Graphic Designer, MML Hospitality

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, MML Hospitality

Company: MML Hospitality

Location: 1711 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Hospitality Marketing

Date Posted: March 03, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce a wide range of high-quality print, digital, and environmental assets for a portfolio of distinct hospitality brands, encompassing restaurants, hotels, and retail concepts.

• Maintain and evolve multi-brand systems, ensuring the integrity and unique voice of each brand are preserved across all visual touchpoints.

• Prepare production-ready files and directly collaborate with printers, fabricators, and signage vendors to guarantee accurate and high-quality execution of design projects.

• Contribute to the strategic development and refinement of visual identity systems, focusing on typography, layout, and experiential consistency across diverse brand applications.

• Manage and organize design files, templates, and asset libraries to ensure scalability, accessibility, and long-term brand consistency for all MML Hospitality properties.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on "environmental design," "brand system thinking," and "experiential consistency" strongly suggests a focus on GTM (Go-To-Market) collateral and brand experience within the hospitality sector. The requirement for vendor collaboration and production-ready file preparation indicates a need for a designer with a strong operational understanding of the design lifecycle, crucial for efficient brand rollout and maintenance across multiple locations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute design concepts for various collateral including menus, signage, in-room materials, packaging, uniforms, marketing materials, and event graphics.

• Ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints by adhering to and evolving established brand guidelines for multiple MML Hospitality concepts.

• Translate strategic objectives from marketing, development, and leadership teams into cohesive and impactful visual solutions.

• Collaborate closely with operations teams and on-site management to implement ongoing brand maintenance, updates, and seasonal design changes effectively.

• Manage the full design lifecycle from initial strategy and concept development through refinement, production, and final vendor-ready delivery.

• Organize and maintain digital asset management (DAM) systems, ensuring efficient retrieval and utilization of brand assets by internal teams and external partners.

• Create compelling mockups and presentation materials for pre-opening projects, property-wide signage initiatives, and comprehensive brand rollouts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can manage multiple brand identities simultaneously and execute across both physical (environmental, print) and digital mediums. This requires a strong understanding of production processes and cross-functional communication, akin to a GTM-focused role where brand consistency drives customer experience and market perception.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a role with these responsibilities and experience requirements.

Experience: 3–5+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for candidates with backgrounds in hospitality, lifestyle, retail, or experiential brands.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Proven experience in environmental design, print production, and developing/maintaining brand systems.

• Strong understanding of typography, layout systems, and visual hierarchy.

• Demonstrated ability to prepare production-ready files for various print and fabrication vendors.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration with operations, marketing, and leadership teams.

• Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with After Effects for motion graphics or animation.

• Familiarity with web asset production and basic UI/UX principles.

• Prior experience working within multi-location brand environments or the hospitality industry.

• Knowledge of digital asset management (DAM) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "brand system thinking," "environmental design," and "production-savvy" within the requirements points towards a candidate who can not only design but also manage brand assets operationally and ensure seamless execution across diverse physical and digital touchpoints. This aligns with the operational demands of a GTM strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 years of professional design work.

• Demonstrations of environmental design projects, including signage, spatial graphics, or interior branding elements.

• Examples of comprehensive brand system development and maintenance, illustrating consistency across multiple applications.

• High-quality print production examples, highlighting attention to detail, material considerations, and vendor-ready file preparation.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in preparing detailed production specifications for printers, fabricators, and signage vendors.

• Examples of managing and organizing design assets, including file naming conventions, folder structures, and potentially digital asset management (DAM) system usage.

• Case studies that illustrate how design solutions were developed in response to specific brand strategies or operational needs within a hospitality context.

• Documentation of collaboration workflows with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, operations, development) during the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused roles, a portfolio is often a critical component. This section infers that MML Hospitality will expect to see not just creative output, but also evidence of process management, production understanding, and the ability to scale design solutions across their portfolio, which is a key operational consideration in multi-location businesses.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 3-5+ years of experience in Austin, TX, and considering the specific requirements of environmental and brand system design within the hospitality sector, the estimated salary range is $65,000 - $85,000 per year. This range accounts for the specialized skills and the fast-paced, operational demands of the role.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary + Bonus Potential

• Beverage Education Reimbursement

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• MML Property Discounts (Hotel, Restaurant, Retail)

• Fitness and Health Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance

• Pet Insurance

• Retirement Benefits (e.g., 401k)

• Parental Leave

• Opportunities for Advancement and Promotion

• Community Service Opportunities

Working Hours: The role is listed as full-time, which typically involves approximately 40 hours per week. While not explicitly stated as flexible, the fast-paced hospitality environment may require occasional work outside standard hours to meet project deadlines, especially during pre-opening phases or major brand initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research of similar Graphic Designer roles in Austin, TX, factoring in the specialized requirements (environmental design, brand systems, hospitality focus) and the company's stated benefits, which suggest a competitive compensation package. The "40 hours per week" is a standard assumption for full-time roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (Restaurants, Hotels, Retail) - MML Hospitality operates within a dynamic and service-oriented industry, emphasizing quality, creativity, and authentic experiences.

