Graphic Designer (Fixed Term)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Fixed Term)

Company: Irving Oil

Location: Saint John, NB, Canada

Job Type: Full time, Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-09-18

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing creative and visually compelling marketing and communications materials that align with Irving Oil's business objectives and brand standards, ensuring all creative outputs effectively engage target audiences.

• Collaborate within the Creative Services team, working alongside designers, communication specialists, and internal clients to execute a wide range of creative projects across digital, print, retail, point-of-sale, tradeshows, and video platforms.

• The primary goal is to deliver high-quality creative solutions that support organizational priorities by balancing creativity with efficient execution, effective project management, and a strong client-service mindset.

• This is a fixed-term contract position, anticipated to last approximately 6 months, offering a focused opportunity to contribute to key marketing and communication initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on graphic design within a corporate marketing and communications department, emphasizing the creation of branded assets for various channels. While not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, the emphasis on client service, project management, and delivering measurable creative solutions has parallels to operational efficiency and stakeholder management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive graphic design support to Irving Oil's various business lines, ensuring creative briefs are met and business objectives are achieved through impactful design solutions.

• Translate project requirements and business needs into compelling creative concepts through collaborative analysis and ideation with internal clients and stakeholders.

• Produce engaging and brand-consistent creative assets for a diverse array of media channels, including but not limited to digital advertisements, social media graphics, print collateral, retail signage, and trade show materials.

• Uphold and meticulously maintain brand consistency and adherence to all visual standards across every creative deliverable, reinforcing Irving Oil's corporate identity.

• Develop and present multiple design concepts for high-visibility projects and campaigns, articulating the rationale behind each recommendation to clients and project teams to facilitate informed decision-making.

• Prepare and finalize production-ready files for both print and digital applications, ensuring all technical specifications are met to maintain the highest quality standards.

• Proactively identify and resolve design and production challenges by fostering effective collaboration with Communications, Design, and relevant business stakeholders.

• Present design concepts, creative strategies, and final recommendations clearly and persuasively to clients and project teams, incorporating feedback to refine deliverables.

• Continuously monitor and stay abreast of industry trends, emerging design technologies, and best practices to integrate innovative approaches into Irving Oil's creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong execution skills in design production and a collaborative approach to project delivery, which are foundational in operations roles focused on process implementation and stakeholder alignment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Completion of secondary school is required.

• A post-secondary diploma or degree in Graphic Design or a closely related creative discipline is essential for foundational knowledge and skill development. Experience:

• A minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in graphic design or a comparable creative field is necessary to demonstrate proficiency and a track record of delivering successful design projects. Required Skills:

• Visual Design Excellence: Exceptional visual design skills with a strong portfolio showcasing creativity, aesthetic judgment, and a keen eye for detail across various mediums.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other industry-standard design software is critical for daily tasks and complex design execution.

• Client-Focused Mindset: A demonstrated ability to understand and translate client needs and business objectives into effective and impactful creative solutions, prioritizing stakeholder satisfaction.

• Project Management & Prioritization: Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, effectively prioritize tasks, and consistently deliver high-quality work within demanding timelines.

• Cross-Media Design Experience: Hands-on experience designing for a variety of platforms, including print (brochures, signage), digital (web graphics, social media), and traditional marketing channels.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong aptitude for collaborating effectively within a team-oriented environment, contributing to shared goals, and working harmoniously with designers and communication specialists.

• Problem-Solving Aptitude: Excellent problem-solving capabilities to address design challenges, production issues, and client feedback constructively and efficiently.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Articulate communication skills for presenting design concepts and rationale, and strong presentation abilities to engage clients and stakeholders effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Photography & Videography: Experience or foundational knowledge in photography and videography, which can enhance multimedia content creation.

• Web Design Fundamentals: Familiarity with web design principles and practices to ensure digital assets are optimized for online platforms.

• UI/UX Design Understanding: Knowledge or experience in User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design, beneficial for digital design projects that require a user-centric approach.

