Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Fountain Services, LLC
Location: Spindale, NC, US
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Marketing / Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-10-28T16:31:00
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This entry-level Graphic Designer role is crucial for enhancing Fountain Services' visual communication across diverse business lines, including electrical, plumbing, automotive, and construction.
• The position involves creating impactful marketing collateral for both print and digital channels, ensuring brand consistency and visual appeal.
• A key aspect will be supporting social media efforts by designing engaging content optimized for various platforms.
• The role requires close collaboration with internal departments to understand design needs and translate them into effective visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly entry-level, indicating a focus on foundational graphic design skills and a willingness to learn and grow within the company. The requirement for supporting multiple business lines suggests the need for adaptability and the ability to grasp different industry aesthetics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design & Creative Production:
  • Create compelling marketing collateral for print and digital channels, including brochures, flyers, advertisements, email campaigns, and presentations.
  • Design graphics for social media posts, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines across all platforms.
  • Develop visual assets that effectively communicate our services across electrical, plumbing, automotive, and construction business lines.
  • Prepare files for print production and collaborate with vendors to ensure quality output.
• Social Media Support:
  • Assist in managing company social media channels by creating engaging visual content.
  • Design graphics optimized for various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.).
  • Collaborate with the marketing team to develop creative concepts that drive engagement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with departments across the organization to understand design needs and project requirements.
  • Provide design support for internal communications, presentations, and training materials.
  • Assist with the creation of promotional materials for company events and initiatives.
• Administrative & Organizational Tasks:
  • Maintain organized digital asset libraries and file management systems.
  • Track project timelines and ensure deliverables meet deadlines.
  • Perform general administrative duties to support the marketing department.
  • Stay current on design trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are clearly delineated into distinct functional areas, providing a comprehensive overview of daily tasks and project scope. The mention of "preparing files for print production and work with vendors" implies a need for understanding pre-press requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.

Experience:

• Entry-level position, with preference given to candidates with internship or coursework experience in graphic design.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Working knowledge of Canva and Figma.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of design principles, typography, and color theory.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow brand guidelines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• A portfolio demonstrating design skills and creativity is essential.

Preferred Skills:

• Internship or coursework experience in graphic design.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation.
• Basic understanding of print production processes.
• Experience designing for multiple brands or industries.
• Photography or video editing skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should curate their portfolio to showcase a range of projects, including print, digital, and social media graphics, highlighting their versatility and ability to adapt to different needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5-7 diverse design projects that demonstrate proficiency across print, digital, and social media mediums.
• Include examples that highlight adherence to brand guidelines and ability to adapt designs for different industries (e.g., electrical, plumbing, automotive, construction).
• Projects should clearly indicate the problem addressed, the design solution, and the tools used (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Figma).
• For social media graphics, demonstrate understanding of platform-specific optimizations and engagement strategies.
• If applicable, include any print-ready files or mock-ups that illustrate production readiness.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for this entry-level role, candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, including project brief interpretation, concept development, iterative design, and final file preparation.
• Familiarity with version control for design assets and collaborative workflow tools (like those within Figma) will be viewed favorably.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level graphic designer, the portfolio is the primary indicator of process capability. It should implicitly show how they approach a design brief, iterate on concepts, and deliver final assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for an entry-level Graphic Designer in Spindale, NC, and considering the company's benefits package, an estimated salary range is $38,000 - $48,000 annually. This range reflects the typical compensation for individuals with a Bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of experience, with potential for bonuses.

Benefits:

• Competitive wages with performance-based bonuses and opportunities for promotion.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement and continued education opportunities.
• Leadership development programs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Company-sponsored events and team-building activities.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. The specific daily schedule will be determined by the department's operational needs, but standard business hours are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general U.S. market data for entry-level graphic designers in a mid-sized town in North Carolina, taking into account the provided benefits which are quite comprehensive for an entry-level role. It's crucial for candidates to verify the exact salary during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical Contracting (with diversification into plumbing, automotive, and construction services). This industry context means designs may need to convey reliability, technical expertise, and safety, alongside brand identity. Company Size: Fountain Services, LLC has a significant operational footprint with offices across North and South Carolina, suggesting a medium to large-sized organization with established processes and a structured hierarchy. Founded: Established in 1946, Fountain Services boasts a long history and deep industry experience, indicating stability and a strong foundation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing team, which supports various operational departments. This team is expected to have a reporting structure within the marketing function, collaborating closely with marketing managers and potentially communications specialists.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, requiring interaction with department heads and project teams from electrical, plumbing, automotive, and construction divisions.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a culture of integrity, accountability, and mutual respect, aiming to empower employees through training and career development.
• Their "Four Keys to Success" (Show up on time, Appreciate instruction, Let work ethic speak, Retain knowledge) highlight a focus on reliability, coachability, strong work ethic, and continuous learning.

Company Website: https://fountainelectric.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and multi-faceted service offerings present a unique branding challenge for the graphic designer. Designs will need to appeal to both industrial/commercial clients and potentially residential customers depending on the specific business line.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level Graphic Designer role, positioned at the beginning of a creative career path within a larger, established company. It's an opportunity to build a foundational understanding of corporate branding and marketing design.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or a Senior Designer within the marketing department. They will work collaboratively with other marketing team members and provide design support to various operational departments.

Operations Impact: While not directly in operations, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and internal communications. High-quality visuals can influence client acquisition, employee engagement, and overall brand reputation across all business lines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Continuous learning is encouraged through tuition reimbursement and leadership development programs, allowing for skill expansion in advanced design software, digital marketing trends, or even project management within creative services.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Graphic Designer II, Senior Graphic Designer, or even a Marketing Design Lead role as experience and expertise grow.
• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in specific areas of design (e.g., digital marketing, print production, branding) or gain deeper knowledge within one of Fountain Services' core industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3 years of planned work already lined up" mentioned in the original job description, while unusual for a graphic design role, strongly suggests a stable, growth-oriented organization. This implies good job security and potential for long-term career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment within Fountain Services' corporate structure, likely in Spindale, NC.

