Junior Graphic Designer (On-site in Athens, TN)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer Company: Midlab, Inc. Location: Athens, Tennessee, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: September 16, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Midlab creative team in developing and refining visual assets for print and digital platforms, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to style guides.
• Manage and update existing design files, demonstrating strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in design execution.
• Create and edit product photography, and build product labels using existing design templates, translating technical documents into visually appealing marketing and packaging materials.
• Prepare final design files for production and digital distribution, ensuring accuracy and quality standards are met for all creative output.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to understand design requirements and deliver impactful visual solutions that support business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Junior Graphic Designer, while primarily creative, has significant overlap with operations in terms of workflow management, file preparation for production, and adherence to brand guidelines which are critical operational controls. The ability to interpret technical documents for packaging design highlights a need for process understanding and precision, core operational competencies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the creative team and department director to conceptualize and execute visual designs for marketing collateral, packaging, and digital media, aligning with brand identity and campaign objectives.
• Maintain and organize design asset libraries, ensuring all files are properly named, version-controlled, and accessible for team use, thereby contributing to efficient workflow management.
• Apply and enforce brand style guides across all design projects, ensuring visual consistency and a cohesive brand experience for all Midlab products and communications.
• Edit and optimize product photography for various applications, including e-commerce, print catalogs, and social media, ensuring high-quality visual representation of Midlab's product line.
• Design and update product labels based on established templates and technical specifications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and clear communication of product information.
• Prepare finalized design files for print production and digital distribution, including pre-flight checks, color correction, and format conversions, to ensure seamless integration with manufacturing and digital platforms.
• Conduct thorough quality reviews of all design work, checking for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to project briefs before final delivery, mitigating errors and rework.
• Interpret technical documentation and product specifications to inform and guide packaging design, ensuring that critical information is conveyed accurately and effectively to end-users.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize process adherence (style guides, templates, file preparation) and quality control (accuracy, review), which are fundamental to operations. The interpretation of technical documents for packaging design is a key operational task that requires analytical skills and precision, directly impacting product compliance and market readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field is required.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design or a related field is preferred, indicating a more comprehensive understanding of design principles and practices.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a focus on packaging and marketing collateral, demonstrating foundational skills in design execution and workflow management.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign, for creating and editing vector graphics, raster images, and page layouts.
• A strong eye for detail and a commitment to design consistency, ensuring all visual assets align with brand guidelines and project requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet project deadlines and deliver on time.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with internal creative teams, marketing departments, and external stakeholders.
• Foundational understanding of visual storytelling principles to create compelling designs that communicate brand messages and product benefits.
• Aptitude for interpreting technical documents and translating complex information into clear, concise visual designs for packaging and labels.
• Basic skills in photography editing and manipulation to enhance product imagery for marketing purposes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems for organizing and retrieving design files.
• Familiarity with print production processes and file preparation techniques for various printing methods.
• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for digital design applications.
• Experience with project management software to track design tasks and project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and the specific software within it (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) are critical technical skills for this role, akin to specialized tool proficiency in other operations roles. The requirements for detail orientation, project management, and technical document interpretation highlight the operational rigor expected, even in a creative capacity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including examples of packaging design, label creation, and marketing collateral.
• Include case studies or examples highlighting the process of translating technical information or requirements into final design outputs, emphasizing problem-solving and accuracy.
• Present projects that reflect a strong understanding of brand guidelines and design consistency, illustrating the ability to maintain a unified visual identity across different media.
• Demonstrate experience with file preparation for print production or digital distribution, showcasing an understanding of technical specifications and output requirements.
• Feature examples that illustrate attention to detail, quality control, and the ability to iterate on designs based on feedback or revised technical specifications.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, from initial concept and brief interpretation to final file delivery, highlighting efficiency and quality assurance steps.
• The ability to articulate how they ensure accuracy and consistency in their design process, particularly when working with templates or technical specifications, is crucial.
