Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Ricon Inc

Location: Hazelwood, MO, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-05-04

Experience Level: Entry-Level to Junior (0-3 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in supporting the marketing and sales efforts of Ricon Inc.'s beverage brands through impactful visual design.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating a wide range of digital and print assets that align with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• A key aspect of this position involves a strong understanding of marketing principles and how creative design can drive business outcomes, particularly in the fast-growing beverage sector.

• This role requires active collaboration with internal teams, including marketing, sales, and content creators, to ensure cohesive and effective brand messaging across all channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes a "marketing/business mindset," "supporting B2B brands," and creating "digital marketing strategies to support online sales." This suggests the role extends beyond pure aesthetics to encompass driving business objectives through design, aligning it closely with marketing operations and GTM strategies. The inclusion of AI tool utilization and specific digital marketing platforms like Klayvio also points to a modern, operations-minded approach to creative execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-quality digital assets for B2C brands, including engaging social media graphics (Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, LinkedIn), email marketing visuals (Klayvio), paid media campaign imagery, and product mockups.

• Create and manage print collateral for B2B brands, such as presentations, sales sheets, equipment graphics, sample labels, table tents, flyers, banners, and menus.

• Design graphics and visual content for content creators and developers working with platforms like Twitch and YouTube, enhancing their online presence.

• Support photography shoots by preparing necessary visual elements and ensuring brand consistency in all visual outputs.

• Develop internal collateral and templates to streamline company-wide communications and branding efforts.

• Collaborate with the sales team to create visually compelling materials that support traditional B2B sales channels and online sales strategies.

• Stay ahead of current design and branding trends, incorporating innovative ideas into brand campaigns and visual assets.

• Assist with general administrative duties as needed to support the broader marketing team and ensure smooth operational workflow.

• Utilize project management tools, specifically Basecamp, for organizing projects, tracking progress, and communicating with team members.

• Participate actively in internal team meetings, contributing to research, planning, and brainstorming sessions for marketing and branding initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for a designer who can translate marketing objectives into tangible visual assets for both direct-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) contexts. The emphasis on specific platforms (Klayvio, Twitch, YouTube) and sales support materials highlights the operational integration of design within the GTM strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: 0-3 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on marketing and brand development.

Required Skills:

• High level of proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a specialization in Photoshop and Illustrator for digital and print asset creation.

• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for collateral development and general business communication.

• Demonstrated understanding of typography, layout principles, and visual hierarchy.

• Experience in creating digital assets for social media platforms and digital marketing campaigns.

• Ability to design print materials, including sales collateral, promotional items, and menus.

• Familiarity with basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for problem-solving, image generation, and workflow acceleration.

• Excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration and feedback exchange.

Preferred Skills:

• Interest in the coffee and cocktail beverage industries, with an understanding of market aesthetics.

• Experience with vector art creation and character design using Adobe Illustrator.

• Familiarity with email marketing platforms like Klayvio and e-commerce platforms such as Shopify.

• Prior experience in a restaurant, serving, or bartending role, providing insight into the hospitality industry.

• Experience in building promotional graphics and understanding campaign effectiveness.

• Exposure to or experience with project management software, with a preference for Basecamp.

• Passion for photography, including an understanding of visual composition and editing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-3 Years" experience level suggests this role is ideal for recent graduates or individuals early in their design careers. The requirements emphasize practical software skills and a foundational understanding of marketing principles, which are crucial for operations-adjacent creative roles. The mention of AI tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to design efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design work, including B2B sales collateral, B2C social media graphics, email marketing examples, and product mockups.

• The portfolio must demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, with clear examples of design problem-solving and creative execution.

• Include case studies or project descriptions that highlight your role in the design process, from concept to final output, and any measurable impact.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed design projects from brief to completion, demonstrating workflow organization and time management.

• Visuals of internal templates or collateral you have created, illustrating efficiency and brand standardization.

• Any work that shows your ability to adapt designs for different marketing channels (e.g., print vs. digital, social vs. email).

• Showcase of how you've incorporated feedback or iterated on designs based on stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a digital portfolio, including a link on the resume, is critical. The portfolio should not only display aesthetic skills but also evidence of understanding marketing objectives, brand application, and efficient workflow management, which are key for operations-focused roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 0-3 years of experience in the Hazelwood, MO area, the estimated annual salary range is $45,000 - $60,000. This range accounts for the entry-level nature of the role, the specific skill set required, and the cost of living in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Medical and Dental Insurance: 100% of employee premiums covered by Ricon Inc.

• Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) and Vacation days.

• 10 Paid Holidays annually.

• Vision Insurance.

• Life Insurance.

• Disability Insurance.

• 401K Retirement Plan with a company match.

• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption).

