Graphic Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: VP Racing Fuels Inc Location: San Antonio, Texas, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing / Art & Design / Creative & Media Date Posted: 2026-01-09 Experience Level: 3+ Years Professional Experience (Mid-Level) Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Lead the conceptualization and execution of high-impact visual designs across diverse mediums including web, social media, print, and packaging to support B2B and B2C marketing campaigns.
- Drive brand consistency and evolve the visual brand architecture for VP Racing Fuels and its subsidiary brands, ensuring all creative assets align with strategic business objectives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate campaign goals and audience needs into compelling visual narratives that enhance brand engagement and identity.
- Oversee the production and quality control of all design assets, providing creative direction and mentorship to internal teams and external vendors.
- Stay abreast of emerging design trends and technologies to maintain a fresh, competitive, and innovative brand presence across all platforms.
π Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, indicated by the responsibility for leading projects, providing creative direction, mentorship, and evolving brand architecture. The emphasis on B2B and B2C audiences, along with managing multiple product lines and subsidiary brands, signifies a mid-level to senior role requiring strategic design thinking and execution.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Spearhead the design process from initial concept development through final delivery for a wide array of marketing collateral, including logos, infographics, brochures, event signage, presentations, web graphics, and social media content.
- Develop and maintain visual brand identity systems, including comprehensive brand guidelines, design systems, and reusable visual templates to ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints.
- Design and manage packaging and product label strategies, ensuring visual appeal, regulatory compliance, and alignment with brand messaging for a diverse product portfolio.
- Create engaging visual content and campaign assets for social media platforms, digital advertising, and web initiatives, optimizing for audience engagement and conversion.
- Collaborate closely with marketing, product development, and sales teams to define project scopes, understand target audience demographics, and ensure creative solutions meet business objectives and performance metrics.
- Manage the end-to-end production process for design projects, including coordinating with printers and vendors, reviewing proofs, and ensuring the highest standards of visual quality and brand fidelity.
- Provide creative direction and mentorship to junior designers, freelancers, and external agencies, fostering a collaborative and high-performing creative environment.
- Proactively research and integrate current design trends, tools, and best practices to continuously refresh and elevate the brand's visual presence in a competitive market.
- Effectively manage multiple concurrent design projects, prioritizing tasks to meet strict deadlines while upholding exceptional quality standards.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic brand management, typical of a mid-level to senior designer who is expected to contribute to brand strategy and lead projects. The mention of "owning and evolving the visual brand architecture" and "providing creative direction and mentorship" suggests a significant level of autonomy and leadership within the design function.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelorβs degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a closely related field.
Experience:
- A minimum of three (3) years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality creative work.
- Equivalent combination of education, knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
Required Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating and manipulating digital and print assets.
- Strong portfolio that effectively demonstrates expertise in branding, typography, layout design, and compelling visual storytelling across various mediums.
- Proven ability to balance creative innovation with practical business objectives, delivering impactful designs within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Experience designing for diverse audiences, with a clear understanding of tailoring visual communication for both B2B and B2C markets.
- Solid understanding of print production processes, packaging design principles, and the creation of digital assets optimized for web and social media platforms.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with internal teams, management, and external vendors.
- High levels of accuracy, timeliness, and dependability in all aspects of work.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with motion graphics or video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro).
- Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems.
- Understanding of UX/UI principles for web design optimization.
- Experience in the automotive, motorsports, or performance chemicals industry.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "advanced proficiency" in Adobe Creative Suite and a "strong portfolio" indicates a requirement for a highly skilled designer. The mention of B2B and B2C experience is crucial for candidates to highlight in their applications. The "equivalent combination of education, knowledge, skills, and abilities" clause suggests flexibility for candidates with extensive experience but perhaps a non-traditional educational background.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A comprehensive digital portfolio is mandatory for all applicants, showcasing a range of design projects that demonstrate conceptual thinking, creative execution, and technical skill.
- Portfolio pieces should highlight experience in brand identity development, including logo design, brand guidelines, and consistent application across various collateral.
