Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: McKee Foods Corporation

Location: Collegedale, TN, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the visual identity of established CPG brands, focusing on both digital and print applications within a corporate marketing team.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating brand strategies into compelling visual assets, ensuring consistency and compliance across all marketing and packaging materials.

• This position requires a blend of creative design skills, technical proficiency in design software, and an understanding of production processes for packaging and marketing collateral.

• The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Brand Management, and Product Management, to deliver high-impact design solutions that support business objectives and brand equity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided title is "Graphic Designer," the detailed responsibilities, particularly those involving packaging compliance, marketing collateral, and collaboration with brand/product managers, strongly suggest a role that bridges creative design with elements of Marketing Operations and Brand Management. The emphasis on brand equity and regulatory adherence points to a need for operational rigor alongside creative output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute on-brand static graphics, animations, infographics, and short-form video assets for social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) and other digital channels.

• Design and assist in the implementation of consumer packaging, store display materials, and various marketing collateral for both digital and print applications.

• Maintain and uphold brand equity by adhering to corporate initiatives and operational plans, ensuring design consistency across all touchpoints.

• Collaborate with Package Administrators to ensure government compliance on ingredient lists, net weight, and nutrition facts, strictly following FDA design standards.

• Review and approve artwork for print, verifying accuracy of all design elements, text, and regulatory information before production.

• Conceptualize and create innovative, on-trend packaging designs for consumer products, informed by market research, management input, and corporate strategic goals.

• Design marketing collateral, brand identities, and other visual assets as required to support company-wide marketing efforts and initiatives.

• Coordinate effectively with internal stakeholders and external vendors to gather necessary information for packaging development and to ensure artwork accuracy and timely delivery.

• Create professional packaging mockups for internal review, presentations, and vendor communication.

• Establish and maintain color standards, obtaining necessary color approvals to ensure visual consistency and quality in final printed materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for meticulous attention to detail, particularly concerning regulatory compliance (FDA, FTC) and print production knowledge. This suggests the role requires more than just creative flair; it demands an operational understanding of manufacturing processes and legal requirements within the CPG industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field, or equivalent practical experience (two years of relevant experience can substitute for one year of education).

Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of related graphic design experience, with a strong preference for experience in CPG brand packaging design.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, for advanced graphic design and layout tasks.

• Demonstrated ability to create engaging static graphics, animations, and infographics for digital platforms.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a high level of design proficiency, creativity, and problem-solving skills across various media.

• Competency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for collaboration, documentation, and project management.

• Proven capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the company professionally to external vendors and internal stakeholders.

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design and compliance-related tasks.

• Adaptability and flexibility to thrive in a dynamic work environment with evolving demands.

• Goal-oriented and results-driven mindset, with a proactive approach to achieving project objectives.

• High level of initiative and self-motivation, demonstrating dependability and a commitment to self-directed work.

• Willingness to accept occasional travel assignments for vendor meetings or project-specific needs.

• Commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements in graphic design and identifying opportunities for their application within the organization. Preferred Skills:

• Competency in videography software such as Adobe Premiere, Capcut, or equivalent for creating short-form video content.

• Knowledge of flexographic and offset printing techniques, including the prepress process, for effective artwork preparation and vendor communication.

• Prior experience working collaboratively on cross-functional teams, contributing to shared project goals.

• Direct experience in package design development for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands.

• Experience with product photography, including setup, shooting, and post-production editing.

• Familiarity with point-of-purchase (POP) display production and design principles.

• Knowledge of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) laws as they pertain to product labeling and marketing claims.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an Associate's degree or equivalent experience, coupled with a preference for 2+ years of experience and specific software proficiencies, indicates a mid-level role. The inclusion of knowledge in printing techniques and regulatory laws suggests the company values practical application and compliance in its design processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects that demonstrate proficiency across digital and print mediums, with a particular emphasis on packaging design if applicable.

• Include examples of brand identity development, marketing collateral, and social media assets that highlight creativity and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Present case studies that illustrate your process from concept to final execution, detailing problem-solving approaches, design decisions, and achieved outcomes.