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Perks include free coffee and access to Ricon Inc.'s beverage products.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While specific daily hours may vary, the role is on-site and expected to maintain standard business hours to facilitate team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data for entry-level graphic designers in the Midwest US, adjusted for the specific location. The benefits package is comprehensive, especially the 100% medical/dental coverage for employees, which is a significant perk. The mention of "free coffee and more!" aligns with the company's beverage industry focus.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (specifically beverages, including craft mixers, juices, and branded products). Ricon Inc. operates within a dynamic and competitive sector, emphasizing innovation, quality, and timely product offerings.

Company Size: Information not explicitly provided, but the mention of "fast-growing company" and presence in "over 35,000 restaurants, hotels, casinos, bars, cruise ships, nightclubs, music venues, and stadiums" suggests a significant and expanding operation.

Founded: Founded date not specified, but the company has a substantial market presence, indicating established operations and growth trajectory.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the marketing team, likely reporting to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director.

• The team structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with the designer working closely with sales, content creators, and potentially product development.

Methodology:

• Data-driven approach to marketing and design, focusing on impact and ROI.

• Emphasis on innovation and staying current with industry trends.

• Core values (Positivity, Hustle, Respect, Toughness + Honesty) guide daily operations and interactions.

• Utilization of project management tools (Basecamp) for organized workflow and clear communication.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=39cb7453-c44a-491b-88d7-9f5908e6e402&jobId=563041&ccId=9201205691866_3 (Note: This is an ADP recruitment portal link, not a direct company website.)

Potential Company Website: While not directly provided, the domain ricon.org might be a related entity or a place to find more company information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on beverage brands, widespread distribution, and emphasis on innovation suggests a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. The core values are actionable and should inform how candidates present themselves and their work. The operational aspect is highlighted by the structured use of Basecamp.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior designer (0-3 years of experience). It serves as a foundational role within the marketing and creative functions, offering hands-on experience in executing design strategies for a growing company. The emphasis on a "marketing/business mindset" provides a pathway for growth beyond pure design execution.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or a similar leadership role within the marketing department. This structure facilitates direct feedback and guidance.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, sales enablement (through marketing collateral), and customer engagement (via digital assets). Their contribution is crucial for creating a cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints, supporting both B2B and B2C sales efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital marketing, packaging design, motion graphics) based on project involvement and company needs.

• Brand Strategy Involvement: As experience grows, there's potential to contribute more significantly to brand strategy development and creative concepting.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining exposure to sales, marketing automation, and e-commerce operations can lead to roles with broader operational scope.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and growth, potential to move into a Senior Graphic Designer role or manage design projects.

• Industry Expertise: Developing a niche in the beverage industry, which can be valuable for future opportunities in CPG marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role leans towards deepening design expertise within a marketing operations framework, rather than a traditional operations management track. The key is to leverage design skills to support business objectives and gain exposure to broader marketing functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "on-site at our headquarters in St. Louis," indicating a traditional office environment.

Office Location(s): Hazelwood, MO, part of the St. Louis metropolitan area. This location likely offers access to a sizable talent pool and a blend of urban and suburban amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "fast-paced," requiring adaptability and efficiency.

• Collaboration is a key component, with opportunities to interact with various team members across marketing and sales.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology is implied, including Adobe CC and Microsoft Office. The mention of AI tools suggests a modern tech stack.

• The company culture emphasizes "Positivity, Hustle, Respect, Toughness + Honesty," shaping the daily interactions and work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, with an on-site presence required. Flexibility might be available within standard business hours, but the emphasis on collaboration and on-site work suggests a structured schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a critical factor for applicants. The "fast-paced" environment and emphasis on core values suggest a demanding but potentially rewarding workplace culture for those who thrive in such settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Focus on resume and, critically, the provided digital portfolio link. Ensure it highlights relevant design skills and marketing understanding.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to walk through their portfolio, explaining their design process, creative choices, and how their work supports business objectives. Expect questions on typography, layout, and brand consistency.

• Technical/Creative Challenge: A design exercise may be given to assess practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and efficiency under time constraints. This could involve creating a social media graphic or a piece of sales collateral.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will likely assess alignment with company values (Positivity, Hustle, Respect, Toughness + Honesty), teamwork, adaptability, and passion for the industry. Expect questions about handling feedback and working in a fast-paced environment.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key stakeholders to discuss overall fit and potential contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this role (B2B, B2C, digital, print, social media).

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, tools used, challenges faced, and the outcome. Emphasize how your design solved a problem or achieved a marketing goal.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work across different media and for different target audiences.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Show how you applied brand guidelines or developed cohesive visual systems.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign), highlight this.

• Ensure Quality: Ensure all portfolio pieces are high-resolution, well-organized, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Design Exercises: Familiarize yourself with common design tasks for social media, email, and sales collateral.

• Time Management: Be prepared to work efficiently within a set timeframe.

• Articulate Your Choices: Be ready to explain the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them to marketing objectives and brand strategy.

