Creative Graphic Designer - Contract at Mars

📍 Job Overview

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

🚀 Role Summary

This contract role focuses on the creation and execution of marketing collateral for new products, brand campaigns, and events, requiring a strong blend of creative conceptualization and practical application across diverse channels.
The Graphic Designer will be responsible for maintaining and applying brand standards to all marketing materials, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in communication.
Key responsibilities include managing projects from initial concept through final delivery, collaborating closely with design and marketing teams, and interacting with external vendors for specialized creative needs.
The role demands a high degree of proficiency in design software and an understanding of production requirements for both print and digital mediums, with an emphasis on delivering high-quality, on-brand assets within tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input specifies "Creative Graphic Designer," the context of marketing materials, brand campaigns, trade exhibits, and cross-channel execution strongly aligns this role with a Marketing Operations or Creative Services function, particularly in its focus on operationalizing creative assets for business impact. The contract nature suggests a need for immediate contribution and adaptability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conceptualize, design, and execute a wide range of marketing collateral, including new product packaging, brand campaigns, trade exhibits, displays, publications, in-store promotional signage, website elements, and social media graphics.
Ensure all design outputs strictly adhere to Champion Petfoods' brand standards and style guides, applying them consistently across all marketing channels and adapting them for existing distributor and retailer materials.
Collaborate effectively with internal design partners and the broader marketing team to translate campaign objectives and desired messages into compelling visual communications.
Identify, source, and manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, such as illustrators, photographers, and printers, to ensure high-quality creative execution and production.
Assist in the development and refinement of company brand guidelines, providing input based on industry best practices and emerging design trends to enhance brand consistency and impact.
Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment, often under high-pressure situations.
Conduct thorough proofreading of all marketing projects to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand standards before final release.
Contribute to the organization and maintenance of a comprehensive library of graphics, media assets, and digital records, adhering to established naming and filing conventions for efficient retrieval and management.
Research and recommend innovative design solutions and approaches that align with company requirements and brand integrity, staying abreast of industry and consumer trends.
Clearly define and communicate production requirements for each project to internal teams and external vendors, ensuring smooth and efficient execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for end-to-end project management within a creative context, emphasizing brand guardianship and cross-functional collaboration. The mention of "in-store, print & digital" indicates a requirement for understanding multi-channel marketing operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

A College or University degree in Graphic Design or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in Graphic Design, with a proven track record in creative development and execution of marketing materials.
Demonstrated experience in managing projects from concept to final delivery across various media channels.
Previous experience in the pet food industry or a related consumer goods sector is advantageous.

Required Skills:

Exceptional creative and conceptualization abilities, with the capacity to articulate and present design ideas effectively.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, XD, and Acrobat.
Strong understanding of how to integrate creative concepts across multiple channels, including in-store, print, and digital platforms.
Excellent personal initiative, organizational, presentation, and project management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across different levels and with diverse audiences.
Adaptability and receptiveness to feedback, with the ability to make necessary adjustments to designs.
High energy, problem-solving orientation, self-starter mentality, results-oriented approach, and a proactive attitude with a high sense of urgency.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an open office team environment.

Preferred Skills:

Basic knowledge of video editing and motion graphics software (e.g., Premiere Pro, After Effects).
Familiarity with photo editing software like Lightroom.
Solid understanding of printing and publishing procedures and standards for high-quality output.
Knowledge of how to integrate creativity throughout many channels (in-store, print & digital).

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level and software requirements suggest a mid-level designer capable of independent work and project ownership. The emphasis on "integration of creativity throughout many channels" and "adapting style/brand guides to existing distributor & retailer marketing materials" points to an operational aspect of design, ensuring brand consistency in a distributed network.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, including packaging, campaign materials, digital assets, and print collateral, highlighting creative concept development and execution.
Include examples that illustrate the application of brand guidelines and style guides to ensure consistency across a variety of marketing materials.
Present projects that reflect an understanding of different media channels (print, digital, in-store) and the specific requirements for each.
Showcase projects where problem-solving and adapting to client feedback were key to achieving successful outcomes.