- Include case studies or project breakdowns that illustrate the design process, from understanding client needs and objectives to final output and impact.
- Showcase versatility in design applications, featuring examples of web graphics, social media content, print materials (brochures, signage), and packaging design.
- Demonstrate proficiency in typography, color theory, layout composition, and visual storytelling that aligns with brand messaging and target audience engagement.
Process Documentation:
- Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, including how they approach project briefs, conduct research, develop concepts, iterate on designs, and manage feedback for revisions.
- Be ready to articulate how you ensure brand consistency and adherence to design standards throughout the entire project lifecycle.
- Demonstrate an understanding of production readiness for design assets, including file preparation for print, web, and social media platforms.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a "digital portfolio" and the need to discuss "personal design workflow" are critical for operations candidates to prepare for. This section emphasizes the practical application of design skills and the candidate's ability to manage projects efficiently and effectively.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- The estimated salary range for this Graphic Designer position in San Antonio, TX, is between $60,000 and $85,000 annually. This range is based on industry benchmarks for mid-level graphic designers with 3+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area, considering the company's industry and the scope of responsibilities.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Medical coverage options to support employee and family well-being.
- Full Suite of Supplemental Insurance Options: Additional coverage for life, disability, and other needs.
- Robust 401(k) Plan with Company Match: A retirement savings plan designed to help employees build long-term financial security, with employer contributions to enhance savings.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous leave policy to allow for rest, rejuvenation, and personal time.
- Casual Work Environment: A relaxed and comfortable office atmosphere.
- Positive, Team-Oriented Culture: Emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and mutual support.
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during business hours.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Graphic Designer role with 3+ years of experience in San Antonio, TX, considering the listed benefits and responsibilities. The benefits package is detailed based on common offerings for full-time positions in the US.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Performance Fuels, Automotive Chemicals, and Consumer Products. VP Racing Fuels is a recognized global leader, known for its high-performance products and strong presence in motorsports. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, VP Racing Fuels is described as a "global leader" with a "growing portfolio of subsidiary brands" and national retail presence, suggesting a medium to large enterprise. Founded: 1975. With a history spanning over four decades, the company has established a strong legacy and deep expertise in its market.
Team Structure:
- The Graphic Designer will be part of the dynamic Marketing Team, likely collaborating with marketing managers, digital marketers, content creators, and potentially product managers.
- The role involves close cross-functional collaboration with various departments, including sales, product development, and potentially operations, to ensure cohesive brand messaging and campaign execution.
- The Graphic Designer will also provide creative direction and mentorship to internal designers, freelancers, and vendors, indicating a leadership component within the design function.
Methodology:
- Data-Driven Design: The role emphasizes creating visuals that support key business objectives and drive engagement, implying a need to understand campaign performance and audience analytics.
- Brand Consistency Focus: A core methodology is maintaining and evolving visual brand architecture and guidelines across diverse product lines and market segments.
- Collaborative Workflow: The company fosters a "work hard and play hard," "fun, collaborative culture," suggesting an open environment for idea exchange and teamwork.
Company Website: [VP Racing Fuels Website - URL not provided in raw data, placeholder used]
π Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as innovative, precise, fast-paced, and passionate, aligning well with the motorsports industry. The emphasis on "work hard and play hard" and a "fun, collaborative culture" suggests an energetic and engaging work environment.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level to Senior Graphic Designer. It involves leading creative projects, evolving brand strategy, and mentoring others, which typically signifies a step beyond an entry-level position. The responsibilities suggest a designer who can work independently and contribute strategically to the brand's visual identity.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing Manager or Director, who oversees the marketing department's strategy and execution. This individual will likely be responsible for guiding the designer's project priorities and performance.
Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and marketing campaign effectiveness. High-quality, on-brand visuals are crucial for driving sales, building brand loyalty, and supporting VP Racing Fuels' position as a market leader. The role contributes to the tangible representation of the brand across all customer touchpoints.
Growth Opportunities:
- Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as packaging design, digital campaign creative, or motion graphics.