• Showcase AI Integration: If applicable, be prepared to discuss how you might use AI tools to enhance your workflow or creative output for a given task.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "marketing/business mindset" and the portfolio review being critical suggests that candidates should focus on demonstrating how their design skills directly support business goals, not just aesthetic appeal. Preparing specific examples of how design impacts sales or engagement will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency required, with a specific focus on Photoshop and Illustrator for creating a wide array of digital and print assets.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is necessary for creating presentations, sales materials, and internal documents.

• AI Tools: Basic understanding and ability to utilize AI for problem-solving, generating photos, and speeding up workflow. This indicates a modern approach to design efficiency.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, the role supports marketing strategies, suggesting potential exposure to analytics platforms.

• Klayvio: Mentioned for email marketing design, implying familiarity with its visual editor or integration needs.

CRM & Automation:

• Basecamp: Explicitly required for project organization, task management, and team communication, highlighting its operational importance within the team.

• Shopify (Preferred): Exposure to e-commerce platforms like Shopify is beneficial, especially for designing assets related to online sales and product presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are centered around Adobe CC and Microsoft Office. The inclusion of AI tools and Basecamp signifies an operational focus on efficiency, project management, and leveraging modern technologies for design tasks.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Positivity: Maintaining an optimistic and enthusiastic attitude, especially in a fast-paced environment.

• Hustle: Demonstrating a strong work ethic, drive, and willingness to go the extra mile to meet deadlines and achieve goals.

• Respect: Showing consideration for team members, stakeholders, and feedback, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Toughness + Honesty: Being resilient in the face of challenges, delivering honest feedback constructively, and maintaining integrity.

• Efficiency: A focus on optimizing workflows and delivering high-quality work in a timely manner.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented with Independent Capability: The designer must be able to collaborate effectively with marketing and sales teams but also pivot to independent work as needed.

• Proactive Communication: Actively engaging with team members about projects, providing updates, and seeking clarification.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from colleagues and stakeholders to improve designs.

• Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, quickly pivoting between tasks and prioritizing effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values are central to its culture and should be reflected in a candidate's application and interview responses. These values are actionable and demonstrate a commitment to both performance and interpersonal dynamics within the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to a dynamic workflow with potentially shifting priorities and tight deadlines.

• Cross-Functional Demands: Balancing design needs for both B2B sales collateral and B2C digital marketing campaigns, requiring versatility.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across multiple beverage brands and diverse marketing channels.

• Staying Current: Keeping up with rapidly evolving design trends, digital marketing best practices, and new creative technologies (like AI).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Adobe CC Mastery: Deepening expertise in Photoshop, Illustrator, and potentially exploring other Adobe applications.

• Digital Marketing Design: Gaining hands-on experience in designing for social media, email marketing (Klayvio), and paid media campaigns.

• Brand Development: Contributing to the visual identity and strategy of growing beverage brands.

• Operational Workflow: Learning to manage projects efficiently using tools like Basecamp and understanding how design integrates with broader marketing operations.

• Industry Exposure: Developing specialized knowledge within the competitive food and beverage sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a resilient, adaptable designer. The growth opportunities are significant for an entry-level role, offering a well-rounded experience in creative execution and marketing operations within a specific industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and manage your time effectively?" (Assesses organizational skills, time management, and prioritization under pressure.)

• "How would you approach designing a social media campaign for one of our new beverage brands to maximize engagement on Instagram?" (Tests understanding of social media strategy, audience targeting, and creative execution for digital platforms.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Our core values are Positivity, Hustle, Respect, Toughness + Honesty. Can you give an example of how you've embodied one or more of these values in a previous role?" (Assesses cultural fit and alignment with company principles.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends relevant to the beverage industry or digital marketing?" (Gauges proactivity, industry awareness, and commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project in your portfolio, craft a brief narrative that explains the problem, your solution (design), and the impact.

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that align with the job description's requirements (B2B, B2C, digital, print, social media, email, sales collateral).

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to explain your thought process, tool usage (Adobe CC, AI, etc.), and how you incorporated feedback.

• Quantify Success: If possible, share metrics or results achieved by your designs.

• Conciseness: Present your work clearly and concisely, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples that demonstrate their ability to integrate design with marketing objectives, showcase their understanding of the beverage industry, and align with the company's stated values. Practicing the portfolio walkthrough is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP recruitment portal link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, emphasizing skills in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator), marketing design, B2B/B2C collateral creation, and any experience with AI tools or project management software like Basecamp.

• Prepare Your Digital Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible via a link on your resume. Curate it to showcase your most relevant work for this role, focusing on process, problem-solving, and marketing impact.

• Practice Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to discuss your projects in detail, explaining your creative process, design rationale, and how your work supported business objectives.

• Research Ricon Inc.: Familiarize yourself with their beverage brands (Cool Attitudes Craft Mixers, Citrus Springs Juices, Madrinas) and the broader beverage industry. Understand their market position and how design contributes to their success.

⚠️ 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.