Graphic Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: The Hillman Group, Inc.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States & Vinings, Georgia, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services
Date Posted: January 28, 2026
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Develop impactful graphic solutions to enhance product presentation and support marketing department objectives.
- Create detailed graphics for diverse applications including customer presentations, trade shows, product reviews, package design, and in-store signage.
- Collaborate effectively within an established graphics team and with internal project managers to translate needs into compelling visual concepts.
- Manage multiple design projects concurrently, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills in a fast-paced environment.
π Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into supporting marketing and sales enablement functions, indicating a strong connection to GTM operations. The emphasis on customer presentations, product line reviews, and in-store signage suggests a need for designers who understand how visual assets directly impact sales effectiveness and brand consistency across Go-To-Market channels. This role requires not just artistic talent but also a strategic understanding of how design contributes to business objectives.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Conceptualize and execute creative design solutions that generate high visual impact for marketing collateral, product packaging, and sales support materials.
- Utilize Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) to produce professional-grade graphics, with a mandatory proficiency in InDesign Master Pages and Style Sheets for efficient workflow and brand consistency.
- Interpret project requirements from internal stakeholders, translating them into effective design concepts that align with corporate goals and product messaging.
- Manage the design process from initial concept through final production, ensuring adherence to established guidelines, including file archiving protocols.
- Collaborate seamlessly with the graphics team and cross-functional departments, demonstrating the ability to work both independently and as part of a team to meet strict deadlines.
- Maintain meticulous attention to detail across all projects, managing multiple revisions and project complexities while ensuring timely delivery.
- Contribute to the creation of visual assets that support sales enablement efforts, trade show presence, and in-store merchandising strategies.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate with a degree of autonomy and project management capability, typical of roles supporting GTM operations. The emphasis on "interpreting needs of internal project managers" and "communicating with internal project managers to redefine requirements" suggests a need for strong communication and problem-solving skills beyond pure design execution.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Graphic Arts or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in a graphics environment, with a proven track record of delivering high-impact visual solutions.
Required Skills:
- Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, within a Mac environment.
- Advanced proficiency in InDesign Master Pages and Style Sheets for efficient document creation and management.
- Demonstrated ability to think creatively and develop innovative design concepts.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, capable of managing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members and internal stakeholders.
- Keen attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality design standards.
- Experience with file archiving procedures and adherence to established guidelines.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in product and display photography, with an understanding of how to best showcase products visually.
- Familiarity with designing for retail environments, including in-store signage and point-of-purchase displays.
- Understanding of print production processes and specifications.
- Basic knowledge of project management principles for tracking design workflows.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "Proficiency with InDesign Master Pages and Style Sheets a must" indicates a need for efficiency and scalability in design output, crucial for operations roles that aim for consistency and speed. The preference for photography experience suggests an understanding of visual storytelling that extends beyond graphic elements.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, emphasizing visual impact, creative concept development, and successful execution.
- Specific examples demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, with clear articulation of the tools and techniques used.
- Case studies or project descriptions that highlight the ability to interpret client needs and deliver design solutions that meet specific business objectives (e.g., customer presentations, package design).
- Evidence of managing multiple projects and adhering to deadlines, with an overview of the workflow and revision process.
- Samples that reflect an understanding of brand guidelines and the ability to maintain consistency across different applications.
Process Documentation:
- While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement, candidates are expected to articulate their design process, including how they approach concept development, stakeholder communication, and project management.
- Ability to demonstrate understanding of file management and archiving processes as part of a structured design workflow.
- Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they manage revisions and ensure quality control throughout the design lifecycle.
π Enhancement Note: For a role supporting GTM and marketing operations, the portfolio should ideally showcase not just aesthetic appeal but also the functional impact of the design. This means demonstrating how graphics were used to achieve specific goals, such as increasing engagement in presentations, improving clarity on packaging, or driving foot traffic via in-store signage.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Atlanta metropolitan area, the estimated salary range is $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate considers the required skills in Adobe Creative Suite, client-facing responsibilities, and the specific demands of supporting marketing and sales efforts.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).
- Opportunities for professional development and continued education in design software and techniques.
- Employee assistance program for personal and professional support.
- Potential for participation in company-wide incentive programs.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typical business hours. The role is on-site, requiring full-time dedication to office-based tasks and collaboration.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on the provided experience level (2-5 years), location (Atlanta/Vinings, GA), and the specialized nature of the role which requires proficiency in specific design software and supporting marketing/sales functions. Benefits are standard for full-time roles and are inferred based on typical offerings for established companies.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Manufacturing & Distribution (Hardware, Home Improvement, Automotive Aftermarket)
Company Size: The Hillman Group, Inc. is a significant player in its industry, suggesting a company size that offers both stability and opportunities for impact. While exact numbers aren't provided, it's likely a mid-to-large enterprise, fostering a professional and structured work environment.
