Graphic Designer - Contract

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Contract

Company: Brewers Retail Inc (The Beer Store)

Location: Bolton, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time, Contract (12-month)

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Retail Operations

Date Posted: July 27, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This contract Graphic Designer role is pivotal in shaping and executing the visual identity of The Beer Store and its affiliated brands, ensuring brand consistency across all communication channels.

• Key responsibilities include the development of creative assets for marketing campaigns, corporate communications, and customer-facing experiences, demanding strong proficiency in design software and brand stewardship.

• The role requires a collaborative approach, working with cross-functional teams and external agencies to translate business objectives into effective visual solutions that enhance customer and employee experiences.

• Success in this position hinges on meticulous attention to detail, project management capabilities, and the ability to adapt creative concepts for diverse applications, including retail, digital, and print media, while adhering to regulatory guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month contract for a Graphic Designer, focusing on brand consistency and creative asset development for The Beer Store and its related entities. The hybrid model requires significant in-office presence, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the design function within a corporate setting. The mention of AGCO regulations and brewer neutrality highlights a specialized compliance aspect within the creative output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and champion brand standards, visual identity, tone of voice, and brand compliance across The Beer Store, Brewers Distributor Ltd., Draught Services, BRCCC, and other affiliated brands, ensuring consistency across all internal and external communications.

• Act as a brand steward and organizational resource, supporting cross-functional teams with branded templates, communications, merchandise, logo development, typography standards, and adherence to AGCO regulations, brewer neutrality requirements, and corporate operating policies.

• Lead creative ideation, art direction, and development of design assets that support marketing strategies, enhance the customer experience, and drive consumer consideration.

• Design and execute integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels, including in-store programs for 300+ retail locations, digital platforms, website, social media, email, and consumer-facing communications.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and agency partners to translate business objectives into effective creative solutions, adapting creative concepts and campaign assets for various applications and audiences.

• Evaluate stakeholder feedback, performance insights, and user needs to continuously refine creative approaches, branding, and visual communications.

• Support strategic cross-functional initiatives by developing visual identities, branding systems, communications, logos, iconography, templates, and digital assets that align with organizational priorities and business objectives.

• Participate in project briefings and consult with stakeholders across the organization to understand strategic requirements and ensure consistent brand expression across all touchpoints.

• Design, produce, and maintain corporate publications and communications, including annual reports, stewardship reports, employee publications, and other business-critical communications.

• Provide creative and design support for initiatives across Human Resources, Health & Safety, Logistics, Retail Services, Real Estate, Draught Services, and other departments as required.

• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a broad scope of design application, from large-scale retail campaigns to corporate publications and internal communications. The role requires not just execution but also brand stewardship and strategic collaboration, indicating a need for strong communication and stakeholder management skills beyond pure design talent. The inclusion of AGCO regulations and brewer neutrality suggests a need for careful attention to compliance in all design outputs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• University or College degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Business Administration, or comparable designations. Experience:

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience working in a graphic design environment, with a proven track record of producing well-executed marketing campaigns or general marketing programs on time and within budget. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Graphic Design skills with applications in Marketing Communications, Advertising, and Store Design.

• Expertise in industry-standard design software, including InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and familiarity with Canva and PageMaker.

• Proficiency with PC technology and associated file formats, as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong attention to detail and a high level of organizational skills.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively negotiate and liaise with internal and external resources.

• Comfortable working with and editing documents in multiple file extension formats.

• Excellent writing ability for storytelling and scriptwriting.

• Proven Project Management skills, from concept creation to execution, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) standards as they apply to retail design and electronic media.

• Experience working independently while also being comfortable and effective in a team environment.

• Passion for working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to juggle multiple priorities on a daily basis.