- Brand Leadership: Potential to take on greater responsibility in shaping the visual direction for new product launches or subsidiary brands.
- Mentorship Development: Grow leadership skills by continuing to mentor junior designers and manage external creative resources.
- Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader business acumen by collaborating on projects with sales, product development, and retail branding teams.
π Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are inferred from the existing responsibilities, such as mentorship and brand architecture evolution, suggesting a natural progression for a motivated designer. The company's growth and diverse product lines also present inherent opportunities for exposure and skill development.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based at the Corporate Headquarters in San Antonio, TX. The description emphasizes a "down-to-earth, casual work environment" and a "positive, team-oriented culture," suggesting an open and collaborative office setting.
Office Location(s): Corporate Headquarters, San Antonio, TX. The specific address provided is 10205 Oasis St, San Antonio, TX 78216.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with marketing team members and other departments.
- Access to relevant design software and technology will be provided to support project execution.
- Opportunities for team brainstorming, creative reviews, and cross-functional project meetings are likely integral to the daily work.
Work Schedule:
- The work schedule is full-time, likely Monday through Friday, aligning with standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or similar). Given the on-site requirement, consistent presence during these hours is expected.
π Enhancement Note: The description highlights a "casual work environment" and a "positive, team-oriented culture," which are key indicators of the expected day-to-day atmosphere for a designer working on-site.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A review of your resume and, critically, your digital portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.
- Portfolio Review & Creative Discussion: An interview session where you will present your portfolio, discuss your design process, explain your creative choices, and how your work aligns with VP Racing Fuels' brand. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects in detail.
- Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: You may be asked to complete a small design exercise or a take-home challenge to evaluate your skills under specific constraints, simulating real-world project requirements.
- Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with marketing leadership and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of business objectives.
- Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader (e.g., Marketing Director) to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize the offer.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that showcases branding, packaging, digital marketing, and B2B/B2C experience.
- Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, your creative solutions, and the measurable impact or outcome. Use visuals to support your narrative.
- Showcase Versatility: Include a range of work that demonstrates proficiency across different mediums and styles, while maintaining a cohesive brand voice.
- Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, and how they contributed to the final design.
- Tailor to VP Racing Fuels: If possible, include a project that demonstrates an understanding of their industry or brand aesthetic, or be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing for their specific market.
Challenge Preparation:
- If a creative challenge is given, carefully read and understand the brief. Clarify any ambiguities.
- Focus on demonstrating your process, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet project requirements within the given constraints.
- For a take-home challenge, manage your time effectively to deliver a polished result.
- For an in-interview exercise, think aloud, explain your rationale, and be open to feedback.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and the potential for a creative challenge are standard for design roles. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process and demonstrate how their work drives business objectives, a key aspect for operations-minded roles.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. This is the core suite for graphic design tasks.
- Design Systems/Brand Guidelines Management Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with tools or methods for managing and applying design systems and brand guidelines is valuable.
Analytics & Reporting:
- Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): Understanding how design impacts web traffic, engagement, and conversion rates is beneficial for demonstrating ROI.
- Social Media Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools used to track engagement metrics for social media graphics.
CRM & Automation:
- Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Mailchimp): Experience designing email templates or visual assets for marketing campaigns within these platforms.
- Content Management Systems (CMS) (e.g., WordPress): Basic understanding of how design assets are implemented on websites.
π Enhancement Note: The primary focus is on Adobe Creative Suite. Other tools are inferred based on the responsibilities of creating digital assets for web and social media, and supporting marketing campaigns. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these types of platforms.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Innovation & Boldness: The company encourages "innovating boldly" and pushing limits, reflecting a culture that values fresh ideas and proactive problem-solving.
- Precision & Speed: Given the motorsports background, there's an implied value on accuracy, efficiency, and timely execution β "speed" in delivery and "precision" in design.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: The emphasis on a "fun, collaborative culture" and "teamwork fuels success" highlights the importance of working effectively with others.
- Passion & Drive: The company seeks individuals with "passion" for their work and a "desire to win," indicating a high-energy, results-oriented environment.
