Graphic Designer - PA

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: CJ Pony Parts, Inc. Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States (On-Site or Remote) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: October 10, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (On-Site or Remote Flexible)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for the visual storytelling and brand consistency of CJ Pony Parts, Inc., focusing on the creation of impactful digital and print marketing assets.
• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating marketing objectives into compelling visual designs that resonate with the target automotive enthusiast audience.
• Success in this position requires a strong understanding of design principles, proficiency in industry-standard design software, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• This position requires a proactive approach to staying ahead of design trends and maintaining brand integrity across all communication channels, directly supporting Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies through enhanced visual content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role explicitly mentions "On-Site or Remote" for location, indicating flexibility. The "Reports to: Creative Design Manager" suggests the role sits within a marketing or creative department that likely collaborates closely with sales and GTM teams. The emphasis on promotional and marketing materials implies a direct link to campaign execution and lead generation efforts, aligning with GTM objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of digital artwork for the company website, email marketing campaigns, Google Ads, social media platforms, and other digital channels, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and campaign objectives.
• Develop and execute designs for various printed promotional marketing materials, including event collateral, sponsorship assets, internal communications, and other marketing mediums, maintaining brand identity and continuity across all projects.
• Create compelling advertisements in multiple formats, ensuring brand consistency and continuity from concept to final output for diverse marketing initiatives.
• Apply expert knowledge of file handling, sizing, and format best practices for both digital and print advertising to optimize visual asset performance and production quality.
• Demonstrate exceptional organizational skills by setting priorities, managing multiple projects concurrently, adhering to marketing schedules, and meeting project deadlines in a fast-paced creative environment.
• Ensure all marketing messages are clear, purposeful, and accurately reflect the brand's established style and tone across all designed assets.
• Effectively utilize and adhere to a project management system to track progress, manage tasks, and ensure timely delivery of design projects.
• Collaborate effectively with in-house photographers and other designers to arrange and set up photoshoots, discuss creative concepts, and ensure cohesive visual output.
• Prepare print-ready files for output, ensuring compatibility and quality for both in-house printing and external vendor distribution.
• Proactively maintain technical knowledge of current design industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies through professional development, workshops, and seminars.
• Uphold and enforce brand consistency and individual style guide requirements across all vendors and marketing channels, ensuring a unified brand presence.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the Art Department and other cross-functional teams, fostering a positive, collaborative, and team-oriented working environment to drive GTM success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and process management, which are core to operations roles supporting marketing and GTM. The focus on "file handling and sizes for best practice in both digital and print," "organizational skills," "project management system and set deadlines," and "preparing print files for output" are all operational aspects of creative production.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Associate degree in Art, Graphic Design, or a closely related field.
• Equivalent practical experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree, demonstrating a strong portfolio.

Experience:

• 2-4 years of professional graphic design experience, with a preference for candidates with a background in marketing or e-commerce environments.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expertise in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is mandatory for creating and manipulating visual assets.
• Print Production Knowledge: Solid understanding of print processes, file preparation, color management, and output requirements for various print mediums.
• Digital Design Acumen: Proven ability to design for web, email, social media, and digital advertising platforms, understanding their unique specifications and best practices.
• Brand Consistency Management: Demonstrated skill in maintaining and enforcing brand identity, style guides, and messaging across diverse marketing materials and channels.
• Organizational and Time Management: Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced setting, essential for supporting marketing campaign timelines.

Preferred Skills:

• Mac OS Proficiency: Comfortable working within the MacOS environment.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Familiarity with Word, Excel, and Outlook for communication and basic document management.
• Photography Collaboration: Experience working with photographers or on photoshoots to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Trend Monitoring: Proactive approach to staying updated on design trends, software advancements, and industry best practices.
• Project Management Software: Experience with project tracking tools to manage workflows and deadlines efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize technical graphic design capabilities. The preferred skills, particularly "Organizational Skills," "Project Management," and "Trend Monitoring," indicate a need for operational efficiency and continuous improvement, which are key in operations roles. The mention of "marketing schedules and meet deadlines" directly ties into the operational execution of GTM strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Design Examples: A curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of digital and print design projects, demonstrating proficiency in various design styles and applications.
• Brand Consistency Showcase: Specific examples within the portfolio that illustrate the ability to maintain brand identity across multiple platforms and collateral types.
• Project Scope & Impact: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the project objective, your role, the design process, and the intended or actual impact of the design.
• Technical Proficiency Demonstration: Include examples that highlight expertise in specific software (e.g., complex Photoshop manipulations, intricate Illustrator vector work, multi-page InDesign layouts).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Visualization: Ability to visually represent design project workflows from brief to final delivery, highlighting key stages and approval points.
• File Management Standards: Demonstrate understanding of organized file naming conventions, version control, and archiving processes for digital and print assets.
• Print Production Workflow: Provide examples of how you prepare files for print, including pre-flight checks, color profiles, and bleed settings, ensuring smooth vendor handoffs.
• Collaboration Process: Outline how you typically collaborate with stakeholders, request feedback, and iterate on designs based on input.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly requesting a "process portfolio" in the traditional operations sense (e.g., process maps, SOPs), the emphasis on "file handling and sizes for best practice," "preparing print files for output," and the need to "follow a project management system and set deadlines" suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process and workflow management. The portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an organized and efficient approach to design execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $21 - $23 per hour. This range is based on the provided information and reflects an entry-level to intermediate position within the graphic design field in the Harrisburg, PA area.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Hourly wage of $21-$23.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid time off policy for work-life balance.
• Medical Insurance: Affordable medical insurance plans available.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Company contributes to employee HSAs.
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive dental and vision coverage options.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Company-paid life and short-term disability insurance policies.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a 4% company match and profit sharing, supporting long-term financial planning.
• Company-Paid Holidays: All major holidays observed and paid.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility given the remote option.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as hourly. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with industry standards for full-time employees, offering a strong incentive for candidates. The mention of "401(k) with 4% company match and profit sharing" indicates a commitment to employee financial well-being, which is a positive signal for long-term career stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Aftermarket Parts & Accessories. CJ Pony Parts specializes in parts for Ford Mustangs and other Ford vehicles, indicating a niche market with a passionate customer base. Company Size: CJ Pony Parts is a well-established company, likely medium-to-large given its extensive product catalog and online presence. Founded: While not explicitly stated, CJ Pony Parts has been in operation for many years, building a strong reputation within the automotive enthusiast community.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Design Manager, indicating a structured creative department.
• This role will likely collaborate closely with marketing managers, digital marketing specialists, content creators, and potentially sales enablement teams.
• The team structure suggests a need for clear communication and defined roles to ensure efficient campaign execution and brand messaging.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "Google ads, social media" implies that design effectiveness may be measured by engagement and conversion metrics.
• Brand-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis on "maintaining brand consistency" and "upholding individual style guide requirements" suggests a disciplined approach to visual communication.
• Agile Creative Production: The need to "set priorities and handle multiple projects efficiently" and "work effectively in a fast-paced, creative environment" points to an adaptive and responsive creative process.

Company Website: https://cjponyparts.isolvedhire.com (Note: This appears to be an HR portal link; the actual company website is likely cjponyparts.com)

📝 Enhancement Note: The industry context (automotive aftermarket) provides insight into the likely aesthetic preferences and target audience for the designs. A company specializing in parts for enthusiasts often values authenticity and a deep understanding of the product and its community. The reporting structure suggests a professional creative department with established processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned at an intermediate level, requiring 2-4 years of experience. It involves executing designs based on established brand guidelines and marketing objectives, with some autonomy in creative problem-solving.

Reporting Structure: The position reports directly to the Creative Design Manager. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight, allowing for feedback and skill development within a structured creative team.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by creating visually appealing and brand-consistent marketing materials. High-quality visuals enhance brand perception, improve engagement rates on digital platforms (website, social media, email), and support product promotion, ultimately driving traffic and sales. Their output is a critical component of marketing campaign effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer: Advancement to a senior role would involve taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and potentially contributing more to strategic creative direction.
• Art Director/Creative Lead: With significant experience and leadership potential, a path could lead to overseeing creative projects and teams, shaping the overall visual strategy.
• Specialization: Opportunities to specialize in areas like UI/UX design, motion graphics, or brand identity development within the company's creative framework.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Potential to move into marketing roles that leverage design skills, such as Digital Marketing Specialist or Brand Manager, by understanding the operational impact of visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a creative role, its operational impact is significant in supporting marketing and sales enablement. The growth paths highlight potential career progression within a creative or marketing operations track, emphasizing the development of both technical and strategic skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The "On-Site or Remote" designation indicates a flexible work environment. This could range from a traditional office setting to a hybrid model where employees split time, or fully remote work for eligible candidates.

Office Location(s): The primary listed location is 7461 Allentown Blvd, Harrisburg, PA 17112. This suggests that on-site work would be at this specific facility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: For on-site employees, the workspace likely facilitates collaboration with the Creative Design Manager and other team members.
• Tool Availability: Access to necessary design hardware (computers, monitors) and software (Adobe Creative Suite) would be provided for on-site work. Remote employees would need to ensure they have suitable personal or company-provided equipment.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the creative team and potentially other departments to gather project requirements and feedback.