• Applicants should consider how they would document design processes for new product packaging or marketing materials to ensure repeatability and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is creative, the expectation of a portfolio showcasing process and attention to detail aligns with operations' emphasis on structured workflows and quality assurance. The ability to demonstrate process for translating technical information into design is a direct parallel to operations' need to translate business requirements into functional systems or processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for Junior Graphic Designers with 0-2 years of experience in a mid-sized manufacturing company in Tennessee, a competitive salary range would be estimated between $40,000 - $55,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Athens, TN, and the specific skill set required, including proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and packaging design.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage to support employee well-being.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays, allowing for work-life balance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With potential company match, supporting long-term financial planning.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Including workshops, training, and access to design resources to enhance skills.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Providing confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or merit increases based on contributions and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, from Monday to Friday. Specific daily hours may vary but are generally within standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM), with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on national averages for similar roles and locations, adjusted for local market conditions. Benefits are typical for a full-time position in the manufacturing sector, aiming to attract and retain talent by supporting employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Cleaning Products) Midlab operates within the manufacturing industry, specifically focused on producing cleaning formulations and products for a global market. This context suggests a culture that values efficiency, quality control, and product innovation. For a graphic designer, this means creating designs that are not only visually appealing but also technically accurate and compliant with industry standards for packaging and labeling.

Company Size: Midlab is a significant player, described as one of the leading cleaning product manufacturers in the country, serving a global market. This implies a well-established organization with potentially structured departments and established processes, offering opportunities for learning within a professional framework.

Founded: Midlab began its journey in 1980. This indicates over 40 years of operational history, suggesting stability, experience, and a deep understanding of its market and product development cycles.

Team Structure:

• The graphic designer will be part of a "dynamic design team" and will work closely with "fellow creatives and the department director." This suggests a collaborative creative environment with clear leadership and specialized roles within the design function.
• The role implies collaboration with other departments, such as marketing and potentially product development or operations, to translate technical documents and support various design needs.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: While primarily a creative role, design decisions will likely be informed by market trends, competitor analysis, and potentially user feedback, requiring an analytical approach to visual communication.
• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The emphasis on managing multiple projects, following brand guides, and preparing files for production points to a need for systematic workflow management and process adherence.
• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not directly involved in automation, the designer will use software tools efficiently and prepare files in formats that streamline production, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Midlab's focus on manufacturing and product innovation provides a unique context for a graphic designer. The company's long history suggests a stable work environment, while its global reach implies exposure to diverse design challenges and market demands. The structure of the design team likely supports mentorship and skill development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-level/Junior Designer This role is positioned at the junior level, offering a foundational experience in graphic design within a corporate manufacturing setting. It provides exposure to the full design lifecycle, from concept to production-ready assets, with guidance from experienced professionals. It is an excellent starting point for a career in visual communications, brand management, or even specialized areas like packaging design operations.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will report to the Department Director of Design. This direct reporting line ensures clear guidance, feedback, and opportunities for professional development under experienced leadership. Collaboration will extend to peers within the design team and potentially cross-functional teams.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts Midlab's brand perception, product marketability, and customer engagement. By creating compelling packaging and marketing materials, the designer contributes to sales enablement, brand recognition, and the overall success of product launches and ongoing marketing efforts. Accurate and appealing designs are critical for operational efficiency in manufacturing and distribution, ensuring product information is clear and compliant.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, learn new design software, and explore specialized areas like 3D rendering, motion graphics, or advanced print techniques.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or specialize in areas like Brand Management or Packaging Design Specialist roles within Midlab or the broader industry.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn about marketing strategies, product development processes, and manufacturing workflows, broadening understanding of the business operations.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced design professionals and department leadership to develop a strong portfolio and career path.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a structured path for growth within a reputable manufacturing company. The emphasis on packaging design and technical document interpretation provides a unique specialization opportunity that bridges creative skills with operational requirements, setting a strong foundation for a career in design operations or product marketing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Athens, TN The role is strictly on-site, requiring the designer to be physically present at the Midlab facility in Athens, Tennessee. This ensures direct collaboration, access to resources, and immersion in the company's operational environment.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 140 Private Brand Way, Athens, TN 37303-1401. This specific address places the designer within the company's operational hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is within a "dynamic design team," suggesting a collaborative and potentially creative office setting.