- Integrity & Quality: As a "global leader," there's an inherent value placed on high-quality products and services, which translates to the expectation of high-quality design output.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with marketing, sales, and product teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate diverse needs into visual solutions.
- Open Feedback Exchange: A collaborative culture implies an environment where constructive feedback is shared and received openly to improve designs and project outcomes.
- Shared Goal Orientation: The focus on "fueling success" and "teamwork" suggests a collaborative style geared towards achieving common business objectives.
π Enhancement Note: The company values are derived from the descriptive language used in the job posting, such as "bold, innovative," "passion," "precision," and "collaboration." These values are crucial for candidates to understand and demonstrate alignment with during the interview process.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Brand Consistency Across Diverse Lines: Managing visual identity for multiple product lines and subsidiary brands, each with potentially unique market segments and brand voices, requires careful attention to detail and strategic design thinking.
- Fast-Paced, Deadline-Driven Environment: Delivering high-quality creative work quickly to meet marketing campaign timelines and product launch schedules.
- Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with design trends, digital platforms, and consumer preferences to ensure brand visuals remain fresh, relevant, and competitive.
- Translating Technical/Performance Concepts Visually: Effectively communicating the performance and technical aspects of VP Racing Fuels' products through compelling visual narratives.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Continuous Design Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or online courses to master new design techniques, software features, or emerging design disciplines.
- Industry Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into the motorsports, automotive, and performance chemicals industries, which can inform more effective design strategies.
- Mentorship and Leadership: Developing leadership capabilities through guiding junior designers and managing external vendor relationships.
- Strategic Brand Contribution: Growing influence by contributing to broader brand strategy discussions and potentially taking ownership of key brand initiatives.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges are inferred from the scope of responsibilities, such as managing multiple brands and working in a fast-paced environment. Growth opportunities are aligned with typical career progression for a mid-level designer in a growing company.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?" (Focus on demonstrating adherence to brand and process while maintaining creativity.)
- "Walk us through your process for developing a visual campaign for a new product launch. What are the key stages?" (Prepare to detail your workflow from brief to final assets, emphasizing collaboration and strategic thinking.)
- "How do you approach designing for different audience segments (e.g., professional racers vs. general consumers)? Provide an example." (Showcase your ability to tailor messaging and visual style.)
- "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends, and how have you incorporated them into your work?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and innovation.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What interests you about VP Racing Fuels and our brand?" (Research the company's history, products, and market position. Connect your passion for design with their industry.)
- "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize openness to feedback and a collaborative approach to iteration.)
- "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture." (Align your response with the company's described culture of collaboration, innovation, and energy.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Structure Your Presentation: Begin with an overview of your portfolio, then dive into 2-3 detailed case studies. For each case study: state the objective, your role, the challenge, your approach/process, the solution (show visuals!), and the outcome/impact.
- Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, positive feedback) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.
- Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss your software proficiency, design techniques, and file preparation for various outputs.
- Articulate Your "Why": Clearly explain the rationale behind your design decisions. Why did you choose that font? Why this color palette? Why this layout?
π Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to assess creative skill, strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare specific examples from their portfolio and experience to answer these questions effectively. The emphasis on process and impact is key.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer position:
- Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting portal.
- Curate and Polish Your Digital Portfolio: Ensure it prominently features your strongest work in branding, packaging, digital marketing, and demonstrates your ability to design for both B2B and B2C audiences. Tailor the selection to showcase relevance to VP Racing Fuels' industry.
- Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your 3+ years of professional experience, advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and specific achievements related to campaign execution, brand consistency, and successful project delivery. Use keywords from the job description.
- Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation Narrative: Practice walking through 2-3 key portfolio pieces, clearly articulating the problem, your process, your solutions, and the impact. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how it aligns with VP Racing Fuels.
- Research VP Racing Fuels: Understand their products, target markets, competitors, and brand aesthetic. Be ready to discuss how your design skills can contribute to their continued success and market leadership.
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 hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field and at least three years of professional experience. A strong portfolio showcasing expertise in design and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is essential.