Graphic Designer – Retail & Brand Experiences (Beverage Industry)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer – Retail & Brand Experiences (Beverage Industry)

Company: BDA

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-13T15:29:29

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design innovative branded merchandise, packaging, and Point of Purchase (POP) displays specifically for clients within the dynamic beverage industry.

• Develop compelling visual storytelling and retail strategies that enhance brand presence and drive consumer engagement through creative design solutions.

• Prepare production-ready design files, ensuring adherence to vendor specifications and optimizing for various materials and mediums.

• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external clients, presenting design concepts persuasively and incorporating feedback to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Creative & Design and Marketing Operations due to its focus on creating marketing collateral (POP displays, packaging) and its strategic importance in shaping brand experience through design, which directly impacts Go-To-Market strategies. The hybrid nature and client-site collaboration indicate a need for strong project management and client-facing skills, typical of operations roles that bridge creative output with business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute a wide range of creative deliverables including branded merchandise, packaging, Point of Purchase (POP) displays, retail activations, product presentations, and client-facing visual storytelling.

• Research and compile trend boards highlighting emerging design trends relevant to the beverage industry, serving as strategic guidance for design concepts aimed at driving sales and brand differentiation.

• Develop fresh, compelling creative that aligns with BDA’s brand promises while pushing boundaries in the marketplace, ensuring designs resonate with target audiences and clearly communicate client brand identity across all touchpoints.

• Concept, design, and develop impactful product presentations and Point of Purchase (POP) displays that elevate in-store presence and drive shopper engagement, including creating visually compelling retail experiences such as endcaps, countertop displays, signage, and environmental elements.

• Craft comprehensive product and concept decks that showcase ideas in a visually engaging, organized, and client-ready format, including strong storytelling, detailed descriptions, and high-quality visual representations to clearly communicate design intent.

• Ensure designs are adaptable across a wide range of merchandise, including soft goods (e.g., apparel) and hard goods (e.g., drinkware, packaging), and retail display environments, optimizing for various mediums and materials.

• Prepare production-ready design files that meet vendor specifications for product decoration and display manufacturing, managing file formats, color profiles, dielines, resolution, and production guidelines.

• Maintain a high level of organization across all design files, employing consistent file naming conventions, folder structures, and version control to support efficient collaboration and streamline workflows.

• Confidently present design concepts to clients in a clear, engaging, and persuasive manner, effectively articulating design decisions, incorporating feedback, and ensuring alignment throughout the creative process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and strategic execution, which is common in operations roles that support Go-To-Market functions. The focus on client presentations, file preparation for vendors, and maintaining organized project files highlights the operational rigor expected.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for this level of creative role. Equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant focus on retail, branding, and packaging design. Experience within the beverage industry is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for graphic design and production.

• Strong conceptualization skills with the ability to develop innovative design ideas.

• Proven experience in creating branded merchandise, packaging, and Point of Purchase (POP) displays.

• Expertise in visual storytelling and brand narrative development.

• Demonstrated ability to create visually engaging product presentations and concept decks.

• Excellent file preparation skills for production, including understanding of color profiles, dielines, and vendor specifications.

• Strong organizational skills for file management and version control.

• Effective client presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience designing for clients in the beverage industry.

• Familiarity with environmental design and retail activation concepts.

• Experience in trend research and translating insights into design direction.

• Knowledge of soft goods and hard goods production processes.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment.

• Experience with project management tools or workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills highlight a niche industry focus (beverage) and specific technical/conceptual skills (environmental design, trend research) that are valuable for operations roles supporting specialized marketing initiatives. The emphasis on organization and file management directly relates to operational efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating expertise in beverage industry branding, packaging, and/or retail merchandising.

• Include examples of Point of Purchase (POP) displays, endcaps, or retail activation concepts, highlighting spatial design and consumer engagement strategies.

• Present visually compelling product decks or concept presentations that illustrate storytelling and design rationale.

• Feature examples of production-ready files, explaining considerations for materials, color accuracy, and vendor specifications.

Process Documentation:

• Provide insights into your personal workflow for concept development, from initial research and trend identification to final design execution.

• Illustrate how you manage and organize design files for collaborative projects, ensuring clarity and version control.

• Explain your process for preparing design files for production, detailing steps to ensure accuracy and meet vendor requirements.