Company Size: MML Hospitality manages a growing portfolio of celebrated properties across multiple states, indicating a mid-to-large size organization with a significant operational footprint. This size implies established processes but also room for individual impact and growth.

Founded: Founded by Larry McGuire, Tom Moorman, and Liz Lambert, MML Hospitality has a history rooted in a refined, character-driven approach to hospitality, focusing on creativity, quality, and a strong sense of place.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Brand & Creative Design Team, reporting directly to the Brand & Creative Studio Director.

• This role requires close collaboration with marketing, web development, and property-level operations teams.

Methodology:

• MML Hospitality's approach is characterized by a "refined, character-driven" methodology, focusing on exceptional cuisine, inspired design, impeccable service, and authentic storytelling.

• For the design team, this translates to a commitment to visual storytelling, brand integrity, and creating cohesive experiential designs that align with the unique identity of each property.

• Data-driven insights likely inform marketing and brand strategies, requiring designers to create assets that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically effective.

Company Website: https://mmlhospitality.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding MML Hospitality's industry and founding principles is crucial. Their focus on "authentic storytelling" and "sense of place" suggests that design work should be deeply integrated with the narrative and physical environment of each property, requiring a strategic and context-aware approach to design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level Graphic Designer position with a specialization in brand systems and environmental design within the hospitality sector. It requires a blend of creative talent and operational understanding of production and brand management.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Brand & Creative Studio Director, indicating a clear line of management and access to senior creative leadership.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the guest experience, brand perception, and operational efficiency through consistent and high-quality visual assets. Effective design supports marketing efforts, brand recognition, and the overall operational success of MML Hospitality's diverse portfolio.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in environmental design, hospitality branding, and large-scale brand system management.

• Advancement: Potential to progress to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Brand Manager roles within MML Hospitality, depending on performance and career trajectory.

• Skill Development: Exposure to a wide range of projects across different brand types (restaurant, hotel, retail) and geographies, fostering continuous learning in design, production, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Leadership: Potential to lead design initiatives for specific projects or new brand launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is framed to highlight how a creative role contributes to the operational success of the business, a key consideration for operations-minded candidates. Growth opportunities are framed to show a clear path for career progression within a company that values internal development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an in-office, full-time position. The description implies a collaborative studio environment within MML Hospitality's operations.

Office Location(s): The role is based at their Austin, TX location: 1711 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704. This area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, which aligns with the hospitality industry.

Workspace Context:

• The role is situated within the Brand & Creative Design Team, suggesting a collaborative workspace designed for creative professionals.

• Access to necessary design software and potentially hardware will be provided.

• The environment is described as "fast-paced," indicating a dynamic and potentially demanding workflow, common in the hospitality industry, especially during new openings or seasonal campaigns.

• Opportunities for interaction with various departments (marketing, operations, leadership) will be frequent, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the business.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While standard office hours are expected, the fast-paced nature of hospitality may necessitate flexibility to meet project deadlines, particularly during critical launch periods or events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Workspace Context" focuses on the collaborative and dynamic nature of the design environment, and how it interfaces with other operational departments, highlighting the need for adaptability and strong communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, and how their work aligns with MML Hospitality's brand ethos. Be prepared to discuss environmental design and brand system thinking.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or case study focusing on adapting a brand to a new application or solving a specific design problem relevant to the hospitality industry.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Meetings with the Brand & Creative Studio Director and potentially other team members or department heads to evaluate technical skills, cultural fit, and collaborative potential.

• Final Interview: May involve higher leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase projects that best demonstrate your skills in environmental design, print production, and brand system development for lifestyle or hospitality brands.

• Highlight Process: For each project, explain your strategic approach, design decisions, problem-solving methods, and collaboration process.

• Emphasize Production: Clearly articulate your experience in preparing production-ready files and working with vendors. Showcase examples of successful execution.