Process Documentation:

Provide evidence of managing design projects from initial brief to final delivery, including workflow examples and project timelines.
Illustrate processes for collaborating with marketing teams and stakeholders to ensure design alignment with strategic objectives.
Detail experience in working with external vendors (printers, photographers, illustrators) and managing those relationships for optimal project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it will be the primary method of assessing creative capabilities and adherence to brand standards. The ability to demonstrate a structured design process and effective vendor management is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the contract nature, mid-level experience (3-5 years), and location in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, an estimated hourly rate for a Creative Graphic Designer would typically range from CAD $30 to CAD $45 per hour, depending on specific skills, portfolio strength, and the duration of the contract.

Benefits:

Competitive Wages: Providing financial peace of mind for the contract duration.
Industry Competitive Benefits: Includes Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
Employee Assistance Programs: Offering confidential support for personal and professional well-being.
Other Perks: A complimentary bag of premium pet food each month and free parking at the corporate office.

Working Hours:

This is a full-time contract position, likely requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Extended hours may be required as needed to meet project deadlines. The role operates on a hybrid work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for contract graphic designers in Canada with the specified experience level. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications and the final terms of the contract. The hybrid nature suggests a structured office presence.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Champion Petfoods operates within the premium pet food industry, a sector known for its focus on quality, health, and scientific research. Mars, the parent company, is a global leader in confectionery, pet care, and food products, bringing extensive resources and a strong corporate culture to its subsidiaries. This context implies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and high standards in all operations, including marketing and design.

Company Size:

Champion Petfoods, while a significant player in the premium pet food market, is part of the larger Mars Incorporated family, which is a global, privately held company with a vast workforce. This means the graphic designer will experience the agility and focused brand identity of Champion Petfoods while being backed by the stability and resources of a major corporation. This combination can offer a dynamic yet stable work environment.

Founded:

Champion Petfoods was founded over 35 years ago in a small town in Alberta, Canada. This origin story speaks to a heritage of dedication, hands-on approach, and a deep connection to its roots. The company's growth into a global premium pet food leader with brands like ORIJEN® and ACANA® highlights a successful journey of innovation and market penetration. This history likely influences a culture that values hard work, authenticity, and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer will report to the Global Design Supervisor, indicating a structured hierarchy within the design function.
The role involves close collaboration with the marketing team, suggesting a cross-functional working model where design is integrated into broader marketing strategies and campaign execution.
Collaboration extends to external partners such as illustrators and photographers, requiring the designer to act as a creative hub, coordinating efforts for specific projects.

Methodology:

The company emphasizes "award-winning" status and a "reputation of trust," suggesting a focus on quality and excellence in all outputs.
Design projects require adherence to "Champion Petfoods brand standards," indicating a systematic approach to brand management and visual consistency.
The role involves identifying and sourcing vendors, implying a process for managing external creative resources and ensuring they meet quality and brand requirements.
The need to "research and provide recommendations based on best practices as well as industry and consumer trends" points to a data-informed and forward-looking approach to design strategy.

Company Website:

https://www.championpetfoods.com/ (While the input provided a general URL, this is the relevant brand site)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's heritage and focus on premium quality, combined with its global reach through Mars, suggests a culture that values expertise, brand integrity, and collaborative execution. The hybrid work model indicates a balance between focused individual work and team interaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

This position is classified as a Mid-Level role, requiring 3-5 years of experience. It positions the designer as a key contributor capable of independent project execution and creative problem-solving within the marketing operations framework. The focus on new product launches, brand campaigns, and channel integration signifies a role with tangible impact on go-to-market strategies.

Reporting Structure:

The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Global Design Supervisor. This reporting line suggests a clear chain of command and direct oversight on design quality, brand consistency, and project management. The role will likely involve regular interaction and feedback sessions with the supervisor to ensure alignment with global design objectives.

Operations Impact:

The work of the Creative Graphic Designer directly impacts the company's brand perception, product appeal, and market presence. By creating compelling marketing materials for new products, campaigns, and trade events, the designer contributes to customer engagement, sales enablement, and overall revenue generation. Effective visual communication is crucial for differentiating Champion Petfoods' premium brands in a competitive market.

