Junior Graphic Designer

BDO
Full_timeOakville, Canada

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer Company: BDO Location: Toronto - Bay St, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid) Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing/Creative Operations Date Posted: October 30, 2025 Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Design and execute visually compelling marketing collateral that enhances BDO's brand recognition and supports campaign objectives.
  • Create a diverse range of digital and print assets, including social media graphics, advertisements, long-form content, sales materials, and website pages.
  • Uphold and apply BDO's corporate visual identity guidelines and branding standards across all design outputs.
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of digital-first design principles and best practices for online engagement.
  • Collaborate effectively within a creative team environment, contributing to idea generation and concept development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is Graphic Design, the emphasis on marketing collateral, campaign objectives, and brand strategy positions this within a broader marketing operations context. The need to understand digital environments and produce assets for various platforms signifies a role that bridges creative execution with Go-To-Market (GTM) support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop marketing collateral tailored to specific market segments to elevate BDO's brand presence and align with campaign goals.
  • Design a comprehensive suite of marketing materials, encompassing social media graphics, digital advertisements, long-form content pieces, sales enablement materials, website pages, and motion graphics.
  • Ensure all creative assets strictly adhere to BDO's established corporate visual identity guidelines and branding standards.
  • Apply a keen understanding of design principles within a digital-first environment, optimizing for online platforms and user experience.
  • Engage in collaborative brainstorming and concept development sessions with senior designers and content creators.
  • Produce high-quality, creative assets efficiently and consistently, meeting stringent project deadlines.
  • Proactively manage project timelines, maintain clear communication with internal stakeholders regarding project progress, and ensure timely delivery.
  • Conduct thorough reviews and proofreading of all design files to guarantee accuracy and maintain high standards of quality.
  • Exercise strong judgment and project management skills to effectively prioritize tasks and manage competing demands.
  • Translate complex business issues into clear, visually enhanced communication options that improve audience comprehension.
  • Demonstrate initiative, coordination proficiency, and a proactive approach to problem-solving within a team setting.
  • Strategically synchronize and brainstorm with individuals at various organizational levels to refine and elevate the visual communication of information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strategic thinking beyond just design execution. The requirement to understand business issues, articulate visual options, and collaborate across levels points to a role that contributes to broader GTM strategy through impactful design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • University degree or college certificate in Graphic Design or a related field.

Experience:

  • 1-3 years of dedicated graphic design experience, preferably within a marketing team context.

Required Skills:

  • Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
  • Proven expertise in typography, layout, composition, color theory, and information design.
  • Solid understanding of print and digital production processes.
  • Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure, delivering creative solutions within tight deadlines.
  • Excellent collaborative skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Professional client service manner with the capacity to interact professionally with all levels of management.
  • Strong work ethic, self-starter mentality, with the ability to manage time effectively and take initiative.
  • Ability to grasp business issues and translate them into clear visual communications.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with Adobe Express, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.
  • Understanding of video production processes.
  • B2B marketing experience.
  • Experience with website content management systems (CMS) such as Kentico.
  • Familiarity with HTML/CSS.
  • French language proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-derived experience level of "0-2" years aligns with the "Junior" title and the 1-3 year requirement. The emphasis on B2B marketing, HTML/CSS, and CMS experience indicates a preference for candidates who understand digital marketing ecosystems and can contribute to sales enablement and online content strategies, common in GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, highlighting versatility across digital and print media.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex information into clear, visually engaging designs, with specific examples of data visualization or information design.
  • Evidence of designing within established brand guidelines and maintaining brand consistency across multiple assets.
  • Projects that illustrate an understanding of digital-first design principles, responsive design considerations, and web-based asset creation.
  • Case studies or project examples that showcase the design process from concept to final execution, including any problem-solving steps.

Process Documentation:

  • Ability to articulate the design process, including concept development, iteration, and final delivery.
  • Understanding of workflow management for creative projects, ensuring timely completion and stakeholder communication.
  • Familiarity with proofreading and quality assurance processes for design assets to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is critical for GTM and marketing operations. It serves as a direct indicator of their ability to execute on brand strategy and create assets that drive engagement and inform stakeholders. A strong portfolio will demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also an understanding of design's role in business communication.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Based on industry benchmarks for a Junior Graphic Designer in Toronto, Ontario, with 1-3 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $45,000 - $60,000. This range is influenced by factors such as the specific skills offered, the depth of the portfolio, and the competitive landscape for creative talent in the Toronto market.

