GRAPHIC DESIGNER - CANTEEN

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Canteen Company: Compass Group Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Sales / Food & Beverage Date Posted: October 6, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for driving growth within Compass Group by developing compelling visual assets for sales and client retention initiatives.
• The Graphic Designer will translate complex information into clear, strategic visuals to enhance brand differentiation in competitive bid environments.
• Key responsibilities include designing sales proposals, presentations, brochures, digital assets, and supporting RFP responses.
• Collaboration with Sales and Retention teams is essential to align design strategies with overarching business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Canteen," the description clearly indicates a broader role supporting Sales and Retention across Compass Group, not solely focused on a specific canteen's branding. The role is strategic in nature, contributing directly to business development and client engagement through design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design innovative and high-impact sales proposals, presentations, brochures, packaging, logos, and digital assets that align with brand guidelines and business objectives.
• Create interactive and visually appealing PowerPoint presentations, microsites, PDFs, and other digital materials to support client growth and retention efforts.
• Collaborate closely with Sales and Retention teams to understand project requirements, translate complex concepts into engaging visuals, and ensure design strategies support business goals.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously from concept to completion, ensuring high quality, adherence to deadlines, and consistent brand messaging.
• Develop fresh, creative design concepts and present them effectively during team brainstorming sessions and design reviews.
• Prepare and format final design content for both digital and print production, ensuring accuracy, technical feasibility, and compliance with brand standards.
• Maintain and organize a library of design assets, templates, and resources to ensure efficient access and usability for the broader team.
• Visually enhance content and layouts for Request for Proposal (RFP) responses to strengthen competitive positioning and client appeal.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design execution and strategic collaboration, highlighting the role's direct impact on sales enablement and client relationship management within a large corporate structure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While formal education requirements are not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring 3+ years of professional experience. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 3+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for experience in a fast-paced, sales-driven environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for creating and manipulating visual assets.
• Strong presentation design skills using PowerPoint and/or Keynote, enabling the creation of dynamic and persuasive client-facing materials.
• Demonstrated understanding of typography, color theory, and layout principles to create visually appealing and effective designs.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and articulate design concepts.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to translate complex information and client needs into clear, compelling visual narratives.
• Keen eye for detail and commitment to maintaining brand consistency across all design outputs.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for sales proposals and Request for Proposal (RFP) responses.
• Familiarity with digital design tools and best practices for web and interactive content.
• Experience in packaging design or logo development.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "sales-driven environment" and "client retention" suggests that candidates with experience in B2B sales collateral or proposal design will have a distinct advantage. The requirement for presentation design skills in PowerPoint is particularly crucial given the role's focus on sales proposals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design work, with a focus on projects relevant to sales enablement and client communication.
• Showcase a range of work including sales proposals, presentations, brochures, digital assets, and conceptual branding.
• Highlight your ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling visual narratives.
• Include case studies or examples that illustrate your process from concept development to final execution, emphasizing problem-solving and design rationale.
• Ensure the portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and presentation software (PowerPoint/Keynote).

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly required as a deliverable, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:
  • How they approach understanding client needs and project briefs.
  • Their methodology for concept generation and iteration.
  • How they manage feedback and revisions from stakeholders.
  • Their workflow for preparing files for print and digital production.
  • Their strategies for ensuring brand consistency and quality control.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just showcase aesthetic quality but also the strategic thinking behind the designs and the ability to achieve specific business objectives (e.g., winning a bid, retaining a client) through visual communication.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Charlotte, NC, the estimated annual salary range is $60,000 - $80,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Charlotte, the company's size and industry, and the specific requirements of the role, including proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and presentation design for sales.

Benefits: Compass Group offers a comprehensive benefits package for its corporate associates, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Disability Insurance (Short-Term and Long-Term).
• Retirement Plan (e.g., 401(k) with company match).
• Paid Time Off (PTO), which may accrue based on tenure and role.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Holiday Time Off (specifics may vary by site/state).
• Personal Leave.
• Associate Shopping Program with discounts.
• Health and Wellness Programs.
• Discount Marketplace for various services and products.
• Identity Theft Protection.
• Pet Insurance options.
• Commuter Benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position. The standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team needs and manager approval. Occasional overtime may be required to meet critical deadlines for sales proposals or client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for the specified location and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The benefits listed are comprehensive and typical for a large corporate employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage Services, Support Services, Hospitality. Compass Group is a global leader in the foodservice and support services industry, operating across diverse settings such as corporate dining, healthcare, education, and sports & entertainment venues.

