Intermediate Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intermediate Graphic Designer

Company: CONA Services (Coke Canada Bottling)

Location: Brampton, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: January 23, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in developing compelling visual assets that drive Coke Canada's in-trade initiatives, bridging external brand partnerships with internal design expertise.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing creative designs across print, digital, and in-store channels, ensuring brand consistency and campaign effectiveness.

• It requires a proactive individual with a keen eye for detail, strong collaborative abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

• The position involves close interaction with external partner brands and internal design teams, acting as a key liaison for design-related matters.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the context of "in-trade initiatives," "external partner brands," and "promoting initiatives" suggests this role operates within a broader marketing operations framework, focusing on the execution of Go-To-Market (GTM) creative assets. This role is less about pure brand design and more about translating marketing objectives into tangible creative outputs for specific campaigns and channels.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Concept Development: Plan and conceptualize graphic designs by thoroughly studying relevant information, campaign objectives, and brand guidelines to inform creative direction.

• Asset Creation: Design and produce a wide range of creative assets for print, digital, and in-store channels, taking projects from initial concept through to final production-ready output.

• Brand Alignment: Translate creative briefs into visually engaging and effective design solutions that strictly adhere to brand standards and overarching campaign goals.

• Collaborative Design: Partner with fellow graphic designers and other internal departments (e.g., Marketing, Sales) to brainstorm innovative ideas and develop expressive, unique graphic approaches.

• Production Readiness: Prepare finished artwork by operating necessary equipment and specialized software, ensuring files are optimized for their intended output medium.

• Stakeholder Communication: Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including outside suppliers and partner brands, regarding layout, design progress, and necessary approvals.

• Quality Assurance: Review final layouts and completed designs, identifying and implementing improvements to ensure the highest quality and visual appeal.

• Project Management: Manage multiple, competing deadlines by effectively prioritizing tasks and ensuring timely delivery of all design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and project coordination, typical for a designer working in a fast-paced marketing or GTM environment. The mention of "in-trade initiatives" and "external partner brands" points towards a need for adaptability in design to suit various promotional contexts and collaborations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Expertise: Proven ability to create compelling visual designs across various media.

• Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, for professional design and production.

• Visual Composition: A strong eye for detail, layout, color theory, and overall visual aesthetics.

• Time Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and collaboration abilities to work effectively with internal teams and external partners.

• Critical Thinking: Ability to receive and provide constructive criticism to improve design outcomes and foster a collaborative creative process.

• Understanding of Marketing Principles: Knowledge of marketing, production processes, corporate identity, and product packaging principles as they relate to design.

Preferred Skills:

• Bilingualism: Fluency in both English and French is a significant asset, facilitating communication with a broader range of stakeholders and markets.

• Digital Asset Creation: Experience designing for digital platforms, including web banners, social media graphics, and email marketing assets.

• Print Production Knowledge: Familiarity with print production processes, file preparation, and working with print vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "minimum 2 years' experience" and a "Bachelor's degree" positions this as an intermediate-level role. The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools and a strong portfolio are standard for graphic design positions. The preference for bilingualism is a key differentiator for roles operating in Canada.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable Skills: A strong, well-curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, highlighting versatility across print, digital, and in-store applications.

• Creative Brief Interpretation: Examples that clearly demonstrate the ability to translate creative briefs into effective, visually engaging design solutions.

• Brand Consistency: Projects that illustrate an understanding of maintaining brand identity and consistency across different marketing materials.

• Production-Ready Files: While not explicitly required in a portfolio, candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for preparing and delivering production-ready files.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, including:
  • Concept to Completion: Their process for moving from initial brief or idea to final design output.
  • Collaboration Methods: How they collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and external partners.
  • Feedback Integration: Their approach to incorporating feedback and revisions into their designs.
  • Tool Utilization: How they leverage design software and other tools to optimize their workflow and output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, a portfolio is paramount. The enhancement here focuses on what the portfolio should demonstrate beyond just aesthetics – its ability to show process, problem-solving, and adherence to objectives, which are critical for a designer working within a corporate GTM or marketing operations context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Designed to support employee well-being.

