Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Bread Financial

Location: Columbus, OH, United States (Hybrid with 3-4 days in office per month if within 60 miles of a Bread Financial location)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-27

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the Marketing and Creative Operations function, focusing on the visual execution of marketing initiatives and communication materials.

• The Graphic Designer will serve as a brand steward, ensuring all design outputs align with brand identity and strategic business goals across digital and print mediums.

• This position requires a blend of creative ideation and meticulous production, contributing to both individual projects and larger team-driven campaigns.

• The role involves close collaboration with internal clients, senior designers, and marketing partners to translate business needs into compelling visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities clearly place it within a broader "Marketing / Creative Operations" umbrella, emphasizing the strategic application of design for business objectives rather than purely aesthetic creation. The hybrid nature and specific office requirements are crucial for candidates to note.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative, branded sales and communication materials for internal partners, external audiences, and new business opportunities, ensuring alignment with brand identity, design trends, typography, and advertising design principles.

• Execute both print and digital design requests, tackling small to large-scale projects individually and as part of a collaborative team.

• Develop creative design solutions that respond to business needs, supporting senior designers and design leads in achieving project objectives.

• Partner closely with internal clients to understand the intent behind requests, ensuring creative briefs are thoroughly understood and followed, leveraging strong problem-solving skills to approach briefs effectively.

• Manage assigned revisions, mock-ups, and presentation materials, ensuring high-quality output and timely delivery.

• Adhere to established project processes and utilize relevant creative agency tools, demonstrating strong timeline management, budget awareness, project tracking, and multitasking capabilities.

• Collaborate effectively with all agency peers throughout the project lifecycle, from initial kickoff to final art delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project management, common in operations-adjacent creative roles. The emphasis on understanding client intent and following briefs points to a need for strong communication and analytical skills, crucial for successful operations collaboration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design: Demonstrated proficiency in creating visually appealing and effective designs.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Expertise in industry-standard design software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Page Layouts: Strong understanding of composition, hierarchy, and visual flow for both print and digital assets.

• Brand Identity: Ability to understand and consistently apply brand guidelines across various media.

• Ideation: Capacity to generate creative concepts and translate them into design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Web Design, UI/UX, or Video/Motion Design.

• 3+ years of design experience in a corporate or agency setting.

• Experience designing across various channels (print, digital, social media, etc.).

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite for pitch presentations and reporting.

• Understanding of Marketing Project Management principles.

• Analytical Decision Making skills to inform design choices based on project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical experience and a strong portfolio, which is paramount for design roles. The preferred qualifications suggest a desire for candidates with a broader educational background and more extensive experience, indicating potential for growth and handling more complex strategic design initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design work is required for consideration, demonstrating proficiency in both digital and print mediums.

• The portfolio should highlight the ability to execute on creative briefs, showcasing problem-solving through design.

• Evidence of understanding and applying brand identity and design trends across diverse projects.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of project processes, including:

  • Timeline management and adherence to deadlines.

  • Awareness of budget considerations within design projects.

  • Effective project tracking and multitasking methodologies.

  • Collaboration and handoff processes with team members and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is the primary "process and systems" demonstration. It should not only showcase aesthetic output but also the candidate's ability to translate business objectives into visual assets, which is a key operational aspect of creative services.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• National Range: $55,200.00 - $100,000.00 USD per year

• Specific ranges vary by location:

  • California: $63,500.00 - $125,000.00
  • Colorado: $55,200.00 - $105,000.00
  • New York: $60,700.00 - $125,000.00
  • Washington: $58,000.00 - $115,000.00
  • Maryland: $58,000.00 - $110,000.00
  • Washington D.C.: $63,500.00 - $115,000.00
  • Illinois: $55,200.00 - $110,000.00
  • New Jersey: $63,500.00 - $115,000.00
  • Vermont: $55,200.00 - $100,000.00
  • Ohio: $55,200.00 - $100,000.00

Benefits:

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance.

• Voluntary benefits including basic and optional life insurance, supplemental medical plans, and short/long-term disability.