Company Size: Compass Group USA is a very large organization, employing over 284,000 associates across all 50 states. This scale provides opportunities for broad impact and career mobility.

Founded: Compass Group was founded in 1941 in the UK and has grown into a multinational corporation. Compass Group USA is a significant part of its global operations. This long history suggests a stable, established company with deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Sales Support team within Compass Corporate, potentially reporting to a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or Sales Operations Lead.
• The team structure is expected to be collaborative, with designers working closely alongside sales professionals, marketing specialists, and proposal managers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving extensive interaction with sales teams, retention specialists, and potentially subject matter experts from various business units to gather content and understand client needs.

Methodology:

• Design work is driven by business objectives, focusing on creating materials that directly support sales wins and client retention.
• A data-informed approach may be used, where design choices are evaluated based on their effectiveness in communicating key messages and achieving desired outcomes (e.g., proposal win rates, client engagement metrics).
• Workflow planning and optimization are essential, given the need to manage multiple high-priority projects under tight deadlines.
• While not explicitly stated as a focus on automation, efficiency in design production and asset management is implied.

Company Website: https://www.compass-usa.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's vast size and diverse operations mean that the Graphic Designer may work on projects for a wide array of clients and service types, offering significant variety. The culture is likely to be professional and results-oriented, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and customer service.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an individual contributor at a mid-level (2-5 years of experience). It requires specialized creative skills applied to business objectives.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a manager within the Marketing or Sales Support function. This manager will oversee project allocation, performance reviews, and professional development. Collaboration will extend across sales, retention, and potentially other operational departments.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Compass Group's revenue generation and client retention by creating visually compelling materials that enhance the company's brand perception, communicate value propositions effectively, and support sales success in competitive bid processes. High-quality design can be a significant differentiator in client proposals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like proposal design, digital interactive media, or branding within the food service and support services industry.
• Advancement: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, Lead Designer, or potentially move into management positions within the creative or marketing departments, overseeing junior designers or leading specific creative initiatives.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new design software, explore emerging design trends, and gain exposure to different aspects of marketing and sales strategy.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into related roles within marketing, sales operations, or client management, leveraging design experience and understanding of client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely tied to demonstrating consistent impact on sales outcomes and client engagement through design excellence, as well as developing a strong understanding of the company's diverse service offerings and client base.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment within Compass Group's corporate facilities in Charlotte, NC.

