Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Sporting Life Group

Location: Vaughan, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: July 30, 2026

Experience Level: 3+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce a wide range of digital creative assets, including email campaigns, web content, and performance marketing materials, ensuring a strong focus on brand consistency and visual appeal.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional marketing teams to translate business objectives into compelling visual designs that enhance user engagement across various digital channels.

• Develop and manage efficient production workflows for creative assets, prioritizing accuracy, timely delivery, and seamless adaptation for different content types and marketing channels.

• Maintain and champion Sporting Life's brand identity across all creative outputs, ensuring alignment with the company's mission, vision, and overarching brand strategy.

• Adapt creative assets for French markets, working with translation services and considering regional language differences to ensure effective communication and brand resonance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as "primarily production-focused," indicating a strong emphasis on execution and efficiency in creating assets, while also offering "significant opportunities for professional growth and creative development." This suggests a balance between hands-on production work and potential for contributing to broader creative concepts. The hybrid work environment and the mention of "vendor pro deals and expert product training" point to a company culture that values employee development and engagement within the sports lifestyle sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop digital creative assets, including email campaigns, mobile and desktop web content, and performance marketing materials for digital and social media platforms.

• Collaborate with the Marketing team to create design solutions for e-commerce, performance marketing, and digital campaigns.

• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver clean, user-focused, and visually compelling designs that align with business objectives.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adapting to shifting priorities and evolving deadlines in a fast-paced retail marketing environment.

• Ensure all creative work consistently reflects Sporting Life's brand identity, mission, and vision.

• Contribute to the ideation and execution of creative concepts for brand campaigns, retail activations, and seasonal marketing initiatives.

• Manage production workflows to ensure accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery of all creative assets.

• Adapt creative assets for French markets, working with translation services and regional language differences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of production-level execution and strategic creative input. The emphasis on "adapting creative for French markets" suggests a need for cultural sensitivity and localization skills within the design process, which is a crucial aspect for global or multi-regional marketing efforts. The mention of "big picture initiatives" alongside "fast-paced retail marketing" indicates that the role is not solely about routine production but also about contributing to larger creative strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and skills in graphic design is expected.

Experience: 3+ years of experience in graphic/web design or as a production artist.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design principles and best practices.

• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator.

• Experience with Mac operating systems.

• Understanding of different content types and marketing channels across a customer journey.

• Strong organizational skills and meticulousness, with a keen eye for detail.

• Ability to adapt creative assets for French markets, including working with translation services.

• Proficiency in file management and understanding of the creative process.

• Ability to balance fast-paced retail marketing demands with creative, big-picture initiatives. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe Animate.

• Familiarity with Figma.

• Experience with animation and video content for web and social media.

• Understanding of user-focused design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Mac proficiency and specific Adobe Creative Suite tools (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) is standard for graphic design roles. The preference for Animate and Figma, along with animation/video experience, suggests the company is looking to expand its digital content capabilities, particularly in dynamic or interactive formats. The "French markets" adaptation skill is a specific and valuable asset that signals an international or diverse customer base.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of graphic and web design production work.

• Demonstrations of digital creative assets, including examples of email campaigns, web content (mobile and desktop), and performance marketing materials.

• Case studies or examples highlighting the adaptation of creative assets for different channels and customer journey stages.

• Examples of work that maintains brand consistency and reflects a strong understanding of brand identity.

• Visualizations of designs that are clean, user-focused, and visually compelling.

• Evidence of managing multiple design projects under deadline pressures.

• Examples of creative adaptations for regional or language differences (e.g., French markets). Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of production workflows and how efficiency, accuracy, and timely delivery were achieved in previous roles.

• Present examples of how you've collaborated with marketing or cross-functional teams to achieve design objectives.

• Demonstrate file management best practices and organizational skills within a creative production context.

• Include examples of how you've contributed to creative concept ideation and execution for campaigns or initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a production-focused graphic designer role, the portfolio is crucial. It should not only display aesthetic skill but also demonstrate the ability to execute efficiently, manage projects, and adapt designs based on specific requirements like market localization and brand guidelines. The emphasis on "user-focused" and "business objectives" suggests that the company values designs that are not just beautiful but also effective in driving engagement and achieving marketing goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000 CAD per year (dependent on experience).

Bonus: A bonus structure is mentioned, indicating potential for additional compensation beyond the base salary.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental coverage
  • Vision coverage

• Employee discounts at Sporting Life, Golf Town, and Team Town Sports, shareable with friends and family.

