MARKETING SPECIALIST - GRAPHIC DESIGNER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marketing Specialist - Graphic Designer

Company: Bannister Automotive Group

Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada

Job Type: Contract (with strong potential to evolve into Full Time)

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: January 20, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to maintaining and elevating the visual identity and brand voice across a large automotive group with over 23 dealerships.

• You will be responsible for the end-to-end creation of high-quality design assets for diverse marketing channels, from digital to print and large-format signage.

• Proactive project management and communication are key to anticipating and meeting the needs of multiple dealer partners and internal stakeholders.

• The position offers significant growth potential, serving as a launchpad for senior-level responsibilities and leadership within the marketing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Marketing Specialist - Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into operational execution of marketing initiatives, brand stewardship, and cross-functional coordination, aligning it closely with marketing operations and creative services functions. The contract-to-permanent nature indicates a need for a candidate who can demonstrate immediate value and long-term potential.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Visual Asset Creation: Design and produce a wide range of high-impact visual assets, including social media graphics, web banners, email campaign visuals, vehicle wraps, dealership signage, and internal HR documents, ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines and OEM standards.

• Brand Guardian & Consistency: Act as the primary guardian of the Bannister Automotive Group's brand voice and visual identity, ensuring consistency across all dealerships and marketing materials. This includes educating stakeholders on brand standards and correcting non-compliance.

• Integrated Campaign Execution: Develop, manage, and execute integrated marketing campaigns from conceptualization through to final delivery, staying abreast of modern digital marketing trends and best practices.

• Content & Copywriting: Write and edit clear, engaging, and personable copy for various marketing collateral, including magazines and email campaigns, reflecting the company's "people-focused and progressive" values.

• Project Pipeline Management: Proactively manage the task pipeline for creative requests from 23+ dealership partners, anticipating needs and ensuring all deadlines are met efficiently and without fail.

• Vendor & Merchandise Management: Oversee the design and production of branded merchandise, including negotiating with external manufacturers, managing budgets, and ensuring high-quality output from third-party vendors.

• Stakeholder Education & Consultation: Serve as a consultant to dealer partners, guiding them on reconciling OEM requirements with the Auto Group's brand identity and educating them on the importance of brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize hands-on design execution ("pushing pixels") coupled with strategic communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement. This blend is typical for mid-level roles in organizations needing strong creative output managed with operational rigor.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a mid-level specialist role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design and marketing, with a proven track record of managing creative projects and contributing to integrated marketing campaigns. Experience within the automotive industry or with multi-location brands is a significant plus.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Acrobat Pro are non-negotiable, with a focus on speed and technical proficiency.

• Brand Management: Demonstrated ability to maintain and enforce brand consistency across diverse platforms and materials.

• Copywriting & Editing: Strong command of written English with the ability to craft clear, concise, and engaging marketing copy.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage workflow efficiently.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to negotiate effectively, take constructive feedback, and confidently guide stakeholders.

• Social Media Design: Deep understanding of visual design principles specific to various social media platforms and digital user experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Video & Motion Graphics: Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects.

• AI & Emerging Technologies: Familiarity with AI design tools such as Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, or AI-powered copywriting tools like ChatGPT.

• Data Visualization: Ability to create clear and informative charts, graphs, and infographics.

• Vendor Management & Negotiation: Experience working with external suppliers, managing budgets, and negotiating contracts.

• Automotive Industry Knowledge: Understanding of OEM automotive standards and dealership operations.

• Mixed Media Design: Experience incorporating various design elements and techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "soft skills of a senior designer" and the explicit mention of negotiation and stakeholder guidance suggest the company is looking for someone who can not only execute but also influence and manage relationships, even at a mid-level.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Showcase: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a diverse range of high-quality graphic design work across digital (social media, web) and print (signage, wraps, magazines) mediums.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Specific projects that illustrate your ability to maintain brand integrity across multiple applications or for different clients/locations.

• Integrated Campaign Examples: Case studies or visual examples of integrated marketing campaigns you have contributed to or led, showcasing ideation to execution.

• Process & Workflow Demonstration: Examples of how you manage your design process, from brief to final delivery, highlighting efficiency and organization.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Showcase understanding of workflow design for creative assets, including brief intake, concept development, revision rounds, and final asset delivery.

• Implementation & Automation: Evidence of how you leverage tools and techniques to streamline the design and production process, potentially including use of templates or automation.

• Measurement & Analysis: While not explicitly stated for design, demonstrating an understanding of how design impacts campaign performance (e.g., engagement metrics for social media graphics) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design-focused role within a marketing operations context, the portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also the candidate's ability to manage projects, adhere to brand standards, and understand the practical application of their designs in a multi-location, high-volume environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the provided information (CAD $60,000 - $70,000 annually) and considering the mid-level experience requirement (2-5 years), location (Kelowna, BC), and the hybrid work model, this range appears competitive for a Marketing Specialist with graphic design expertise in the Canadian market.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Upon transition to permanent status, this includes health, dental, vision, and potentially other coverage.