Office Location(s): Spindale, NC. This location is in the western part of North Carolina, offering a specific regional context.

Workspace Context:

• The role will involve working within a marketing department, fostering a collaborative environment with fellow marketing professionals.
• Access to standard office technology and design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Figma, Microsoft Office) is expected.
• Opportunities for interaction with various departmental stakeholders will be frequent, providing exposure to different facets of the company's operations.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours (40 hours/week) are expected. While the job description doesn't explicitly mention flexibility, a professional office setting generally adheres to set working hours, though occasional overtime might be required for project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being an on-site role in Spindale, NC, candidates should consider the local cost of living and commute. The company's history suggests a stable and established work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.
• First Interview: Typically with HR and/or the hiring manager to discuss experience, skills, cultural fit, and expectations. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their resume and portfolio highlights.
• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a small design exercise or case study relevant to Fountain Services' business lines.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional team members or department heads to confirm fit and discuss final details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (print, digital, social media, multi-industry experience).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.
• Highlight Versatility: Showcase your ability to design for different industries (electrical, plumbing, automotive, construction) and mediums (print, digital, social).
• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully followed or adapted brand guidelines.
• Technical Readiness: Be prepared to discuss file preparation for print and digital outputs.
• Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., a personal website, Behance, or a shared PDF).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing marketing materials for a specific service offered by Fountain Services (e.g., a brochure for commercial electrical services or a social media graphic promoting a new plumbing offer).
• Prepare to talk about your understanding of design principles, typography, and color theory in the context of B2B and B2C marketing.
• Practice articulating your thought process for maintaining brand consistency across various applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design exercise indicates that practical design skills and the ability to articulate one's creative process are paramount for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of brochures, flyers, presentations, and print collateral.
• Canva: For quick design creation, social media graphics, and potentially simpler marketing materials.
• Figma: For collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially UI/UX elements for digital assets.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook for document creation, presentations, and internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how visual assets perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement metrics) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but awareness of how marketing materials integrate with CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Working knowledge of Canva and Figma suggests a need for both professional-grade design software and more accessible, collaborative tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity, Accountability, Mutual Respect: These are core values that guide employee interactions and business practices, fostering a trustworthy and professional environment.
• Employee Empowerment: The company invests in its people through training and career development, suggesting a culture that supports professional growth.
• Community Engagement: Active involvement in local communities indicates a company that values social responsibility and giving back.
• High Performance: The emphasis on "let your work ethic speak for you" points to a culture that rewards diligence, quality, and results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires working closely with diverse departments, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills to bridge creative needs with operational requirements.
• Coachability: The value of "appreciate instruction from leaders" highlights an openness to feedback and guidance, crucial for a junior role.
• Team Building: Company-sponsored events and team-building activities suggest an effort to foster camaraderie and a cohesive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Four Keys to Success" are fundamental to the company's operational ethos and should be genuinely embraced by candidates. Demonstrating these values during the interview process will be key to cultural alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Diverse Industry Needs: Designing for electrical, plumbing, automotive, and construction sectors requires understanding different target audiences and conveying distinct brand messages effectively.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Project Needs: Ensuring all designs align with Fountain Services' overarching brand while meeting the specific requirements of various departments and projects.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines requires strong organizational and time management skills.
• Entry-Level Learning Curve: Adapting to corporate design standards, internal processes, and potentially new software or design techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to tuition reimbursement and leadership development programs provides structured avenues for skill enhancement.
• On-the-Job Learning: Direct experience working on a variety of design projects for established industries offers significant practical learning.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior marketing team members and potentially other professionals within the company.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the electrical contracting, plumbing, automotive, and construction industries through design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a junior designer in a multi-faceted company. Embracing these challenges as learning opportunities will be crucial for success and growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new brochure for our commercial electrical services, considering Fountain Services' brand and target audience?" (Focus on process, target audience analysis, and brand integration.)
• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design to fit specific brand guidelines. What was your process?" (Tests attention to detail and adherence to standards.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest graphic design trends, and how might you incorporate them into our marketing materials?" (Assesses continuous learning and industry awareness.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Fountain Services, given our history and diverse industry focus?" (Demonstrates research and genuine interest.)
• "How do you embody our core values of integrity, accountability, and mutual respect in your work and interactions?" (Tests cultural alignment.)
• "Describe your experience working in a team environment and collaborating with others. How do you handle constructive criticism?" (Evaluates teamwork and coachability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or industry. Clearly state the objective, your role, and the solution for each piece.
• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 3-5 projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (print, digital, social media, multi-industry).
• Explain Your Process: Walk through your design thinking, from initial concept to final delivery. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased social media engagement, successful event promotion), be sure to mention it.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, design choices, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research Fountain Services, their website, and any available information about their projects and values. Tailoring portfolio selections and interview responses to align with the company's specific needs and culture will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP WorkNow link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples relevant to print collateral (brochures, flyers), digital marketing materials, and social media graphics. If possible, include designs that demonstrate an understanding of industrial or service-based businesses.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Figma, as well as your understanding of design principles, typography, and color theory. Emphasize any relevant coursework, internships, or projects.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your ability to adhere to brand guidelines, and your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the company. Be ready to present your portfolio effectively.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fountain Services' history, the industries they serve (electrical, plumbing, automotive, construction), and their stated values ("Four Keys to Success").

⚠️ 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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