• Competitive Compensation Package: Reflecting the value and skills brought to the role.

• Retirement and Saving Programs: Access to programs to support long-term financial planning.

• Family and Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Providing support for personal and professional challenges.

• Paid Vacation: Time off to rest and recharge.

• Floater Days: Additional paid days off for flexibility.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week. The role is described as hybrid, indicating a balance between in-office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for this role and location. The listed benefits are directly extracted from the job description and highlighted for their comprehensiveness. The "Hybrid" work arrangement implies a structured schedule with some in-office presence required.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Beverage (Bottling and Distribution) - specifically, Coca-Cola products in Canada.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, CONA Services (Coke Canada Bottling) is a significant operation, implying a mid-to-large enterprise structure with established departments and processes.

Founded: Coke Canada Bottling is a relatively new entity as an independent Canadian bottler, formed to manage Coca-Cola's bottling operations across Canada. This structure often combines the stability of a global brand with the agility and local focus of an independent operator.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Creative Services team.

• This team will collaborate closely with other departments such as Brand Management, Sales, Digital Marketing, and potentially external agencies or partner brand representatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: While creative in nature, design decisions are expected to align with marketing objectives and potentially data insights regarding campaign performance or target audience preferences.

• Collaborative Workflow: Emphasis on teamwork, idea sharing, and cross-functional input to ensure design solutions meet broad business needs.

• Brand Governance: Strict adherence to Coca-Cola's global brand guidelines, adapted for Canadian market initiatives.

Company Website: https://www.cokecanada.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding CONA Services as Coca-Cola's independent Canadian bottler provides context for the company's scale and operational focus. The culture aims to blend the strengths of a global brand with local Canadian operations. The "Made Local" slogan emphasizes community connection.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Intermediate. This role is suitable for individuals with foundational graphic design skills and a few years of practical experience, ready to take on more complex projects and contribute independently.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Manager or Director within the Marketing or Creative department. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing for autonomous execution of design tasks.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts GTM strategies by creating the visual assets that promote products, campaigns, and initiatives. Effective design can enhance brand perception, drive consumer engagement, and ultimately contribute to sales performance by making promotional materials more impactful and appealing.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas, such as digital design, motion graphics, or packaging design.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading design elements for larger campaigns or taking on more senior design responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working across different marketing functions, potentially leading to roles in broader marketing or brand management.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers or interns as the team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Intermediate" level suggests a path for growth beyond this role, either into senior design positions, specialized creative roles, or broader marketing functions, especially within a large organization like Coca-Cola's Canadian operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, suggesting a combination of remote work and in-office collaboration. This model aims to balance flexibility with the benefits of in-person teamwork and idea generation.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Brampton, Ontario, indicating a physical workspace within the Greater Toronto Area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid model likely involves utilizing office spaces designed for collaboration, meetings, and focused work sessions.

• Technology Access: Access to necessary design hardware (computers, monitors) and software licenses will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for face-to-face interaction with design colleagues and other marketing team members during in-office days.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM), with flexibility potentially offered within the hybrid arrangement and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key factor, indicating a modern work environment that values both flexibility and in-person collaboration essential for creative roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design capabilities.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise where candidates might be asked to create a design concept based on a brief or critique existing designs, demonstrating their problem-solving and creative thinking.

• Interviews: Likely include interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and collaborative abilities. Bilingual candidates may have separate assessments for French proficiency.

• Final Round: May involve a presentation of portfolio work or case study results to senior stakeholders.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Versatility: Include a diverse range of projects that demonstrate your ability to work across different media (print, digital, social, in-store) and styles.

• Highlight Process: For key projects, briefly explain the brief, your thought process, challenges encountered, and how you arrived at the final solution. Metrics or results, if available, are a bonus.

