Graphic Designer, MML Hospitality

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: MML Hospitality

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Hospitality Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-09-28

Experience Level: 3-5+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the visual identity and brand experience across a diverse portfolio of hospitality, hotel, and retail properties.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and producing a wide array of creative assets, ensuring brand consistency and storytelling across all touchpoints.

• A strong emphasis will be placed on translating brand strategy into tangible visual elements, from environmental graphics and signage to print collateral and digital assets.

• This position requires a blend of creative design skills, production expertise, and a deep understanding of how design impacts guest experience within the hospitality sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for a Graphic Designer with a strong focus on experiential and environmental design within the hospitality industry, rather than a traditional revenue or sales operations role. The emphasis is on creative brand execution and visual storytelling rather than operational efficiency or revenue generation metrics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-quality print, digital, and environmental assets for a portfolio of distinct restaurant, hotel, and retail brands, including menus, collateral, packaging, signage, marketing materials, and event graphics.

• Maintain and evolve multi-brand systems, ensuring the integrity, distinct voice, and identity of each concept are preserved.

• Prepare production-ready files and collaborate directly with printers, fabricators, and signage vendors to ensure accurate execution and quality control.

• Develop compelling mockups and presentation materials for pre-opening projects, property signage, and brand rollouts to effectively communicate design concepts to stakeholders.

• Communicate with operations teams and on-site management to support ongoing brand maintenance, updates, and seasonal changes, ensuring visual consistency across all locations.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, web, development, and leadership teams to translate strategic goals into cohesive and impactful visual solutions.

• Manage and organize design files, templates, and asset libraries to ensure long-term scalability, accessibility, and efficient retrieval for future projects.

• Contribute to typography, layout systems, visual hierarchy, and the overall development and maintenance of brand aesthetics across new and existing brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are heavily focused on creative output and brand execution within a hospitality context. The "operations" aspect here pertains to the operational efficiency of the design process itself (file management, vendor coordination, asset organization) rather than business operations or revenue optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not specified, but a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience.

Experience: 3–5+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for experience within the hospitality, lifestyle, retail, or experiential brands sector.

Required Skills:

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

• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in environmental design, print production, and brand system thinking.

• Demonstrated experience in preparing production-ready files and effectively collaborating with external production vendors (printers, fabricators, etc.).

• Deep understanding of typography, layout systems, and visual hierarchy principles.

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with comfort in interfacing and collaborating with diverse cross-functional teams.

• Proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive) for collaboration and project management. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the hospitality or multi-location brand environments is highly preferred.

• Experience with After Effects for motion graphics is a plus.

• Familiarity with signage design and architectural coordination processes.

• Basic understanding of web asset production and light UI/UX principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level and skill set are geared towards a creative professional. While "production-ready file preparation" and "vendor coordination" touch upon operational aspects of design, they are distinct from business operations or revenue operations. The preference for hospitality experience is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of projects demonstrating expertise in environmental design, including how branding is integrated into physical spaces (e.g., signage, interior graphics).

• Include examples of print production work, highlighting the ability to prepare files for various printing methods and materials.

• Present well-developed brand system case studies that illustrate the ability to maintain consistency and evolve brand identity across multiple applications.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of typography, layout, and hierarchy through curated examples of print and digital collateral.

• Provide evidence of collaboration with vendors, possibly through case studies detailing project execution from concept to final product. Process Documentation:

• Detail your process for moving a design project from initial concept and brief to final, production-ready deliverables.

• Illustrate your approach to managing brand assets, templates, and file organization for scalability and accessibility across a multi-brand portfolio.

• Explain how you ensure quality control and accuracy when working with external production vendors.

• Describe your method for collaborating with cross-functional teams (marketing, operations, development) to gather requirements and deliver cohesive visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are standard for a graphic design role, focusing on showcasing creative output and design process. The "process documentation" aspect here refers to the workflow of design projects, not business process optimization in a revenue or sales operations sense.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3-5+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Austin, TX, the estimated salary range is approximately $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and the competitive landscape.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary + Bonus Potential

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• MML Property Discounts (including Hotel, Restaurant, and Retail)

• Fitness and Health Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Pet Insurance

• Retirement Benefits (e.g., 401k)

• Parental Leave

• Opportunities for Advancement and Promotion

• Community Service Opportunities

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines, especially during pre-opening phases or seasonal campaigns. This is an on-site position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical market rates for Graphic Designers in Austin, TX, with the specified experience level. The benefits listed are standard for full-time employees in the hospitality sector and are not specific to operations roles. The working hours are standard for a full-time creative position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality, Restaurants, Hotels, and Retail. MML Hospitality is known for its dedication to creating memorable experiences through exceptional cuisine, inspired design, impeccable service, and authentic storytelling. Their approach is characterized by creativity, quality, and a strong sense of place, with a growing portfolio across multiple states.

