Graphic Designer – Part Time

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer – Part Time

Company: URM Stores Inc

Location: 7511 N Freya St, Spokane, WA 99217, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: March 9, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on production design, focusing on the accurate and efficient creation of digital and print advertising materials for a retail cooperative.

• Key responsibilities include customizing digital PDF grocery advertisements and adapting existing layouts to meet specific store requirements, demanding meticulous attention to detail.

• The position requires strong proficiency in industry-standard design software, particularly Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), for template-based design and image manipulation.

• Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent organizational skills and deadline management in a fast-paced production environment, ensuring timely delivery of marketing collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the description's emphasis on "production design," "template customization," and "digital ad production" strongly suggests a focus on operationalizing creative assets rather than pure conceptual design. This aligns with a Marketing Operations or Creative Operations function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create and customize digital PDF grocery advertisements for retail partners, ensuring all pricing, item details, and information are accurate and up-to-date.

• Coordinate directly with store partners via email and phone to gather advertising specifics and verify content accuracy for campaign execution.

• Adapt and implement existing design layouts into store-specific versions, maintaining brand consistency while incorporating unique store details.

• Utilize Adobe InDesign to place text and images accurately within established templates to produce polished advertising materials.

• Prepare and export high-resolution (for print) and low-resolution (for digital) PDF files suitable for various distribution channels.

• Conduct thorough proofreading of all advertising content to guarantee accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Perform image editing, resizing, and manipulation tasks in Adobe Photoshop to enhance visual assets for advertisements.

• Design and produce miscellaneous marketing collateral, including signage, bag stuffers, and newspaper ads, as required by the team and partners.

• Maintain meticulous organization of digital files, ad calendars, and production deadlines to ensure efficient workflow and timely project completion.

• Upload finalized design materials to internal or external web platforms as directed.

• Collaborate with and cross-train other members of the design team to ensure knowledge sharing and support for overall production capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a high volume, production-oriented role. The emphasis on "customizing," "adapting layouts," and "preparing files" points towards a need for efficiency in executing creative briefs rather than originating them. This is a hallmark of operationalizing creative workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, or a related field is preferred; equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on production design, digital ad creation, and template-based workflows.

Required Skills:

• Adobe InDesign: Expert proficiency in creating and manipulating layouts within templates.

• Adobe Photoshop: Strong skills in image editing, retouching, resizing, and preparing assets for digital and print.

• Adobe Illustrator: Competency in creating and modifying vector graphics and design elements.

• PDF Creation & Optimization: Experience in preparing and exporting optimized PDFs for both print and digital use.

• Proofreading & Editing: Exceptional attention to detail with a proven ability to identify errors in text and layout.

• Template Customization: Ability to effectively adapt pre-designed templates for specific client or store needs.

• File Organization: Strong organizational skills for managing a high volume of digital assets and project files.

• Deadline Management: Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict production deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Mac-Based Environment: Comfortable and proficient working within a macOS operating system.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience preparing files for CMYK four-color process printing.

• Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat for PDF editing and review.

• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for design and formatting.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Basic understanding of print production processes and requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "preferred skills" list, particularly CMYK printing and Adobe Acrobat, suggests the role may involve interaction with print vendors or a need for robust PDF quality control, common in operational creative roles that bridge design and production.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies showcasing production design projects, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.

• Include examples of digital PDF advertising layouts that have been customized for specific clients or campaigns, highlighting the adaptation process.

• Showcase experience with template-based design, illustrating how you've efficiently executed multiple versions of an advertisement or marketing collateral.

• Provide evidence of image manipulation and retouching skills, particularly in Photoshop, with before-and-after examples if possible.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal workflow for managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines, focusing on task prioritization and time management strategies.

• Articulate your approach to ensuring accuracy and consistency in production work, including your proofreading methods and quality control checks.

• Describe your experience in collaborating with stakeholders (e.g., store partners, marketing managers) to gather requirements and incorporate feedback into design revisions.

• Explain your process for organizing and managing digital assets and project files to maintain an efficient and accessible system.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, portfolios are less about conceptual "wow" and more about demonstrating structured problem-solving, efficiency, and reliable execution. The focus here is on process, accuracy, and speed in delivering approved creative assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Starting at $20.00 per hour, commensurate with experience (DOE).

Benefits:

• 401k Retirement Plan: Significant company match, with immediate vesting from the first contribution.

• Paid Sick Days: Accrued paid time off for illness.

• Company-Sponsored Activities: Opportunities to participate in events like URM March Madness Brackets, Family Hockey Night, Holiday Mingle & Jingle, Summer Wine & Music Event, and Winter Break Movie Night.

• Corporate Discounts: Access to discounts on gym memberships, cell phone plans, and computer purchases.

• Employee Discount Program: Substantial discounts at company-owned grocery stores.