• Demonstrate your ability to interpret and apply complex information, such as regulatory requirements and market research, into effective design solutions.

• Highlight projects where you managed multiple stakeholders and successfully navigated feedback loops to deliver final approved assets. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your workflow for managing design projects from brief to final delivery, including time management and resource allocation strategies.

• Articulate your process for ensuring brand consistency and compliance across all design outputs, detailing how you collaborate with regulatory or quality assurance teams.

• Explain your approach to incorporating feedback from various stakeholders and vendors, and how you manage revisions and approvals.

• Describe your methods for staying current with design trends, software updates, and production technologies relevant to the CPG industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role with a strong emphasis on packaging and compliance, a portfolio should ideally showcase not just aesthetic appeal but also the ability to integrate technical requirements, regulatory information, and brand strategy seamlessly. Demonstrating a structured design process is key for a role that interfaces with production and compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $52,600 - $92,500 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Competitive weekly pay structure.

• Profit-sharing cash bonus program, providing an opportunity for employees to share in the company's success.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions from the company.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package totaling 25 days annually, covering vacation, holidays, sick time, and personal needs.

• Comprehensive medical insurance, including health, dental, vision, and prescription drug plan coverage.

• Supplemental insurance plans, such as life insurance, to provide additional security.

• Fully-paid parental leave for new parents, supporting work-life balance during significant life events.

• Access to an on-site Health Center and Pharmacy (in Collegedale, TN).

• Mental wellness counseling services, available on-site in TN and virtually for remote employees.

• Tuition reimbursement program to support continuous learning and professional development.

• Access to a Credit Union for financial services.

• On-site exercise and recreation facility to promote employee health and well-being.

• Wellness programs with incentives to encourage healthy lifestyles.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability benefits.

Working Hours: 1st Shift (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Hours may flex based on individual and company needs. This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of three days on-site per week, typically Tuesday through Thursday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and appears to be competitive for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Collegedale, TN area. The benefits package is extensive and robust, reflecting a company culture that prioritizes employee well-being, work-life balance, and long-term security, which is a significant draw for operations-minded professionals who value stability and comprehensive support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage, specifically a family-owned bakery specializing in well-known consumer packaged goods (CPGs) like Little Debbie®, Drake’s® Cakes, and Sunbelt Bakery® Granola Bars. This industry context means a focus on consumer appeal, brand recognition, and high-volume production.

Company Size: McKee Foods Corporation is a substantial organization, indicated by its long history and diverse product lines. While not explicitly stated in the raw data, a company with multiple legacy brands and a corporate marketing team typically operates with hundreds to thousands of employees. This size suggests structured processes, established brand guidelines, and a stable operational environment.

Founded: 1934. This long history signifies a company with deep-rooted traditions, established brand loyalty, and a stable market presence. For operations roles, this often translates to robust systems, well-defined processes, and a commitment to long-term employee security and growth.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Corporate Marketing team, which implies a central function supporting multiple brands and business units.

• This team likely includes specialists in brand management, product marketing, digital marketing, and potentially other creative roles, fostering a collaborative environment.

• The reporting structure is likely to be a Marketing Director or Manager, with direct interaction with Brand Managers and Product Managers across various product lines. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While the primary focus is design, the role requires an understanding of market research and consumer insights to inform packaging and marketing collateral design. This implies data-driven decision-making for creative output.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The need to manage multiple projects, adhere to deadlines, and collaborate with vendors necessitates efficient workflow planning and potential optimization of design processes.

