Graphic Designer at Molson Coors

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Molson Coors (Coors Distributing Company - CDC)

Location: Denver, CO, United States

Job Type: Regular/Permanent, Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years preferred)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Spearhead the creation of impactful print and digital signage to bolster sales initiatives, enhance customer engagement, and elevate brand visibility within the Denver market.
Ensure all creative assets strictly adhere to supplier brand standards, Coors Distributing Company (CDC) guidelines, and relevant liquor advertising regulations, maintaining brand integrity and legal compliance.
Manage the end-to-end production process for approximately 150,000 signs annually, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail and project management in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Act as a dedicated brand expert for assigned supplier partners, fostering strong relationships and providing specialized creative support to drive their market presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Coors Distributing Company (CDC), a significant beer distributor in Denver, CO, and a company-owned distributor for Molson Coors. The Graphic Designer role is crucial for supporting CDC's extensive sign shop operations, which produce a large volume of point-of-sale (POS) materials. The position requires a blend of creative design skills and an understanding of production processes, brand compliance, and regulatory adherence within the beverage alcohol industry. This is not a typical GTM or RevOps role but falls under marketing operations and creative production support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conceptualize and design creative signage, point-of-sale (POS) materials, and dynamic digital assets utilizing industry-standard software like CorelDRAW and Adobe Creative Suite.
Develop compelling layouts for both print and digital requests, rigorously ensuring brand consistency, design excellence, and alignment with CDC's strategic marketing objectives.
Produce signage that meticulously complies with Colorado liquor laws, specific supplier brand guidelines, and established CDC standards for marketing collateral.
Collaborate closely with the Marketing Activation Team to conceptualize and develop display enhancers, contest signage, promotional assets, and other brand-supportive creative materials.
Effectively prioritize and manage a diverse project workload to ensure all design and production assignments are completed within established timelines, optimizing workflow efficiency.
Conduct thorough reviews and proofreading of all designs prior to production to proactively minimize errors, reduce reprints, and conserve material resources, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
Create bespoke, impactful designs tailored for large-scale events, special promotions, and unique customer requirements, demonstrating creative flexibility and problem-solving abilities.
Design and manage large-format projects, coordinating with Sales Representatives to secure necessary approvals, ensuring alignment with sales strategies and client expectations.
Continuously stay abreast of the latest developments in creative software, emerging design trends, evolving supplier brand standards, and pertinent industry regulations to maintain a competitive edge.
Provide creative development for locally originated marketing initiatives, translating strategic goals into visually engaging creative solutions.
Operate and provide support for printing equipment, including HP R2000, HP Latex, and Xerox Small Format printers, along with associated production software, ensuring operational continuity.
Meet and maintain standard turnaround expectations for sign completion and production requests, contributing to the overall efficiency of the sign shop.
Maintain accurate tracking of completed designs, production output metrics, and inventory levels, providing essential data for operational analysis and reporting.
Serve as the primary brand standards expert for designated supplier partners, ensuring their brand integrity is upheld in all collateral produced.
Manage and maintain up-to-date supplier files, including fonts, creative assets, and comprehensive brand guidelines, ensuring accessibility and accuracy for the team.
Educate and guide teammates on specific supplier branding requirements and approved creative standards, fostering a shared understanding of brand compliance.
Cultivate productive professional relationships with supplier representatives, actively participating in planning discussions and collaborative initiatives to enhance brand representation.
Attend key sales, marketing, and team meetings to maintain a comprehensive understanding of products, promotions, and overarching business priorities, informing creative strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on production-level design and operational efficiency within a specific industry context (beverage alcohol distribution). The need to manage high volumes, adhere to strict regulations, and maintain brand consistency for multiple suppliers indicates a need for robust project management and an understanding of the commercial impact of design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a closely related field is preferred. Experience:
1-2 years of professional experience in graphic design, signage production, or the printing industry is preferred. Required Skills:
Demonstrated proficiency in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
Proven ability in creative problem-solving and translating marketing objectives into compelling visual solutions.
Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
High level of personal accountability and a results-oriented approach to task completion.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for collaborating with internal teams and external partners.
Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse departments and with external supplier representatives.
Meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality control in all design and production outputs.
Aptitude for working efficiently and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced operational setting. Preferred Skills:
Hands-on experience with CorelDRAW and the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
Familiarity with large-format printing techniques and production workflows.
Experience with HP printers (e.g., R2000, Latex), Xerox Small Format printers, and associated production software like Onyx Production House or HP Flexi Print.
Understanding of print production processes, including material selection, color management, and finishing techniques.
Knowledge of supplier brand guidelines and regulatory compliance within the beverage alcohol industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is explicitly stated as "preferred," indicating that strong foundational skills and a compelling portfolio might outweigh extensive years of experience for candidates with 0-2 years in the field. The emphasis on specific software like CorelDRAW and Adobe Creative Suite, alongside printing equipment, is critical.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A curated portfolio showcasing a range of creative design work, with a strong emphasis on signage, POS materials, and digital assets.
Demonstrations of ability to maintain brand consistency across different projects and for various clients or suppliers.
Examples of problem-solving through design, illustrating how creative solutions addressed specific marketing or sales challenges.
Visual evidence of understanding and application of design principles relevant to print media and large-format applications.
Inclusion of a portfolio link on the resume is highly preferred, facilitating efficient review by the hiring team. Process Documentation:
Showcase examples of workflow management for design projects, highlighting how projects were initiated, developed, reviewed, and finalized.
Demonstrate experience in adhering to established production processes, including proofing stages, material considerations, and final output checks.
Illustrate an understanding of how design processes integrate with printing operations, ensuring smooth transitions from digital file to physical product.
Provide evidence of managing and updating design assets and brand guideline documentation for multiple entities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions that a "Portfolio link included on resume is preferred." This is a critical requirement for this creative role and suggests that candidates should prepare a digital portfolio that highlights relevant experience in signage, POS, and digital asset creation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