• Vendor Pro Deals and expert product training.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the Canadian market (CAD) and is aligned with junior to mid-level graphic designer roles in the Vaughan, Ontario area. The inclusion of a bonus, extensive employee discounts across multiple brands, and specialized training like "Vendor Pro Deals" indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional development within the sports and lifestyle retail sector. The hybrid model suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Recreation, Retail, Apparel & Accessories. Sporting Life Group is a Canadian sports lifestyle brand that operates Sporting Life, Golf Town, and Team Town Sports, aiming to inspire an active lifestyle.

Company Size: The description implies a medium to large organization given the group structure (Sporting Life, Golf Town, Team Town) and the mention of a benefits package and structured HR processes.

Founded: Sporting Life was founded in 1979, indicating a long-standing presence and established brand within the Canadian market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team, collaborating closely with marketing professionals.

• The role involves partnering with "cross-functional teams," suggesting interaction with departments such as e-commerce, digital marketing, and potentially retail operations.

• The team operates in a "hybrid environment" that celebrates an "active, sports lifestyle." Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven design and user-focused approaches to create engaging content.

• Production-focused workflows ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery of creative assets.

• Collaborative ideation for creative concepts, brand campaigns, and seasonal initiatives.

• Commitment to maintaining brand identity and strategy across all marketing materials.

• Adaptation of creative strategies for diverse markets, including French-speaking regions.

Company Website: https://www.sportinglife.ca/ (inferred from context and common knowledge of the brand)

📝 Enhancement Note: Sporting Life Group's focus on sports and an active lifestyle permeates its culture. The company values a "team-first" approach and fosters a "fun, fast-paced hybrid environment." This suggests a workplace where passion for sports and style is welcomed and encouraged, and where collaboration is key to achieving marketing goals. The integration of multiple brands under one group indicates a cohesive operational strategy and potential for cross-promotional activities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, with "3+ years of experience" required. It's a production-focused role with opportunities for creative development.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, collaborating closely with the broader Marketing team.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and conversion rates for e-commerce, performance marketing, and digital campaigns. Effective visual assets are critical for driving sales and reinforcing brand loyalty in the competitive sports retail market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to expand skills in animation, video content creation, and potentially advanced design software (e.g., Figma).

• Creative Development: Contribute to broader creative concepts, brand campaigns, and seasonal marketing initiatives, moving beyond pure production.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in e-commerce design, performance marketing creative, or international market adaptation.

• Career Progression: With demonstrated success and expanded responsibilities, potential to move into Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director roles within the Sporting Life Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role explicitly mentions "significant opportunities for professional growth and creative development," indicating that Sporting Life Group invests in its employees' career paths. The "hybrid environment" and "team-first culture" suggest a supportive atmosphere for learning and advancement. The potential to work across multiple brands (Sporting Life, Golf Town, Team Town) offers diverse project experiences that can accelerate skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This suggests a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work, allowing for flexibility while maintaining team cohesion.

Office Location(s): Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. This location is part of the Greater Toronto Area, offering access to a vibrant business and retail hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative workspace designed to foster interaction with the Marketing team and cross-functional partners.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Mac computers and Adobe Creative Suite.

• An environment that celebrates an active, sports lifestyle, likely with a dynamic and energetic atmosphere.

• Opportunities for "expert product training" and "vendor pro deals," enhancing the workspace experience with industry knowledge and perks.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, likely aligning with typical business operations in the retail sector, but with the flexibility offered by a hybrid model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment, offering a balance between in-office collaboration for team synergy and remote work for focused production tasks. The "fun, fast-paced" description of the environment, combined with the company's focus on sports and an active lifestyle, suggests a workplace that is energetic, engaging, and values employee well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical process for a role like this would involve:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio by the recruitment team.

• Skills Assessment: Potentially a technical test or a deeper dive into portfolio pieces to assess design skills, software proficiency, and problem-solving abilities.

• Interview(s): Meetings with the hiring manager and potentially team members to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and alignment with team objectives.

• Final Round: Possibly an interview with a senior marketing leader or creative director.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Digital Expertise: Prioritize examples of email campaigns, web content, and performance marketing assets.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Include work that demonstrates a strong understanding and application of brand guidelines.

• Demonstrate Production Efficiency: Show examples of how you've managed multiple projects, met deadlines, and maintained quality under pressure.

• Include Localization Examples: If possible, showcase work adapted for different markets or languages, especially French.

• Explain Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for key projects, explaining your rationale and problem-solving approach.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or results tied to your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates, engagement).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Mac OS.

• Prepare to speak about your understanding of customer journeys and how design influences engagement.

• Anticipate questions about adapting creative for different markets and your approach to file management.