• Quality Over Quantity: Present only your best work. Ensure all pieces are well-presented, with clear descriptions.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities of this Intermediate Graphic Designer role, particularly those involving promotional materials or brand campaigns.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Familiarize yourself with Coke Canada's brand guidelines and recent marketing campaigns.

• Practice Design Critiques: Be ready to discuss your own work and provide thoughtful critiques of other designs, demonstrating your understanding of effective visual communication.

• Prepare for Collaboration Questions: Think about examples of how you've collaborated with teams and managed feedback, especially in a hybrid or remote setting.

• Bilingualism: If applicable, be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in both English and French.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenges is standard for creative roles. The advice focuses on showcasing relevant skills and preparing for a collaborative, brand-conscious environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: This is the core requirement, specifically:
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • InDesign: For layout design, print collateral, and publications.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.

Other Potential Tools (assumed based on industry):

• Project Management Tools: Such as Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing tasks and deadlines.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack for internal communication.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Potentially used for organizing and retrieving brand assets.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint or Google Slides for presenting design concepts and reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator is crucial. Other tools are inferred based on the context of a corporate design role operating in a hybrid environment, where collaboration and project management are key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to high-quality creative output that effectively meets business objectives.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing input from colleagues and external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Brand Stewardship: Upholding and creatively applying global and local brand standards.

• Innovation: Encouraging the development of fresh, engaging design concepts.

• Community Focus: Reflecting the company's "Made Local" ethos and commitment to Canadian communities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with marketing, sales, and other departments to ensure design aligns with overall strategy.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback and dialogue to refine designs and ensure stakeholder satisfaction.

• Shared Learning: A culture that supports continuous learning and skill development, as highlighted in the company's "culture of learning."

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes a "high-performing, collaborative and inclusive culture." The values are inferred from the company description, the emphasis on brand, and the need for collaboration in a hybrid environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Ensuring designs adhere to strict brand guidelines while still being fresh and engaging.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling requests and feedback from various internal departments and external partner brands.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with design best practices and new technologies in the digital space.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Delivering high-quality work under pressure, typical in fast-paced marketing environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• On-the-Job Training: Practical experience gained through daily tasks and project work.

• Free Course Library: Access to a range of learning resources for skill enhancement.

• Industry Exposure: Working with a globally recognized brand provides exposure to best practices in beverage marketing and design.

• Potential for Advancement: Opportunities to grow into senior design roles or specialized creative positions within Coke Canada.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer in a large, brand-conscious organization. The growth opportunities are directly stated in the job description, emphasizing continuous learning and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on demonstrating understanding of brand stewardship and problem-solving.)

• "Describe your process for taking a creative brief from concept to final production. What are your key steps?" (Highlight your workflow, attention to detail, and project management skills.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs? Provide an example." (Showcase your ability to receive feedback professionally and use it to improve your work.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Coke Canada Bottling and our mission?" (Research the company's website, "Made Local" slogan, and sustainability efforts.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team environment?" (Reflect on the company's emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Contextualize Each Piece: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the target audience, and the outcome.

• Showcase Process: Be ready to walk through your design process, from initial sketches or concepts to final execution.

• Highlight Key Skills: Point out how specific projects demonstrate your proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and your eye for visual composition.

• Address Hybrid Work: If applicable, be prepared to discuss how you manage your work effectively in a hybrid setting.

• Bilingualism: If you are bilingual, be ready to converse in French if requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview prep focuses on common design role questions, emphasizing the need to connect personal experience with the company's values, brand, and operational context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases projects relevant to promotional graphics, brand campaigns, and multi-channel design (print, digital, in-store).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 2+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any relevant marketing or collaboration skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common graphic design interview questions, prepare to discuss your portfolio, and research Coke Canada Bottling's brand and values.

• Company Research: Understand CONA Services' mission, sustainability initiatives, and their "Made Local" approach to connect your application to the company's broader goals.

⚠️ 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.