Graphic Designer (Bilingual)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Bilingual)

Company: Dine Brands Global

Location: Pasadena, CA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual identity and brand expression for the International IHOP brand across all consumer touchpoints.

• Execute creative asset development from initial brief through final delivery, ensuring brand consistency and market relevance.

• Collaborate with marketing and business operations teams to translate strategic objectives into compelling visual communications.

• Manage and organize digital creative files and assets, maintaining a high standard of archival and accessibility.

• Contribute to ideation sessions, bringing innovative design concepts to enhance brand momentum and consumer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a Graphic Designer but its emphasis on managing brand identity across multiple channels (digital, social, eComm, merchandising) and understanding marketing/business operations positions it strongly within the broader Marketing Operations or Creative Services function, particularly for GTM support. The bilingual requirement suggests a focus on international markets, requiring cultural nuances in design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Holistic Brand Identity Management: Oversee and consistently apply the IHOP brand visual identity across all platforms and collateral, including in-restaurant merchandising, menus, digital assets, social media graphics, email campaigns, and e-commerce materials.

• End-to-End Asset Creation: Manage the full lifecycle of creative projects, from interpreting project briefs and concept development to final asset production and delivery, ensuring alignment with marketing objectives and brand guidelines.

• Ideation and Brand Momentum: Actively participate in brainstorming and creative ideation sessions, proposing innovative design solutions and visual trends to drive brand awareness, engagement, and relevance in international markets.

• File and Asset Organization: Maintain a meticulously organized and accessible library of all creative files and assets, implementing standardized naming conventions and folder structures for efficient retrieval and collaboration.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, product development, and other GTM teams to ensure design solutions effectively support business goals and enhance the overall consumer experience.

• International Market Adaptation: Ensure all creative deliverables are culturally relevant and effective for target international markets, leveraging bilingual skills to inform design decisions and messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate strategically, not just tactically. The emphasis on "holistic brand identity management" and "asset creation from brief to delivery" implies ownership and project management capabilities. The inclusion of "marketing and business operations understanding" suggests the role requires an awareness of how design impacts broader business objectives and GTM strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field. Experience:

• 3+ years of professional experience in graphic design and production, with a proven track record of creating impactful visual assets for consumer brands. Required Skills:

• Bilingual Fluency: Native or near-native fluency in both English and Spanish (written and spoken) is essential for effective communication and market adaptation.

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is mandatory.

• Presentation Software: Strong command of Microsoft PowerPoint and other presentation tools for developing and delivering creative concepts.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel) for general business operations and communication.

• Brand Identity Management: Demonstrated ability to understand, apply, and maintain a consistent brand visual identity across diverse applications.

• Creative Thinking & Innovation: A proven ability to think creatively, explore new design trends, and drive innovative visual solutions.

• Communication Skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and present creative concepts clearly.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital design tools and platforms (e.g., Figma, Sketch).

• Familiarity with photography principles and image editing.

• Understanding of social media content creation best practices.

• Experience in the food and beverage or hospitality industry.

• Knowledge of e-commerce design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for bilingual fluency in Spanish is a critical differentiator, suggesting a significant focus on Hispanic markets or international regions where Spanish is prevalent. The "understanding of marketing and business operations" implies that candidates should be able to connect design efforts to business outcomes, a key trait for GTM-aligned roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Visual Asset Showcase: A curated collection of design projects demonstrating expertise across various media, including digital (social media, web banners, email), print (menus, in-restaurant collateral), and merchandising.

• Brand Identity Consistency Examples: Specific examples showcasing how brand guidelines were applied and maintained across different campaigns or product lines to ensure a cohesive visual experience.

• Project Lifecycle Documentation: For key projects, provide a brief overview of the design process, from understanding the initial brief and target audience to concept development, execution, and final delivery.

• Bilingual Design Application: If possible, include examples of creative work that specifically targeted Spanish-speaking audiences or adapted designs for international markets, highlighting cultural sensitivity.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Illustrate how you approach a typical design project workflow, from brief intake and concept ideation to asset finalization. Highlight any personal methodologies for ensuring efficiency and quality.

• System Integration Awareness: While not a technical role, demonstrate an understanding of how final design assets integrate into larger marketing or operational systems (e.g., content management systems, social media scheduling tools, print production workflows).

• Feedback and Iteration: Show examples or describe processes where you incorporated feedback from stakeholders (marketing teams, brand managers) to refine designs and achieve desired outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role with GTM implications, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic appeal but also strategic thinking. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their designs support business objectives, drive consumer engagement, and maintain brand integrity across diverse touchpoints. The bilingual aspect means showcasing adaptability in creative messaging.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design and marketing.

• Potential for employee discounts or perks related to Dine Brands' restaurant portfolio.

• Employer-sponsored life and disability insurance. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours.

