graphic Designer with the specified experience in the Bay Area. The benefits package is comprehensive and competitive, aligning with typical offerings for full-time employees in the CPG sector. The hybrid work arrangement, with a clear structure for office days and flex Fridays, is a key aspect of the work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (CPG) - Kinder's is a prominent brand in the CPG space, known for its innovative flavors and strong presence in major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Whole Foods. The company is experiencing significant growth, approaching $1 billion in revenue.

Company Size: The description implies a rapidly scaling company that has outgrown its startup phase but retains an entrepreneurial spirit. It's large enough to have a dedicated internal Creative Department but small enough that individual contributions have a visible impact.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the company is described as "privately held and founder-led," suggesting a history rooted in entrepreneurial vision and a commitment to its original mission.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be an integral part of the internal Creative Department, reporting directly to the Senior Designer.

• This department likely collaborates closely with Marketing, Sales, Product Development, and potentially Operations teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While not explicitly stated, the company's focus on growth and market presence suggests that design decisions are informed by market trends, consumer insights, and business objectives.

• Agile & Lean Operations: The description highlights an agile and lean environment where decisions are made quickly, and teams embrace ambiguity. This implies a focus on iterative processes and rapid execution.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with various departments, indicating a culture that values teamwork and shared ownership of projects.

Company Website: https://www.kinders.com/ (Inferred from company name and context)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as entrepreneurial, dynamic, and people-first, with an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and impact. The "pirate ship" analogy signifies a willingness to challenge norms and pursue ambitious goals. The mention of "approaching $1 billion in revenue" underscores the company's significant growth trajectory and the potential for employees to contribute to and benefit from this expansion.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring a minimum of 3 years of experience and the ability to work independently on projects while also being a strong team collaborator. The designer is expected to contribute significantly to the brand's visual identity and marketing efforts.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Senior Designer, indicating a clear line of mentorship and oversight within the Creative Department. This structure allows for guidance and development while also providing opportunities for the designer to take ownership of their work.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer will have a direct impact on Kinder's brand perception, product appeal, and sales effectiveness. By creating compelling visual assets for sales tools, product packaging, and marketing campaigns, the designer will contribute to consumer engagement, market penetration, and ultimately, revenue growth. The role's output directly influences how consumers perceive the brand and its products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as packaging design, digital marketing graphics, or CPG branding.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Senior Designer role or lead specific creative projects, mentoring junior team members.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Involvement in projects that span marketing, sales, and product development, offering broader business understanding.

• Industry Exposure: Working within a rapidly growing CPG company provides exposure to dynamic market trends, retail partnerships, and evolving consumer preferences.

• Learning & Development: The company culture encourages a "growth mindset" and continuous learning, suggesting access to training, workshops, or opportunities to explore new design technologies and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial growth potential within a thriving CPG company. The direct reporting to a Senior Designer provides a clear path for skill development and potential advancement. The emphasis on impact and contribution to revenue growth is a significant motivator for ambitious designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based onsite in Walnut Creek, CA, with a hybrid work structure. This means the primary work environment is a professional office setting designed to foster collaboration and creativity.

Office Location(s): Walnut Creek, California. This location is in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for its vibrant business ecosystem. Specific details about office amenities or accessibility would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model, with 4 days in the office, is specifically designed to encourage collaboration, personal connections, and team synergy.

• Tools & Technology: While specific software beyond Adobe Creative Suite is not detailed, it's implied that the Creative Department is equipped with the necessary tools to produce high-quality design assets. DAM/PIM systems are mentioned as a plus, suggesting potential for advanced asset management tools.

• Team Interaction: The office-based days are intended to facilitate spontaneous interactions, brainstorming sessions, and direct communication with the Senior Designer and other cross-functional team members.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours. The hybrid model provides flexibility, with Fridays designated as "flex days" where employees can choose to work from home or the office based on their needs and project requirements, promoting a balance between structured work and personal autonomy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature, balancing the need for in-person collaboration with the desire for work-life flexibility. The emphasis on "culture and community" through office presence highlights the company's belief in the value of face-to-face interaction for innovation and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative style.

• Creative Assessment/Portfolio Review: Likely involves a discussion about your portfolio, where you'll be asked to walk through key projects, explain your design process, and articulate the rationale behind your creative decisions. Be prepared to discuss challenges and how you overcame them.

• Skills-Based Task (Potential): A small design challenge or exercise, possibly a rapid-turnaround task or a brief to create a mock-up, to evaluate your proficiency in core software and your ability to meet project requirements under time constraints.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interviews: Interviews with the Senior Designer and potentially other members of the Creative Department or Marketing team to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and ability to collaborate within a team.

• Final Interview: May involve discussions about your overall impact, career aspirations, and alignment with Kinder's "pirate ship" culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (e.g., branding, packaging, digital assets, product mockups).

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly explain your role, the brief, your ideation process, design choices, challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Ensure your work demonstrates mastery of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and if possible, examples of 2D rendering.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved sales, successful product launch).

• Tailor to Kinder's: If possible, include a project or concept that shows an understanding of the CPG/food and beverage industry and Kinder's brand aesthetic.

• Be Ready for Revisions: Practice articulating how you incorporate feedback and iterate on designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand all requirements, constraints, and objectives. Ask clarifying questions.

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely, prioritizing essential elements and ensuring you can deliver a complete, albeit potentially unpolished, submission within the deadline.