• Brand Strategy Acumen: A deeper understanding of brand strategy and how design contributes to overall brand perception and marketing effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a client-focused mindset, project management, and problem-solving aligns with core competencies expected in operations roles, particularly in managing projects and stakeholder expectations. The preference for digital and UX skills indicates a forward-looking approach to creative asset development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Project Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects across print, digital, and potentially multimedia formats, highlighting versatility and scope of work.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Specific examples within the portfolio that illustrate the ability to maintain and enforce brand standards across diverse applications, showcasing a strong understanding of brand guidelines.

• Process & Problem-Solving Documentation: Within project descriptions, articulate the design process followed, challenges encountered, and how creative solutions were developed to meet specific business objectives.

• Deliverable Quality Assurance: Showcase examples of production-ready files for print and digital, demonstrating an understanding of technical requirements and quality control for final outputs.

Process Documentation:

• Creative Brief Interpretation: Evidence of how design briefs were analyzed and translated into tangible creative concepts and deliverables.

• Workflow Efficiency: Demonstrate an understanding of efficient design workflows, including how projects were managed from concept to final production, managing timelines effectively.

• Collaboration & Feedback Integration: Examples of how feedback from clients and project teams was incorporated into design iterations to achieve optimal results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that demonstrates process, problem-solving, and quality assurance is directly analogous to operations roles where a portfolio of process improvements, system implementations, and ROI documentation is often expected.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected annual salary range for this position is $61,993 - $77,492 CAD.

• Placement within this range will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills. Benefits:

• Work Environment Amenities: Access to a fitness facility, onsite nurse, and a company café within the home office building.

• Financial Perks: Competitive compensation package including a parking allowance.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: A flexible benefits plan providing medical and dental benefits, effective from the first day of employment.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid vacation time.

• Wellness Support: 24/7 access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program for personal and professional support.

• Community Engagement: Opportunities to contribute to the community through a paid volunteer day, company volunteer events, and a donation matching program.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position. While specific daily hours are not detailed, a standard full-time workweek of approximately 40 hours is implied.

• The role is on-site, suggesting a structured work schedule within the company's operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the Saint John, NB region for a Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience. This estimate is based on current market data for similar roles in Canada, adjusted for the specified experience level and the cost of living in Atlantic Canada. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a typical offering for full-time employees in a corporate environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy (Oil & Gas)

• Irving Oil operates within the energy sector, a critical and dynamic industry. This context means the graphic design function plays a vital role in communicating complex information, promoting safety, and enhancing brand perception within a sector that requires a high degree of trust and professionalism.

Company Size: Large Enterprise

• As a large enterprise, Irving Oil likely has established processes, a defined brand hierarchy, and multiple departments with distinct communication needs. This offers opportunities for exposure to a wide range of projects and stakeholders but also necessitates adherence to stringent brand guidelines and approval processes.

Founded: Irving Oil was founded in 1924, giving it a long history and a significant presence in the Canadian business landscape. This legacy suggests a company with strong foundational values and a commitment to long-term growth, which the Creative Services team supports through consistent branding and communication.

Team Structure:

• Creative Services Team: This role is part of the Creative Services team, indicating a specialized unit focused on delivering design and communication solutions. The team likely comprises designers, communication specialists, and potentially project managers.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Designers will collaborate closely with various business lines, marketing departments, and communication specialists to understand project requirements and deliver tailored creative assets.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role likely reports to a Creative Services Manager or Director, with a clear reporting line within the marketing or communications function.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: A core methodology will be adherence to Irving Oil's established brand standards and visual identity guidelines to ensure consistency and brand integrity across all outputs.

• Brief-Driven Execution: Design projects will typically originate from creative briefs, requiring a structured approach to analysis, concept development, and execution based on defined objectives.