• May require occasional flexibility for project deadlines or urgent creative needs, particularly in an on-site role supporting a global brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range ($80k-$90k) is aligned with mid-level graphic design roles in a high-cost-of-living area like Pasadena, CA, especially for bilingual candidates in demand. Benefits are standard for a large corporation like Dine Brands. The "working hours" note acknowledges that creative roles can sometimes require flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage / Hospitality / Restaurant Operations. Dine Brands operates globally with well-established brands like IHOP, Applebee's, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop, indicating a dynamic and competitive market environment.

Company Size: Large (over 3,500 restaurants globally, part of a major corporation). This suggests structured processes, opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, and potential for career advancement within a larger organization.

Founded: Dine Brands Global, Inc. has a significant history, with its brands having long-standing market presence. The company's expansion into the Fast Casual segment in 2022 signifies a forward-thinking approach and adaptability.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Department Focus: The role reports to the International IHOP team, suggesting a dedicated marketing or creative services unit focused on global expansion and localization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with marketing managers, brand strategists, digital marketing specialists, and potentially operations teams responsible for international market execution.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Likely reports to a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or Brand Lead for International IHOP, with clear lines of communication for project briefs and approvals.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: While a creative role, the emphasis on understanding "marketing and business operations" suggests that design decisions are informed by market data, consumer insights, and performance metrics.

• Brand-Centric Approach: A strong focus on maintaining brand integrity and executing campaign strategies through consistent visual storytelling.

• Agile Project Execution: Given the fast-paced nature of the restaurant industry and global markets, expect a dynamic workflow for asset creation and campaign deployment.

Company Website: www.dinebrands.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's scale and brand portfolio indicate a robust marketing infrastructure. The "International IHOP team" focus suggests a need for cultural sensitivity and adaptation in design, making the bilingual requirement a strategic asset for the company's growth objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires independent execution of design tasks and contribution to creative strategy, but may not involve direct team management. The focus on managing brand identity holistically and understanding business operations indicates a potential pathway towards more senior creative roles or specialized marketing positions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Marketing Manager responsible for the International IHOP brand. This provides exposure to strategic marketing planning and brand management.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences consumer perception and engagement with the IHOP brand internationally. Effective visual communication can drive traffic, increase sales, and strengthen brand loyalty, thus having a tangible impact on the company's revenue and market share. Success in this role can open doors to more impactful GTM initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Designer/Art Director: Progression to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, with increased responsibility for conceptualization, project leadership, and potentially mentoring junior designers.

• Specialized Marketing Roles: Opportunity to transition into roles focused on specific areas like Digital Marketing Design, Brand Management, or International Marketing Strategy, leveraging a deep understanding of the brand and its global audience.

• Operations Strategy Integration: With demonstrated understanding of business operations, potential to move into roles that bridge creative execution with GTM strategy, such as Brand Marketing Specialist or Campaign Manager.

• Leadership Development: Participation in leadership training programs offered by Dine Brands, preparing for future team lead or management positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "understanding of marketing and business operations" is a key indicator for growth potential beyond pure design execution. Candidates who can demonstrate how their design work contributes to business objectives will be well-positioned for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role at the Pasadena RSC (Restaurant Support Center). This implies a corporate office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Pasadena, California. This location offers access to a vibrant business community and is a key hub for the company's operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The RSC likely fosters a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities for designers to interact with various marketing, operations, and brand teams.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, design software, and potentially a digital asset management system.

• Team Interaction: Regular face-to-face meetings, brainstorming sessions, and opportunities for informal collaboration with colleagues.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, expected to be around 40 hours per week. While the core hours are standard, creative roles often require flexibility to meet project deadlines, especially for global campaigns. This on-site nature allows for immediate feedback and in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a corporate setting like an RSC typically offers more direct interaction with cross-functional teams and leadership, which can be beneficial for understanding business context and career development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, bilingual fluency, and interest in the role and company.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A dedicated session with the hiring manager and/or senior creative team members to present and discuss portfolio pieces. Expect questions about design rationale, process, problem-solving, and how you've managed brand consistency.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potential): You might be asked to complete a short, timed design exercise or a take-home challenge that simulates a real-world task, assessing your creative thinking, speed, and ability to apply brand guidelines in a practical scenario.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions focused on teamwork, collaboration, handling feedback, and understanding of marketing/business operations. This assesses suitability for the Dine Brands culture and the International IHOP team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that showcases brand identity management, diverse media application (digital, print, social), and ideally, projects with a clear business objective or international focus.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the solution, and the impact or results. Use visual aids to support your narrative.

• Highlight Bilingual Skills: If you have projects that specifically target Spanish-speaking audiences or demonstrate cultural adaptation, make them prominent. Be ready to discuss the nuances.

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to walk through your workflow, from initial concept to final asset. Explain your decision-making process and how you incorporated feedback.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the success of your design work (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, positive feedback).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research IHOP's current brand messaging, visual identity, target audience, and recent campaigns, particularly for international markets.