Founded: Founded in 1949, The Hillman Group has a long-standing history, indicating established processes, a strong market presence, and a deep understanding of its customer base and product lifecycle.
Team Structure:
- The Graphic Designer will be part of an established graphics team, implying a collaborative environment with shared knowledge and peer support.
- This role directly supports the Marketing Department, suggesting close working relationships with marketing managers, project managers, and potentially product teams.
- Collaboration extends to internal project managers who define design needs, indicating a cross-functional working dynamic.
Methodology:
- Design solutions are expected to be logical and impactful, suggesting a data-informed or results-oriented approach to creative work.
- Emphasis is placed on adhering to established guidelines, including file archiving, which points to a structured and organized operational methodology.
- The need for creative thinking to produce new ideas and concepts highlights a balance between structured processes and innovative output.
Company Website: The Hillman Group, Inc. (Assuming this is the correct domain based on company name)
π Enhancement Note: The industry and founding date suggest a company with established brand recognition and operational maturity. For a graphic designer, this means working within defined brand standards while still having room for creative problem-solving to enhance product appeal and marketing effectiveness within a competitive market.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and software proficiency, along with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience. The responsibilities involve contributing to key marketing and sales support initiatives, indicating a role that is integral to the Go-To-Market strategy execution.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a manager within the graphics team, who likely oversees design operations and workflow. They will work closely with internal project managers from the Marketing Department, collaborating on specific project needs and ensuring alignment with broader marketing and corporate objectives.
Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to the effectiveness of marketing collateral, product presentations, and in-store merchandising. High-quality, impactful graphics can influence customer perception, drive sales engagement, improve brand recognition, and ultimately contribute to revenue growth by making products more appealing and easier to understand for consumers and B2B clients alike.
Growth Opportunities:
- Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like packaging design, product photography, or digital asset management.
- Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to collaborate on projects with other departments, gaining broader business insights.
- Leadership Development: With continued strong performance and experience, potential to move into senior designer roles, team lead positions, or specialized design management roles within the Marketing or Operations departments.
- Industry Certifications: Encouragement to pursue advanced training or certifications in Adobe software or design methodologies.
π Enhancement Note: The "operations impact" section is tailored to highlight how design skills directly translate into business outcomes relevant to revenue generation and market presence, which is key for operations-focused roles.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based in an office setting with a dual work environment, including both office-based design work and exposure to a "shop area" which may involve production or warehouse operations. This suggests a dynamic workplace that bridges creative output with the tangible aspects of product distribution.
Office Location(s): The position is available in Atlanta, Georgia, and Vinings, Georgia, offering candidates flexibility in choosing a primary work location within the metropolitan area.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace is described as an "office setting" for the graphic design tasks, implying access to necessary computer hardware, software, and collaborative spaces.
- Exposure to a "Loud working environment of the shop area" suggests that occasional site visits or interaction with production/warehouse teams might occur, requiring adaptability.
- Functional vision and hearing are noted as essential, standard for roles requiring visual detail and communication.
- The environment requires the ability to collaborate effectively with the graphics team and internal project managers, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically during business hours. As an on-site role, consistent presence is expected for effective team collaboration and access to necessary resources.
π Enhancement Note: The mention of a "shop area" and "loud working environment" is a unique aspect that differentiates this from a purely corporate office role. It suggests a need for a designer who is comfortable with a broader operational context, potentially interacting with manufacturing or distribution teams.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills, software proficiency, and relevant experience.
- Technical Assessment: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or exercise to evaluate their creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite under timed conditions. This might involve creating a graphic for a specific product or marketing need.
- Interview(s): In-depth discussions with the hiring manager and potentially members of the graphics team and marketing department. These interviews will focus on design philosophy, project management approach, collaboration style, and understanding of the company's brand and products.
- Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Strategically: Select pieces that best represent your skills in areas relevant to The Hillman Groupβs needs, such as product graphics, packaging, presentations, and signage.
- Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used (especially InDesign Master Pages/Style Sheets), challenges encountered, and the final impact or outcome.
- Highlight Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work across different mediums and adapt to various project requirements.
- Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback on how your designs contributed to business goals (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand recognition).
- Prepare for InDesign Specifics: Be ready to discuss your experience with Master Pages and Style Sheets in InDesign, as this is a critical requirement.
Challenge Preparation:
- Understand the Brand: Research The Hillman Group, its products, target audience, and existing marketing materials to inform your design approach.
- Focus on Clarity and Impact: For any design challenge, prioritize clear communication and visual impact that aligns with the company's brand identity.
- Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a set timeframe, simulating the pressure of a real-world deadline.
- Articulate Your Decisions: Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design choices, demonstrating your strategic thinking.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on InDesign Master Pages and Style Sheets is a critical technical requirement that should be highlighted during portfolio review. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they leverage these features for efficiency and consistency.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required, with specific emphasis on:
- Adobe InDesign: Mandatory for layout, document creation, and managing style sheets and master pages.
- Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, manipulation, and creating graphical elements.
- Adobe Illustrator: Key for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
- Adobe Acrobat: Necessary for PDF creation, editing, and pre-press checks.
- Mac Environment: The role specifies proficiency within a Mac operating system.
Analytics & Reporting:
- While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital assets, effectiveness of in-store signage) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics tools that track website or campaign performance could be an advantage.
CRM & Automation:
- Not directly applicable to the core design tasks, but an understanding of how marketing collateral is distributed or managed within CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a plus for understanding the broader GTM context.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator & Acrobat" and the mandatory "Proficiency with InDesign Master Pages and Style Sheets" are the core technology requirements. Highlighting these ensures candidates understand the critical software expertise needed.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Creativity & Innovation: A drive to generate new ideas and compelling visual concepts to meet business objectives.
- Quality & Precision: Commitment to high standards of design execution, attention to detail, and accuracy in all deliverables.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, sharing ideas and supporting team goals.
- Efficiency & Organization: Strong time management, adherence to processes, and ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
- Impact-Driven Design: Focus on creating graphics that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also achieve specific marketing and sales objectives.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional Integration: Works closely with internal project managers to understand needs and deliver tailored design solutions.
- Team-Oriented: Contributes to a graphics team environment, sharing knowledge and supporting peer projects.
- Responsive Communication: Maintains open communication channels to manage expectations, provide updates, and handle revisions efficiently.
- Process Adherence: Operates within established guidelines for file management, archiving, and design workflows.
π Enhancement Note: Connecting company values to "operations" implies a focus on how these values drive efficiency, quality, and business results within the organization's GTM and marketing functions.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Creativity with Brand Consistency: Meeting the demands for novel design concepts while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and corporate identity.
- Managing Multiple Project Demands: Effectively prioritizing and executing on a variety of design projects for different stakeholders with competing deadlines.
- Adapting to Diverse Project Needs: Creating graphics for a wide range of applications, from digital presentations to physical signage and packaging, each with unique requirements.
- Integrating Feedback: Navigating multiple rounds of revisions and feedback from various stakeholders while maintaining the integrity of the design.
- Exposure to Production Environments: Potentially adapting design work for different production methods and understanding the constraints of the "shop area" environment.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and explore new design technologies.
- Specialized Design Workshops: Training in areas like packaging design, product photography, or visual merchandising.
- Cross-Departmental Learning: Gaining insights into marketing strategy, product development, and sales enablement through collaboration.
- Mentorship: Learning from experienced members of the graphics team and marketing department.
π Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed in terms of operational demands and skill development relevant to a corporate GTM environment.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe your process for developing a new design concept from brief to final delivery, especially for a product presentation or packaging project." (Focus on process, creativity, and client communication)
- "How do you manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines and stakeholder expectations? Provide an example." (Focus on time management, organization, and prioritization)
- "Discuss your experience with Adobe InDesign, specifically your proficiency with Master Pages and Style Sheets. How have these features helped you in past projects?" (Focus on technical skills and efficiency)
- "How do you ensure visual consistency across different marketing materials, such as signage, presentations, and package designs?" (Focus on brand adherence and attention to detail)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What interests you about The Hillman Group and our products?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest)
- "How do you approach collaboration with team members and external stakeholders in a design capacity?" (Focus on teamwork and communication)
- "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on a design and how you handled it." (Focus on adaptability and professionalism)
- "What do you know about our brand, and how would your design approach align with it?" (Showcase understanding of brand identity)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative solution, the tools used (highlighting InDesign), and the outcome.
- Emphasize InDesign Mastery: Be prepared to show examples where Master Pages and Style Sheets were critical for efficiency and consistency.
- Quantify Impact: If possible, present data or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the success of your designs.
- Be Ready for Live Design: Have a plan for how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge related to Hillman's products.
π Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to probe the specific skills and experience required for this role, particularly the emphasis on InDesign features and the ability to support marketing and sales operations.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer position:
- Submit your application through the provided link on Dayforce.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign Master Pages/Style Sheets), project management in design, and any experience supporting marketing or sales collateral. Quantify achievements where possible.
- Curate your portfolio: Ensure it strongly showcases your proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Include examples relevant to product presentation, packaging, and signage. Be ready to discuss your design process and problem-solving approach for each piece.
- Research The Hillman Group: Understand their product lines, target markets, and existing branding to demonstrate your interest and suitability for their specific industry context.
- Prepare for a design challenge: Be ready to showcase your creative thinking and technical skills under potential time constraints, focusing on clarity and brand alignment.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Hillman Group, Inc. before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Arts or equivalent experience, along with a minimum of three years in a graphics environment. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, is essential, along with strong organizational skills.