Company Size: MML Hospitality operates a significant number of properties, suggesting a medium to large organization with a dedicated corporate team supporting these brands. The Brand & Creative Design Team is likely a specialized department within this structure.

Founded: Founded by Larry McGuire, Tom Moorman, and Liz Lambert, MML Hospitality has a history rooted in developing character-driven concepts. This foundation suggests a culture that values creativity, entrepreneurship, and a hands-on approach to hospitality.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report directly to the Brand & Creative Studio Director, indicating a structured creative department.

• This role involves close collaboration with marketing, web development, and leadership teams, suggesting a matrixed approach to project execution.

• Interaction with operations teams and on-site management at various properties will be a key component, requiring strong communication and adaptability. Methodology:

• The company's focus on "authentic storytelling" and "inspired design" suggests a creative methodology driven by narrative and aesthetic quality.

• The emphasis on "experiential consistency" points to a process that prioritizes the guest journey and brand immersion.

• The need to manage multiple distinct brands implies a systematic approach to brand management, asset organization, and design application.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights a creative and hospitality-focused culture. While operational efficiency is implicitly required for design execution, the core values are centered on guest experience, brand integrity, and creative excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring specialized skills in brand systems and environmental design within the hospitality context. It's a hands-on creative role focused on execution and production rather than strategic business operations.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Brand & Creative Studio Director, indicating a clear line of command within the creative department. Collaboration extends to other departments like marketing and operations.

Operations Impact: While not directly involved in revenue operations, the Graphic Designer's work has a significant impact on brand perception, guest experience, and marketing effectiveness, which indirectly influences revenue and customer loyalty. Strong visual branding and consistent execution are crucial for attracting and retaining customers in the hospitality industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas such as environmental graphics, signage design, or digital brand assets within the hospitality sector.

• Leadership: Advancement to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, potentially leading projects or mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Development: Opportunities to gain broader exposure to marketing strategies, brand development, and operational nuances of different MML properties.

• Skill Expansion: Learning new design tools or techniques (e.g., After Effects, UI/UX support) as the company's needs evolve.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path and growth opportunities are typical for a creative professional. The term "operations impact" is interpreted in the context of how design operations affect the overall business, not as direct involvement in revenue or sales operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as an "in-office position," suggesting a dedicated MML Hospitality office space where the Brand & Creative Design Team is based. This environment is likely designed to foster collaboration and creative synergy.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Austin, Texas, specifically at 1711 S Congress Ave. This location might offer a vibrant workspace, potentially near some of MML's renowned properties.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, facilitating interaction with the Brand & Creative Studio Director and other members of the design and marketing teams.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including powerful workstations and the Adobe Creative Suite, is a given.

• Opportunities for team interaction will be high, encouraging brainstorming and feedback sessions essential for creative projects.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, totaling 40 hours per week. Given the nature of hospitality, occasional flexibility may be required for urgent project needs or to attend site-specific events/installations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described as a typical office setting for a creative team, emphasizing collaboration and access to necessary tools. The "work schedule" flexibility is framed around creative project demands rather than operational process management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative style.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the Brand & Creative Studio Director and potentially other team members, discussing their design process, project rationale, and specific contributions.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or case study might be given to evaluate problem-solving skills, creativity, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite under timed conditions.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Interviews with marketing or operations leads to assess communication skills, ability to collaborate, and understanding of hospitality brand needs.

• Final Interview: Discussion with a senior leader (e.g., Director of Marketing or Brand Director) to assess cultural fit and overall alignment with MML Hospitality's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your best work, focusing on projects that demonstrate environmental design, print production, and brand system thinking relevant to hospitality or lifestyle brands.

• For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, and the outcome. Use visuals to tell the story.

• Highlight projects where you collaborated with vendors or managed production-ready files, showcasing your technical capabilities.

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of typography, layout, and how you maintain brand consistency across diverse applications.

• Showcase projects that reflect an understanding of creating experiences and conveying hospitality concepts visually. Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly. Prioritize clarity, brand alignment, and creative problem-solving.

• Be mindful of time constraints. Develop a clear, concise presentation that highlights your thought process and final concept.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is standard for a graphic design role. The advice focuses on showcasing creative skills, process, and understanding of brand execution within the hospitality context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: Essential for layout design, print collateral, menus, and multi-page documents.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for logo design, vector graphics, icons, and detailed illustrations.
  • Photoshop: Used for image editing, retouching, digital asset creation, and mockups.