• Analyze Competitors: Be aware of the visual strategies of key competitors in the international casual dining or family restaurant space.

• Practice Design Exercises: Familiarize yourself with common design challenges, such as creating social media graphics, email banners, or quick menu updates under time constraints.

• Articulate Business Alignment: Be ready to explain how design choices support business goals, such as driving customer traffic, promoting new menu items, or enhancing brand perception.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "marketing and business operations" means interviewers will look for candidates who can connect design to business outcomes, not just aesthetics. The portfolio and interview process should clearly demonstrate this strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for asset creation and manipulation.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for developing presentations, concept mock-ups, and internal communications.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word and Excel for general business tasks, document creation, and data handling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not an analytics role, an understanding of how design performance is tracked is beneficial. Familiarity with social media analytics platforms (e.g., Meta Business Suite, Sprout Social) and email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) is a plus to understand asset performance.

• Familiarity with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems for organizing and retrieving creative files. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified, but an awareness of how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-integrated campaigns is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is Adobe Creative Suite. Proficiency in PowerPoint and MS Office is also critical for internal communication and project documentation, bridging creative work with business operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to explore new design trends, push creative boundaries, and develop fresh visual concepts that resonate with consumers.

• Brand Stewardship: A deep commitment to upholding and elevating the IHOP brand identity, ensuring consistency and excellence in all visual communications.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work effectively with cross-functional teams, share ideas, and contribute to a positive and productive team environment.

• Results-Oriented: An understanding that design efforts should contribute to tangible business outcomes, such as increased engagement, brand awareness, and customer loyalty.

• Cultural Sensitivity: An appreciation for diverse audiences and markets, with an ability to adapt designs and messaging to be relevant and respectful across different cultures.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Engaging proactively with stakeholders to gather requirements, provide updates, and seek clarification.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to constructive criticism and the ability to iterate on designs based on feedback from marketing and brand teams.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, best practices, and inspiration with colleagues to foster a learning environment.

• Cross-functional Partnership: Building strong working relationships with marketing, operations, and other departments to ensure design initiatives are well-aligned with broader business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative excellence and business acumen, a common thread in GTM-aligned creative roles. The bilingual requirement further underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusive communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Market Relevance: Ensuring that designs adhere to IHOP's global brand guidelines while also being locally relevant and appealing to diverse international audiences.

• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Juggling various creative projects simultaneously, from quick social media assets to more complex in-restaurant merchandising campaigns, often with tight deadlines.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying abreast of the latest design trends, digital technologies, and consumer preferences to keep the brand visually fresh and engaging.

• Communicating Across Cultures and Languages: Effectively collaborating with international teams and stakeholders who may have different communication styles or cultural perspectives, especially given the bilingual requirement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Workshops: Access to training on new software features, design techniques, or emerging design fields (e.g., motion graphics, UX/UI design).

• Brand Strategy Sessions: Participation in marketing and brand strategy meetings to gain deeper insights into business objectives and how design supports them.

• International Market Exposure: Opportunities to learn about different cultural nuances and consumer behaviors in the markets served by International IHOP.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Exposure to marketing operations, digital campaign management, and GTM strategy through collaboration with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexities of working for a global brand, requiring adaptability and strategic thinking beyond pure design execution. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding skill sets and strategic understanding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new menu for the International IHOP brand, considering both brand consistency and regional preferences?" (Assesses strategic thinking, brand stewardship, and cultural adaptation.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Evaluates ability to work within constraints.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how would you leverage them to enhance the IHOP brand's visual appeal in digital channels?" (Tests innovation and trend awareness.)

• "Walk us through a project where understanding marketing or business operations was crucial to your design success." (Connects design to business impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Dine Brands Global and the IHOP brand, particularly in international markets?" (Assesses research and interest.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs from stakeholders?" (Evaluates collaboration and adaptability.)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment." (Assesses work ethic and time management.)

• "How would your bilingual skills benefit our International IHOP team?" (Highlights critical qualification.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the results. Use metrics or qualitative feedback where possible.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals. Be ready to explain your design choices and the thought process behind them.

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to walk through your workflow, from brief to final asset, explaining your steps and any challenges overcome.

• Highlight Bilingual Aspect: If you have relevant projects, explicitly point them out and explain the adaptation strategy.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description (e.g., digital, social, merchandising, brand identity).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, and practical application. Demonstrating an understanding of how design serves business objectives and brand growth is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your comprehensive resume and a compelling portfolio through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases projects that demonstrate your proficiency in brand identity management, digital and print design, and ideally, any experience with international markets or bilingual creative work. Highlight projects that show your process from brief to execution.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Bilingual," "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Brand Identity," "Digital Design," and "International Marketing." Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining the rationale behind your creative decisions, and discussing how your work has contributed to business objectives. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently and answer behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Dine Brands Global, IHOP's international presence, and their competitors. Understand their brand messaging, target audiences, and recent marketing initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and strategic alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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