Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Stanfield's Ltd.
Location: Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services
Date Posted: August 27, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-6 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in developing and executing creative assets that align with Stanfield's established brand identity across multiple product lines.
• The Graphic Designer will manage the end-to-end design process for various marketing materials, from initial concept to final production-ready files.
• Collaboration is key, as the designer will work cross-functionally with marketing teams, design departments, and external suppliers to ensure cohesive brand representation and project success.
• A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining brand consistency and quality, contributing to the legacy and reputation of Stanfield's.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily involve marketing collateral and brand adherence, suggesting a strong link to Marketing Operations. The focus on packaging, catalogues, and POP materials indicates a need for skills in print production coordination and vendor management, which are critical in operations. The mention of digital marketing aids also points to a need for digital design proficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a diverse array of creative assets, including packaging, catalogues, point-of-purchase (POP) displays, and digital marketing materials, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines for Stanfield's, Elita, FR/ Life Liners, and Special Projects.
• Manage the entire project lifecycle for design initiatives, from initial concept development and creative ideation through to design revisions and final preparation for production and execution.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Design & Merchandising and other members of the Design team to develop cohesive design strategies for packaging, catalogues, and print collateral.
• Liaise directly with external suppliers and vendors for printing and production fulfillment, managing file delivery and ensuring quality control throughout the production process.
• Source, manage, and present samples received from suppliers to internal teams for review and approval, ensuring alignment with project specifications and brand standards.
• Maintain and organize digital assets, including images and branding materials, on shared drives to ensure accessibility and efficient use by relevant departments.
• Support the Marketing team by creating digital content and assets as required, contributing to integrated marketing campaigns.
• Work with the Screenprint/Embroidery department to provide necessary design files and support for their production needs.
• Incorporate and consistently apply corporate identity and brand guidelines across all multimedia design outputs and materials produced.
• Track and manage design project workflows, ensuring timely completion and adherence to seasonal deadlines and merchandising calendar deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project management, typical of a mid-level operations role within a creative department. The emphasis on vendor coordination, digital asset management, and workflow tracking underscores the operational aspects of this design position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree or a relevant certification in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field is required to establish a foundational understanding of design principles and practices.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 to 6 years of progressive work experience in graphic design, with a demonstrated history of developing creative assets for various media, is essential for this role.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop is critical for creating and manipulating design assets across print and digital platforms.
• Brand Guideline Adherence: Proven ability to understand and meticulously apply corporate identity and brand guidelines across all design outputs to maintain brand consistency.
• Print Production Knowledge: Experience with various print media, including paper, paperboard, corrugated materials, and plastics, is necessary for effective collaboration with suppliers and understanding production requirements.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage projects through all phases of development, including conceptualization, design, revision, and final preparation, while adhering to deadlines.
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills are required for effective collaboration with internal teams, external suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Detail Orientation: A highly detail-oriented approach to design and project execution is crucial to ensure accuracy and quality in all deliverables.
• Self-Motivation & Organization: Demonstrated self-motivation and strong organizational skills are needed to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and handle challenges effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Familiarity with principles and practices of managing and organizing digital assets.
• Digital Marketing Design: Experience creating assets for digital marketing channels (e.g., social media graphics, web banners, email templates).
• Vendor Management: Experience coordinating with external printers and production facilities.
• Merchandising Collaboration: Understanding of merchandising calendars and the process for developing related creative materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize technical proficiency in design software and critical soft skills like organization and communication. The explicit mention of print media experience and brand guideline adherence points to a need for operational rigor in the design process.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Versatility Showcase: Present a diverse range of design projects that demonstrate proficiency across different media, including packaging, print collateral (catalogues, brochures), and digital assets.
• Brand Consistency Examples: Include case studies or examples specifically illustrating how you have applied and maintained brand guidelines for multiple brands or projects.
• Production-Ready File Examples: Showcase examples of final artwork prepared for print production, highlighting your understanding of pre-press requirements and file optimization.
• Project Lifecycle Documentation: Demonstrate your ability to manage projects from concept to completion, perhaps by showing initial sketches, revisions, and final deliverables for a select project.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your process for managing design projects, including how you prioritize tasks, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Supplier Collaboration: Have examples ready that illustrate how you have worked with external suppliers for print production, including file submission and quality control processes.
• Digital Asset Organization: Be able to articulate your approach to organizing and managing digital assets for easy retrieval and use.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a strong portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase creative talent but also demonstrate an understanding of production workflows, brand management, and efficient project execution, which are key operational aspects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 3-6 years of experience in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $50,000 - $70,000. This estimate is derived from reviewing similar roles in the region and considering the specific responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance to support employee well-being.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Company-sponsored pension or retirement savings plan (e.g., RRSP matching) to aid in long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and statutory holidays to promote work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and continuing education to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends.