• Collaborative Development: The process will involve significant collaboration with internal clients, stakeholders, and fellow team members, fostering a feedback-rich environment for creative refinement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and long history suggest a need for design that is both modern and trustworthy, balancing innovation with established corporate identity. The emphasis on a structured Creative Services team implies a professional environment with defined workflows.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Specialized Contributor (Graphic Design)

• This role sits within a specialized function (Creative Services) but requires operational skills in project management, client service, and process adherence. It is a contributor role focused on executing design projects effectively. Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Creative Services or Marketing department. This structure provides direct guidance and oversight, facilitating skill development and project alignment. Collaboration will be key with internal clients across various business lines. Operations Impact:

• The impact of this role is measured by the effectiveness of the creative materials produced in supporting business objectives, enhancing brand perception, and engaging target audiences. High-quality, on-brand design contributes to marketing campaign success, internal communications clarity, and overall corporate image. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital, motion graphics, retail design) based on project assignments and personal development goals.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse internal clients, understanding the unique communication needs of different business units within the energy sector.

• Project Leadership (Limited): While primarily an individual contributor role, there may be opportunities to lead the design execution for specific projects or campaigns, managing timelines and deliverables.

• Contract Extension/Full-Time Conversion: Successful performance in this fixed-term role could potentially lead to contract extension or opportunities for full-time positions within Irving Oil's Creative Services team or related departments, depending on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a design role, the emphasis on project management, client service, and contributing to business objectives mirrors the operational impact and growth pathways seen in many GTM operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Headquarters

• The role is based in Irving Oil's home office building in Saint John, NB. This suggests a professional, corporate environment with access to standard office amenities.

Office Location(s): Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

• Located in Saint John, NB, providing a specific regional work context. Access to the office building is implied for on-site work. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office likely fosters a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities for designers to interact with fellow team members, communication specialists, and internal clients for project discussions and feedback.

• On-Site Amenities: The presence of a fitness facility, onsite nurse, and café enhances the daily work experience and convenience for employees.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and hardware is expected within a corporate Creative Services department.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time, fixed-term position. A standard work schedule, likely aligning with typical business hours (e.g., Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm), is expected. The on-site nature requires consistent presence during these hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in a corporate headquarters emphasizes a structured, collaborative, and amenity-rich work environment typical for large enterprises.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely within Creative Services) to delve deeper into design skills, project experience, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of brand principles.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, how they met client objectives, and demonstrated their technical proficiency. This is where the candidate's ability to articulate their work and its impact will be assessed.

• Potential Skills Assessment/Case Study: While not explicitly stated, some companies may include a small design exercise or case study to evaluate practical skills and approach to a given brief.

• Final Interview/Team Meet-and-Greet: Potentially a final interview with other team members or stakeholders to assess cultural fit and collaborative potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills (print, digital, branding) and demonstrate your ability to meet diverse client needs.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenge, your process, your creative solution, and the outcome or impact (even if it's just client satisfaction).

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Emphasize projects where you successfully worked within or developed brand guidelines, showcasing your understanding of brand consistency.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used. If applicable, show examples of production-ready files or discuss your understanding of print/digital specifications.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, your problem-solving approach, and your understanding of the energy industry or Irving Oil's brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If a design challenge is given, thoroughly analyze the brief, identify key objectives, target audience, and any constraints.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a realistic timeframe. Prioritize elements that are most critical to the brief.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to explain your thought process, rationale for design decisions, and how you would approach execution and finalization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and the ability to articulate design process and impact are key components that translate directly to operations roles where demonstrating process improvement and ROI through case studies is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Essential): Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is mandatory for creating and editing graphics, illustrations, and layouts for both print and digital media.

• Adobe Acrobat Pro: For preparing and managing PDF files, essential for print production and digital distribution.

Digital Design & Web:

• Web Design Software (Preferred): Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD could be beneficial for digital design tasks, especially for web graphics or UI elements.

• Content Management Systems (CMS) (Awareness): Basic understanding of how design assets are implemented in CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress) might be advantageous.

Multimedia (Asset):

• Video Editing Software (Awareness): Experience with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, or at least an understanding of video asset requirements, is a plus.

• Animation Software (Awareness): Familiarity with Adobe After Effects for motion graphics would be an asset.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Project Management Tools: Likely use of internal project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar) for task tracking and workflow management.