While a specific hourly rate is not provided in the raw data (indicated by [[custPayRate]]), typical entry to mid-level Graphic Designer roles in Denver, CO, with 0-2 years of experience, often range from $45,000 to $60,000 annually, or approximately $22-$29 per hour. This estimate considers the cost of living in Denver and industry benchmarks for creative roles. Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package available starting on day one.
Participation in Molson Coors' Total Rewards program.
Parental leave.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Opportunities for quarterly, annual, and summer bonus programs.
Access to professional development opportunities and career growth pathways within CDC.
On-site gym facility.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Discount plans.
Gratis beer.
On-site bar and employee hospitality events for networking and team building. Working Hours:
Standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with the expectation of being physically present at the Coors Distributing Company office in Denver, CO.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry standards for similar roles in the Denver area and the provided experience level. The specific hourly rate placeholder [[custPayRate]] suggests that this information might be dynamically populated or available upon further inquiry. The benefits package is extensive and a significant draw for potential candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (specifically Beer Distribution)

Company Size: Approximately 400 employees at Coors Distributing Company (CDC). Molson Coors Beverage Company is a much larger global entity. CDC operates as a significant, company-owned distributor within this structure.

Founded: Coors Distributing Company was founded in 1971. It became a MillerCoors LLC in 2008 and remains the only company-owned distributor for Molson Coors Beverage Company.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer reports to the Sign Shop Supervisor.
Close collaboration with the Marketing Activation Team, Sales Team, Supplier Representatives, and other members of the Marketing department.
The role is embedded within the CDC's Sign Shop, a high-volume production unit. Methodology:
Data-driven approach to design output tracking and inventory reporting.
Emphasis on workflow optimization and efficiency within the sign production process.
Focus on maintaining strict brand consistency and regulatory compliance in all creative output.
Collaborative methodology involving cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing) and external stakeholders (Suppliers).

Company Website: https://careers.molsoncoors.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at CDC is shaped by its role as a critical distribution link in the beverage alcohol industry, emphasizing operational efficiency, brand adherence, and strong supplier relationships. The integration within Molson Coors provides a larger corporate framework, but CDC maintains its distinct operational identity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry to Mid-Level Creative/Production Support. This role is foundational for developing expertise in brand management within a regulated industry and gaining experience in high-volume creative production.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Sign Shop Supervisor, indicating a clear line of management and oversight within the production team. Collaboration extends horizontally to marketing and sales teams.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts sales performance by creating effective POS materials and signage that influence consumer purchasing decisions at retail. Accurate brand representation and compliance also mitigate legal risks and enhance supplier relationships, indirectly supporting overall business operations and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