• RRSP Program: A retirement savings plan contribution or matching program will be available for permanent employees.

• Contract-to-Permanent Potential: Offers job security and the opportunity to transition into a stable, long-term role.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement allows for a blend of in-office and remote work, with specific days to be negotiated with management, offering flexibility for operations and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific. The benefits package is contingent on the successful transition from contract to permanent status, which is a key detail for candidates. The hybrid model is also a significant factor in work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Retail. Bannister Automotive Group operates a large network of dealerships across British Columbia and Alberta, indicating a fast-paced, high-volume environment focused on sales, customer service, and brand management.

Company Size: Large. With 23+ dealerships, this signifies a substantial organization with established processes and a significant market presence. This scale implies a need for robust marketing operations and brand consistency.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, the group's extensive dealership network suggests a long-standing presence and a history of growth and acquisition.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Department: The role is within a marketing team, likely supporting various dealership partners and group-level initiatives.

• Reporting: The role reports to management, likely a Marketing Manager or Director, who oversees overall marketing strategy and operations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Significant interaction is expected with dealership management, sales teams, external vendors, and potentially OEM representatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: While the role is creative, the emphasis on "educating stakeholders on modern digital marketing effectiveness" and the potential for AI tool usage suggests a move towards data-informed creative strategies.

• Process Optimization: The need to manage a high volume of requests from multiple locations indicates a focus on efficient workflow and process optimization within the marketing operations framework.

• Brand Standardization: A core methodology is ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines and OEM standards, requiring systematic checks and balances.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=ab30f983-93d1-49b6-b1d5-0177ad86aeeb (Note: This is an ADP recruitment portal link, not a direct company website.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and size are crucial context. For a marketing specialist, understanding the operational demands of a large, multi-location retail group is paramount. The "people-focused and progressive" values suggest a culture that balances traditional business needs with modern approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level, specialized role. It requires a strong foundation in core graphic design principles and software, combined with the ability to manage projects independently and communicate effectively with various stakeholders. It sits between an entry-level designer and a senior art director or marketing manager.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Marketing Manager or Director, who oversees broader marketing strategies. Collaboration will occur across multiple dealership teams and potentially with a central marketing operations function.

Operations Impact: The Marketing Specialist's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, lead generation (through effective campaign design), and operational efficiency by standardizing marketing materials across the group. Their ability to execute quickly and accurately directly supports the sales efforts of 23+ dealerships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Specialist/Art Director: Potential to advance into a senior design role, taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, and potentially mentoring junior designers.

• Marketing Manager: With demonstrated success in campaign development and strategic communication, there's a path towards broader marketing management responsibilities.

• Operations Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in marketing operations, focusing on process optimization, technology adoption, and campaign performance analysis within a large automotive group.

• Leadership Development: The company explicitly mentions this role as a "launchpad" for senior-level positions with management and mentorship responsibilities, indicating a commitment to internal growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of growth potential and a "launchpad" scenario is a significant draw for ambitious candidates. The analysis highlights how this role can evolve beyond pure design into strategic marketing operations and leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, indicating a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration. The specific days will be agreed upon with management.

Office Location(s): Bannister Automotive Group Head Office, Kelowna, BC, Canada. This suggests a central hub for administrative and marketing functions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model implies a need for effective collaboration tools and practices to ensure seamless teamwork between in-office and remote team members.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Suite) and potentially other project management or communication tools will be provided. The role encourages the use of AI tools, suggesting a forward-thinking tech environment.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing management and potentially other marketing specialists or administrative staff in the office.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement. This schedule allows for dedicated time for focused design work (potentially remote) and collaborative sessions or meetings (in-office).

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should consider how they can maintain productivity and collaboration in this setting, especially for a role that requires both focused individual work and team interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the resume and portfolio to assess design skills, experience, and fit with job requirements.

• First Interview: May involve a conversation with HR or a hiring manager to discuss experience, motivation, and cultural fit. Questions will likely focus on past projects and career aspirations.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A critical stage. Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, and problem-solving approaches. A practical design test or case study might be assigned.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, communication skills, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Breadth & Depth: Include a diverse range of projects that demonstrate proficiency across different mediums (digital, print, social, etc.) and styles.

• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved (if measurable).

• Highlight Brand Stewardship: Include examples where you successfully maintained or enforced brand guidelines, especially for multi-location clients or within complex brand structures.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Ensure high-quality execution and attention to detail in all portfolio pieces.

• Address AI & Video: If you have experience with AI tools or video editing, ensure these are showcased or readily available to discuss.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Task: Be prepared for a design task that may involve creating an asset for a specific dealership or a group-wide campaign. Focus on adhering to brand guidelines and delivering a creative, effective solution within a given timeframe.

• Process Explanation: Practice articulating your design process, how you manage feedback, and how you ensure brand consistency.