Growth Opportunities:

Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in multi-channel marketing asset creation, brand guardianship, and vendor management within a large, reputable organization.
Industry Exposure: Gain experience in the premium pet food industry and work with globally recognized brands (ORIJEN®, ACANA®), enhancing industry-specific knowledge.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Develop stronger collaboration and communication skills by working closely with marketing, product development, and sales teams, as well as external creative partners.
Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust portfolio with high-impact projects that can serve as a strong foundation for future career advancements in design or marketing operations.
Potential for Future Contracts/Roles: Successful performance in this contract role could lead to opportunities for extended contracts or full-time positions within Champion Petfoods or Mars, depending on business needs and individual performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contract role, direct career progression within the traditional sense might be limited. However, the opportunity to build a strong portfolio and gain valuable industry experience is significant. The ability to demonstrate strong performance in managing creative operations and brand consistency is key to future opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

The role operates on a hybrid work schedule, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence at the corporate office in South Edmonton. This model typically aims to balance focused individual work with collaborative team activities and face-to-face interaction.

Office Location(s):

Corporate office in South Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Specific details regarding office accessibility or amenities would need to be confirmed directly with the hiring manager.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, as evidenced by the hybrid model and the need to work closely with design and marketing teams.
The role implies access to standard office technology and design software, with the expectation that the designer will utilize industry-standard tools for their work.
Opportunities for interaction with the operations and marketing teams will be present, facilitating knowledge sharing and project alignment. The open office environment suggests a culture of accessibility and direct communication.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is likely aligned with typical business hours, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement means specific days will be designated for in-office work, with others available for remote execution. Flexibility may be required, with potential for extended hours to meet project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid environment suggests a modern workplace that values both focused individual work and team collaboration. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of remote and in-office work, and adaptable to the specific structure Champion Petfoods employs for its hybrid model.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Likely conducted by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your resume and general interest in the role.
Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: This is a critical stage where you will present your portfolio to the Global Design Supervisor and potentially other design/marketing team members. Expect questions about your design process, creative choices, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle feedback.
Skills Assessment/Challenge: You may be given a short design challenge or asked to elaborate on how you would approach specific tasks mentioned in the job description (e.g., adapting brand guidelines for different channels).
Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity for the team to assess how you would integrate into their collaborative environment and whether your working style aligns with the company's culture and values.
Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader or hiring manager to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your versatility across different media (packaging, digital, print) and demonstrate your ability to adhere to and apply brand standards.
Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges encountered, the solutions you implemented, and the final outcome or impact. Focus on why you made certain design decisions.
Highlight Brand Application: Explicitly show how you've applied or adapted brand guidelines. This is crucial for this role.
Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio projects clearly demonstrate mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud tools.
Digital Format: Present your portfolio in a clean, professional digital format (PDF or a personal website) that is easy to navigate. Be prepared to walk through it verbally.

Challenge Preparation:

Brand Adherence: Practice adapting existing brand elements to new contexts or creating new assets that align with a given style guide.
Multi-Channel Thinking: Consider how a single campaign message or asset might be translated and optimized for print, digital, and in-store applications.
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would handle conflicting feedback, tight deadlines, or technical production challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on brand standards and multi-channel execution means your portfolio should clearly demonstrate these capabilities. Be prepared to articulate your process and decision-making in detail, particularly how you ensure brand consistency across diverse marketing touchpoints.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency required in:
- InDesign: For layout and print design (packaging, brochures, publications).
- Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
- Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
- XD: For user experience (UX) design and prototyping of digital interfaces (websites, apps).
- Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and management.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not a primary focus for this role, a basic understanding of how design impacts digital analytics (e.g., website engagement, social media performance) is beneficial. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or social media analytics platforms could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

