Senior Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Brand Designer

Company: Skyservice Business Aviation

Location: Fulton Market, Chicago, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Permanent FT

Category: Marketing & Design

Date Posted: 2026-02-26

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping and elevating Skyservice's premium brand identity within the business aviation and luxury services sector.

• The Senior Brand Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end creation of high-quality visual assets across digital, print, and experiential platforms, ensuring brand consistency and impact.

• The position requires a strong understanding of brand stewardship, translating marketing objectives into compelling visual narratives that resonate with a discerning clientele.

• A key focus will be on maintaining and evolving the visual expression of a luxury brand across all customer touchpoints, from digital interfaces to physical collateral and events.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Brand Designer," the context provided by Skyservice Business Aviation's industry (business aviation, luxury services) and the reporting structure (directly to the Chief Marketing Officer) suggests this role has significant strategic and brand management responsibilities beyond typical design execution. The emphasis on "shaping and elevating a growing, premium brand" indicates a need for a candidate who can think holistically about brand strategy and visual identity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop a comprehensive suite of high-quality visual assets for digital, print, and experiential channels, including marketing campaigns, client proposals, sales collateral, event materials, and website elements.

• Create engaging visual content tailored for social media platforms, email marketing campaigns, corporate websites, sales support materials, and internal communications to enhance brand reach and engagement.

• Execute video editing and motion graphic projects using Adobe Premiere Pro to produce dynamic visual content that supports marketing initiatives and brand storytelling.

• Actively protect and elevate Skyservice's brand standards across all internal and external touchpoints, ensuring a consistent, premium, and cohesive visual expression.

• Translate complex business and marketing objectives into clear, impactful, and strategically sound visual solutions that effectively communicate brand messaging.

• Manage a diverse portfolio of multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project timelines and deadlines.

• Maintain meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and consistency in all design deliverables, upholding the highest standards of quality.

• Proactively identify opportunities for creative improvements to existing brand materials, processes, and workflows, contributing innovative ideas to enhance brand effectiveness.

• Collaborate on the ongoing evolution and refinement of Skyservice’s overall visual identity and brand systems, contributing to its long-term strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of hands-on design execution and strategic brand stewardship. The inclusion of video editing and motion graphics suggests a need for a versatile designer with a broad skill set beyond static design. The focus on "protecting and elevating brand standards" and "contributing to the ongoing evolution" indicates a role with significant brand governance responsibilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Designer role. Candidates with equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio will also be considered.

Experience: 5–8 years of professional design experience, with a significant focus on brand development and management within a premium or luxury-oriented industry. Proven experience in a brand-led environment is crucial.

Required Skills:

• A robust portfolio showcasing refined, brand-led design across diverse channels, including digital, print, and experiential applications.

• Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro.

• Exceptional skills in typography, layout design, and visual storytelling, with a keen eye for aesthetic quality and brand coherence.

• Demonstrated experience in creating visual assets for websites, social media, email campaigns, print collateral, and presentations.

• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects concurrently, and deliver high-quality work with minimal supervision.

• Strong organizational and time-management capabilities to effectively handle project timelines and deliverables.

• Comfort and skill in working within established brand guidelines while also contributing innovative creative improvements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics software beyond Premiere Pro (e.g., After Effects).

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Basic understanding of UI/UX principles for web design.

• Experience working with aviation or high-net-worth clientele.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 5-8 years aligns with a "Senior" level. The emphasis on a "brand-led environment" and "premium/luxury" experience is critical for this role, indicating a need for a candidate who understands nuanced brand positioning and high-end aesthetics. The explicit mention of Adobe Premiere Pro suggests a need for video editing skills, which is a valuable addition to a traditional design role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of 5-7 projects that best demonstrate your brand design expertise, strategic thinking, and ability to execute across various mediums.

• Each project should clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the design process, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Showcase projects that highlight your ability to maintain and evolve brand standards, particularly in luxury or premium sectors.

• Include examples of digital assets (web, social, email), print collateral (brochures, proposals), and potentially experiential elements (event graphics).