• Understanding of brand stewardship principles and visual identity systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of technical design skills, project management acumen, and communication abilities. The explicit mention of PC technology, specific software (InDesign, Illustrator, Canva, PageMaker), and Microsoft Office indicates the expected technical proficiency. The preference for AODA standards knowledge and experience in a fast-paced, multi-priority environment suggests the need for adaptability and a focus on inclusive design practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 years of graphic design work, with a focus on marketing communications, advertising, and retail/store design applications.

• Include examples of end-to-end marketing campaigns or general marketing programs, illustrating project conception, execution, and successful delivery on time and within budget.

• Showcase proficiency in using industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) through specific project examples.

• Present examples of brand identity development, logo design, typography application, and adherence to brand guidelines, demonstrating brand stewardship capabilities. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have managed projects from creation to execution, highlighting your project management process and ability to deliver on time and within budget.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with stakeholders, internal teams, and external resources, detailing your negotiation and liaison skills.

• Showcase your ability to adapt creative concepts and campaign assets for various applications and audiences, including print, digital, and in-store environments.

• If applicable, include examples demonstrating an understanding of accessibility standards (like AODA) in design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present a portfolio that not only exhibits creative talent but also practical application of design skills in a business context. The emphasis on project management, on-time delivery, and stakeholder collaboration implies that the portfolio should reflect process and strategic thinking, not just aesthetic output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $27.03 – $33.79 CAD per hour.

• The company is open to exploring compensation beyond this range for candidates who possess an exceptional blend of experience, skills, and personality. Benefits:

• Health Benefits Program

• Employee & Family Assistance Program

• Recognition Programs

• Hybrid Work Arrangement

• Summer Hours

• Employee Special Offers

• Casual Dress and Work Environment Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, aligning with a full-time contract role.

• The company offers "Summer Hours," suggesting potential for adjusted schedules during specific periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is hourly, which is common for contract roles. The company's openness to negotiation for ideal candidates is a positive signal. The benefits listed are comprehensive and cater to employee well-being and work-life balance, with a note that specifics may depend on role and status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail / Food & Beverage (specifically Beer Distribution and Sales)

Company Size: The Beer Store operates over 300+ retail locations, indicating a large operational footprint. The corporate office likely houses a significant number of employees across various departments.

Founded: 1927, providing a long history and established presence in the Ontario market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Graphic and Brand Designer, indicating a specialized design team within a larger marketing or communications department.

• The role involves collaboration with numerous cross-functional stakeholders across departments such as Marketing, Human Resources, Health & Safety, Logistics, Retail Services, and Real Estate.

• The company emphasizes a respectful and inclusive culture, valuing diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives, with a focus on teamwork, positive attitude, and innovation. Methodology:

• The company fosters a culture of working together, respecting each other, and adopting a positive attitude.

• Innovation and trying new and innovative ideas are encouraged.

• There's a strong emphasis on being knowledgeable, passionate, and loyal ambassadors for beer, alongside being health and safety advocates, environmental champions, DEIB enthusiasts, and community contributors.

Company Website: https://www.thebeerstore.ca/ (Derived from company name and industry)

📝 Enhancement Note: Brewers Retail Inc. (The Beer Store) has a long-standing history and a significant presence in Ontario. The culture is described as inclusive, collaborative, and passionate, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and innovation. The brand stewardship aspect is crucial, requiring designers to be knowledgeable about the product and its market, as well as regulatory compliance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Graphic Designer role, specifically a 12-month contract. It offers hands-on experience in a corporate environment with significant brand exposure.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the Graphic and Brand Designer.

• Collaborates extensively with various internal departments and potentially external agency partners. Operations Impact:

• As a Graphic Designer, the impact is primarily on brand perception, marketing effectiveness, customer experience, and internal communications.

• High-quality visual assets directly support marketing campaign success, enhance brand recognition, and contribute to a positive customer and employee experience.

• Ensuring brand consistency across 300+ retail locations and various digital platforms has a significant operational impact on brand uniformity and customer recognition. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in brand management, multi-channel campaign design, and corporate communications within a large retail organization.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the regulated beer industry in Ontario, understanding specific compliance needs (AGCO, brewer neutrality).