• Six weeks of 100% paid parental leave (after a 180-day waiting period).

• 401(k) plan enrollment upon hire.

• 11 paid holidays annually.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) program.

• Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) (80 hours annually, except for Illinois associates who receive 40 hours PSST and 40 hours Illinois Paid Leave).

• Company stock purchase options during June and December offering periods.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges are detailed and location-specific, which is excellent for transparency. The extensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and stock purchase options, is competitive and attractive. The note on PSST for Illinois associates is a critical detail for candidates in that region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (specifically, payment, lending, and saving solutions). Bread Financial is a tech-forward company.

Company Size: Bread Financial is a large organization, evidenced by its presence on NYSE and its extensive employee benefits and multi-state salary ranges.

Founded: Bread Financial celebrates 30 years of success in 2026, indicating a stable and experienced company.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to a Manager or above within the Marketing/Creative function.

• This role is an individual contributor with no direct reports.

Methodology:

• Design solutions are created with a focus on achieving strategic goals of the brand and business needs.

• Emphasis on understanding client intent and project briefs to drive design execution.

• Adherence to project processes, including timeline management, budget awareness, and multitasking.

• Collaboration is key, working with peers from project kickoff to final art.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates in the financial services sector, which often implies a need for precision, compliance, and a professional brand image. The "tech-forward" descriptor suggests an openness to modern design tools and digital strategies. The mention of "award-winning culture" and "best place to work" recognition indicates a positive and supportive work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level individual contributor within the creative and marketing operations sphere. It requires foundational design skills coupled with an understanding of project execution and client collaboration.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a Manager or above, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design and marketing departments. This structure provides mentorship and guidance opportunities.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception and the effectiveness of its marketing initiatives. By creating compelling visual assets for sales and communications, they contribute to sales enablement, client engagement, and overall brand strength, which are critical operational outcomes for a financial services company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Potential to deepen expertise in specific design channels (e.g., digital, motion graphics, UI/UX) or gain proficiency with advanced design tools.

• Increased Responsibility: Opportunity to take on larger, more complex projects, lead design elements within campaigns, and potentially mentor junior designers.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Collaboration with various marketing teams and internal partners can broaden understanding of business operations and strategic marketing planning.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Design Lead, or Design Manager roles, or transition into related operational roles within marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined from an individual contributor to potential leadership roles, with opportunities for specialization and cross-functional learning, aligning with typical career progression in creative operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," with specific requirements for in-office presence. The "Normal office environment" suggests a standard corporate setting.

Office Location(s): While the primary listing is Columbus, OH, the company has locations in or considered for Chadds Ford, PA; Plano, TX; New York, NY; and Wilmington, DE. Employees within 60 miles of any posted Bread Financial location are required to be in the office 3-4 days per month.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with interaction among peers, senior designers, and marketing partners.

• Access to relevant design tools and technology (Adobe Creative Cloud) is implicit.

• The role requires maintaining focus in a potentially fast-paced work environment, common in marketing operations.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility of a hybrid arrangement for a portion of the week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with specific in-office days is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should consider their proximity to any of the listed Bread Financial locations to understand the practical implications of this requirement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and crucially, the required portfolio. Candidates without a portfolio will likely be disqualified.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, design rationale, and the impact of their work. Expect questions about their process, problem-solving approaches, and how they handle revisions and client feedback.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or skills test to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and ability to execute a brief under time constraints.

• Behavioral & Team Fit Interviews: Discussion around collaboration, communication, how they work with internal clients, and how they fit into the team and company culture. Questions may focus on their ability to manage multiple requests and meet deadlines.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management to discuss strategic contributions and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent the skills and experience outlined in the job description (digital, print, brand application, problem-solving).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process, challenges faced, and the outcome or impact. Visuals of the final product are essential, but the journey matters.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize how your design work supported business objectives, solved client problems, or improved efficiency in production or delivery. Quantify impact where possible.

• Tailor for Bread Financial: If possible, include or highlight work that demonstrates an understanding of the financial services industry or a similar corporate environment.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure the portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud and page layout principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design exercise that might involve creating a concept for a marketing piece or revising an existing design based on a brief.