• Access to necessary design software and hardware is implied, along with potential collaboration tools for teamwork.
• The environment will likely involve interaction with other creative professionals, fostering a culture of shared learning and feedback.
• Proximity to other departments may facilitate cross-functional communication and understanding of business needs.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, typically 40 hours per week. While adherence to business hours is expected, the nature of design projects may occasionally require flexibility to meet deadlines, though overtime policies would apply.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor for candidates, emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration and integration within the company's operational structure. This environment is conducive to hands-on learning and direct mentorship.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Department Director to delve into your experience, design philosophy, and understanding of the responsibilities. This stage will likely assess your approach to collaboration and your ability to interpret technical briefs.
3. Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: You may be asked to complete a small design task or case study relevant to Midlab's products or marketing needs. This assesses your practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you apply design principles under specific constraints.
4. Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with other members of the design team or stakeholders from marketing/operations to evaluate cultural fit, teamwork capabilities, and communication style.
5. Final Interview: Potentially with higher management to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to Midlab's needs (packaging, marketing collateral, technical interpretation).
• Showcase Process: For key projects, include brief explanations of your design process, the problem you were solving, your creative approach, and the final outcome. Highlight how you translated requirements into design.
• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly displays your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite tools (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) through the quality and complexity of your work.
• Highlight Brand Adherence: If possible, include projects where you successfully worked within strict brand guidelines or adapted designs for different media while maintaining consistency.
• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to articulate your design choices, your role in each project, and how your work achieved specific objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Midlab's product lines and existing branding. Analyze their current packaging and marketing materials.
• Practice designing under time constraints. Consider how you would approach a task like creating a product label or a social media graphic for a cleaning product.
• Be prepared to explain your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your design meets the brief and supports business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate not just creative talent but also operational considerations like process adherence, problem-solving under constraints, and cross-functional communication. A strong portfolio that demonstrates a methodical approach to design challenges will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Essential):
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo creation, and detailed illustrations for packaging and labels.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For photo editing, retouching product images, and creating raster-based graphics.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of marketing collateral, brochures, and product information sheets.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System (Likely): While not explicitly mentioned, larger companies often use DAM systems for organizing and retrieving design assets, which may be part of the workflow.
• Project Management Software (Potential): Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com might be used for task tracking and project collaboration within the design team.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics responsibility is unlikely, the designer may interact with reports or data from marketing campaigns to inform future design decisions or understand the impact of visual assets. Familiarity with how design impacts engagement metrics is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct involvement expected, but understanding how marketing materials are distributed or how product information is managed within CRM or ERP systems could provide context for design requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is paramount, representing the core technical requirement for this role. Understanding how design assets integrate into broader marketing and production workflows (even if indirectly) is a valuable operational perspective for a designer.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A strong emphasis on producing high-quality, error-free designs that meet both aesthetic and technical requirements, particularly for product packaging and labels.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Valuing the ability to manage workloads effectively, meet deadlines, and contribute to streamlined design processes that support faster product launches and marketing campaigns.
• Collaboration & Communication: Encouraging teamwork within the design department and effective communication with other business units to ensure design solutions align with company objectives.
• Attention to Detail: A critical value, ensuring accuracy in design elements, adherence to brand guidelines, and meticulous preparation of files for production.
• Innovation & Adaptability: While grounded in established processes, the team likely values creative problem-solving and the ability to adapt designs to new product lines, market trends, or technical specifications.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Working closely with fellow creatives and the department director, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where ideas are shared and feedback is exchanged.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborating with marketing, product development, and potentially production teams to understand diverse needs and ensure design outputs are functional and aligned with business goals.