• Focus on Core Skills: Demonstrate your proficiency in the required software (Illustrator, Photoshop) and your ability to execute the specific task (e.g., rendering, layout, mock-up creation).

• Articulate Your Strategy: Be prepared to explain your approach, design choices, and any assumptions made during the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing on both creative talent and practical execution. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their design process, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with Kinder's dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. A well-curated portfolio that highlights relevant skills and a clear understanding of the company's brand and industry will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for all graphic design tasks, including vector illustration, photo editing, layout design, and asset creation.

• 2D Rendering Software: Skills in 2D rendering are required for creating product visualizations and mockups. Specific software may vary, but proficiency in industry-standard tools is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• DAM/PIM Systems: Familiarity with Digital Asset Management (DAM) and Product Information Management (PIM) systems is considered a plus. These tools are used for organizing, storing, and retrieving digital assets and product data, crucial for maintaining brand consistency and managing product information across various platforms.

• Workflow Management Tools: Experience with project management or workflow tools is highly valued, as the role involves managing creative requests throughout their lifecycle and collaborating with various stakeholders. Examples might include Asana, Trello, Jira, or internal company-specific systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, along with 2D rendering capabilities. The mention of DAM/PIM systems as a "plus" indicates that while not strictly mandatory, candidates with experience in these asset and information management platforms will have a competitive advantage, suggesting the company is investing in more sophisticated operational tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Flavor Obsession: A deep passion for taste and quality, which extends to a commitment to excellence in all aspects of the business, including design.

• Adventurous & Fearless: Embracing challenges, taking smart risks, and charting a unique course, rather than following conventional paths.

• People-First: Valuing team members, fostering connection, collaboration, and balance.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on seeing the real impact of one's work and contributing to the growth and success of the company and its products.

• Agile & Adaptive: Embracing ambiguity, making quick decisions, and thriving in a dynamic, lean environment.

• Ownership & Initiative: Self-starters who take initiative, speak their minds constructively, and drive projects to completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with marketing, sales, and product development teams is essential to ensure design aligns with business objectives and brand strategy.

• Open Communication: A culture where team members are encouraged to be good communicators and difference-makers, rather than strictly adhering to hierarchy.

• Iterative Process: Embracing multiple rounds of revisions and feedback as a normal part of the creative process, aiming for continuous improvement.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A collective approach to identifying and solving challenges, with a focus on finding solutions and saying "yes" to impactful priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is strongly characterized by its entrepreneurial spirit, a drive for excellence ("flavor obsession"), and a collaborative, people-centric approach. The "pirate ship" analogy highlights a bold, innovative, and team-oriented mindset. Designers are expected to be proactive, communicative, and comfortable with a fast-paced, iterative workflow.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Growth Environment: Keeping pace with the company's rapid expansion and evolving needs, ensuring design output remains consistent and high-quality.

• Balancing Iteration with Deadlines: Managing multiple rounds of revisions effectively while meeting tight deadlines for product launches and marketing campaigns.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring brand integrity across a diverse range of consumer touchpoints and marketing materials as the product line and market presence grow.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Thriving in an environment where decisions are often made with incomplete information, requiring adaptability and quick problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like packaging design, digital asset creation, or motion graphics, depending on company needs and individual interest.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of evolving design trends, particularly within the CPG and food & beverage sectors.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Gaining deeper insights into marketing strategy, sales enablement, and product development through close collaboration.

• Process Improvement: Contributing to the refinement of creative workflows and the implementation of new tools (e.g., DAM/PIM).

• Mentorship: Learning from the Senior Designer and other experienced professionals within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing brand. The challenges are typical of a fast-paced, scaling company, offering significant learning potential. The company's emphasis on a "growth mindset" suggests a supportive environment for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to manage multiple rounds of revisions. How did you handle feedback and ensure the final design met expectations?" (Assesses adaptability and iterative process.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various design applications and consumer touchpoints?" (Evaluates understanding of branding and application.)

• "Walk me through a project where you had to translate a rough concept or mockup into a final, print-ready asset. What were the key steps and challenges?" (Tests practical execution and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Kinder's and our brand?" (Gauges research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers (e.g., marketing, sales) to ensure successful project outcomes?" (Evaluates cross-functional communication and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative is Key: For each project, tell a story that includes the brief, your process, your creative decisions, challenges, and the final results.

• Focus on Impact: Highlight how your design solved a problem, met an objective, or contributed to the brand's success. Quantify results if possible.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, especially Illustrator, Photoshop, and 2D rendering.

• Showcase Adaptability: Be prepared to discuss how you incorporated feedback and iterated on designs.

• Be Enthusiastic: Convey your passion for design and for Kinder's brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and the ability to operate effectively within Kinder's specific culture and operational style. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process, problem-solving skills, and how they align with the company's values of innovation, collaboration, and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and highlights projects that demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, 2D rendering, and brand asset creation. Tailor your selection to showcase experience relevant to CPG or food and beverage industries if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 3+ years of graphic design experience, emphasizing achievements in areas mentioned in the job description (e.g., creating branded materials, managing project lifecycles, collaborating with vendors). Use keywords like "Adobe Illustrator," "Photoshop," "2D Rendering," "Brand Consistency," and "Print-Ready Assets."

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice walking through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your process, challenges, and the impact of your design work. Be ready to discuss your experience with iterative feedback and working in agile environments.

• Research Kinder's: Familiarize yourself with Kinder's products, brand messaging, and recent marketing campaigns. Understand their "pirate ship" culture and how your skills and personality align with it.

⚠️ 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.