Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Steele Brands Management LLC

Location: Wayzata, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: November 21, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical component of the Brand and Marketing team, focusing on the visual execution and evolution of multiple lifestyle brands within the Steele Brands Management portfolio.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating brand strategy and creative direction into compelling visual assets across a diverse range of channels, from digital marketing to in-store experiences.

• The position requires a blend of conceptual thinking and hands-on design execution, with a strong emphasis on brand consistency and campaign development.

• This is an opportunity to deeply influence the brand identity and consumer perception for rapidly growing national lifestyle brands in the health, wellness, and hospitality sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description clearly indicates a focus on brand building and creative ideation, not just pixel-pushing. This implies a need for a designer who can contribute strategically to campaign concepts and brand evolution, aligning with mid-level to senior designer expectations in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. The emphasis on "building something real and lasting" and "shaping a fast-growing, national lifestyle brand" suggests a significant impact potential for the right candidate.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Creative Ideation & Brand Building: Actively participate in the conceptualization and development of creative campaigns, seasonal themes, and cross-brand initiatives, bringing a unique visual point-of-view and brand-first thinking.

• Design Execution: Create high-quality, on-brand visual assets for a wide array of deliverables including, but not limited to, menus, social media content, digital advertisements, in-store signage, packaging, merchandising, franchise sales collateral, and product launch materials.

• Content Creation & Art Direction: Support and co-lead photo and video shoots, providing art direction on styling, shot composition, and lighting, and ensuring all visual content aligns with the brand's aesthetic and storytelling objectives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with internal teams such as Marketing, Menu Innovation, Franchise Development, Operations, and Local Store Marketing to ensure creative assets meet business objectives and brand standards.

• Brand Consistency & Evolution: Help evolve and maintain the visual identity systems for CRISP & GREEN and PURALIMA as the brands expand nationally, ensuring all creative outputs are cohesive and on-brand.

• Trend Analysis & Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging trends in design, food, fashion, culture, and wellness to identify modern creative opportunities and push the creative bar higher.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are heavily weighted towards brand development, campaign conceptualization, and content creation, which are core functions of a Graphic Designer in a brand-centric organization. The mention of "franchise sales collateral" and "local store marketing" indicates a need for adaptability across B2B and B2C creative needs, and the responsibility to "support franchisees" implies a need for clear brand guidelines and efficient asset delivery processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3–5+ years of professional experience in brand design, digital design, or lifestyle-focused design roles.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expert-level command of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential for high-quality asset creation and manipulation.

• Brand Building & Campaign Development: Proven ability to contribute to and execute integrated brand campaigns, understanding how to translate strategy into compelling visual narratives.

• Visual Storytelling & Photography: A strong eye for photography, including composition, styling, and editing, with the ability to create engaging visual stories that resonate with target audiences.

• Multi-Channel Design: Experience designing for a diverse range of media, including digital (social, ads, web), print (menus, signage), and physical products (packaging, merchandise).

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively partner with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Adaptability & Proactiveness: Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities, demonstrating a self-starter mentality with energy and proactive thinking.

Preferred Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Familiarity with Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Motion Graphics/Animation: Experience with motion graphics tools (e.g., After Effects) for creating dynamic visual content.

• Environmental Design & Packaging: Experience or a strong understanding of principles related to environmental graphics, retail design, or consumer packaging.

• UX/UI Fundamentals: Basic understanding of user experience and user interface design principles, especially as they apply to digital brand touchpoints.

• Passion for Lifestyle Sectors: A genuine interest in health, wellness, hospitality, or the food industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requested experience level (3-5+ years) aligns with a mid-level designer who can operate independently but also contribute to strategic creative discussions. The "bachelor's degree preferred" often indicates a desire for foundational design education, while the emphasis on a strong portfolio and specific software proficiency (Adobe CC, Figma) are critical for assessing practical skills. The preference for passion in related industries suggests a candidate who can intuitively grasp the brand's ethos.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Brand-Centric Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies that highlight your involvement in building or evolving a brand's visual identity and its impact across multiple touchpoints.

• Campaign Conceptualization: Include examples of integrated marketing campaigns where you contributed to the core concept and executed assets across various channels, demonstrating strategic thinking.

• Multi-Channel Deliverables: Present a diverse range of design work, including digital assets (social media posts, ads), print collateral (menus, signage), and potentially packaging or merchandise concepts.