Benefits:

  • Flexible Benefits: Customizable health and wellness options to suit individual needs.
  • Personal Time Off: A market-leading policy for paid time off, supporting work-life balance.
  • Wellness Initiatives: Reimbursement for wellness activities that align with personal lifestyles.
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for learning and growth to enhance expertise.
  • Inclusive Work Environment: Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Community Involvement: Opportunities to support local charity initiatives.

Working Hours:

  • Approximately 40 hours per week, with a blended approach to work (office, client site, virtual) designed for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on standard compensation data for junior creative roles in a major Canadian city. The provided benefits package emphasizes work-life balance and employee well-being, which are attractive to professionals in demanding creative and operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Accounting, Tax, Advisory) Company Size: Large Enterprise (BDO is a global network, with a significant presence in Canada). Founded: BDO's origins trace back to 1963, with BDO Canada established in 1981. This history signifies a stable, established organization with deep roots in the professional services sector.

Team Structure:

  • The Junior Graphic Designer will join an in-house team of designers and content creators within the Toronto office.
  • This team likely operates under a marketing or communications department, collaborating closely with various business units and campaign managers.
  • Reporting structure will likely involve a Senior Designer or Creative Lead, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
  • Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, working with marketing specialists, content writers, campaign managers, and potentially client-facing teams to understand their design needs.

Methodology:

  • Emphasis on a "people-first" culture, promoting positive relationships and professional growth.
  • Data-driven insights and performance analysis are implied through the need to design collateral targeted at specific market segments and campaign objectives.
  • Workflow planning and optimization are critical, given the responsibility to produce high-quality assets under strict deadlines.
  • Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged through the adoption of digital tools and strategies.

Company Website: https://www.bdo.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: BDO's positioning as a leading professional services firm means the design team supports a B2B audience. The culture emphasizes integrity, respect, and collaboration, which are foundational for effective operations and creative teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Graphic Designer. This role is an entry-level position focused on executing design tasks under guidance, with opportunities to develop core design skills and learn about marketing strategies. Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will report to a Senior Designer or Creative Lead, who will provide mentorship, project direction, and performance feedback. Collaboration with content creators and marketing specialists is also a key aspect of the reporting dynamic. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the firm's brand perception and marketing effectiveness. High-quality, on-brand collateral supports sales efforts, enhances client engagement, and strengthens BDO's overall market presence. The design team's efficiency and creativity are crucial for successful GTM campaigns.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, learn advanced techniques in motion graphics (After Effects) and video editing (Premiere), and gain proficiency in new design tools.
  • Specialization Paths: Develop expertise in specific areas such as digital design, B2B marketing collateral, information design, or motion graphics.
  • Leadership Potential: Progress to a Mid-Level or Senior Graphic Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing more significantly to creative strategy.
  • Cross-Functional Experience: Gain exposure to marketing campaign planning, content strategy, and other GTM functions through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, growth is often about skill acquisition and increasing responsibility. BDO's stated commitment to professional growth suggests pathways toward more strategic design contributions and potentially leadership within the creative team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. Office Location(s): Toronto - Bay St, Ontario, Canada. This is a prime downtown location. Workspace Context:

  • The Toronto office is likely a modern, professional environment conducive to collaboration and focused work.
  • Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided.
  • Opportunities for informal and formal collaboration with colleagues within the design team and across marketing functions.
  • The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative, team-oriented activities in the office.

Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to manage tasks and deadlines effectively within the hybrid arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is common in professional services and aims to balance the benefits of in-person interaction for collaboration and culture with the flexibility of remote work. For a graphic designer, this means a balance of focused creative work and team-based brainstorming.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Application review, potentially including a brief phone screen.
  • Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to provide a portfolio of related work. This is a critical stage to assess design skills, creativity, and understanding of B2B marketing principles.
  • Technical Screening/Assessment: A practical design exercise or test to evaluate proficiency in required software and problem-solving abilities.
  • Interviews: Likely a series of interviews with the hiring manager, senior designers, and potentially marketing stakeholders to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and understanding of the role's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in typography, layout, digital design, and brand adherence. Prioritize B2B or corporate examples if available.
  • Showcase Process: For a few key projects, briefly explain your design process, including initial concepts, challenges faced, client feedback, and how you arrived at the final solution.
  • Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity of information).
  • Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Include examples where you successfully worked within established brand guidelines or created cohesive branding.
  • Digital First: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your ability to design for digital platforms (web, social, ads) and understand their unique requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Software Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign during a technical assessment. Practice common design tasks under timed conditions.
  • Problem-Solving: Prepare to tackle a hypothetical design brief that requires you to interpret marketing objectives and translate them into visual concepts.
  • Brand Application: Expect questions or tasks related to applying BDO's brand guidelines. Familiarize yourself with their existing visual identity if possible.
  • Communication: Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely, as you'll need to explain your work during interviews and potentially the technical assessment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and technical screening is standard for design roles. For this position, demonstrating an understanding of B2B marketing and brand consistency will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign.
  • Adobe Express, After Effects, Premiere Pro (preferred/asset).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, conversion rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with how design elements are tracked within marketing platforms may be an asset.