Working Hours: Approximately 24-28 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "starting at $20/hour DOE" and "approximately 24-28 hours per week" provides a clear hourly rate and expected weekly commitment. The benefits package is comprehensive for a part-time role, with a strong emphasis on retirement savings and employee perks that foster a positive company culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail Distribution / Grocery Cooperative. URM Stores Inc. operates as a retailer-owned cooperative, supporting independent grocers. This model emphasizes partnership and reinvestment in Member-Owners' success.

Company Size: Billion-dollar enterprise, employing over 3,000 team members across URM and its subsidiaries (Rosauers Supermarkets, Peirone Produce).

Founded: 1921, with over a century of history serving local, community-focused grocery stores.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a design team, likely within a larger marketing or creative department.

• Collaboration and cross-training with other designers are expected, suggesting a supportive team environment focused on shared production goals.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Operations: The company's cooperative model and focus on supporting independent grocers suggest an emphasis on data to track performance and drive strategic decisions in purchasing, warehousing, and delivery.

• Efficiency & Optimization: As a distribution and logistics provider, URM likely prioritizes efficient operations, quality control, and timely delivery, which extends to its marketing and creative production processes.

• Partnership & Service: The core mission of supporting Member-Owners implies a culture of strong customer service and partnership, which would extend to internal collaboration and external client interactions.

Company Website: URM Stores Inc. (Note: A direct company website was not provided, but this is a common URL structure for such organizations.)

📝 Enhancement Note: URM's structure as a retailer-owned cooperative is critical. It implies a business-to-business focus where the "customers" (retailers) are also stakeholders. This shapes the company's approach to service, support, and operational excellence, including how marketing materials are produced to directly benefit these member stores.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-to-mid-level position within the creative operations function. It offers a foundation in production design, digital asset management, and workflow execution within a large organization.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager, likely overseeing the creative or marketing production team. This provides opportunities for mentorship and direct feedback on performance and skill development.

Operations Impact: The work directly influences the visual communication and advertising effectiveness of URM's member grocery stores. By producing accurate and appealing advertisements, this role contributes to the sales and brand perception of independent retailers, thereby supporting URM's mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like digital advertising, print production, or template design.

• Increased Responsibility: As proficiency grows, opportunities may arise to manage larger projects, take on more complex design tasks, or mentor junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to learn about other areas of marketing operations, such as campaign management or digital asset management, within URM or its subsidiaries.

• Leadership Potential: For individuals demonstrating strong organizational skills and process improvement ideas, advancement into team lead or production management roles could be a long-term possibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is less about becoming a senior conceptual designer and more about mastering production workflows, potentially evolving into roles like Senior Production Artist, Creative Operations Specialist, or even a Print Production Manager, depending on aptitude and company needs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a 100% on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment. The Spokane location suggests a regional hub for URM's operations.

Office Location(s): 7511 N Freya St, Spokane, WA 99217. This is a specific, physical location requiring daily attendance.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The expectation of collaboration and cross-training suggests an open or semi-open office layout conducive to team interaction.

• Production Tools: The workspace will be equipped with the necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware (Mac-based computers) to perform daily tasks efficiently.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with other designers and potentially marketing or operations staff will be common, fostering a connected work environment.

Work Schedule: Approximately 24-28 hours per week, indicating a flexible part-time schedule. This allows for work-life balance while ensuring consistent support for production needs. The specific days and hours may be negotiable within operational requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "100% on-site" requirement is a critical detail for candidates, underscoring the need for local candidates or those willing to relocate. The part-time nature might appeal to individuals seeking supplementary income, flexible hours, or a transition back into the workforce.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and a request for your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you'll walk through selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your role, process, and the outcomes.

• Skills Assessment: A practical exercise, potentially a layout or proofreading task, to evaluate your technical skills and attention to detail.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions about your experience managing deadlines, handling feedback, collaborating with others, and problem-solving in a production environment.

• Team/Manager Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit and suitability for the team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Production: Select 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your production design skills, template customization, and PDF output. Prioritize accuracy and efficiency over conceptual design.

• Focus on Process: For each project, explain your workflow, how you managed asset integration, your role in ensuring accuracy, and the final output specifications.

• Highlight Customization: If you have examples of adapting existing templates or creating store-specific versions, emphasize this strongly.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention the volume of work produced, the number of versions created, or any feedback received on the efficiency of your process.

• Prepare for "Why": Be ready to explain your design choices from a production standpoint (e.g., why a certain font was used for readability, why an image was cropped a certain way for clarity).

Challenge Preparation:

• Layout Exercise: Practice placing text and images into InDesign templates quickly and accurately. Focus on proper alignment, spacing, and hierarchy.

• Proofreading Challenge: Review provided text and images for any errors in spelling, grammar, pricing, item descriptions, or visual inconsistencies. Practice speed and accuracy.

