Graphic Designer, Product

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Product

Company: United Wheels Inc.

Location: Miamisburg, OH (HQ)

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)

Category: Product Design / Graphic Design

Date Posted: November 3, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years (Based on AI inference of "Minimum of three years of experience" and "IC level")

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in translating product strategy into tangible, visually appealing designs for the cycling industry, focusing on color, graphics, materials, and finishes.

• The Graphic Designer will collaborate extensively with the internal Product Development team and external licensing partners to ensure a cohesive and innovative product line with global reach.

• Key responsibilities include conceptualizing and rendering designs that are user-centered, commercially viable, and enhance brand identity, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to production protocols.

• The position demands a proactive approach to identifying and integrating design trends, ultimately driving the company's reputation for product innovation and excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "IC" (Individual Contributor) level designation, combined with the requirement for "Minimum of three years of experience," suggests a mid-level individual contributor role. The emphasis on collaboration with internal teams and external licensing partners, alongside the responsibility for concept development and final tech packs, indicates a role that is both creative and execution-focused, requiring strong project management and communication skills within a product development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Product Development Team to conceptualize and create innovative product designs, focusing on color palettes, graphic applications, material selection, and finish treatments for cycling products.

• Translate market trends, competitor analysis, and rider insights into compelling design concepts and high-fidelity renderings that align with user needs and commercial objectives.

• Develop and refine design concepts to meet planned project timetables, ensuring timely advancement of new product development initiatives.

• Investigate, analyze, and report on emerging color and design trends within the cycling and broader lifestyle markets, integrating these findings to maintain a fresh and competitive product line.

• Prepare and finalize design files, including detailed tech packs, to meet stringent United Wheels production protocols and print-quality standards, ensuring seamless handover to manufacturing.

• Oversee the preparation and execution of prototype product samples for critical internal reviews, sales meetings, and customer presentations, ensuring accurate representation of final design intent.

• Engage actively with licensed partners through regular product development calls, joint brainstorming sessions, and necessary travel to ensure strict adherence to licensing protocols and brand identity guidelines.

• Work closely with the Production and Implementation Department, as well as external vendors, to ensure the timely and accurate release of final product design tech packs that specify all necessary color, graphic, and finish details.

• Maintain and continuously update a working knowledge of graphic design processes, encompassing typography, material properties, prepress workflows, printing techniques, and current software capabilities.

• Attend internal and external line reviews, industry trade shows, and vendor meetings to gather insights, present designs, and foster collaborative relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design, trend analysis, technical execution (tech packs, print standards), and stakeholder management (internal teams, licensing partners, vendors). The focus on "user-centered, commercially successful, and brand-defining products" highlights the strategic importance of design within the company's product development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree in graphic design or a related field is required.

• A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Graphic Design or a related field of study is preferred.

• Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree. Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in graphic design, with a focus on product design or hard goods.

• Demonstrated experience working within a product development lifecycle, from concept generation to final production release.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Extensive experience with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop is mandatory.

• Product Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of color theory, material properties, finishes, and their application to product aesthetics and functionality.

• Graphic Design Processes: Working knowledge of type, materials, prepress, and printing trades, ensuring designs are production-ready.

• Trend Analysis: Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize color and design trends to inform product concepts.

• Technical Documentation: Skill in creating and refining design files and tech packs that adhere to production protocols and print-quality standards.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams, vendors, and licensing partners.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage projects, prioritize tasks, and maintain detailed records and design files.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the cycling industry or with sporting goods.

• Familiarity with 3D rendering software or visualization tools.

• Knowledge of sustainability principles in material selection and manufacturing processes.

• Experience working with licensed brands and adhering to strict brand guidelines.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint for collaboration and file management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an Associate degree with a preference for a Bachelor's, coupled with 3+ years of experience and specific software proficiencies, aligns with a mid-level designer role. The emphasis on "Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop" is critical for this position, as is the understanding of "prepress and printing trades" as it directly impacts product quality.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Product Design Concepts: Showcase a range of product designs (ideally from the cycling or related hard goods industry) that illustrate your ability to conceptualize, develop, and refine designs.

• Color, Graphics, Materials & Finishes Expertise: Highlight specific examples where you have successfully integrated color palettes, graphic elements, material choices, and finish treatments to enhance product appeal and functionality.

• Technical File Examples: Include samples of well-organized and detailed design files or tech packs that demonstrate your understanding of production protocols and print-quality standards.

