Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Ziegler Caterpillar

Location: Bloomington, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute visually compelling marketing assets for enterprise campaigns, sales enablement, retail marketing, digital channels, and corporate communications.

• Ensure consistent representation and adherence to brand standards across all customer and employee touchpoints.

• Develop and maintain design systems, templates, and digital asset libraries to enhance efficiency and scalability.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Integrated Marketing and Content Producers, to deliver integrated multimedia campaigns.

• Support retail merchandising initiatives through signage, displays, and location branding.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer," its responsibilities heavily align with Marketing Operations and Creative Services functions within a larger organization, focusing on brand consistency, asset management, and supporting go-to-market initiatives through design. The emphasis on brand standards, digital asset management, and campaign support indicates a need for operational rigor in creative execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design a wide range of marketing materials, including advertisements, brochures, presentations, email graphics, landing page creatives, and social media content, for digital, print, retail, and event channels.

• Execute visual designs that strictly align with established brand standards, messaging frameworks, and creative direction.

• Develop and manage campaign assets, ensuring timely delivery and integration across various marketing platforms.

• Present design concepts effectively to stakeholders, actively incorporating feedback through iterative revision cycles to achieve desired outcomes.

• Support retail merchandising strategies by creating impactful signage, displays, promotional materials, and location branding elements.

• Create and maintain design templates and robust design systems that drive efficiency, ensure consistency, and promote scalability of creative assets across the organization.

• Partner closely with the Integrated Marketing team to accurately scope, prioritize, and deliver campaign design needs within established timelines.

• Maintain and meticulously organize enterprise digital assets and comprehensive design libraries for easy access and version control.

• Collaborate with the Video & Digital Content Producer to conceptualize and execute integrated multimedia campaigns that enhance brand storytelling.

• Ensure all creative deliverables meet stringent quality, accessibility (e.g., WCAG compliance), and brand standards.

• Manage print-ready file preparation, coordinate with print vendors, oversee digital accessibility, maintain version control, and govern template usage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strategic thinking in design execution, not just aesthetic creation. The emphasis on "design systems," "scalability," "template governance," and "version control" points to an operations-minded approach to creative asset management, crucial for a large organization like Ziegler Caterpillar.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Digital Media, or a closely related field is required.

Experience: 3–5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in a corporate marketing department or a creative agency setting.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Expertise in presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Familiarity and practical experience with collaborative design tools like Figma or Canva.

• Strong understanding and application of typography, layout principles, and visual communication best practices.

• Proven ability to design across multiple formats, including print and digital media.

• Experience in developing and executing campaign-specific assets.

• Ability to clearly present and articulate design decisions and rationale to non-design stakeholders.

• Capacity to manage multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience building and maintaining design systems and scalable brand assets.

• Knowledge of digital accessibility standards and best practices.

• Experience with vendor coordination for print production.

• Understanding of retail merchandising and point-of-sale design principles.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for digital asset deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section implies a need for strong technical proficiency and a foundational understanding of design principles. The "Preferred Skills" suggest a desire for candidates who can contribute to operational efficiency through advanced design system management and an understanding of broader marketing and retail operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a diverse range of high-quality design work across print, digital, and campaign executions.

• Evidence of design solutions that effectively address specific marketing objectives and business challenges.

• Examples demonstrating strong typography, layout, and visual hierarchy in various applications.

• Case studies or examples of creating cohesive campaign assets that maintain brand consistency across multiple touchpoints.

• Visuals illustrating experience with template development and their application in streamlining creative workflows. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how design processes were documented or standardized to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Demonstrate understanding of workflow management for design projects, including brief intake, concept development, revisions, and final delivery.

• Present how design feedback was managed and incorporated, particularly in cross-functional or stakeholder-heavy environments.

• Illustrate experience with quality assurance processes for design deliverables, including brand compliance, accessibility checks, and print-readiness.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is critical for this role, not just for showcasing creative talent but also for demonstrating an understanding of design operations. The emphasis on "template development," "streamlining workflows," and "quality assurance" means candidates should prepare to discuss their process and how they ensure efficient, consistent, and compliant design output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $64,400.00 - $77,250.00 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, with 15 days accrued in the first year starting from day one.

• 9 paid holidays throughout the year.

• A competitive 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and match.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a significant annual Ziegler contribution of up to $1,000 tax-free.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance coverage.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

• Paid Parental Leave and Funeral Leave for significant life events.

• Discounted fitness membership.

• Education Assistance program to support ongoing learning and development.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a general guideline. The actual starting wage will be determined by factors such as candidate skills, experience, education, and geographic location. The note about pay range varying by 10% depending on applicant's location suggests potential for regional adjustments within the specified range. The comprehensive benefits package is a strong offering, particularly the HSA contribution, PTO accrual, and education assistance, which are valuable for professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Dealership (CAT Dealer). Ziegler Caterpillar operates within the industrial equipment sector, specializing in sales, rental, and service of Caterpillar machinery and related products. This industry demands reliability, efficiency, and strong customer support.