• Visual Storytelling Examples: Feature projects that demonstrate strong photographic direction, editing, or visual narrative construction, showcasing your ability to create engaging content.

• Process & Problem-Solving: Briefly explain your design process for key projects, highlighting how you approached challenges, collaborated with stakeholders, and achieved desired outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly requested, be prepared to discuss your workflow for managing design projects, from brief to final delivery, including how you ensure brand consistency and manage feedback.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design assets are organized and utilized within a marketing or brand team, hinting at an awareness of asset management and version control.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role with a strong emphasis on brand building and campaign development, a portfolio that demonstrates strategic thinking, conceptual ideation, and execution across multiple channels is crucial. The hiring team will look for evidence of understanding brand systems, not just individual graphic assets. The mention of "modern workflows and systems" implies an appreciation for efficient design management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to support work-life balance.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match to support long-term financial planning.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, workshops, and potential conference attendance to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends.

• Employee Discounts: Potential for discounts on Steele Brands Management's products and services, aligning with the lifestyle focus of the brands.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The role is on-site, necessitating a consistent presence in the Wayzata office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $70,000 - $80,000 for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Wayzata, MN, is within the expected market rate for the region and experience level. Benefits are standard for a full-time role in the US. The "on-site" work arrangement suggests a need for local candidates or those willing to relocate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report into a marketing or brand leadership function. They will likely work closely with marketing managers, social media specialists, and potentially product development teams.

• Collaboration with franchise development and operations teams is also a key aspect, indicating a need for clear communication and understanding of different business unit needs.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a "brand-obsessed, concept-driven" approach. Design is seen as a strategic partner, not just an execution function.

• There's a clear focus on creating holistic "brand worlds" and "stories," indicating a holistic approach to branding that goes beyond individual assets.

• The environment is described as "fast-paced" and "entrepreneurial," suggesting a culture that values initiative, quick thinking, and adaptability.

Company Website:

• https://steelebrands.com/ (Inferred from company name and domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be entrepreneurial and brand-focused, with a strong emphasis on growth and impact. The Graphic Designer will be part of a team that values creativity, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration to build and scale lifestyle brands in competitive markets.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Designer/Art Director Path: With demonstrated success and a strong portfolio, there’s potential to advance to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, taking on more complex projects and leading creative initiatives.

• Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like packaging design, environmental graphics, motion graphics, or digital UX/UI, based on interest and business needs.

• Brand Leadership: As the company grows, there may be opportunities to influence brand strategy more broadly or even lead creative direction for new brand initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Exposure to marketing strategy, franchise development, and operations provides a broader business acumen that can be valuable for career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a growing company. The emphasis on brand building and strategic contribution suggests that a high-performing designer can quickly gain visibility and opportunities for advancement, potentially into leadership or specialized creative roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Being on-site in a growth-stage company typically implies an open and communicative environment where designers can easily interact with colleagues from marketing, brand, and other departments.

• Tools & Technology: The workspace will likely be equipped with industry-standard design software and hardware, including high-performance computers and displays necessary for graphic design work. Access to brand assets, style guides, and project management tools will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, brainstorm sessions, and informal check-ins are expected, fostering a sense of shared purpose and facilitating the creative process.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the fast-paced nature might occasionally require flexibility for project deadlines, though the core expectation is adherence to a regular work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Wayzata, MN, is a key factor for candidates. It suggests a company that values in-person collaboration and team cohesion for its creative processes. The environment is likely dynamic and conducive to the fast-paced nature of brand development in the lifestyle sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit for the brand aesthetic.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your experience, approach to design, and understanding of brand building.

• Creative Assessment/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will walk through your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your creative process, and how you've contributed to brand growth and campaign success. Be prepared to discuss your thought process behind key projects.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: You may meet with key stakeholders from marketing, operations, or franchise development to assess collaboration skills and understanding of business needs.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to confirm cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase brand building, campaign development, and multi-channel execution. Prioritize work similar in style or scope to Steele Brands' portfolio.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the solutions, and the impact/results. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Showcase Brand Thinking: Emphasize how you maintained or evolved brand consistency and how your designs contributed to the brand's overall message and appeal.

• Highlight Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you worked with teams, incorporated feedback, and managed stakeholder expectations.