• Automation & Efficiency: Staying abreast of technological advances suggests a proactive approach to leveraging tools and techniques that enhance design efficiency and output quality.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on iconic CPG brands suggest a culture that values both tradition and innovation. For operations professionals, this implies a stable yet dynamic environment where proven processes are respected, but there's also an openness to adopting new technologies and methodologies to maintain market leadership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned as a mid-level position, indicated by the requirement for 2+ years of experience and the "Salaried grade 2, 4, 6, or 8" pay structure, which allows for growth within the role based on performance and expanded responsibilities. It offers a solid foundation for a career in CPG brand design and marketing operations.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Corporate Marketing team, likely under a Marketing Manager or Director. Close collaboration with Brand Managers and Product Managers is expected, providing exposure to strategic decision-making and cross-functional project management.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, consumer engagement, and sales performance through visually appealing and compliant packaging and marketing materials. Effective design contributes to brand equity, market differentiation, and regulatory adherence, which are critical operational outcomes for a CPG company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to specialize in CPG packaging design, digital asset creation, or videography, progressing to senior designer or lead roles.

• Learning & Development: Opportunities to gain deeper knowledge of printing techniques, regulatory compliance (FDA/FTC), and market research through on-the-job experience and potential company-supported training.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and expanded responsibilities, there's potential to move into team lead positions, manage junior designers, or transition into related marketing operations or brand management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a graded salary structure and the broad experience range (2-5 years) suggests built-in career progression within the Graphic Designer title itself. The company's emphasis on work-life balance and long-term security also contributes to a stable career path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring a minimum of three days on-site per week (Tuesday – Thursday) at the Collegedale, TN headquarters. This setup balances the need for in-person collaboration and access to company resources with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): 10260 McKee Road, Collegedale, TN 37315. This is the primary corporate headquarters, suggesting a well-established and equipped office space designed to support a large workforce.

Workspace Context:

• The on-site days will foster a collaborative environment, encouraging direct interaction with marketing, brand, and product management teams. This is crucial for design projects that require real-time feedback and brainstorming.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided, along with potential in-house production resources or support for external vendor coordination.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work during remote days while maintaining team cohesion and spontaneous idea exchange during on-site days.

Work Schedule: Standard 1st Shift hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) with potential flexibility based on individual and company needs. This structured schedule supports work-life balance while ensuring operational coverage during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with specific on-site days (Tue-Thu) provides clarity for planning and coordination. The emphasis on collaboration during on-site days is a key aspect for creative roles that benefit from direct human interaction and shared creative processes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications, design skills, and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design rationale, and their role in the creative process. This is an opportunity to showcase problem-solving abilities and communication skills.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or skills test to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and ability to meet specific design briefs under timed conditions.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with hiring managers, marketing team members, and potentially brand managers to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of brand objectives.

• Final Interview: Discussion of role expectations, compensation, benefits, and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills, especially CPG packaging design, digital assets, and any video work.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly explain the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome or impact. Visuals of early concepts and iterations are beneficial.

• Highlight Compliance & Technical Skills: If possible, include examples where you’ve incorporated regulatory information, adhered to strict brand guidelines, or worked with print production considerations.

• Tailor to McKee Foods: Emphasize projects that align with the company's brands and target audience. Demonstrate an understanding of their market position and aesthetic.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to articulate your design decisions, justify your choices, and answer questions about your workflow, software proficiency, and collaborative experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Design Briefs: Familiarize yourself with common CPG design challenges, such as creating packaging concepts, social media ad graphics, or simple animations.

• Time Management: If a timed challenge is given, practice working efficiently within constraints, prioritizing key elements, and delivering a polished final product.

• Software Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable navigating and utilizing key features in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator quickly and effectively.

• Verbalizing Process: Practice explaining your design thinking and process clearly and concisely, as you may need to present your work or thought process during the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges highlights the practical, results-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creativity but also the ability to execute designs that meet specific business and regulatory requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator for all graphic design, layout, and image manipulation tasks.

• Videography Software: Competency in Adobe Premiere, Capcut, or similar is preferred for creating short-form video assets for social media.

• Google Workspace: Necessary for collaborative document creation, spreadsheet management, and presentation development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytical role, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics on social media platforms or packaging scan data could be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards used by marketing teams might be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are listed as primary requirements for this design role, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of the technology stack revolves around Adobe Creative Cloud. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. The preference for videography software indicates a growing need for dynamic content creation, which is a key trend in digital marketing operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Stewardship: A deep respect for brand integrity and consistency, ensuring all visual communications accurately represent McKee Foods' legacy and values.