Specialization: Develop deep expertise in beverage alcohol marketing regulations, supplier brand management, and large-format print production.
Skill Advancement: Master advanced features of CorelDRAW, Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially explore new design and production technologies.
Leadership Potential: Progress to senior designer roles, team lead positions within the sign shop, or transition into broader marketing roles within CDC or Molson Coors, leveraging a strong understanding of brand execution and operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating proficiency in managing high-volume production, mastering brand compliance, and contributing to sales effectiveness through creative output. The connection to a major beverage company like Molson Coors offers potential for broader career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role within the Coors Distributing Company facilities in Denver, CO. This includes working within the dedicated Sign Shop environment.

Office Location(s): Denver, CO.

Workspace Context:

The role operates within a production-focused environment (the Sign Shop), which may be dynamic and fast-paced.
Access to specialized printing equipment and design software is integral to the workspace.
Opportunities for collaboration with team members within the Sign Shop, Marketing Activation, and Sales departments.
The environment requires a balance of focused individual design work and active team interaction. Work Schedule:
Standard full-time work hours, likely Monday through Friday, with an expectation of consistent on-site presence to manage production timelines and collaborate effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "physical presence within Coors Distributing Company" underscores the on-site nature of this role, which is typical for production and operational support functions that require direct access to equipment and team collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Application Submission: Submit resume with a preferred portfolio link.
Initial Screening: Review of qualifications, experience, and portfolio content to assess suitability for the role and alignment with design requirements.
Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Potential for a practical design exercise or portfolio review session to evaluate creative skills, technical proficiency (software usage), and problem-solving abilities. This may involve creating a sample asset or discussing past projects in detail.
Interviews: Behavioral and situational interviews with the Sign Shop Supervisor and potentially members of the Marketing Activation team to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and ability to work in a collaborative, regulated environment.
Final Evaluation: Assessment based on technical skills, creative output, problem-solving capabilities, and alignment with CDC's operational and cultural expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your ability to create impactful signage, POS materials, and digital assets. Prioritize work relevant to the beverage industry or similar fast-paced, brand-sensitive environments.
Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the challenge, your creative approach, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. This demonstrates your thought process and problem-solving skills.
Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied strict brand guidelines or adapted designs for different suppliers, demonstrating your understanding of brand consistency and compliance.
Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in CorelDRAW and Adobe Creative Suite, and mention any experience with large-format printing or production software.
Clarity and Professionalism: Organize your portfolio logically, ensure high-quality images/previews, and provide concise descriptions. A well-organized portfolio reflects strong attention to detail.

Challenge Preparation:

Familiarize Yourself: Research Molson Coors and Coors Distributing Company's brands, marketing campaigns, and any recent promotions. Understand their visual identity.
Practice Software: Brush up on your CorelDRAW and Adobe Creative Suite skills, focusing on features relevant to signage and print production.
Regulatory Awareness: Briefly review general principles of liquor advertising regulations in Colorado to understand the context of compliance requirements.
Communication: Prepare to articulate your design choices, explain your workflow, and discuss how you handle feedback and revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component of this application process. Candidates should prepare a digital portfolio that is easily accessible and clearly demonstrates their capabilities in the specific areas mentioned in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