• Detail your approach to client presentations, including how you structure your narrative and incorporate feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio that clearly documents design processes and outcomes is crucial for roles like this, where demonstrating the ability to translate creative vision into tangible, market-ready assets is paramount. This aligns with operations' focus on process efficiency and measurable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $68,000 - $82,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Robust Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation days, holidays, and summer Fridays.

• Paid volunteer day to support community initiatives.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.

• 401k retirement savings plan.

• Tuition Reimbursement program for continued education.

• Access to Mental Health Programs and Financial Wellness Programs.

• Professional Development Opportunities to foster career growth.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for some flexibility, with a requirement for regular in-person collaboration at client sites in Chicago.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, with the note that hiring at the top of the range is atypical, allowing for future growth. This transparency is valuable for candidates. The benefits package is comprehensive, covering health, retirement, and professional development, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking stable and supportive employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing and Advertising, with a specialization in Merchandise, Retail Experiences, and Branded Moments. BDA operates globally, serving a diverse clientele.

Company Size: BDA is a significant player in its industry, indicated by its global reach and partnerships with major brands. While the exact number of employees isn't specified in the raw data, its operational scope suggests a larger organization with dedicated teams for creative, client management, and production.

Founded: BDA has been in operation for over four decades, establishing a long-standing reputation and deep expertise in its field. This longevity implies a stable company culture with established processes and a wealth of industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a growing creative team, suggesting a dynamic and expanding department.

• Collaboration is emphasized, indicating cross-functional interaction with account managers, strategists, and potentially production specialists.

Methodology:

• BDA focuses on creating merchandise, retail experiences, and branded moments that connect people to brands, suggesting a strategy centered on experiential marketing and impactful brand storytelling.

• The emphasis on innovation and pushing boundaries in the marketplace indicates a forward-thinking approach to design and client solutions.

• Client collaboration is paramount, with a focus on understanding brand promises and delivering design excellence that drives engagement and sales.

Company Website: www.bdainc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: BDA's culture is described as entrepreneurial, ambitious, and valuing diversity ("quirky, the bold, the creative and the unique"). This suggests an environment that encourages individual contribution and creative expression, which is a key aspect of company culture for operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Mid-Level Graphic Designer position, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It's a crucial step for designers looking to specialize in retail and brand experience design, particularly within a specific industry like beverages. The responsibilities involve significant autonomy in design execution and client interaction, bridging creative output with strategic brand objectives.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Art Director, or a Manager of Design within BDA's creative department. They will work closely with account management and client teams.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts client success by elevating brand presence, driving consumer engagement, and ultimately contributing to sales through effective retail experiences and merchandise. This role is integral to the Go-To-Market strategy by ensuring brand consistency and visual appeal across all touchpoints.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in beverage industry design, retail activations, or packaging design, potentially leading to senior or lead designer roles in these areas.

• Skill Development: Advance in client presentation and strategic brand storytelling, moving towards roles with more client-facing responsibilities or creative leadership.

• Leadership Potential: With proven success and expanded scope, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers, lead smaller projects, or transition into art direction or creative management roles within BDA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how a creative role like this contributes to the operational success of marketing and GTM strategies, and how the designer can progress within the operations of a creative agency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This role requires a blend of remote work and on-site collaboration at client locations in Chicago, IL, a few days a week for project updates and meetings.

Office Location(s): Primarily home-based, but requiring regular on-site presence within commuting distance of Chicago, Illinois. Specific client locations will vary.

Workspace Context:

• The role demands a structured home office setup for remote work efficiency, equipped with necessary design software and hardware.

• On-site client visits will provide exposure to different brand environments and direct interaction with client teams, fostering a dynamic work experience.

• Collaboration will occur both virtually (e.g., video calls, shared drives) and in-person, requiring adaptability in communication and teamwork styles.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected. Flexibility may be available with remote days, but on-site client collaboration days will require adherence to client schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and client-site requirement are key operational considerations for this role, demanding strong time management and logistical planning from the candidate.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: A more in-depth discussion where candidates present their portfolio, highlighting relevant beverage industry, retail, and branding projects. This stage will assess design thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a concept based on a hypothetical brief to evaluate their practical design skills and strategic approach.

• Final Interview: Meeting with hiring managers and potentially key stakeholders to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that directly showcase your experience in beverage industry branding, packaging, and retail merchandising. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "designed POP display that increased sales by X%").

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, your role, and the outcome. Emphasize your strategic thinking behind the creative decisions.