Company Size: Over 2,400 employees across 30+ locations. This indicates a large, established organization with a significant operational footprint, providing ample opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career advancement.

Founded: 1914. Ziegler has a long-standing history as a family-owned business, now in its third generation. This suggests a culture that values stability, long-term relationships, and a commitment to its employees and customers. The company slogan, "if the customer is successful- then Ziegler will be successful," underscores a customer-centric and results-oriented philosophy.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing or Integrated Marketing department, potentially collaborating with other creative professionals, marketing specialists, and campaign managers.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Marketing Manager or Director, with day-to-day collaboration with peers and stakeholders across various departments (Sales, Retail, Corporate Communications).

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving close partnerships with Integrated Marketing, Content Producers, Sales teams, and Retail operations. Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are likely valued, influencing design decisions and campaign effectiveness measurement.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are crucial for managing a high volume of creative requests within a large organization.

• Automation and efficiency practices are expected, particularly in managing digital assets and leveraging design systems.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ziegler's long history and family-owned status suggest a culture that balances tradition with modern business practices. The emphasis on customer success will likely translate into a work environment where design is directly tied to business outcomes and sales enablement. The "over 2400 employees" points to a structured environment where clear processes and brand consistency are paramount for operational effectiveness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within the creative and marketing operations spectrum. It requires a solid foundation of design skills and practical experience, with a growing responsibility for managing brand assets, supporting campaigns, and contributing to design systems. The focus is on execution, collaboration, and ensuring brand integrity across diverse marketing initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director. They will work closely with internal stakeholders across various departments, including Sales, Integrated Marketing, Retail Operations, and potentially Corporate Communications. This structure emphasizes collaboration and the ability to translate business needs into effective visual communications.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, sales enablement effectiveness, and customer engagement. By creating compelling and brand-compliant assets, they support lead generation, customer acquisition, and retention efforts. Their role in maintaining design systems and digital asset libraries contributes to operational efficiency and brand consistency, which are critical for a large, multi-location organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific areas such as digital design, retail branding, campaign development, or design systems management.

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, explore new design software, and learn about emerging design trends and technologies.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to a Senior Graphic Designer role, or potentially into a Design Lead or Creative Manager position, overseeing projects or junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of marketing strategy, sales enablement, and retail operations through close collaboration, which can open doors to broader marketing roles.

• Professional Development: Ziegler's commitment to employee development, including education assistance and training, supports continuous learning and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a large, stable organization. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to refine process-oriented design skills, contribute to scalable systems, and gain exposure to various facets of a complex business. The emphasis on "brand consistency" and "efficiency" aligns well with operational career trajectories.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is expected to be on-site, requiring the Graphic Designer to work from the Ziegler Caterpillar office in Bloomington, MN. This setting facilitates in-person collaboration, access to company resources, and direct interaction with team members and stakeholders.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Bloomington, Minnesota. Ziegler Caterpillar has numerous locations across Minnesota, Iowa, and northern Missouri, indicating a broad operational reach, though this specific role is based in Bloomington.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a professional office environment designed for creative tasks, equipped with the necessary hardware and software.

• Opportunities for direct collaboration with marketing teams, content producers, and other creative professionals will be readily available.

• Access to company-wide digital asset management systems and design libraries will be integral to the daily workflow.

• The environment will support a blend of focused individual design work and collaborative project sessions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time employment in a corporate setting. While the role requires on-site presence, the company's commitment to work-life balance may offer some flexibility within the standard working hours, depending on project demands and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key. For operations candidates, this means understanding the importance of physical presence for collaboration, brand consistency, and access to specific tools and information that might not be fully accessible remotely. The Bloomington location is part of a larger network, suggesting opportunities to understand how design supports a distributed business.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications, experience, and creative capabilities.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design rationale, problem-solving approaches, and their role in achieving project objectives. This is a critical step to evaluate design thinking and communication skills.

• Skills Assessment: A practical exercise or test may be administered to evaluate proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and ability to execute design tasks under timed conditions.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will focus on collaboration style, ability to handle feedback, time management, problem-solving in a team environment, and alignment with Ziegler's culture and values.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meeting with potential team members and hiring managers to assess cultural fit, communication style, and ability to integrate into the existing team structure.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this role (print, digital, campaign, template design).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Operations: If possible, showcase projects where you contributed to design systems, templates, or improved workflow efficiency. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "reduced asset creation time by X%").

