Creative Graphic Designer - Contract

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Creative Graphic Designer - Contract Company: Champion Petfoods Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Job Type: Full-Time, Contract Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: August 5, 2025 Experience Level: 3-5 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the end-to-end creation of marketing collateral for product launches, brand campaigns, and events, requiring a strong blend of creative vision and execution across diverse channels.
• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in maintaining and applying Champion Petfoods' brand standards across all visual communications, ensuring consistency and impact.
• Key responsibilities include managing multiple design projects simultaneously, often with tight deadlines, necessitating excellent project management and prioritization skills.
• Collaboration with internal teams and external vendors (illustrators, photographers) is crucial for successful project outcomes and creative execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Creative Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean towards marketing operations and brand consistency management, particularly in supporting product launches and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies through visual assets. The contract nature suggests a project-based need, likely supporting specific marketing initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute a wide range of digital and print marketing materials, including new product packaging, website assets, social media graphics, trade exhibit displays, publications, and in-store promotional signage.
• Apply and enforce company brand guidelines and style guides consistently across all new and existing distributor and retailer marketing materials to maintain brand integrity.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing and other design partners, to translate campaign objectives and messaging into compelling visual designs.
• Identify, source, and manage relationships with external creative vendors such as illustrators and photographers, ensuring creative output aligns with project requirements and brand standards.
• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks to meet short-term deadlines and high-pressure situations while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Conduct research on industry best practices, design trends, and consumer preferences to inform and enhance creative solutions.
• Clearly define production requirements for each design project, ensuring smooth handoffs to print or digital production teams.
• Proofread all marketing materials meticulously for accuracy, brand compliance, and adherence to specifications before final deployment.
• Assist in maintaining and organizing a comprehensive library of graphics, media assets, and digital records, ensuring adherence to established naming and filing conventions for efficient asset management.
• Develop innovative and on-brand design solutions that meet specific company requirements and elevate the visual presence of Champion Petfoods' brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate within a structured marketing framework, supporting GTM initiatives with high-quality, on-brand assets. The emphasis on brand standards and managing multiple projects suggests a need for operational efficiency in the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• College or University degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in Graphic Design and Marketing, with a proven track record in creative development and execution of marketing materials.
• Experience in the pet food industry or a related consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector is highly advantageous for understanding market nuances.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional creative and conceptualization abilities, with a strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects and the capacity to articulate design rationale.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, XD, and Acrobat, for creating and managing design assets.
• Strong understanding of printing/publishing procedures, including pre-press requirements, color management, and various printing techniques to ensure quality output.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines, maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders across various organizational levels.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with a meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design and asset management.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge or experience in video editing software (e.g., Premiere Pro) and motion graphics (e.g., After Effects) for integrated multimedia campaigns.
• Familiarity with photo editing software (e.g., Lightroom) for image manipulation and optimization.
• Experience applying brand style guides to existing distributor and retailer marketing materials, ensuring brand consistency in partner channels.
• Understanding of digital marketing channels, including website design principles, social media content creation, and digital advertising best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize technical proficiency in design software and project management, critical for operations where efficiency and adherence to brand guidelines are paramount. Preferred skills in video and digital marketing indicate a need for a versatile designer supporting multi-channel GTM strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating end-to-end design process for at least 3-5 marketing campaigns or product launches, showcasing concept development, execution, and final output across various channels (print, digital, packaging).
• Case studies within the portfolio should highlight how design solutions directly supported marketing objectives, such as increasing brand awareness, driving product adoption, or enhancing customer engagement.
• Examples of applying and adapting brand guidelines to different marketing materials and campaigns, illustrating versatility and brand stewardship.
• Visual representation of proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, with examples of complex layouts, illustrations, or photo manipulations.
• Clear documentation of design workflows, including how feedback was incorporated and how projects were managed from brief to final delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in defining production requirements for print and digital assets, including file preparation, color profiles, and bleed specifications.
• Examples of how design processes were optimized for efficiency, particularly when managing multiple projects or adhering to strict brand standards.
• Documentation of experience in collaborating with external vendors, including brief development, asset delivery, and quality control for outsourced creative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role, as it serves as proof of design capability and operational efficiency. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process and how they ensure brand consistency and project completion within defined parameters.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the contract nature and the requirement for 3-5 years of experience in a specialized field like graphic design, an estimated hourly rate for a Creative Graphic Designer in Edmonton, Canada, would typically range from CAD $30 to CAD $50 per hour, depending on experience, specific skills, and project scope. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for contract design roles in major Canadian cities.