• Practice time management for design tasks.

• Clearly articulate your design decisions and rationale, focusing on how the design meets the brief and serves the business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the portfolio and the interview process revolving around it is critical. Candidates must be prepared to deeply discuss their work, demonstrating not just creative talent but also an understanding of the operational aspects of design within a corporate marketing function.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: This is the cornerstone requirement, explicitly mentioned. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is expected.

• Microsoft Office: Mentioned as a skill, likely used for presentations, internal documentation, and basic task management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM or marketing automation platforms is not listed as a direct requirement for this role. However, understanding how design assets are utilized within these systems (e.g., email marketing templates, landing page graphics) would be beneficial for effective collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Cloud is key. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with these tools and any other relevant design software they might use. The absence of explicit CRM/automation tools suggests this role is focused on asset creation rather than campaign execution within those systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to high-quality design and production, meeting the standards of the department and business needs.

• Brand Stewardship: A deep respect for and adherence to brand identity and guidelines.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team, with senior designers, and with internal clients to achieve shared goals.

• Problem-Solving: Approaching design challenges with a strategic and analytical mindset.

• Efficiency: Understanding and utilizing project processes to manage timelines and resources effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Focused: Actively listening to and understanding internal client needs and project briefs.

• Team-Oriented: Willingness to support senior designers, share knowledge, and contribute to collective project success.

• Responsive: Ability to manage revisions and feedback constructively, ensuring timely delivery of design assets.

• Process-Driven: Following established workflows for project management, from kickoff to final delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on an "award-winning culture" and being a "best place to work" suggests a positive, supportive, and growth-oriented environment. The values align with a professional creative team operating within a larger corporate structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Effectively translating business objectives and brand guidelines into innovative yet compliant design solutions.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling diverse requests and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining high-quality output.

• Client Communication: Navigating feedback, revisions, and differing stakeholder expectations to achieve successful project outcomes.

• Adapting to Trends: Staying current with design trends and technologies while ensuring they align with the brand's strategic direction.

• Hybrid Work Logistics: Coordinating effectively with team members and potentially in-office requirements while working remotely.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Training or self-study in specialized areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design, or advanced digital illustration.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest in graphic design software, digital marketing design, and financial services branding.

• Project Management Skills: Developing a deeper understanding of marketing project management workflows and tools.

• Cross-functional Insights: Learning about broader marketing strategies and how design contributes to overall campaign success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a creative role within a corporate setting, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strong organizational skills. The growth opportunities are aligned with career progression in design and marketing operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a tight deadline with a creative request. How did you manage it?" (Assesses project management, prioritization, and execution.)

• "Walk me through a design project from your portfolio that best demonstrates your problem-solving skills. What was the brief, your approach, and the outcome?" (Evaluates design thinking, process, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines while still being innovative?" (Tests understanding of brand stewardship and creative execution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Bread Financial and this Graphic Designer role?" (Gauges motivation and research.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new technologies?" (Evaluates continuous learning and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as mini-case studies. Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the results.

• Focus on Impact: Highlight how your designs contributed to business goals (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand perception, supported sales initiatives). Use metrics if available.

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to discuss your thought process, software proficiency, and how you handled feedback or revisions.

• Be Concise: Given the volume of work, focus on the most relevant and impactful projects. Be prepared to answer questions about others briefly.

• Technical Readiness: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a website link) and that you are comfortable navigating it on screen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating not just design skill but also operational acumen: understanding briefs, managing projects, collaborating effectively, and understanding business impact. The portfolio is the central piece of evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Bread Financial careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in digital and print design, brand execution, and project management within a corporate or agency setting. Select portfolio pieces that demonstrate problem-solving and alignment with business objectives.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant design tools. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X assets that contributed to Y campaign success").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, how you handle feedback, and your experience collaborating with stakeholders. Prepare to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bread Financial's brand, services, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their commitment to customer experience and financial solutions.

⚠️ 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.

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