• Stakeholder Management: Be ready to discuss how you would communicate with dealership partners, manage their expectations, and handle constructive criticism or differing opinions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should curate it carefully, focusing on projects that best align with the responsibilities and preferred skills outlined. The interview process will heavily weigh their ability to present their work and process effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: Essential for print layout, magazines, and multi-page documents.
  • Illustrator: Critical for vector graphics, logos, icons, and detailed illustrations.
  • Photoshop: Standard for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Lightroom: For efficient photo editing and management, especially for high-volume automotive imagery.
  • Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, editing, and managing print-ready files.

• AI Design Tools (Preferred):

  • Adobe Firefly: For AI-powered image generation and editing within Adobe workflows.
  • Midjourney/DALL-E: For generating creative concepts or unique visual elements.
  • ChatGPT (or similar): For assistance with copywriting, brainstorming taglines, or refining marketing messages.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, DealerSocket): Understanding how marketing materials integrate with CRM systems for lead generation and customer engagement campaigns.

• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact): Designing visuals that are optimized for email campaigns.

Video & Motion Graphics (Preferred):

• Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing, assembly, and basic motion graphics.

• Adobe After Effects: For advanced motion graphics, animation, and visual effects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Suite proficiency is a hard requirement. The preferred AI and video tools indicate the company's interest in modernizing its creative workflows and expanding its content capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A deep respect for and commitment to maintaining brand standards and consistency across all touchpoints.

• Efficiency & Speed: A drive to deliver high-quality work efficiently, especially given the high volume of requests from multiple dealerships.

• Collaboration: A willingness to work closely with various stakeholders, including dealership partners, management, and external vendors, fostering positive working relationships.

• Progressive & People-Focused: Embracing modern marketing techniques while remembering the importance of human connection and customer experience in all communications.

• Continuous Learning: An openness to learning new technologies, design trends, and marketing strategies to stay effective.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires working seamlessly with diverse teams across different dealerships and potentially with a central marketing team. Effective communication and a proactive approach are key.

• Feedback Exchange: A mature approach to receiving and providing feedback, essential for iterating on designs and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design best practices and insights with dealership partners to improve their local marketing efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values ("people-focused and progressive") should be reflected in the candidate's approach to collaboration and their understanding of the brand's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume & Diverse Needs: Managing creative requests from 23+ dealerships, each potentially having unique needs or varying levels of brand adherence.

• Balancing OEM & Group Standards: Reconciling potentially conflicting brand guidelines from manufacturers (OEMs) with the Auto Group's own brand identity.

• Keeping Pace with Trends: Staying current with rapidly evolving digital marketing, social media, and design trends, including AI integration.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating design rationale, managing expectations, and guiding less design-savvy stakeholders towards optimal creative solutions.

• Transition to Permanent Role: Proving value and fit during the contract period to secure a permanent position.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design for web, or advanced digital illustration.

• Marketing Strategy Exposure: Gaining broader exposure to integrated marketing campaign planning and execution.

• Industry Trends: Learning about automotive-specific marketing challenges and opportunities.

• Technology Adoption: Gaining hands-on experience with emerging AI design tools and their practical applications.

• Leadership Skills: Developing mentorship and management skills if the role evolves into a senior or leadership position.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would approach these challenges and leverage the growth opportunities. Highlighting proactivity and a problem-solving mindset will be key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to reconcile conflicting brand guidelines (e.g., OEM vs. dealer brand). How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on brand stewardship, negotiation, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with urgent requests from multiple stakeholders?" (Focus on project management, communication, and efficiency.)

• "Walk us through a complex design project from brief to completion. What were the key decisions and challenges?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and technical execution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Bannister Automotive Group and its brands?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you embody a 'people-focused and progressive' approach in your work?" (Connect your personal values and work style to the company's stated values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your range and key skills.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the challenges, your solution (design process), and the results/impact.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software used and specific techniques employed.

• Emphasize Brand Adherence: Show how you applied brand guidelines accurately and creatively.

• Discuss Collaboration: If applicable, explain how you worked with clients or internal teams on these projects.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, process, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely test not only design skills but also the candidate's operational mindset, communication abilities, and cultural fit within a large, dynamic organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Marketing Specialist - Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply through the provided ADP recruitment portal link.

• Portfolio Integration: Ensure your resume includes a prominent link to your online portfolio. If possible, tailor your portfolio to highlight automotive, multi-location, or integrated campaign examples.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Suite," "Brand Consistency," "Project Management," "Integrated Campaigns," and any experience with "AI Tools," "Video Editing," or "OEM Standards." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected portfolio pieces, focusing on clear storytelling, process explanation, and demonstrating how your skills align with the job requirements.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Bannister Automotive Group's dealerships, their current marketing efforts, and their stated values ("people-focused and progressive"). Understand the automotive retail landscape.

⚠️ 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.