• Process-Driven: Engaging in structured design workflows, from briefing and concept development to revisions and final file delivery, with an emphasis on clear communication and documentation at each stage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's manufacturing context likely instills values of precision, efficiency, and quality, which are directly applicable to design operations. A collaborative style that includes cross-functional input is essential for ensuring design effectively serves broader business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Technical Constraints: A key challenge will be to maintain creative vision while adhering to strict brand guidelines, technical specifications for packaging, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: As a junior role, juggling various design requests from different departments and prioritizing them effectively to meet deadlines will be an ongoing challenge.
• Interpreting Technical Documents: Translating complex technical information into clear, visually appealing, and user-friendly designs for packaging and labels requires strong analytical and communication skills.
• Adapting to Brand Evolution: Staying current with brand updates and ensuring all new designs are consistent with evolving brand standards requires continuous learning and attention to detail.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Opportunity to gain expertise in packaging design, label design, and production-ready file preparation, which are highly valued in the manufacturing and consumer goods industries.
• Industry Best Practices: Learning how design integrates with marketing, product development, and manufacturing operations within a leading company.
• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced design professionals and leadership to refine design skills, develop a strategic approach to design, and build a professional network.
• Software Proficiency: Deepening expertise in industry-standard design software and potentially exploring new tools or technologies relevant to visual communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical for junior positions but offer significant learning opportunities. Overcoming the challenge of translating technical information into design provides valuable experience in a niche area that combines creative and analytical skills, aligning with demand for operations-minded creatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to interpret a technical document or complex information to create a design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodical approach, problem-solving, and clarity of final design.)
• "How do you ensure design consistency across multiple projects and platforms, especially when working with existing brand guidelines?" (Highlight your understanding of brand management, attention to detail, and process for maintaining consistency.)
• "Walk us through your design process for a product label or packaging. What are the key considerations from concept to final file preparation?" (Detail your workflow, including research, concept development, revisions, and technical output.)
• "How do you prioritize your workload when you have multiple design requests with competing deadlines?" (Demonstrate your organizational skills, time management strategies, and ability to communicate potential roadblocks.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Midlab and our products, specifically from a design perspective?" (Show you've researched the company and understand how design contributes to their brand and market position.)
• "How do you approach collaboration within a creative team and with non-creative departments?" (Emphasize your communication skills, willingness to share ideas, and ability to understand diverse stakeholder needs.)
• "What are your thoughts on the importance of brand consistency in the manufacturing industry?" (Discuss how visual identity builds trust and recognition, especially for product packaging.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative is Key: For each project presented, tell a story: the challenge, your approach, the tools used, your specific contributions, and the successful outcome.
• Focus on Process: Clearly explain the steps you took, especially for projects involving technical interpretation or strict brand adherence. Show your problem-solving methodology.
• Highlight Software Skills: Be ready to discuss the specific Adobe Creative Suite tools and features you utilized to achieve particular design effects or technical requirements.
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If any of your designs contributed to measurable outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, successful product launch), be prepared to discuss it.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about file formats, print readiness, color profiles, and how you ensure designs are production-ready.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for interview questions that probe your process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of technical constraints will be crucial. Demonstrating how you manage design projects with an operational mindset will set you apart.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application link on recruiting.paylocity.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features at least 2-3 projects demonstrating packaging design, label creation, or the adaptation of technical information into visual assets. Tailor your project descriptions to highlight your process and attention to detail.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and any experience with product photography or file preparation for print/digital. Use keywords from the job description such as "visual storytelling," "design consistency," and "technical document interpretation."
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your approach to collaboration, and how you handle project prioritization. Be ready to explain specific design choices and the rationale behind them.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Midlab's product lines (cleaning formulations), target markets, and current branding. Understanding their business will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.