• Brand Consistency: Demonstrate your ability to maintain and evolve brand identities across diverse touchpoints and for multiple distinct brands.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on how your designs contributed to campaign success or operational improvements, be ready to share it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with MML Hospitality's current brands and their visual identities.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing for a specific MML property or concept.

• Understand the unique design challenges and opportunities within the hospitality industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a design role, emphasizing the portfolio as a key tool for demonstrating operational understanding of design execution and brand consistency, which are critical for GTM success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is mandatory in InDesign (for layout and print production), Illustrator (for vector graphics and logo design), and Photoshop (for image editing and digital assets).

• Google Suite: Proficiency in Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive for collaboration, documentation, and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potentially Relevant Tools:

• After Effects: Proficiency is a plus for creating motion graphics or animated assets.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with organizing and managing large libraries of design assets.

• Figma/Sketch: Experience with web asset production and UI/UX design aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite applications and Google Suite is standard for design roles. Highlighting After Effects and DAM systems adds value by pointing to advanced operational needs in asset management and digital content creation, relevant to GTM strategies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, inspired design that enhances hospitality experiences.

• Authenticity & Storytelling: Designing with a deep sense of place and an understanding of each brand's unique narrative.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on typography, materials, and experiential consistency across all brand touchpoints.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve cohesive and impactful visual solutions.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Developing and managing brand assets in a way that supports operational needs across a growing portfolio.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with marketing, web development, operations, and leadership teams to ensure design aligns with broader business objectives.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment that likely encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure alignment with brand strategies and operational requirements.

• Proactive Communication: Essential for managing multiple projects and communicating design progress, challenges, and vendor coordination effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Values" are interpreted through the lens of how design contributes to the operational success and guest experience of MML Hospitality. "Efficiency & Scalability" is a key operations-focused value for design in a multi-location business.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Brand Identities: Effectively balancing the distinct visual requirements and brand guidelines of a diverse portfolio of hospitality concepts.

• Production Realities: Navigating the complexities of print production, fabrication, and vendor coordination to ensure design integrity in the final physical execution.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to tight deadlines and the dynamic demands of the hospitality industry, especially during new property openings or seasonal campaigns.

• Translating Strategy to Design: Ensuring all design outputs are not only aesthetically strong but also strategically aligned with business goals and operational needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in environmental graphics, hospitality branding, and large-scale brand system management.

• Industry Exposure: Gain comprehensive experience across restaurant, hotel, and retail sectors, understanding the unique design challenges and opportunities in each.

• Production Process Mastery: Develop advanced skills in preparing vendor-ready files and managing production workflows for diverse materials and applications.

• Cross-functional Acumen: Enhance understanding of marketing, operations, and business development through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed to highlight areas where a candidate can demonstrate problem-solving skills and resilience, while growth opportunities focus on skill development relevant to operations and brand management within the hospitality sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed brand consistency across multiple, distinct brands. How did you ensure each brand's unique identity was maintained while adhering to overarching company standards?" (Focus on brand system management and operational consistency).

• "Walk us through your process for preparing design files for print production. What are key considerations when collaborating with printers or fabricators?" (Focus on production expertise and vendor collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What about MML Hospitality's approach to design and hospitality resonates with you?" (Research their brands and values).

• "How do you stay organized and manage priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment like hospitality?" (Highlight time management and organizational skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select for Relevance: Prioritize projects showcasing environmental design, brand systems, and print production for hospitality or lifestyle brands.

• Tell the Story: For each project, detail the brief, your strategic approach, design decisions, challenges, and the final outcome.

• Showcase Production Files: Be prepared to discuss your technical process for preparing files for vendors.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved brand recognition, successful event execution).

• Connect to MML: Clearly articulate how your skills and experience align with MML Hospitality's mission and the specific requirements of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are designed to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, operational understanding of design execution, and ability to collaborate effectively, all critical for success in a role supporting a multi-brand hospitality organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the MML Hospitality careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of environmental design, print production, and brand system development relevant to the hospitality industry. Tailor your presentation to highlight how your work supports brand consistency and operational execution.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 3-5+ years of experience, emphasizing proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, production file preparation, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords like "environmental graphics," "brand systems," "print production," and "hospitality design."

• Interview Preparation: Prepare to discuss your design process, your experience with vendors, and your understanding of brand strategy. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly, focusing on the operational impact of your design solutions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research MML Hospitality's portfolio of brands and their overall mission. Understand their commitment to "authentic storytelling" and "sense of place" to articulate how your design philosophy aligns with their values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with MML Hospitality before making application decisions.

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