Work Schedule: Full-time, likely standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM EST), with potential for some flexibility if remote. The role requires adherence to project deadlines, which may occasionally necessitate working outside standard hours during peak campaign periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote flexibility is a significant factor. For operations professionals, understanding how collaboration and workflow management adapt to remote or hybrid setups is crucial. The role requires discipline and effective communication regardless of location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative capabilities. Be prepared to highlight your most relevant design projects.
• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or a take-home project to evaluate their design skills, problem-solving abilities, and how they approach a brief. This often simulates real-world tasks.
• Interviews:
  • Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Creative Design Manager focusing on your experience, design philosophy, technical skills, and ability to work within brand guidelines.
  • Team/Cross-functional Interview: Potentially meeting with other marketing or creative team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication effectiveness.
• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with higher-level management or HR to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that aligns with CJ Pony Parts' brand and target audience (automotive, performance parts).
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. This demonstrates your problem-solving approach.
• Highlight Versatility: Include a mix of digital (web banners, social ads, email graphics) and print (flyers, brochures, event materials) examples.
• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully maintained or developed brand consistency.
• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss your technical approach, file management, and print file preparation.
• Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF) and functions well on various devices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge or take-home project instructions. Clarify any ambiguities with the recruiter or hiring manager.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across concepting, design, and refinement.
• Brand Alignment: Ensure your solution strongly reflects the CJ Pony Parts brand identity and target audience.
• Presentation: Be prepared to present your work and articulate your design decisions clearly and concisely, explaining your thought process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio and design challenges is standard for creative roles. For an operations-minded candidate, showcasing an organized approach to design execution, clear communication of process, and understanding of project management principles within the design context will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Mandatory proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• MacOS: Experience operating within the MacOS environment.

Supporting Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, and Outlook for general business operations, communication, and documentation.
• Project Management System: Familiarity with using a system to track tasks, deadlines, and project progress (specific system not named).

Analytics & Reporting (Indirectly Related):

• While not directly using analytics tools for design, understanding how digital designs perform (e.g., click-through rates on ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial and may involve collaborating with marketing teams who use these tools.

CRM & Automation (Indirectly Related):

• Understanding how email marketing and website graphics integrate with CRM and marketing automation platforms is a plus, though direct interaction is unlikely for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirements are centered around Adobe Creative Suite. The mention of a "project management system" is key for operational efficiency in managing creative workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to maintaining and upholding the CJ Pony Parts brand identity and visual standards across all communications.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Valuing the ability to manage multiple projects, adhere to schedules, and deliver high-quality work within deadlines, crucial for marketing campaign execution.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh design ideas while ensuring they align with brand strategy and resonate with the target audience.
• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering a positive, team-oriented environment where open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged among art department members and cross-functional teams.
• Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying updated with industry trends, design software, and best practices to maintain a competitive edge.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires effective collaboration within the Art Department and with other marketing functions.
• Feedback Integration: An open approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from managers and stakeholders to refine designs and meet project goals.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely with marketing specialists to understand campaign objectives and translate them into compelling visual assets that support GTM initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values lean towards professional execution, brand stewardship, and teamwork, which are common in well-run creative departments that support broader business operations. The emphasis on "efficiency" and "timeliness" aligns with operational excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: Effectively producing innovative designs that strictly adhere to established brand guidelines and style guides.
• Managing Multiple Project Deadlines: Juggling numerous design requests from various stakeholders with competing priorities and tight timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with rapid changes in digital design, social media aesthetics, and advertising platform requirements.
• Effective Communication of Design Rationale: Clearly articulating design choices and justifying creative decisions to non-design stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications or explore new design software.
• Industry Trend Immersion: Attending workshops, webinars, or industry events focused on graphic design, digital marketing, and automotive aftermarket trends.
• Cross-Functional Understanding: Gaining insights into marketing strategy, campaign planning, and sales objectives to create more impactful designs.
• Portfolio Expansion: Working on diverse projects that can enhance the designer's professional portfolio and showcase a wider range of skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer in a marketing-focused company. The growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement and broadening understanding, which are valuable for career progression in any field, including operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process for adhering to style guides while still being innovative.)
• "How do you prioritize your design tasks when faced with multiple urgent requests from different departments?" (Highlight your organizational skills, use of project management tools, and communication strategy.)
• "Walk me through your process for creating a digital ad campaign graphic, from concept to final file delivery." (Detail your workflow, software usage, and understanding of best practices for digital platforms.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different marketing channels and vendors?" (Emphasize your understanding of style guides and quality control.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CJ Pony Parts and the automotive aftermarket industry?" (Research the company's products, history, and mission. Show genuine interest in their niche.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Demonstrate openness to feedback and a collaborative approach.)
• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced creative environment." (Share examples of how you manage pressure and maintain quality.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation around the "story" of each project: the challenge, your solution (design), and the result.
• Highlight Relevance: For each project presented, explain why it's relevant to CJ Pony Parts and how it demonstrates the skills they are looking for.
• Concise Explanations: Be brief and to the point. Focus on your role, process, and key design decisions. Avoid getting bogged down in minor details.
• Technical Readiness: Be prepared to discuss file types, resolution, color modes, and prepress considerations for print.
• Q&A Preparedness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would approach specific types of projects for CJ Pony Parts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions will help candidates showcase not just their design talent but also their understanding of operational execution, project management, and brand stewardship, which are highly valued in GTM and operations support roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the CJ Pony Parts careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that showcase your ability to design for digital platforms (web, social, email ads) and print collateral, with a preference for automotive or enthusiast-focused work if available. Clearly articulate your design process for each piece.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with project management systems or fast-paced marketing environments. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your creative decisions, and discussing how you manage deadlines and collaborate with teams. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss specific projects.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CJ Pony Parts' products, brand aesthetic, and target audience. Understand their online presence (website, social media) to better tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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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