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

File Management & Sharing:

• Cloud Storage: Experience with platforms like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox for file sharing and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is design-focused, the mention of various media channels (digital, print, video) and the preference for web/UI/UX skills suggest a modern design stack. The underlying need for project and file management is common across all operations disciplines.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting the needs of internal clients, ensuring their business objectives are supported through effective creative solutions. This mirrors an operations focus on internal stakeholder satisfaction.

• Quality & Brand Integrity: A commitment to producing high-quality work that consistently upholds Irving Oil's brand standards, reflecting a dedication to excellence and professional representation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A value placed on working effectively within the Creative Services team and with other departments, sharing ideas, and supporting collective goals.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: An expectation to manage projects efficiently, meet deadlines, and deliver creative assets in a timely manner to support business initiatives, echoing operational efficiency principles.

• Continuous Improvement: An encouragement to stay current with design trends and technologies, fostering a mindset of ongoing learning and adaptation to improve creative output.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Collaboration likely involves working as a partner with internal clients to understand their vision and translate it into design.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback exchange to refine designs and ensure they meet requirements.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless integration with marketing, communications, and various business units to ensure creative efforts are aligned with broader organizational strategies.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where team members share best practices, new techniques, and insights to elevate the collective skill set of the Creative Services department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of client focus, quality, collaboration, and efficiency are directly transferable to operations roles, highlighting how these principles are foundational to success in corporate environments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: Navigating the need for innovative design while strictly adhering to established corporate brand guidelines and legal requirements.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Juggling the varied requests, feedback, and priorities from multiple internal clients across different business units.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Consistently delivering high-quality creative work under pressure and within short turnaround times, typical in fast-paced corporate environments.

• Adapting to Evolving Media: Keeping pace with new digital platforms, technologies, and design trends to ensure creative output remains relevant and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design tools and technologies.

• Industry Trend Workshops: Access to workshops or webinars focused on the latest trends in graphic design, digital marketing, and visual communication.

• Cross-Departmental Project Exposure: Gaining experience by working on projects for different business lines, broadening understanding of Irving Oil's operations.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Developing a robust portfolio that can serve as a stepping stone for future design opportunities, either within Irving Oil or elsewhere.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities presented are common in specialized creative roles but also highlight transferable skills like project management, stakeholder management, and adaptability, which are key in operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a creative brief from initial concept to final production-ready files." (Focus on structured workflow, client communication, and quality checks.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple design deliverables for different channels?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and systematic application.)

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to overcome significant design or production challenges." (Use the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result – to detail problem-solving.)

• "How do you prioritize your workload when managing multiple projects with competing deadlines?" (Discuss time management techniques, prioritization frameworks, and communication strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Irving Oil, and why are you interested in contributing your design skills to our company?" (Research Irving Oil's brand, recent campaigns, and industry position.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with internal clients and stakeholders who may have different creative visions?" (Emphasize active listening, empathy, and finding common ground.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design work. How did you respond?" (Showcase your ability to receive feedback professionally and integrate it constructively.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your most impactful work first.

• Focus on the "Why": For each project, explain the business problem it solved, the strategic intent behind your design choices, and the intended audience.

• Highlight Your Process: Be prepared to discuss your design thinking, research, concept development, and iteration stages.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a project had measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity), present those metrics.

• Be Concise and Enthusiastic: Present your work with confidence and passion, keeping explanations clear and to the point.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on articulating process, problem-solving, and stakeholder management, which are core competencies assessed in operations roles. The portfolio presentation strategy mirrors the need for operations professionals to demonstrate tangible results and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer (Fixed Term) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Irving Oil's career portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 4-6 of your strongest design projects that best showcase your skills in print, digital, and branding. Ensure each project clearly demonstrates your design process, problem-solving abilities, and ability to meet client objectives.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience relevant to the energy sector or corporate communications. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

• Prepare Your Presentation Narrative: Practice articulating your design process and the impact of your work for each portfolio piece. Be ready to explain how you translate creative briefs into effective visual solutions and how you manage project timelines and client feedback.

• Research Irving Oil: Familiarize yourself with Irving Oil's brand, recent marketing campaigns, and their position within the energy industry. Understand their values and how your design contributions can support their business objectives and brand standards.

⚠️ 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.