Benefits:

• Competitive Wages: Offering financial security and fair compensation for the contract duration.
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Comprehensive coverage including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, providing robust healthcare support.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.
• Perks:
  • Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, demonstrating product appreciation.
  • Free Parking at the corporate office, enhancing convenience for on-site work.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.
• The role may require extended hours as needed to meet project deadlines and business demands, common in contract design positions supporting intensive marketing periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a contract role. Actual compensation will depend on the specific skills, experience, and the defined scope of the contract. The benefits package is comprehensive for a contract position, reflecting Champion Petfoods' commitment to employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Champion Petfoods operates in the premium pet food industry, a sector characterized by strong brand loyalty, a focus on quality ingredients, and a passionate consumer base. The company's commitment to "Biologically Appropriate™" and "Taste of the Wild" philosophies positions it as a leader in high-quality pet nutrition. This environment demands a high level of visual storytelling and brand integrity.

Company Size:

• Champion Petfoods is a significant player in the global premium pet food market. While the exact employee count isn't specified, its operations span three major geographic regions, suggesting a substantial organization. For a designer, this scale means opportunities to work on diverse projects with a global reach, but also requires adaptability to established processes and brand frameworks.

Founded:

• Founded over 35 years ago in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion Petfoods has grown from its roots into an award-winning, globally recognized company. This history suggests a culture that values heritage, quality, and sustained growth, likely fostering a professional yet passionate work environment.

Team Structure:

• The Creative Graphic Designer reports to the Global Design Supervisor, indicating a structured design department within the broader marketing or creative services function.
• This role will likely collaborate closely with marketing teams, product development, and potentially sales teams to support Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies.
• The team structure emphasizes a blend of centralized brand oversight (Global Design Supervisor) and collaborative execution within marketing initiatives.

Methodology:

• Champion Petfoods emphasizes a commitment to quality, authenticity, and nutritional integrity. This translates into a design process that likely values meticulous attention to detail, adherence to scientific and brand messaging, and a data-informed approach to understanding consumer trends.
• The company's award-winning status suggests a culture that embraces excellence and innovation within its established brand parameters.

Company Website:

• championpetfoods.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Champion Petfoods' position as a premium brand is key. The design role is integral to communicating this premium positioning, requiring a designer who can uphold high standards and contribute to a brand narrative focused on quality and animal well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This contract position is at an intermediate level, requiring 3-5 years of professional experience. It offers a focused opportunity to apply and hone graphic design skills within a dynamic marketing operations context, specifically supporting product launches and brand campaigns.

Reporting Structure:

• The role reports to the Global Design Supervisor. This indicates a clear line of management and oversight for design projects, ensuring alignment with global brand strategies and quality standards. The supervisor will likely provide direction, feedback, and project assignments.

Operations Impact:

• As a Creative Graphic Designer, the impact is directly on the visual communication of Champion Petfoods' brands and products. High-quality, on-brand design assets are critical for effective Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, influencing consumer perception, product appeal, and ultimately, sales performance. The designer's work supports the overall marketing and sales funnel by creating compelling visual content.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in packaging design, digital asset creation, and brand guideline implementation within the CPG/pet food industry.
• Portfolio Enhancement: The contract provides a chance to add significant, high-impact projects to a professional portfolio, showcasing work for a globally recognized brand.
• Industry Exposure: Gain experience working within a successful, award-winning company in the premium pet food sector, understanding its unique marketing and operational demands.
• Networking: Build professional relationships with the Global Design Supervisor and marketing teams, potentially leading to future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a contract role, it offers valuable experience and portfolio building for a designer aiming for roles in CPG marketing or operations. The direct impact on GTM initiatives makes it a strategic position for career growth in visual brand management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is based out of Champion Petfoods' corporate office in South Edmonton. It operates on a hybrid work schedule, meaning a combination of in-office and remote work, likely with specific days designated for in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s):