CorelDRAW: Essential for creating vector graphics and layouts, particularly for signage and print production. Proficiency is highly preferred.
Adobe Creative Suite: Includes Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics), and InDesign (layout and page design). Strong proficiency is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not a primary analytics role, the position involves tracking completed designs, production output, and inventory reporting, suggesting familiarity with basic data logging and reporting tools. CRM & Automation:
Not directly mentioned, but collaboration with Sales and Marketing teams implies potential interaction with CRM systems or marketing automation platforms in a user capacity, though not for direct management. Printing & Production Software:
HP R2000 & HP Latex Printers: Experience operating or supporting these large-format printing technologies is preferred.
Xerox Small Format Printers: Familiarity with standard office or smaller-scale printing equipment.
Onyx Production House / HP Flexi Print: Production management software for large-format printing is preferred, indicating a need for understanding workflow management in a print shop.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expertise in CorelDRAW and the Adobe Creative Suite is paramount. Familiarity with specific printing hardware and associated production software is a significant plus and indicates a more prepared candidate for the operational aspects of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Quality & Precision: A strong emphasis on accuracy, attention to detail, and delivering high-quality design and print output to minimize errors and waste.
Efficiency & Productivity: Driving high output volumes (150,000 signs annually) while meeting established turnaround times, reflecting a results-oriented operational culture.
Brand Stewardship: Deep respect for and adherence to supplier brand standards and company guidelines to maintain brand integrity.
Collaboration & Communication: Working effectively across departments and with external partners to achieve shared marketing and sales goals.
Compliance & Responsibility: Understanding and adhering to industry regulations, particularly liquor advertising laws.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engages with Marketing Activation, Sales, and Supplier Representatives to ensure creative efforts align with business objectives and promotional strategies.
Feedback Incorporation: Openness to receiving and acting on feedback from supervisors, colleagues, and supplier partners to refine designs and production processes.
Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to educate teammates on brand standards and best practices, fostering a collective understanding and improving team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a balance between creative excellence and operational rigor, crucial in a regulated industry where brand consistency and compliance are paramount for business success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

High Volume Production: Managing a large output of diverse design requests within tight deadlines requires exceptional organizational skills and efficient workflow management.
Brand Compliance Complexity: Juggling multiple supplier brand guidelines, regulatory requirements, and CDC standards simultaneously can be demanding.
Balancing Creativity and Constraints: Delivering innovative designs while strictly adhering to brand rules and legal limitations requires creative problem-solving.
Technical Proficiency Maintenance: Keeping up-to-date with evolving design software, printing technologies, and industry best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Specialized Skill Development: Deepen expertise in large-format printing, color management, and production workflows.
Industry Knowledge: Gain in-depth understanding of the beverage alcohol distribution industry, including marketing strategies and regulatory landscapes.
Software Mastery: Become an expert user of CorelDRAW, Adobe Creative Suite, and production management software.
Career Progression: Potential to move into senior design roles, print production management, or broader marketing coordination positions within CDC or Molson Coors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around managing volume, complexity, and constraints. Growth opportunities lie in deepening specialized skills and leveraging this experience for advancement within the company's operational and marketing functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a time you had to balance multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and manage your workload?" (Focus on prioritization, time management, and workflow strategies.)
"How do you ensure brand consistency across different design assets and for multiple clients or suppliers?" (Highlight your process for understanding and applying brand guidelines, and your attention to detail.)
"Walk us through your process for creating a piece of signage from initial concept to final production. What software and steps are involved?" (Demonstrate your understanding of the design-to-print workflow and technical skills.) Company & Culture Questions:
"What interests you about working for Molson Coors/Coors Distributing Company, specifically in this Graphic Designer role?" (Research the company's brands, history, and values. Connect your skills to their needs.)
"How do you handle feedback or revisions on your designs, especially if they come from multiple stakeholders?" (Showcase your ability to collaborate, adapt, and maintain professionalism.)
"What do you know about the regulations surrounding alcohol advertising, and how would you ensure your designs comply?" (Indicate awareness of the industry's constraints and your commitment to compliance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Select Key Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best represent your skills in signage, POS, and digital design.
Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Quantify results if possible (e.g., "designed promotional materials that supported a 15% increase in sales for X product").
Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the specific software and techniques you used.
Address Constraints: If a project had specific brand or regulatory limitations, explain how you creatively worked within those boundaries.
Be Prepared for Live Exercises: If asked to do a design challenge, approach it systematically, communicate your thought process, and manage your time effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, technical skills, ability to manage volume and constraints, and their understanding of brand compliance within the regulated beverage alcohol industry. The portfolio is central to demonstrating these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application through the Molson Coors careers portal, ensuring you include a link to your online portfolio on your resume.
Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant experience in signage, POS materials, and digital asset creation, showcasing your ability to work with brand guidelines and in a production environment.
Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with CorelDRAW and Adobe Creative Suite, any relevant production experience, and your understanding of design principles for print and digital media.
Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you manage projects. Be ready to articulate your experience with specific software and potentially complete a design exercise.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Molson Coors' brands, Coors Distributing Company's role, and the general landscape of the beverage alcohol industry to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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