• Trend Integration Case Studies: Present examples where you have researched and applied current design or color trends to create commercially relevant and brand-defining products.

• Licensing Protocol Adherence: If applicable, provide examples of work done for licensed brands, emphasizing how you maintained brand integrity and adhered to specific guidelines.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Visualization: Be prepared to discuss your typical design process, from initial brief and trend research to concept development, refinement, and final file handoff.

• Collaboration & Handoff: Articulate how you collaborate with product development, production teams, and external vendors, and how you ensure clear communication and efficient handoffs of design assets.

• Quality Assurance: Describe your methods for ensuring design accuracy, adherence to brand standards, and meeting production specifications before final release.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a product design role heavily focused on graphics, color, materials, and finishes, a strong visual portfolio is paramount. Candidates should curate examples that directly address the core responsibilities: translating trends into marketable designs, executing technical specifications (tech packs), and managing brand integrity, especially with licensed partners. The portfolio should demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also an understanding of the production process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in a product development role, located in Miamisburg, OH, the estimated salary range is $60,000 - $80,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the region, the specific skills required (Adobe Creative Suite, product design), and the responsibilities outlined. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and potential travel to industry events (e.g., trade shows) to stay current with design trends and technologies.

• Employee Discounts: Potential discounts on company products.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life and long-term disability coverage.

Working Hours:

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

• FLSA Status: Exempt, meaning the employee is not eligible for overtime pay.

• The role is on-site at the Miamisburg, OH headquarters, requiring consistent presence during core business hours, with flexibility potentially available based on project needs and team agreements, though not explicitly stated as remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market data for graphic designers with 3-5 years of experience in a medium-cost-of-living area like Miamisburg, OH, with a specialization in product design. Benefits are standard for a full-time exempt position at a company of this nature. The "Exempt" status is important for understanding compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (specifically, cycling and powersports products). United Wheels Inc. operates within a competitive market that values innovation, product quality, and strong brand identity. The cycling industry, in particular, is influenced by trends in sports, lifestyle, and sustainability.

Company Size: United Wheels Inc. is a significant player, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category based on its operational scope and potential for international reach. This implies a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, the company's established presence in the market suggests a history of product development and brand building, which likely informs its current culture and operational maturity.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Design Manager within the Product Development department.

• This role involves close collaboration with Product Developers, potentially engineers, marketing teams, production specialists, and external licensing partners.

• The structure emphasizes cross-functional teamwork to bring products from concept to market successfully. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a user-centered approach to design, ensuring products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also commercially successful and brand-defining.

• A strong focus is placed on adhering to established production protocols and print-quality standards, indicating a commitment to operational excellence and quality control.

• Trend analysis and proactive design exploration are core methodologies to maintain product relevance and innovation.

• Collaboration with licensing partners is a key part of the process, requiring strong communication and adherence to external brand guidelines.

Company Website: [United Wheels Inc. Company URL is not explicitly provided, but is implied by the recruiting platform URL. A search for "United Wheels Inc." would likely yield their official site.]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on the cycling industry and licensing partnerships suggests a culture that balances creative innovation with rigorous adherence to brand standards and production quality. The "Product Development" department context implies a fast-paced, project-driven environment where designers play a critical role in market success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an Individual Contributor (IC) at a mid-level, requiring a solid foundation of 3+ years of experience. It's a position focused on executing design responsibilities with a degree of autonomy but without direct team management.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Design Manager, who likely oversees a team of designers and provides strategic direction, feedback, and career guidance. Collaboration will extend across various departments including Product Development, Production, and potentially Sales and Marketing.

Operations Impact: The graphic design of products directly influences their market appeal, brand perception, and commercial success. By translating trends into compelling visuals and ensuring strict adherence to brand and production standards, this role has a tangible impact on sales figures, brand loyalty, and the company's overall reputation for quality and innovation in the competitive cycling industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer/Product Designer: Advancement to a senior individual contributor role with increased responsibility for complex projects, mentorship of junior designers, and greater strategic input.

• Design Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as color strategy, materials innovation, or advanced rendering techniques within the product design domain.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into related areas like Product Management, Brand Management, or Marketing Design, leveraging a strong understanding of product and brand.

• Leadership Track: With demonstrated leadership potential and further development, progression into a Design Manager or similar leadership position overseeing a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from a mid-level IC role typically involves deepening technical expertise, taking on more complex and strategic projects, and potentially moving into leadership or specialized individual contributor roles. The emphasis on collaboration and impact within product development provides a strong foundation for various career trajectories within the company or the broader manufacturing/consumer goods sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the company's Headquarters in Miamisburg, OH, indicating a professional office environment. Given the "Product Development" department, this likely includes design studios, collaborative workspaces, and meeting rooms equipped for reviews and presentations.