• South Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This location offers access to a major urban center with amenities and transportation networks.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model suggests a collaborative office environment for specific team interactions, brainstorming sessions, and meetings with the Global Design Supervisor.
• Access to necessary design software and potentially company-specific hardware will be provided or expected.
• The work environment is likely professional, with an emphasis on quality, brand consistency, and teamwork.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, with the flexibility of a hybrid model. Specific in-office days will be communicated, allowing for focused remote work on tasks requiring deep concentration, while in-office days facilitate collaboration and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is important for designers who value work-life balance and focused work time, balanced with in-person team collaboration. Understanding the specific in-office days will be key for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by HR or the hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.
• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A more in-depth review of submitted portfolio pieces, potentially with a discussion about past projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This may include technical questions about software proficiency.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Global Design Supervisor to discuss experience, creative approach, ability to work with brand guidelines, and fit with the team and company culture.
• Potential Practical Exercise: A short design challenge or take-home assignment may be given to assess practical skills, speed, and ability to interpret a brief under time constraints, relevant to the contract nature of the role.
• Final Interview: Possibly a brief discussion with a senior marketing lead or HR for final confirmation and offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in packaging design, digital marketing, and brand application. Prioritize work that aligns with CPG or premium brand aesthetics.
• Showcase Process: For each project, include a brief overview of the challenge, your role, the creative process (sketches, iterations, software used), and the final outcome with measurable results if possible.
• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied or adapted brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of brand consistency and stewardship.
• Digital vs. Print: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of both digital (web, social) and print (packaging, collateral) design to showcase versatility.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on key elements and achievements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Champion Petfoods' brands (ORIJEN, ACANA), their brand voice, visual identity, and target audience.
• Practice Brief Interpretation: If a challenge is assigned, carefully read the brief, identify key objectives, target audience, and any constraints.
• Time Management: If it's a timed exercise, allocate time for understanding the brief, ideation, design execution, and finalization.
• Presentation Skills: Be ready to present your work clearly and concisely, explaining your design decisions and how they meet the brief's requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and demonstrate how they can translate marketing objectives into effective visual communication within brand parameters.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and complex layouts.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, digital painting, and creating raster graphics.
  • InDesign: For page layout and desktop publishing, essential for packaging, brochures, and publications.
  • XD: For user experience design, prototyping, and wireframing of digital interfaces (websites, apps).
• Adobe Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and review, particularly for print-ready files.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., click-through rates, engagement) may involve familiarity with analytics platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core toolset, but awareness of how marketing automation platforms deliver visual content might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable for this role. Proficiency in XD is increasingly important for digital marketing assets, and a basic understanding of how designs integrate into broader marketing tech stacks is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Authenticity: Champion Petfoods is built on a foundation of high-quality ingredients and authentic brand messaging. This translates to a design culture that values precision, accuracy, and genuine representation in all visual communications.
• Collaboration: Working in a hybrid environment and reporting to a supervisor necessitates strong collaborative skills. Designers are expected to work effectively with marketing, sales, and other creative team members, sharing ideas and feedback constructively.
• Efficiency & Urgency: As a contract role with potentially short timeframes, the ability to work efficiently, manage priorities, and deliver under pressure is highly valued. Proactive problem-solving and a results-oriented mindset are key.
• Adaptability: Being open to feedback, willing to iterate on designs, and adapting to evolving project requirements or brand direction are crucial for success in a fast-paced creative environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to integrate seamlessly with marketing teams, understanding campaign goals and contributing visual solutions that support Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies.
• Constructive Feedback Loop: A culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback is essential for refining designs and ensuring alignment with brand standards and project objectives.
• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing design best practices, new techniques, or insights into industry trends can enrich the team's overall creative output and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes quality and authenticity, which designers must embody in their work. The hybrid environment and contract nature highlight the need for self-starters who are also strong collaborators and adaptable to feedback.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Project Timelines: Effectively juggling design requests for various product launches, campaigns, and events simultaneously, often with tight deadlines.
• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Ensuring all creative output consistently meets Champion Petfoods' established brand standards across a wide array of materials and channels.
• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Needs: Translating marketing objectives and commercial requirements into visually compelling designs that also resonate with the target audience.
• Adapting to Feedback and Iteration: Incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders while maintaining design integrity and delivering on project goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunity to refine skills in specific areas like packaging die-lines, digital asset optimization, or motion graphics if applicable.
• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to how a leading premium CPG brand executes its marketing and design strategies, providing insights into effective visual communication for Go-To-Market campaigns.
• Brand Management: Deeper understanding of brand stewardship and the operational aspects of maintaining brand consistency across a global portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is managing the volume and diversity of design requests within a structured brand framework. Growth comes from mastering these operational aspects of creative execution for a premium brand.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design from initial concept to final delivery, especially when working with tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders." (Focus on your workflow, project management, and communication)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various marketing channels and materials, particularly when adapting existing brand guidelines for different applications?" (Highlight your understanding of brand stewardship and attention to detail)
• "Walk us through a challenging design project from your portfolio. What was the objective, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them to achieve a successful outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study that demonstrates problem-solving and results)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and software, and how do you incorporate these into your work while respecting brand guidelines?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and adaptability)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Champion Petfoods and our brands (ORIJEN, ACANA)? What attracts you to working with us?" (Research the company's mission, values, and products)
• "How do you prefer to receive creative feedback, and how do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Demonstrate receptiveness and professionalism)
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or remote environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication?" (Highlight your self-management and communication skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story that includes the problem, your solution, and the impact. Connect your design choices to business objectives.
• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process, including research, ideation, software used, and how you incorporated feedback.
• Metrics & ROI: If possible, include any quantifiable results of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, successful product launch).
• Brand Consistency: Explicitly point out how your designs adhere to or thoughtfully adapt brand guidelines.
• Concise & Engaging: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, speaking clearly and confidently about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, demonstrating not just creative flair but also operational discipline, brand awareness, and project management capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Creative Graphic Designer - Contract position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to CPG marketing, packaging design, and digital asset creation. Emphasize work that showcases strong brand application and adherence to style guides.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 3-5 years of experience, proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, project management skills, and any experience with CPG or pet-related industries. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of brand consistency. Prepare answers to common interview questions related to design challenges and collaboration.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Champion Petfoods, its brands (ORIJEN, ACANA), mission, and values. Understand their market position and target audience to better articulate your interest and fit during interviews.

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