Not directly relevant to this design role, but understanding how marketing materials integrate with CRM systems or marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email campaigns) can provide context for asset creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is non-negotiable for this role. While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems or content management systems (CMS) could be advantageous for understanding how final assets are stored and deployed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Quality & Excellence: Champion Petfoods' "award-winning" reputation and commitment to "highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety" translates to design work that must be impeccable, accurate, and of the highest visual quality.
Brand Integrity: A strong emphasis on adhering to and implementing brand standards across all materials, ensuring a consistent and trustworthy brand image for consumers.
Collaboration & Teamwork: The hybrid work model and reporting structure suggest a culture that values close collaboration with design supervisors, marketing teams, and potentially other departments to achieve shared goals.
Innovation & Growth: The company's expansion and focus on personal and professional growth indicate an environment that encourages continuous learning, adaptation to new trends, and proactive contribution.
Problem-Solving: The need for a "problem-solving" individual suggests a culture that embraces challenges and seeks effective solutions within the design and marketing process.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with marketing teams to align visual assets with campaign objectives and messaging.
Feedback-Driven Improvement: The requirement to be "adaptable, ability to take feedback from other associates and make applicable changes" highlights a culture that values constructive criticism and iterative design processes.
Knowledge Sharing: While not explicitly stated, working in an open office and reporting to a supervisor implies opportunities for sharing best practices, design techniques, and industry insights within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate a proactive, collaborative, and quality-focused approach. The ability to receive and act on feedback is crucial for success in this team-oriented, brand-conscious environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Managing Multiple Priorities: The role requires handling numerous projects concurrently with potentially short timeframes and high pressure, demanding excellent organizational and time management skills.
Brand Consistency Across Channels: Ensuring that brand standards are applied uniformly and effectively across diverse print, digital, and in-store marketing materials can be complex.
Vendor Coordination: Successfully managing external vendors (illustrators, photographers, printers) requires clear communication, expectation setting, and quality control.
Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with design trends and best practices while maintaining brand integrity requires continuous learning and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Deepen Multi-Channel Design Expertise: Gain hands-on experience in creating assets optimized for various platforms, enhancing skills in a key area of modern marketing operations.
Brand Management Exposure: Learn how to effectively manage and apply brand guidelines within a large, established organization, understanding the strategic importance of visual consistency.
Industry Experience: Develop specialized knowledge of the premium pet food market and work with globally recognized brands, which can be a valuable asset for future career moves.
Networking: Build professional relationships within Champion Petfoods and Mars, potentially opening doors to future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role offers a practical challenge in executing diverse creative projects under deadline pressure, with the significant growth opportunity lying in gaining practical, high-level experience in brand-aligned marketing operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Design Process & Brand Adherence: "Describe your process for taking a new product from concept to final approved design, ensuring it meets brand standards across print and digital channels."
- Preparation: Be ready to walk through a relevant project from your portfolio, detailing your steps, tools used, and how you ensured brand consistency.
Collaboration & Feedback: "How do you handle receiving feedback on your designs, especially if it conflicts with your initial vision?"
- Preparation: Share examples of how you've incorporated feedback to improve a design, emphasizing your adaptability and focus on project goals.
Problem-Solving & Urgency: "Imagine you have a critical design for a trade show that's due in 48 hours, but the printer has identified a technical issue with the file. How would you approach this situation?"
- Preparation: Outline a step-by-step problem-solving approach, including communication with stakeholders and vendors, and prioritizing solutions.

Company & Culture Questions:

Brand Understanding: "What are your impressions of the ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands, and how would you approach designing marketing materials that align with their premium positioning?"
- Preparation: Research the brands thoroughly. Understand their target audience, key messaging, and visual identity.
Hybrid Work Environment: "How do you stay productive and maintain strong collaboration with your team in a hybrid work setting?"
- Preparation: Discuss your strategies for time management, communication tools, and proactive engagement in both remote and in-office scenarios.
Impact Measurement: "How do you ensure your designs are not only creative but also effective in achieving marketing objectives?"
- Preparation: Discuss any experience you have with A/B testing, analyzing campaign performance, or receiving feedback on the effectiveness of your visual assets.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Concise Storytelling: For each project, aim for a 2-3 minute overview covering the objective, your solution, and the outcome.
Highlight Key Projects: Focus on projects that best demonstrate your skills in packaging, digital assets, and brand guideline application.
Showcase Technical Skills: Be prepared to briefly discuss the software and techniques used for specific elements.
Engage and Interact: Treat it as a conversation. Ask clarifying questions and be open to feedback during the presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely focus heavily on practical application of design skills, brand adherence, and the ability to manage projects efficiently within a team environment. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the company's premium brand positioning is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and highlights projects demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, XD), with specific examples of packaging, campaign collateral, and digital assets. Prioritize projects where you successfully applied or adapted brand guidelines.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 3-5 years of relevant graphic design experience, focusing on achievements in creative development, project management, and cross-channel execution. Use keywords from the job description such as "brand standards," "marketing materials," "print & digital," and "Adobe Creative Cloud."
Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and answering questions about brand adherence, collaboration, and problem-solving. Prepare specific examples to illustrate your skills and experience.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Champion Petfoods, its brands (ORIJEN®, ACANA®), and its commitment to quality. Understand the company's values and how design contributes to its premium market position.

⚠️ 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.

Creative Graphic Designer - Contract