Office Location(s): Miamisburg, OH (HQ). This location serves as the central hub for product development and likely houses key cross-functional teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close interaction with Product Development, Production, and potentially Marketing teams, suggesting a dynamic and communicative workspace.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud), potentially specialized hardware, and resources for prototyping and sample preparation.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional project discussions, fostering a strong sense of teamwork.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, typical for an exempt salaried position.

• While the role is on-site, the nature of design work may allow for some flexibility in daily hours, subject to project deadlines and team coordination, but the core expectation is consistent on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Miamisburg, OH, is a key factor for candidates. The description implies a professional, collaborative office setting where designers are integrated into the product development process, working closely with other departments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Resume Review: Initial screening by the Talent Team and/or Hiring Leader, focusing on experience, skills, and alignment with the role's core functions.

• Talent Team Outreach: A preliminary conversation to discuss career aspirations, assess basic qualifications, and gauge cultural fit.

• Virtual Interview with Hiring Leader: A deeper dive into design approach, technical proficiency, project examples (portfolio discussion), and collaboration style.

• Product Design Case Exercise: A hypothetical design challenge to evaluate problem-solving skills, creative thinking, execution capabilities, and process understanding. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their thought process and design methodology.

• Final Onsite Interview: A comprehensive session at the Miamisburg HQ to meet with cross-functional team members, potentially present portfolio work in person, and discuss cultural fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, prioritize product design projects that highlight color, graphics, materials, and finishes.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the impact/outcome. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your journey.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Include examples of high-quality tech packs, detailed spec sheets, or other production-ready files that showcase your attention to detail and understanding of manufacturing requirements.

• Highlight Trend Integration: If possible, show how you've incorporated current trends into your designs and explain the rationale behind your choices.

• Address Licensing: If you have experience with licensed brands, clearly articulate how you managed brand guidelines and ensured integrity.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to discuss your design choices, your software proficiency, and your collaborative approach during the interviews.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Familiarize yourself with United Wheels Inc., their products (especially cycling), and the overall cycling industry trends.

• Focus on Process: The case exercise is designed to assess your thinking. Be prepared to articulate your step-by-step approach, from understanding the brief to developing and refining concepts.

• Think User-Centric & Commercial: Ensure your solutions are grounded in user needs and commercial viability, as emphasized in the job description.

• Consider Production Constraints: Briefly acknowledge how your design decisions might impact production, materials, and costs, demonstrating practical awareness.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse explaining your thought process clearly and concisely, as you will likely present your solution to the hiring team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-stage interview process, including a case exercise and an onsite final interview, is typical for creative roles. Candidates should prepare a tailored portfolio that directly addresses the requirements of product design, color, graphics, materials, and finishes within the cycling industry, and be ready to articulate their design process and problem-solving skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector graphics, logos, and detailed design elements for product applications.
  • Adobe InDesign: Useful for layout, creating tech packs, and potentially style guides or presentations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image manipulation, rendering, creating textures, and preparing files for print or digital use.

• Microsoft Office 365: For general productivity, documentation, and collaboration.

• SharePoint: Likely used for document management, file sharing, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analysis role, understanding how design impacts sales and market reception might involve reviewing sales reports or market trend data. The company may use internal reporting tools for product performance. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but familiarity with how design assets are managed within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Information Management (PIM) systems might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop, is non-negotiable for this role. Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint is also expected for day-to-day operations and collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding honesty, accountability, and strict adherence to licensing protocols and brand standards, even under pressure. This emphasizes ethical conduct and brand stewardship.

• Simplicity: Finding clear, practical, and actionable design solutions and communicating them effectively across teams and vendors, avoiding unnecessary complexity.

• Priority: Focusing creative energy and time on deliverables that yield the greatest commercial and brand impact, while consistently meeting project timelines. This highlights efficiency and strategic focus.

• Agility: Rapid adaptation to new trends, feedback, and briefs, with the ability to iterate on concepts effectively without compromising quality or momentum. This points to a dynamic and responsive work environment.

• Rider Centricity: Placing the end-user (the rider) at the core of all design decisions, ensuring products are user-centered, commercially successful, and reinforce brand identity. This emphasizes empathy and market relevance.