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work within established brand guidelines and adapt them creatively.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your design choices, technical approaches, and how you handle feedback and revisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Software Proficiency: Be prepared for a hands-on test of your Adobe Creative Suite skills. Practice common tasks like creating layouts, manipulating images, and preparing files for print or digital.

• Brand Application: If provided with brand guidelines, be ready to create a sample asset that adheres to them.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate scenarios related to managing multiple projects, tight deadlines, or incorporating difficult feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to not only show their work but also to articulate the "why" and "how" behind their design decisions, with a particular focus on how their work supports business objectives and operational efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for all design tasks.

• Presentation Software: Strong command of Microsoft PowerPoint for creating presentations and sales collateral.

• Collaborative Design Tools: Familiarity with Figma or Canva for design creation, collaboration, and potentially prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, an understanding of how design impacts metrics (e.g., click-through rates, engagement) is beneficial. Experience with tools that track digital asset performance may be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM systems could be advantageous, though not explicitly required. Understanding of Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems for organizing and distributing creative assets is highly relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is centered around design software. For operations candidates, demonstrating an understanding of how these tools integrate into broader marketing technology stacks, particularly in areas like Digital Asset Management (DAM) and potentially marketing automation, can highlight an operational mindset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Success: A strong focus on how design contributes to customer success and Ziegler's overall business objectives.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Valuing processes and tools that enable efficient, consistent, and scalable creative output.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, clear communication, and constructive feedback loops with internal stakeholders.

• Brand Integrity: A commitment to upholding and consistently applying brand standards across all communications.

• Continuous Improvement: An openness to refining processes, adopting new technologies, and learning from design outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires active collaboration with marketing, sales, and retail teams, necessitating clear communication and an understanding of diverse departmental needs.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages open feedback exchange for design iteration and improvement.

• Proactive Engagement: Anticipating design needs and proactively offering solutions to support business goals.

• Team-Oriented: Working collaboratively to achieve shared objectives and support team success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ziegler's long-standing family ownership and customer-centric philosophy likely translate into a culture that values reliability, teamwork, and a shared commitment to the company's mission. For a Graphic Designer, this means understanding that their creative output is a vital component of the company's operational success and customer engagement strategy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing High Volume: Balancing numerous design requests from various departments with competing priorities and deadlines.

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines across a wide array of assets and channels for a large organization.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing expectations with diverse, non-design stakeholders.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Staying current with design trends, digital technologies, and marketing strategies within the heavy equipment industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software, explore motion graphics, or learn about UX/UI principles.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining a deeper understanding of the heavy equipment industry, Caterpillar products, and Ziegler's market position.

• Process Improvement: Contributing to the development and refinement of design workflows, template systems, and digital asset management practices.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning about integrated marketing campaigns, sales enablement strategies, and retail marketing operations.

• Formal Training: Access to education assistance programs for courses, workshops, or certifications relevant to graphic design and marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in corporate design roles but are amplified by the scale of Ziegler. For operations professionals, these challenges are opportunities to apply process-thinking to creative workflows, thereby increasing efficiency and impact. The growth opportunities are structured to build both creative and operational skill sets.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure timely delivery?" (Focus on time management, prioritization, and workflow strategies.)

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from stakeholders who may not have a design background? Provide an example." (Highlight communication, diplomacy, and iterative design process.)

• "Can you walk us through a project where you developed a design system or templates? What was the process, and what was the impact?" (Demonstrate understanding of scalability, consistency, and operational efficiency through design.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of marketing materials?" (Emphasize adherence to brand guidelines, use of style guides, and quality control.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Ziegler Caterpillar and our industry?" (Research the company's history, values, products, and market position.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to Ziegler's customer success philosophy?" (Connect your creative abilities to business outcomes and customer impact.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with team members." (Align your collaboration style with the company's culture.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a progression of skills.

• Quantify Where Possible: For projects involving templates or design systems, try to quantify the efficiency gains or consistency improvements.

• Focus on Process: Be ready to discuss your thought process, problem-solving techniques, and how you translated business needs into visual solutions.

• Highlight Brand Work: Showcase examples that demonstrate your ability to understand and execute within a strong brand framework.

• Keep it Concise: Be mindful of time, focusing on key takeaways for each project rather than getting lost in minor details.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your design process with an operational lens. Think about how your work contributes to efficiency, consistency, and measurable business results, not just aesthetics. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in terms of problem-solving and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ziegler Caterpillar's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant experience in print, digital, campaign design, and template development. Prepare to discuss specific projects that demonstrate your ability to support sales enablement and maintain brand consistency.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 3-5 years of professional experience, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other design tools, and any experience with design systems or brand management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Prepare to answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, feedback, and time management.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Ziegler Caterpillar, its history, values, products, and industry. Understand how the Graphic Designer role contributes to the company's customer-centric philosophy and operational goals.

⚠️ 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.