• Quality & Accuracy: A commitment to high standards in design execution, with meticulous attention to detail, especially concerning regulatory compliance and print accuracy.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A proactive approach to working with diverse teams, valuing input, and contributing to shared project success.

• Efficiency & Innovation: An openness to adopting new technologies and optimizing workflows to improve design output and meet evolving market demands.

• Work-Life Balance: A culture that supports employee well-being through reasonable hours, ample PTO, and comprehensive benefits, fostering long-term commitment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Marketing, Brand Management, Product Management, and potentially Sales teams, requiring clear communication and understanding of different departmental objectives.

• Feedback-Driven Process: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs, with designers expected to interpret and implement revisions effectively.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share design best practices, industry trends, and creative solutions within the marketing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: McKee Foods' emphasis on work-life balance, profit sharing, and long-term security points to a stable, employee-centric culture. For operations professionals, this translates to a supportive environment where contributions are valued and long-term careers are fostered.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: The primary challenge will be to produce innovative and engaging designs while strictly adhering to FDA/FTC regulations and internal brand guidelines, especially for packaging.

• Managing Multiple Brand Needs: Effectively switching creative gears to design for different brands (Little Debbie, Sunbelt, Drake's) with distinct identities and target audiences.

• Fast-Paced Production Cycles: Keeping up with the demands of the CPG industry, which often involves tight deadlines for product launches, promotional campaigns, and packaging updates.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Platforms: Staying current with the rapid changes in social media trends, video formats, and digital design best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized CPG Design: Deepen expertise in packaging design, print production processes (flexographic, offset), and regulatory labeling within the food and beverage sector.

• Digital Content Creation: Expand skills in animation, motion graphics, and short-form video editing for social media and digital advertising.

• Brand Strategy Integration: Gain a better understanding of how design directly influences brand perception, consumer behavior, and sales performance by working closely with marketing and brand teams.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learn about product development, market research, and marketing campaign execution through collaboration with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a Graphic Designer in a CPG environment, requiring both creative agility and operational discipline. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear paths for skill enhancement and career progression within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative vision with strict regulatory requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on FDA/FTC compliance and problem-solving)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a new packaging design for a CPG product. What factors do you consider?" (Highlight market research, brand strategy, and production knowledge)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, especially in social media and short-form video, and how have you applied these trends in your work?" (Showcase proactivity and adaptability) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about McKee Foods' brands, such as Little Debbie or Sunbelt Bakery, from a design perspective?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a hybrid work environment, especially when working with teams in different locations or with varied departmental goals?" (Highlight communication and teamwork skills)

• "Describe a time you received difficult feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?" (Assess resilience, coachability, and problem-solving) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your process, and the impact. Use visuals effectively, but don't let them overpower your explanation.

• Quantify When Possible: If you have data on how your design improved engagement, sales, or reduced errors, present it. For example, "This packaging redesign led to a 10% increase in shelf appeal according to preliminary consumer feedback."

• Emphasize CPG Relevance: Highlight projects that demonstrate understanding of CPG challenges, such as shelf presence, ingredient labeling, and brand storytelling.

• Show Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, and how they contributed to the final outcome. If you have video or animation examples, ensure they are easily accessible and well-presented.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: If a practical test is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly, prioritizing key elements, and delivering a clean, well-reasoned design within the time limit.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for questions that probe both creative methodology and operational understanding (like compliance and production) is key. Demonstrating an ability to translate business needs into effective visual solutions is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the McKee Foods careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, CPG packaging design, social media content creation, and any regulatory compliance work. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most relevant and impactful design projects, focusing on those that showcase your skills in packaging, digital media, and brand consistency. Prepare a clear narrative for each project.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with hybrid work and cross-functional collaboration.

• Research McKee Foods: Familiarize yourself with their brands (Little Debbie, Sunbelt Bakery, Drake's Cakes), their company history, values, and recent marketing initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.