Office Location(s): Charlotte, North Carolina (specific address likely provided upon offer). Charlotte is a major business hub with good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a professional office setting, potentially with a dedicated design area or shared creative space.
• Access to standard office technology, high-performance computers, and the necessary software licenses (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office) will be provided.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with sales teams, marketing personnel, and other creative professionals will be available, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. While core hours will likely be expected, there might be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team needs and manager approval. The demands of sales cycles may occasionally require working beyond standard hours to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being on-site allows for immediate collaboration and feedback, which is crucial for design roles supporting fast-paced sales cycles. The Charlotte location offers a vibrant business environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative capabilities.
• First Interview: Likely a call or virtual meeting with a hiring manager to discuss experience, technical skills, design philosophy, and cultural fit. Be prepared to walk through key portfolio pieces.
• Design Challenge/Test: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or a take-home assignment that simulates a real-world task, such as designing a presentation slide or a concept for a sales collateral piece. This assesses practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a panel of stakeholders from Sales, Marketing, or Senior Leadership. This stage focuses on strategic thinking, collaboration skills, and how your design approach aligns with Compass Group's business objectives.
• Offer: Extension of a job offer contingent on background checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, prioritize sales proposals, presentations, and marketing collateral.
• Tell a Story: For each piece, briefly explain the challenge, your role, the creative process, the solution, and the outcome or impact. Quantify results if possible (e.g., "contributed to a successful bid," "increased engagement").
• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a variety of projects that showcase your command of different design principles, tools, and media (print, digital).
• Highlight Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and presentation tools (PowerPoint/Keynote).
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your online portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read the brief and understand the target audience, objective, and key messaging.
• Think Strategically: Consider how your design choices will support the sales objective or client retention goal.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively to complete the task within the given timeframe.
• Presentation Ready: Be prepared to present your work, explain your design rationale, and answer questions about your process and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate how their design skills directly contribute to sales success and client engagement. The design test is a critical component for assessing practical application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign (essential for layout and proposal design), Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, icons), Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation).
• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint (critical for sales presentations and proposal enhancements), potentially Keynote.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how design assets perform is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics tools used for digital assets (e.g., website analytics, email marketing platform metrics) could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how design assets integrate into CRM systems or marketing automation platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Marketo) for sales enablement would be advantageous, though not explicitly required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign for layout-intensive projects like proposals and presentations, is non-negotiable. Strong PowerPoint skills are equally vital for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Great People. Great Services. Great Results.": This overarching Compass Group slogan emphasizes a commitment to employee excellence, high-quality service delivery, and achievement of business outcomes.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches, particularly in design to differentiate the company.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams to achieve common goals, especially supporting sales and client retention.
• Client Focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of internal and external clients through impactful design solutions.
• Brand Integrity: Maintaining a consistent and professional brand image across all communications.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires close collaboration with Sales, Retention, and potentially other Marketing team members.
• Responsive: Ability to respond quickly to requests from the sales team, especially during critical proposal development phases.
• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs.
• Proactive Communication: Keeping stakeholders informed about project status and potential challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values individuals who are not only creative but also business-minded, understanding how their work contributes to tangible business results and client satisfaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand/Sales Objectives: Ensuring designs are innovative and visually appealing while strictly adhering to brand guidelines and supporting specific sales messaging.
• Managing Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of sales cycles means frequent demands for quick turnarounds on critical materials.
• Translating Complex Information: Effectively simplifying and visualizing intricate service offerings or data into easily digestible and persuasive formats.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborating with diverse personalities and priorities across sales, marketing, and operational teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Design: Gaining deep knowledge of design trends and best practices within the food service and support services industry.
• Sales Enablement Expertise: Developing a strong understanding of what makes a sales proposal or presentation effective in winning business.
• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like interactive PDF design, motion graphics, or advanced presentation techniques.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about different facets of the business through collaboration with various departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to blend creative talent with direct business impact, which can be a rewarding career path for designers who enjoy seeing their work contribute to tangible growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a complex sales proposal or presentation. What was the challenge, your process, and the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, clarity, and impact.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple design projects and different stakeholders?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and organizational skills.)
• "Walk us through your process for developing a new logo or branding element for a specific client need." (Demonstrate your conceptualization and execution workflow.)
• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your designs from a sales team or client?" (Emphasize your professionalism, adaptability, and focus on project goals.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Compass Group and in the food service/support services industry?" (Research Compass Group's mission, values, and recent news.)
• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our sales growth and client retention efforts?" (Connect your portfolio and experience directly to the job description's objectives.)
• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment." (Provide specific examples of managing multiple priorities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by impact. Start with your strongest, most relevant pieces.
• Conciseness: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the solution (your design), and the results. Avoid lengthy explanations.
• Visuals First: Let your designs speak for themselves, but be ready to elaborate on your rationale.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to create persuasive sales collateral and client-facing materials.
• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the tools and techniques you used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to discuss how your design choices directly support business objectives, not just aesthetic appeal. Quantifiable results or clear linkages to sales/retention will significantly strengthen your candidacy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Compass Group careers website.
• Portfolio Submission: Ensure your resume includes a link to your online portfolio. If a portfolio is not explicitly requested in the application, prepare to submit it upon request or during the interview process. Prioritize showcasing sales collateral and presentation design work.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, presentation design, sales proposals, and working in deadline-driven environments. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice discussing your portfolio pieces, focusing on the business impact of your designs and your collaborative process. Be ready to articulate how your skills meet the requirements for this specific role.
• Research Compass Group: Familiarize yourself with Compass Group's services, values, and recent company news to demonstrate your interest and understanding of their business context.

⚠️ 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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