• Highlight Process: Include examples of your workflow, from trend research and concept ideation to file preparation for vendors. Show how you handle feedback and collaboration.

• Client-Ready Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Prepare to walk through your work confidently and answer detailed questions about your design choices and technical skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a concept for a new beverage product launch, a retail display, or a promotional merchandise item.

• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the beverage market, brand identity, and consumer engagement strategies.

• Practice articulating your design decisions concisely and persuasively, as if presenting to a client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is heavily focused on demonstrating practical design skills, strategic thinking, and client-facing capabilities, all of which are critical for operations roles that support client success and project delivery.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for all design tasks.

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For general document creation, presentations, and collaboration (Word/Docs, PowerPoint/Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an understanding of how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite highlights the core technical requirements. While direct analytics or CRM tools are not listed as primary requirements, a foundational understanding of how design contributes to broader marketing operations metrics is implied.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A drive to push design boundaries and create novel solutions that stand out in the competitive beverage market.

• Brand Excellence: A commitment to upholding and elevating the brand identity of clients through meticulous design execution.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork and open communication to achieve collective goals, working effectively with internal teams and clients.

• Client Focus: A dedication to understanding client needs and delivering designs that meet strategic objectives and drive business results.

• Efficiency & Organization: A commitment to maintaining organized workflows and files to ensure timely and accurate project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with account managers, strategists, and production teams to ensure design concepts are feasible and aligned with project goals.

• Client Partnership: Engaging clients as partners in the creative process, fostering trust through clear communication, responsiveness, and the ability to incorporate feedback constructively.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team discussions, sharing insights on design trends and best practices, and contributing to a culture of continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style emphasize the importance of a team-oriented, client-centric, and results-driven approach, which are hallmarks of successful operations professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Trends: Keeping pace with fast-changing design trends and consumer preferences in the dynamic beverage industry.

• Balancing Creativity and Constraints: Delivering innovative designs while adhering to client brand guidelines, production limitations, and budget constraints.

• Client Feedback Management: Effectively translating diverse client feedback into actionable design revisions while maintaining the integrity of the creative vision.

• Hybrid Work Coordination: Navigating the complexities of a hybrid work model, ensuring seamless collaboration and communication between remote and on-site team members and clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Immersion: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the beverage sector, its consumers, and competitive landscape through ongoing client work and market research.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Exploring new design software, 3D rendering, or interactive design tools to expand creative capabilities.

• Strategic Brand Development: Learning to integrate design more deeply into overall brand strategy and Go-To-Market planning.

• Professional Development: Accessing BDA's provided opportunities for workshops, courses, and industry events to enhance skills and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities highlight the dynamic nature of the role and the industry, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptation, key traits for operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting client feedback with your creative vision. How did you navigate that situation?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills).

• "Walk us through your process for developing a trend board for a new beverage product launch. What key elements do you include?" (Demonstrate research methodology, strategic thinking, and trend interpretation).

• "How do you ensure your designs are production-ready and meet vendor specifications, especially for complex merchandise or displays?" (Highlight technical expertise, attention to detail, and understanding of manufacturing processes).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working with beverage industry clients specifically?" (Gauge passion and industry interest).

• "How do you approach collaboration in a hybrid work environment, especially when client-site visits are required?" (Assess adaptability, communication strategies, and teamwork).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, start with the client's challenge or objective, explain your strategic approach, detail your design process, and conclude with the results or impact.

• Quantify When Possible: If you have data on increased sales, engagement, or brand recall from your designs, present it clearly.

• Highlight Process & Tools: Briefly explain your design process and the tools you used. For production-focused pieces, explain your file preparation considerations.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and how you handle feedback. Practice concise and confident answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses heavily on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, operational process knowledge, and client management skills, which are all vital for a role that bridges creative output with business outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight specific experience in graphic design for retail, branding, and packaging, with a strong emphasis on any beverage industry projects. Use keywords from the job description, such as "POP displays," "brand storytelling," and "production file preparation."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features beverage-related work and demonstrates your ability to create compelling retail experiences and merchandise. Organize it logically and be prepared to present it confidently.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research BDA's work, especially their beverage clients. Practice articulating your design process, client interaction strategies, and how you manage hybrid work dynamics.

• Understand the Hybrid Model: Be ready to discuss your comfort and experience with hybrid work and on-site client collaboration in Chicago.

⚠️ 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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