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with diverse projects, from retail promotions to corporate reports, showcasing versatility and project completion.

• Networking: Develop professional relationships with internal stakeholders and potentially agency partners, which can lead to future opportunities.

• While a contract role, strong performance could lead to internal recommendations for other roles or extensions, depending on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role offers a solid opportunity to gain corporate design experience, particularly within a regulated industry. Growth is likely to be skill-based and portfolio-driven, with potential for future internal opportunities if performance is outstanding and business needs align.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office with a hybrid work model.

Office Location(s): Bolton, Ontario. The company operates over 300+ retail locations across Ontario, but this role is based at the Corporate Office.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model (minimum 3 days/week in office) suggests an environment that values in-person collaboration for brainstorming, team meetings, and direct interaction with stakeholders.

• The "casual dress and work environment" indicates a comfortable, less formal office atmosphere, fostering approachability and teamwork.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.) and PC technology is implied.

• Opportunities for collaboration with various departments mean exposure to different work styles and project types. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (likely 40 hours/week).

• "Summer Hours" are offered, which could mean a compressed work week or earlier finish times during summer months, providing some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, which is crucial for a design role involving brand consistency and stakeholder input. The casual atmosphere likely supports a more relaxed and productive work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or hiring manager reviews applications and resumes, looking for alignment with required education, experience, and key skills.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio for assessment. This is a critical step to evaluate design skills, project scope, and execution quality.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (Graphic and Brand Designer) to discuss experience, technical skills, design approach, and cultural fit. Expect questions related to specific software proficiency, project management, and brand stewardship.

• Second Interview (Potentially): May involve meeting with other stakeholders from marketing, retail, or other departments to assess collaboration and communication skills. Might include a more in-depth discussion of specific project examples.

• Practical Exercise/Case Study: Candidates may be given a design challenge or a brief to complete within a timeframe to assess their ability to interpret briefs, apply brand guidelines, and deliver creative solutions under pressure.

• Final Interview/Offer: May involve a final discussion with senior management or HR to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and experience relevant to this role (marketing campaigns, retail design, corporate communications).

• Highlight Process: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the final outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., campaign engagement, brand consistency improvements).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Ensure your portfolio includes examples across different media (print, digital, in-store) and types of collateral.

• Brand Consistency Focus: If possible, include an example where you had to adhere to strict brand guidelines or develop a sub-brand identity.

• Accessibility Awareness: If you have examples incorporating AODA principles, highlight them.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital PDF or an online platform.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research The Beer Store's current branding, marketing efforts, and target audience. Understand their values and mission.

• Review Key Responsibilities: Anticipate design challenges related to in-store promotions, digital ads, social media graphics, and corporate publications.

• Practice Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss and demonstrate your proficiency with InDesign, Illustrator, and Canva.

• Prepare for Collaboration Questions: Think about how you handle feedback, work with diverse stakeholders, and manage multiple priorities.

• Focus on Compliance: Be ready to discuss how you would ensure designs adhere to regulations like AGCO and brewer neutrality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, with a strong emphasis on portfolio assessment and a potential design challenge. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of brand stewardship within a corporate and regulated environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for professional graphic design. Specifically, proficiency in:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and design of publications, marketing materials, and corporate reports.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.

• Canva: Mentioned as a familiar tool, likely for quicker design tasks, social media content, or simpler internal communications.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word (for copy integration), Excel (potentially for data visualization in reports), and PowerPoint (for presentations and internal comms).

• PC Technology: The role specifies working with PC technology, indicating a Windows-based environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, designers may interact with reporting tools to understand campaign performance and inform design decisions. Familiarity with how design impacts metrics would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core design function, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator is a baseline requirement for this role. Familiarity with Canva is also expected. The mention of PC technology confirms the operating system environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect and Inclusivity: Fostering a diverse and respectful workplace where all team members feel valued.