• Employee Discounts: Potential for discounts on Stanfield's products, fostering brand loyalty and appreciation.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, aligning with standard business operations for effective collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for graphic design roles in Nova Scotia. Offering competitive benefits is crucial for attracting and retaining talent in creative and operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Manufacturing and Retail. Stanfield's Ltd. has a long-standing reputation for quality and durability in its product lines, suggesting a culture that values heritage, craftsmanship, and reliability. Company Size: Stanfield's Ltd. is a well-established company, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category based on its history and diverse product offerings. This size implies structured processes but also opportunities for direct impact. Founded: Stanfield's Ltd. has a history dating back to 1877, indicating a deep-rooted company culture that likely emphasizes tradition, long-term vision, and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Design and Merchandising Department, reporting to the Director of Design & Merchandising.
• Collaboration will extend to the Marketing team and the Screenprint/Embroidery department, requiring cross-functional teamwork and communication.
• The presence of multiple product lines (Stanfield's, Elita, FR/ Life Liners, Special Projects) suggests specialized design needs and potentially smaller, focused teams within the broader department.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: The core methodology revolves around meticulously adhering to established brand guidelines for all creative outputs, ensuring brand integrity.
• Process-Oriented Workflow: Emphasis on managing projects through all phases of development, from concept to final execution, with a focus on meeting seasonal deadlines.
• Collaborative Development: A strong emphasis on working with internal teams and external suppliers/agencies to achieve project goals.

Company Website: http://www.stanfields.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Stanfield's legacy and commitment to quality provides context for the design standards and operational rigor expected in this role. The team structure suggests a need for strong interpersonal and collaborative skills within a structured environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, suitable for a designer with 3-6 years of experience. It involves significant responsibility for project execution, brand adherence, and collaboration, acting as a key contributor within the design function.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Design & Merchandising. This provides a clear line of management and mentorship, with opportunities to learn from experienced leadership in design and merchandising.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences brand perception and marketability. High-quality, consistent design assets are crucial for effective marketing campaigns, product presentation, and ultimately, sales performance and revenue generation. The role bridges creative vision with operational execution to achieve business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific design areas such as packaging design, digital marketing assets, or print production management.
• Team Leadership: With proven performance and experience, potential to move into a senior designer role or team lead position within the Design and Merchandising department.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of marketing strategies, product development cycles, and production processes through close collaboration with other departments.
• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities for professional development in advanced design software, new design trends, and project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a career in design within a traditional company, with potential for growth into more specialized or leadership roles. The emphasis on brand consistency and production readiness provides valuable operational experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office environment, likely within a corporate setting that may also include proximity to or interaction with manufacturing plant environments.

Office Location(s): Truro, Nova Scotia. This location suggests a community-focused work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Setting: The role requires close collaboration with the Design team, Marketing department, and potentially other internal stakeholders, fostering a team-oriented workspace.
• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware will be provided to support creative output.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with various departments, gaining insights into different aspects of the business and fostering a holistic understanding of product lifecycle and market delivery.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, with approximately 40 hours per week. While the role involves deadlines, the physical demands are described as low to medium, suggesting a manageable workload outside of peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Truro emphasizes a traditional work environment, with opportunities for direct collaboration and team engagement within the company's facilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design capabilities.
• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio, discussing your design process, how you manage projects, and how you ensure brand consistency. Be prepared to walk through specific examples.
• Skills Assessment: You may be asked to complete a design challenge or a practical exercise to evaluate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and your ability to meet specific design briefs.
• Behavioral & Situational Questions: Expect questions to gauge your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, ability to handle deadlines, and how you collaborate with teams and external partners.
• Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity for both parties to assess alignment with Stanfield's company culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant projects that showcase packaging, print collateral, and digital design.
• Highlight Process: For each project, explain your thought process, the challenges you faced, how you applied brand guidelines, and the final outcome. Include examples of initial concepts and revisions.
• Showcase Production Readiness: Include examples of final artwork that demonstrate your understanding of print production requirements (e.g., bleed, color modes, file formats).
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or results related to your designs (e.g., successful product launches, positive feedback on marketing materials).
• Tailor to Stanfield's: Research Stanfield's brands and previous marketing materials to understand their aesthetic and tailor your presentation accordingly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Design Software: Ensure you are comfortable and efficient with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for any potential practical tests.
• Understand Brand Application: Be ready to demonstrate how you would apply a given brand's guidelines to a new design concept.
• Time Management: If a timed challenge is given, practice working efficiently under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh a candidate's portfolio and practical design skills. Demonstrating an understanding of production workflows and brand management through your portfolio and interview responses will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, and detailed illustrations used in packaging and branding.