• Adobe After Effects: A plus for creating motion graphics for digital displays, social media, or promotional videos.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to this role, as analytics are typically managed by marketing or operations teams. However, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates for web assets) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable. The design team operates independently of CRM systems, though they may receive project briefs or feedback from teams that use them.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Google Suite: (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive) for document creation, collaboration, presentations, and file storage.

• Potential use of project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) for task tracking, though not explicitly mentioned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is standard for a graphic designer, focusing on creative software. There is no overlap with typical revenue or sales operations technology stacks like CRMs, marketing automation platforms, or business intelligence tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on developing unique and inspired design solutions that align with MML's character-driven approach.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Dedication to producing high-quality work with meticulous attention to detail, from concept to final production.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding the distinct voice, identity, and storytelling of each MML brand across all visual touchpoints.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with internal teams and external partners to achieve cohesive and impactful results.

• Hospitality & Guest Experience: Designing with the end-user (guest) in mind, ensuring visual elements enhance the overall hospitality experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active collaboration with marketing, web development, and operations teams to ensure design aligns with broader business objectives and practical implementation.

• Feedback-Driven: An open environment for constructive feedback and iteration on design concepts.

• Storytelling Focus: A collective effort to weave authentic narratives through visual design, enhancing the unique identity of each property.

• Production-Savvy: A practical approach that balances creative vision with the realities of production, vendor capabilities, and budget constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are deeply rooted in creativity, hospitality, and brand excellence, reflecting the company's core business. These values are distinct from the data-driven, efficiency-focused culture often found in revenue or sales operations teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Multi-Brand Management: Effectively maintaining distinct visual identities and systems for a diverse portfolio of brands, ensuring each feels unique while adhering to MML's overall standards.

• Balancing Creativity and Production: Translating innovative design concepts into production-ready files that meet vendor specifications and timelines, especially for environmental and signage projects.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder needs and feedback from marketing, operations, and leadership teams to achieve consensus on design direction.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Keeping abreast of evolving design trends, especially within the dynamic hospitality sector, while staying true to established brand identities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in specific design disciplines like environmental graphics, large-scale signage production, or hospitality branding.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about the operational nuances of different MML properties (restaurants, hotels, retail) to better inform design decisions.

• Mentorship: Guidance from the Brand & Creative Studio Director and senior team members on strategic design thinking and career progression.

• Tool Proficiency: Potential to expand skill set with tools like After Effects or gain exposure to UI/UX principles relevant to digital brand assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of a creative design role in the hospitality industry, focusing on brand execution and creative problem-solving rather than operational bottlenecks or efficiency improvements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a brand identity from scratch, and how you ensure it translates effectively into environmental design." (Focus on process, brand strategy, and experiential application.)

• "How do you approach managing multiple brand systems simultaneously? Provide an example of how you maintained brand integrity for different clients or projects." (Highlight organizational skills, brand consistency, and multi-project management.)

• "Walk us through a challenging print production project. What were the key obstacles, and how did you work with vendors to achieve the desired outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, technical production knowledge, and vendor collaboration.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to MML Hospitality and our approach to creating memorable experiences?" (Research MML's portfolio, values, and specific properties; articulate alignment.)

• "How do you see graphic design contributing to the overall guest experience in a hospitality setting?" (Connect design to hospitality goals, storytelling, and brand immersion.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with operational constraints or feedback from non-design stakeholders." (Showcase adaptability, communication, and ability to find solutions.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: Organize your portfolio presentation around compelling stories for 3-5 key projects. Begin with the challenge, detail your process and creative solutions, and conclude with the results or impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure all visuals are high-resolution and clearly presented. Use mockups effectively to show designs in context (e.g., signage on a building, menu in a restaurant setting).

• Process Emphasis: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design thinking behind your decisions, and your technical approach to production.

• MML Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight projects most relevant to hospitality, environmental design, and brand systems. Show you understand MML's aesthetic and values.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to deliver key insights efficiently and engagingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a graphic design role, focusing on creative process, technical skills, brand storytelling, and understanding the hospitality industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online or PDF portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating environmental design, print production expertise, and multi-brand system development, with a focus on hospitality or lifestyle brands.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with hospitality or multi-location brands. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed design assets for X properties").

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and preparing thoughtful answers to potential interview questions related to creative strategy, production, and brand storytelling.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research MML Hospitality's portfolio of brands, their mission, and their design aesthetic to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment during the interview process.

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

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