• Collaborative Innovation: Working closely with Product Development, Production, vendors, and licensing partners to transform ideas into standout products and elevate overall design impact. This underscores teamwork and shared success.

• Operational Excellence: Delivering accurate, protocol-compliant design files and tech packs on time and to high production and print-quality standards. This highlights a commitment to quality and process.

• ESG & Responsible Growth: Making conscious, responsible choices regarding materials, finishes, and vendor selection, aligning with the company's commitment to sustainability and ethical growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless integration with Product Development, Production, and external partners, necessitating strong communication and a team-oriented approach.

• Process Review & Feedback: An environment where design processes and concepts are regularly reviewed, with an emphasis on constructive feedback exchange to refine outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: An open culture for sharing design insights, trend research, and best practices to collectively elevate the team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed company values are highly indicative of a culture that balances creativity with strong business acumen, ethical practices, and a commitment to quality and user satisfaction. The emphasis on "Rider Centricity" and "Collaborative Innovation" suggests a team environment focused on shared goals and customer impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand/Production Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that are both innovative and feasible within strict licensing protocols, production limitations, and budget realities.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the diverse requirements and feedback from internal teams (Product Development, Production), external licensing partners, and potentially vendors, ensuring alignment and satisfaction.

• Keeping Pace with Rapid Trends: Continuously researching and integrating evolving design, color, and material trends within the dynamic cycling and lifestyle markets to keep products fresh and competitive.

• Ensuring Global Consistency: Maintaining brand integrity and design quality across international product lines and diverse licensing partnerships.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new visualization and rendering software.

• Industry Conferences & Trade Shows: Attending events like Eurobike or Interbike (if applicable) to gain insights into the latest product innovations, materials, and design trends.

• Material & Manufacturing Workshops: Learning about new materials, sustainable options, and advanced manufacturing techniques relevant to product design.

• Mentorship: Guidance from the Design Manager and senior team members on career development, design strategy, and navigating the industry.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining a deeper understanding of product development, marketing, and sales processes through collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for product designers in competitive, brand-conscious industries, requiring a blend of creativity, technical skill, and interpersonal ability. The growth opportunities focus on deepening expertise, staying current with industry advancements, and expanding professional networks.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a trend into a product design concept for a specific market segment, like the cycling industry." (Focus on your research, ideation, and refinement steps.)

• "How do you ensure your design files are production-ready and meet strict print or manufacturing quality standards?" (Detail your understanding of tech packs, color specs, and prepress.)

• "Walk me through a project where you had to collaborate closely with a licensing partner or another department (e.g., Production) to bring a design to life. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.)

• "Imagine you're tasked with designing a new graphic for a bike frame. What factors would you consider beyond just aesthetics, and how would you approach the design process?" (Discuss user needs, brand identity, material compatibility, and production feasibility.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about United Wheels Inc. and our products, particularly in the cycling space?" (Research the company's recent product launches, brand mission, and market position.)

• "How do you embody our company values, such as 'Rider Centricity' or 'Operational Excellence,' in your daily work?" (Connect your past experiences to the listed values.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." (Highlight your teamwork skills and communication style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project type or by demonstrating specific skills relevant to the job description (e.g., Trend Integration, Tech Pack Creation, Licensed Brand Work).

• Focus on Process, Not Just Pretty Pictures: For each project, explain the "why" and "how." Use sketches, mood boards, and process diagrams to illustrate your journey from concept to final output.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on how your designs contributed to sales, brand recognition, or product success, be prepared to share it.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Clearly show examples of your tech packs or production-ready files. Be ready to discuss the specific details and standards you adhere to.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your software skills, and your ability to adapt to feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of product design principles within the context of the cycling industry, proficiency with essential design tools, and the ability to collaborate effectively. The case exercise and portfolio presentation are key opportunities to showcase practical skills and thought processes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided recruiting platform link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in product design, color, graphics, materials, and finishes, particularly within relevant industries. Prioritize projects demonstrating trend integration and technical execution.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your years of experience, specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite), and key responsibilities that align with the job description. Use keywords such as "product design," "graphic design," "Adobe Illustrator," "tech packs," and "trend analysis."

• Prepare for Case Exercise: Understand that a design exercise will be part of the process. Practice thinking through design challenges, articulating your process, and considering user needs and production feasibility.

• Research United Wheels Inc.: Familiarize yourself with the company's products, brands, and any recent news or initiatives. Understand their position in the cycling industry and their commitment to innovation and quality.

⚠️ 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.