• File Prep Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would export a final design for both print (e.g., for a newspaper) and digital (e.g., for a website or email) distribution, detailing the considerations for each.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of a "brief layout or proofreading exercise" is a key indicator of the practical, skills-based nature of the hiring process for this production-focused role. Candidates should prioritize demonstrating speed and accuracy in executing design tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout creation and template-based design. Proficiency in its page-layout features, master pages, and text/object manipulation is critical.

• Adobe Photoshop: Required for image editing, resizing, retouching, and preparing digital assets. Knowledge of layers, selections, and export options is key.

• Adobe Illustrator: Used for creating or modifying vector graphics, logos, and other design elements that require scalability.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Required for design and formatting of presentations and other collateral.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Adobe Acrobat: Preferred for PDF review, editing, and preparation.

• File Transfer Protocols (FTP) or Cloud Storage: Likely used for uploading finalized materials to internal or external websites. Knowledge of platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, or specific FTP clients may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role's technological requirement lies within the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign for layout production. The emphasis is on mastery of these tools for efficient output, rather than complex system integration or data analysis tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy & Precision: A paramount value, given the role's focus on proofreading, data accuracy in advertisements, and precise execution of templates.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Driven by the need to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Essential for cross-training, sharing workloads, and ensuring the design team functions cohesively.

• Reliability & Dependability: Crucial for meeting deadlines and consistently delivering high-quality work that supports URM's member retailers.

• Customer Focus: Although indirect, the role supports URM's mission to serve its member retailers, implying an understanding of their needs and how effective advertising contributes to their success.

Collaboration Style:

• Task-Oriented: Interactions will likely focus on project requirements, feedback, and problem-solving related to design production.

• Supportive & Cross-Functional: The expectation of cross-training and collaboration indicates a willingness to support colleagues and share knowledge to achieve team objectives.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on design work and processes to ensure quality and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize the operational aspects of design – executing with precision and speed. This is distinct from a culture focused on pure creative innovation, highlighting the production-centric nature of this specific role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume Production: Managing a consistent stream of ad requests with varying requirements and tight deadlines can be demanding.

• Maintaining Accuracy: The constant need for meticulous proofreading across numerous data points (prices, item names) requires sustained focus.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering work quickly without compromising accuracy or aesthetic standards.

• Adapting to Template Constraints: Working within established templates may limit creative freedom, requiring resourcefulness to meet client needs.

• Communication with Stakeholders: Effectively gathering and clarifying information from retail partners who may have diverse needs or communication styles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Deepening skills in Photoshop for complex image manipulation or InDesign for intricate layout automation.

• Print Production Knowledge: Gaining a better understanding of CMYK, pre-press, and physical production processes.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Learning how to organize, tag, and manage a large library of creative assets.

• Workflow Optimization: Contributing ideas for improving the team's production processes and efficiency.

• Exposure to Subsidiaries: Potential to learn about the design needs and workflows of Rosauers Supermarkets and Peirone Produce.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of production roles, emphasizing the need for resilience, strong organizational habits, and a commitment to quality under pressure. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening production expertise and potentially broadening operational scope.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a digital PDF grocery advertisement from initial brief to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, accuracy checks, and output methods.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy when customizing templates with specific pricing and item information for multiple clients?" (Highlight proofreading, verification steps, and attention to detail.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a retailer-owned cooperative like URM Stores?" (Connect to their mission of supporting independent grocers.)

• "How do you handle constructive feedback on your designs, especially when working within established templates?" (Showcase adaptability and a collaborative spirit.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Digital Ads, Print Collateral, Template Customization).

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your production design skills, template adaptation, and PDF output capabilities.

• Explain Your Role & Process: For each selected project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the design tools used, your workflow, how you ensured accuracy, and the final output.

• Quantify Achievements: If possible, mention the number of ads created, the efficiency gains you achieved, or positive feedback received.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your file preparation methods for print and digital, and your experience with specific software features.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus heavily on demonstrating practical production skills, efficiency, and a meticulous approach to detail, rather than conceptual design thinking. The portfolio and interview questions will likely probe these operational capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting portal.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Production Design," "Digital Advertising," "PDF Creation," "InDesign," "Photoshop," "Proofreading," "Deadline Management," and "Template Customization." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Produced an average of X ads per week").

• Prepare your portfolio: Select projects that best demonstrate your production design skills, template adaptation, and PDF output. Be ready to discuss your process and attention to detail.

• Research URM Stores Inc.: Understand their business model as a retailer-owned cooperative and their role in supporting independent grocers. This context is valuable for demonstrating alignment with their mission.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare to discuss your experience with the required software, your approach to accuracy and deadlines, and how you handle collaborative work environments.

⚠️ 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.