  • InDesign: Crucial for layout design of catalogues, brochures, and print collateral, managing text and image integration.
  • Photoshop: Necessary for image editing, manipulation, and creating digital assets or visuals for print.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for general documentation, data handling, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with tools for tracking digital asset performance or marketing campaign effectiveness (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) could be beneficial for digital marketing aid collaboration.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this role, suggesting the focus is primarily on design execution and production coordination rather than sales or marketing automation processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. Any additional familiarity with digital analytics or DAM systems would be a plus, supporting the "digital marketing aids" aspect of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Reflecting Stanfield's legacy, a strong commitment to producing high-quality, well-executed design work that upholds the brand's reputation for durability and excellence.
• Brand Integrity: A deep respect for and adherence to brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and a unified brand message across all touchpoints.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing effective communication and partnership with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve shared goals and project success.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Commitment to managing workflows effectively, meeting seasonal deadlines, and ensuring timely delivery of design assets for production and marketing initiatives.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to design, proofreading, and file preparation to minimize errors and ensure professional output.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires active collaboration with Marketing, Design, and Production departments. This involves clear communication, understanding different departmental needs, and contributing to integrated projects.
• Feedback Incorporation: A willingness to receive and incorporate feedback from the Director of Design & Merchandising and other stakeholders to refine designs and meet project objectives.
• Proactive Communication: Engaging in regular updates and discussions to ensure alignment on project status, potential challenges, and creative direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on quality, brand integrity, and collaboration reflects a culture that values both creative excellence and operational efficiency in delivering marketing and product assets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Brands: Effectively managing distinct brand identities and guidelines for Stanfield's, Elita, FR/ Life Liners, and Special Projects requires strong organizational skills and brand awareness.
• Meeting Seasonal Deadlines: The need to adhere to a merchandising calendar and seasonal deadlines can create pressure, requiring efficient project management and prioritization.
• Vendor Coordination: Ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery from external suppliers requires proactive communication, clear specifications, and diligent follow-up.
• Adapting to New Media: Staying current with evolving digital design trends and requirements for digital marketing aids while maintaining a strong foundation in print design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design tools and technologies.
• Print Production Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of various printing techniques, materials, and vendor processes.
• Brand Management: Developing a comprehensive understanding of brand strategy and its application across diverse marketing channels.
• Project Management Skills: Enhancing skills in workflow management, time prioritization, and stakeholder communication within a structured environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to grow within a stable company, developing core design competencies while gaining practical experience in brand management and production operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Application: "Describe a time you had to design for multiple distinct brands. How did you ensure each brand's unique identity was maintained while adhering to overall company objectives?" (Focus on process, examples, and brand understanding.)
• Project Management: "Walk us through your typical process for managing a design project from brief to final delivery, especially when working with external suppliers. How do you ensure deadlines are met?" (Highlight workflow, communication, and problem-solving.)
• Problem Solving: "Imagine a situation where a supplier delivered a print batch with color inaccuracies. How would you address this issue to protect the brand's quality standards?" (Demonstrate critical thinking, communication, and vendor management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Alignment: "What aspects of Stanfield's or its product lines appeal to you from a design perspective? How do you see your skills contributing to our brand legacy?" (Showcase company research and passion for the brand.)
• Team Collaboration: "How do you approach collaboration with marketing teams or other departments to gather requirements and ensure your designs meet their needs?" (Emphasize communication and partnership.)
• Attention to Detail: "Can you provide an example of how your attention to detail prevented a potential error in a design project?" (Illustrate meticulousness and quality focus.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, the challenges, your solution, and the outcome.
• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that showcase packaging, print collateral, and corporate branding.
• Demonstrate Production Understanding: Be ready to discuss file setup, color modes, and resolution for print and digital outputs.
• Highlight Collaboration: Mention how you worked with stakeholders or suppliers within your project examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that tie directly to the responsibilities and required skills will be key. Demonstrating an understanding of Stanfield's brand and the operational aspects of design production will set candidates apart.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Stanfields careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 3-5 of your strongest projects, specifically highlighting packaging, print collateral (catalogues, POP), and digital marketing assets. Ensure each project demonstrates your ability to apply brand guidelines and prepare files for production.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 3-6 years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, project management skills, and any experience with print media or vendor coordination. Use keywords from the job description, such as "packaging design," "print production," "brand guidelines," and "cross-functional collaboration."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project management approach, and how you ensure brand consistency. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that showcase problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Stanfield's history, product lines (Stanfield's, Elita, FR/ Life Liners), and overall brand aesthetic. Understand their commitment to quality and legacy.

⚠️ 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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