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a specific design challenge isn't explicitly mentioned, be prepared for questions about how you would approach a new campaign concept, refresh an existing brand element, or adapt creative for different platforms.

• Think about how you'd translate marketing objectives into visual strategies and how you stay updated on design and lifestyle trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on a strong portfolio that demonstrates strategic brand thinking and execution. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, creative rationale, and collaborative approach, especially in the context of building and scaling lifestyle brands.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert proficiency is required, specifically:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and layout design.
  • InDesign: For layout and publishing, particularly for print materials like menus, brochures, and signage.

• Figma: Familiarity is a plus, indicating a move towards collaborative design and prototyping tools.

• Motion Graphics Tools (e.g., After Effects): Familiarity is a plus, suggesting potential for creating animated social media content, ad banners, or explainer videos.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as it's a creative position. However, understanding how marketing automation platforms are used might provide context for digital asset needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud is non-negotiable. Familiarity with Figma and motion graphics tools is increasingly important for modern design roles, especially in fast-paced digital environments. The company is likely investing in tools that support efficient creative production and collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Obsession: A deep commitment to understanding and embodying the brand's essence in all creative output.

• Concept-Driven Creativity: Valuing original ideas and strategic thinking as the foundation for design execution.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

• Growth Mindset: Embracing a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, being proactive, and continuously seeking improvement and innovation.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished, and impactful visual assets.

Collaboration Style:

• The company fosters a collaborative environment where designers work closely with marketing, product, and operations teams. This involves open communication, active listening, and a willingness to integrate feedback to create cohesive brand experiences. Brainstorming sessions and cross-functional reviews are likely common.

• Expect a dynamic where ideas are shared freely, and designers are encouraged to contribute to broader campaign concepts rather than just executing isolated tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to value creativity, strategic input, and teamwork. Candidates who are proactive, adaptable, and passionate about brand building will likely thrive in this environment. The emphasis on "building something real and lasting" suggests a team that is invested in the long-term success of the brands.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Brand Evolution: Keeping pace with the rapid growth and evolving needs of national lifestyle brands requires continuous adaptation of visual strategies.

• Multi-Brand Management: Balancing the distinct visual identities and marketing needs of CRISP & GREEN and PURALIMA simultaneously.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Thriving under tight deadlines and a dynamic workflow common in growth-stage companies.

• Maintaining Brand Integrity: Ensuring brand consistency across a wide range of internal and external partners (e.g., franchisees) while allowing for creative expression.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn and master new design software, techniques (e.g., motion graphics, UX/UI), and digital marketing best practices.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the health, wellness, hospitality, and food industries, understanding consumer trends and market dynamics.

• Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into roles with more strategic creative input and leadership responsibilities as the company scales.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to marketing strategy, franchise development, and operational considerations provides a well-rounded business perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a designer in a high-growth, multi-brand environment. The opportunities for learning and development are significant, particularly for someone looking to deepen their expertise in lifestyle branding and gain broader business exposure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to translating a marketing brief into a visual campaign concept.

• How do you ensure brand consistency across diverse marketing channels and for different audiences (e.g., consumers vs. franchisees)?

• Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach based on feedback or changing project requirements.

Company & Culture Questions:

• What excites you about Steele Brands Management, CRISP & GREEN, and PURALIMA?

• How do you see your design philosophy aligning with our brand values?

• Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with team members.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the objective, your creative process, and the measurable results or impact achieved.

• Showcase Brand Thinking: Highlight how you developed or maintained brand identity, and how your designs contributed to the brand's overall message and appeal.

• Explain Your Process: Walk through your creative journey for key projects, discussing your rationale for design choices, how you handled challenges, and incorporated feedback.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your work clearly and enthusiastically, allowing time for questions and discussion. Tailor your presentation to the specific requirements of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, brand understanding, and collaborative skills. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process and rationale, linking their work to business objectives and brand growth.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 strong case studies demonstrating brand building, campaign conceptualization, and multi-channel execution relevant to lifestyle brands.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in brand design, digital marketing, photography, and collaboration, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "brand building," "campaign development," "visual storytelling," "Adobe Creative Cloud").

• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, and answering strategy and behavioral questions related to brand development and collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CRISP & GREEN and PURALIMA – their current branding, marketing efforts, and target audiences – to demonstrate genuine interest and a good cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.