• Teamwork: Working together collaboratively to achieve common goals.

• Passion and Knowledge: Being knowledgeable and passionate about the beer business.

• Innovation: Trying new and innovative ideas to improve processes and outcomes.

• Health & Safety Advocacy: Promoting a safe work environment.

• Environmental Stewardship: Commitment to environmental responsibility.

• DEIB Enthusiasm: Actively supporting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

• Community Contribution: Giving back to the community.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively collaborating with various departments to translate business needs into effective visual communications.

• Brand Stewardship: Acting as a resource and advocate for brand standards across the organization.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Consulting with stakeholders to understand strategic requirements and ensure brand consistency.

• Open Communication: The hybrid model and emphasis on teamwork suggest an environment that encourages open dialogue and feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a strong sense of community, collaboration, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. For a designer, this means being a team player, respecting feedback, and contributing positively to the overall work environment while championing the brand.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring adherence to brand standards across a wide range of affiliated brands and numerous touchpoints (300+ stores, digital, print).

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Managing design requests and feedback from various departments with potentially differing priorities and creative visions.

• Regulatory Compliance: Designing within constraints imposed by AGCO regulations and brewer neutrality requirements, which can limit creative freedom.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Juggling multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a dynamic retail and beverage industry setting.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and maintaining strong communication while working a hybrid schedule.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Design: Gaining specialized experience in designing for the regulated alcohol beverage industry in Ontario.

• Large-Scale Campaign Execution: Learning to manage and execute design for extensive marketing campaigns across a broad retail network.

• Corporate Communications Design: Developing skills in creating professional corporate publications and internal communications.

• Brand System Expansion: Contributing to the evolution and application of brand identities for multiple entities.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhancing ability to understand and design for diverse business functions (HR, Logistics, Retail Operations, etc.).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a good opportunity to hone skills in managing brand integrity across a large organization and within a regulated industry. The challenges are typical of corporate design roles, with an added layer of industry-specific compliance.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to maintain brand consistency across multiple projects or brands. How did you ensure adherence to guidelines?" (Focus on your process, tools, and communication).

• "Walk us through a marketing campaign you designed from concept to completion. What was the objective, your role, the challenges, and the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio).

• "How do you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a design project?" (Highlight your negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills).

• "Describe your experience with [specific software like InDesign or Illustrator]. What are your favorite features for [specific task like layout or vector creation]?" (Be ready to discuss technical proficiency).

• "How do you approach designing for accessibility standards like AODA?" (If applicable, showcase your understanding and experience). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Beer Store and this specific contract role?" (Research the company's history, values, and recent marketing efforts).

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our brand and customer experience?" (Connect your portfolio and experience to their business objectives).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and industry best practices?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or team-based environment." (Showcase your collaborative spirit and adaptability). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project type or by impact (e.g., campaign success, brand development).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem/objective, your creative solution, the process, and the results. Use visuals effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand recognition, successful campaign launch).

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to talk about the software and techniques you used.

• Address Compliance: Be ready to discuss how you considered AGCO regulations or brewer neutrality in your designs, if applicable.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time; focus on the most relevant and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating technical design skills, project management capabilities, brand stewardship, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a corporate and regulated environment. Having a well-prepared portfolio with specific case studies is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on beercareers.ca.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that showcase marketing communications, retail design, and brand consistency. Prioritize examples demonstrating your ability to execute campaigns on time and within budget.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 2-3 years of graphic design experience, your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator), Canva, and Microsoft Office. Highlight any experience with project management, stakeholder liaison, or working in fast-paced environments.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, using the STAR method for behavioral questions, and be ready to present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio in detail. Research The Beer Store's current branding and marketing initiatives.

• Company Research: Understand The Beer Store's mission, values, and its role in the Ontario beverage market. Familiarize yourself with the concept of brewer neutrality and AGCO regulations as they might pertain to design.

⚠️ 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.