CRM & Automation:

  • Experience with website content management systems (CMS) such as Kentico is preferred.
  • Basic understanding of how designs integrate into marketing automation platforms or email campaign tools could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud is non-negotiable. Experience with After Effects and Premiere indicates a capability for more dynamic content creation, which is increasingly valuable in digital marketing. Familiarity with CMS like Kentico suggests an understanding of how designs are implemented online.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design work and professional interactions.
  • Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment for colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Collaboration: Actively participating in team efforts, sharing ideas, and working harmoniously to achieve common goals.
  • People-First: Demonstrating a commitment to supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive workplace culture.
  • Growth Mindset: Eagerness to learn, develop new skills, and embrace feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Client Focus: Understanding that designs ultimately serve BDO's clients and business objectives, aiming for clarity and impact.

Collaboration Style:

  • Team-Oriented: Working closely with senior designers and content creators, valuing input and collective problem-solving.
  • Proactive Communication: Keeping internal stakeholders informed about project progress, timelines, and potential roadblocks.
  • Feedback Integration: Openness to constructive criticism and incorporating feedback to refine designs and improve outcomes.
  • Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborating effectively with marketing specialists, campaign managers, and other departments to ensure design aligns with broader business strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: BDO's core values (Integrity, Respect & Collaboration) are central to its culture and directly influence how teams operate. For a design role, this means contributing positively to team dynamics and ensuring design work reflects these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: Consistently producing innovative designs while adhering strictly to BDO's corporate brand guidelines.
  • Meeting Tight Deadlines: Managing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering high-quality assets under pressure.
  • Interpreting Business Objectives: Effectively translating abstract business needs and campaign goals into clear, impactful visual designs.
  • Adapting to Digital Trends: Staying current with evolving digital design best practices and emerging technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Formal Training: Access to BDO's professional development resources, potentially including workshops on design software, branding, or marketing strategy.
  • Mentorship: Guidance from senior designers and creative leads to hone technical skills and develop strategic thinking.
  • Industry Exposure: Opportunities to learn about B2B marketing strategies and how design contributes to GTM success.
  • Skill Expansion: Potential to gain experience in motion graphics, video editing, or web design through project involvement and further training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a junior role in a corporate setting, emphasizing the need for adaptability and continuous learning. BDO's commitment to growth suggests a supportive environment for skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a project where you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and ability to adhere to constraints.)
  • "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests?" (Highlight your project management skills, communication strategies, and ability to manage expectations.)
  • "Explain how you would translate a complex business objective, like increasing lead generation, into a visual marketing concept." (Demonstrate your understanding of design's role in achieving business goals.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about BDO and our services? How do you see design contributing to our brand in the professional services industry?" (Show you've researched BDO and understand its market.)
  • "How do you approach collaboration within a creative team, especially when working with senior designers?" (Emphasize your teamwork, willingness to learn, and communication skills.)
  • "How do you ensure your designs are effective and meet the intended audience's needs?" (Discuss your approach to understanding target audiences and measuring design impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: For each selected piece, tell a brief story: the objective, your role, the process, the solution, and any outcome.
  • Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and easy to follow, mirroring good design principles.
  • Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how specific projects demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, layout, and digital design.
  • B2B Relevance: If possible, frame your projects in a way that highlights their relevance to a B2B environment (e.g., professionalism, clarity, impact on business objectives).
  • Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for questions that link design skills to business objectives and understanding BDO's specific context will be crucial for success. The portfolio is your primary tool, so practice presenting it effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link.
  • Tailor your Resume: Highlight relevant experience (1-3 years), specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Cloud), and any B2B marketing or digital design exposure. Use keywords from the job description.
  • Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest design work, focusing on projects that showcase typography, layout, digital design, and adherence to brand guidelines. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF).
  • Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design process, explain your project choices, and discuss your understanding of BDO's brand and the professional services industry during interviews.
  • Research BDO: Familiarize yourself with BDO's brand identity, services, and recent marketing efforts to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Candidates should have a university degree or college certificate in graphic design or a related field, along with 1-3 years of experience in graphic design within a marketing team. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud apps and a strong understanding of design principles are essential.