• Prepare to discuss your experience working in a fast-paced retail environment and managing competing priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process mentions AI is used for screening, so ensure your resume and portfolio are optimized with relevant keywords. The emphasis on a "production-focused" role means interviewers will likely assess your speed, efficiency, and accuracy in execution, alongside your creative judgment. Be prepared to articulate how your design choices support business objectives and brand strategy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: Essential for image editing, digital asset creation, and web graphics.
  • InDesign: Crucial for layout design, especially for multi-page documents or marketing collateral.
  • Illustrator: Key for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.

• Mac Operating System: The primary platform for design work.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) and email marketing platform analytics would be beneficial for understanding design performance. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot, Salesforce Marketing Cloud) is likely, given the focus on email campaigns.

• Understanding of digital advertising platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Meta Ads) for performance marketing assets. Other Potentially Relevant Tools:

• Adobe Animate: Preferred skill for animation and interactive content.

• Figma: Preferred skill for collaborative design and prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) on a Mac is non-negotiable. The mention of Animate and Figma as assets indicates the company's interest in modern digital design practices, including motion graphics and collaborative prototyping. Understanding how design assets are used within marketing automation and analytics platforms will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Team-First Culture: Collaboration and mutual support are highly valued.

• Active Lifestyle: Passion for sports and an active life is integral to the company's ethos.

• Customer Focus: Designing user-centric visuals that drive engagement and meet business objectives.

• Brand Integrity: Maintaining a consistent and strong brand identity across all communications.

• Efficiency & Execution: Delivering high-quality work accurately and on time, especially in a fast-paced retail environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Close collaboration with the Marketing team and other cross-functional departments.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes to achieve optimal results.

• Willingness to share knowledge and contribute to a creative, supportive team environment.

• Adaptability to both routine production tasks and larger creative initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of professionalism and passion for sports. The "team-first" mentality suggests an environment where individuals support each other, and the "hybrid environment" points to a modern approach to work-life balance. The values align with creating impactful marketing materials that resonate with an active consumer base.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Production and Creativity: Juggling high-volume production tasks with the need for innovative creative input.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with new design tools, platforms, and digital marketing strategies.

• Localization Complexity: Ensuring creative assets are culturally relevant and effective for diverse markets, particularly French-speaking regions.

• Fast-Paced Retail Environment: Managing shifting priorities and tight deadlines common in the retail sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Skills: Gaining hands-on experience with animation and prototyping tools like Adobe Animate and Figma.

• Cross-Channel Design Expertise: Developing a deeper understanding of how to design for various digital touchpoints (email, web, social media, performance ads).

• Brand Strategy Contribution: Moving from pure execution to contributing to the strategic direction of creative campaigns.

• Industry Immersion: Leveraging "Vendor Pro Deals" and "expert product training" to deepen knowledge of sports and lifestyle products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a production-focused designer role in a dynamic industry. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly the chance to expand into animation, video, and strategic creative contributions, which can propel a designer's career forward. The company's commitment to training and product knowledge further supports professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt creative assets for a specific market or language. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on localization skills and strategic thinking).

• "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment?" (Highlight organizational skills and time management).

• "Walk me through a recent digital campaign you designed. What were the objectives, your role, and the impact of your creative?" (Prepare a case study showcasing digital design, brand consistency, and measurable results). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sporting Life Group and our brands (Sporting Life, Golf Town, Team Town)?" (Research the brands and their connection to an active lifestyle).

• "How do you embody a 'team-first' culture in your work?" (Provide examples of collaboration and support).

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand identity and marketing objectives?" (Discuss your process for understanding briefs and brand guidelines). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Effectively: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase digital design, production efficiency, and brand alignment.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, explain the brief/objective, your design process, the tools used, challenges overcome, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples of your proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and any experience with Animate or Figma.

• Showcase Adaptability: Include examples demonstrating your ability to adapt designs for different channels or markets, especially if you have French market experience.

• Be Ready for Production Questions: Prepare to discuss your workflow, file management, and how you ensure accuracy and speed in production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, creative judgment, production efficiency, and cultural fit. Given the hybrid nature and team-first culture, communication and collaboration skills will be important. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on how your designs contribute to business goals and brand integrity.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio or PDF submission prominently features your best digital design work, including email campaigns, web content, and performance marketing assets. Tailor your selection to highlight the skills mentioned in the job description.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 3+ years of experience in graphic/web design and production. Use keywords such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "Photoshop," "InDesign," "Illustrator," "digital creative assets," "performance marketing," "brand consistency," and "production workflows."

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice walking through 2-3 key portfolio pieces, clearly explaining your process, design decisions, and the impact of your work, especially regarding brand alignment and user engagement.

• Research Sporting Life Group: Familiarize yourself with Sporting Life, Golf Town, and Team Town Sports. Understand their brand aesthetics, target audience, and marketing efforts to demonstrate your interest and suitability for their culture.

⚠️ 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.