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process from brief to final delivery, including how you approach research, concept development, client feedback integration, and final asset production.

• Demonstrate how you ensure brand consistency and adherence to brand guidelines throughout your workflow.

• Explain how you manage project timelines, prioritize tasks, and collaborate with stakeholders (e.g., marketing teams, CMO).

• Be ready to articulate how you translate business objectives into creative visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and direct reporting to the CMO, the portfolio review will likely focus not just on aesthetic quality but also on strategic thinking, process efficiency, and brand stewardship. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodology for ensuring brand consistency and translating business needs into effective design solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Brand Designer role in Chicago, Michigan, with 5-8 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $85,000 and $115,000 USD. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design positions in major metropolitan areas, considering the premium services industry and the direct reporting structure to the CMO. Factors such as specific skill sets, portfolio strength, and the candidate's negotiation ability can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Schedule: Flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week, balancing in-office collaboration with personal work preferences.

• High-Visibility Creative Work: Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects across multiple business units and platforms within a leading aviation company.

• Broad Creative Scope: Significant autonomy and opportunity to shape and evolve the brand's visual expression.

• Collaborative Culture: Work within a professional, performance-driven team environment that values collaboration and idea exchange.

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Typically includes medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a 401(k) plan, often with employer matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Includes vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences to enhance design skills and industry knowledge.

Working Hours: A standard full-time workweek is expected, typically around 40 hours. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in managing workdays, with an expectation of availability during core business hours for collaboration and team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior design roles in major US markets like Chicago, adjusted for industry and experience level. Benefits are standard for a full-time permanent position in a company of this size and industry, with specific mention of the hybrid schedule being a key perk.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Business Aviation and Luxury Services. Skyservice operates at the intersection of high-end aviation services and luxury client experiences, demanding a commitment to excellence, safety, and discretion. This industry requires a keen understanding of premium branding and client expectations.

Company Size: Skyservice is a market leader in North America, suggesting a well-established organization with multiple operational sites across Canada and the United States. This implies a structured corporate environment with defined processes and a significant employee base.

Founded: While not explicitly stated, the company's established market leadership suggests it has a history of growth and stability in the business aviation sector. This longevity typically fosters a culture of expertise and commitment.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Brand Designer reports directly to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), indicating a high level of visibility and strategic involvement.

• The design role is likely part of a broader marketing department that includes other marketing professionals, content creators, and potentially digital marketing specialists.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, a senior role reporting to a CMO will likely involve using data and insights to inform design decisions and measure effectiveness.

• Brand Stewardship: A core methodology will be the rigorous application and evolution of brand guidelines to ensure consistency and premium perception.

• Collaborative Workflow: The hybrid environment and cross-functional nature of projects suggest a methodology that balances independent work with structured team collaboration and feedback loops.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and size are critical context. Business aviation and luxury services demand a high standard of professionalism, attention to detail, and a sophisticated brand aesthetic. The reporting structure to the CMO highlights the strategic importance of this design role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It signifies a professional with substantial experience and a track record of successful brand design execution. The role is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of projects and contributing strategically to brand development.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand Designer reports directly to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This close proximity to executive leadership provides significant exposure to strategic decision-making and offers opportunities to influence high-level brand initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Senior Brand Designer's impact is directly tied to the visual representation and perception of the Skyservice brand. By creating compelling and consistent visual assets, this role directly influences brand recognition, client engagement, market positioning, and potentially sales enablement through effective marketing collateral and campaign materials.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Brand Strategy: As the brand evolves, the Senior Brand Designer can grow into a more strategic Brand Manager or Art Director role, leading creative vision and strategy.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like digital design, motion graphics, or experiential branding within the aviation/luxury sector.

• Cross-functional Advancement: With strong collaboration and understanding of business objectives, potential to move into broader marketing leadership roles.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers or interns as the team potentially expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The direct report to the CMO is a significant indicator of the role's strategic importance and potential for career growth within the organization. The emphasis on "shaping and elevating" the brand suggests opportunities to take on more leadership in creative direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Fulton Market, Chicago, a vibrant commercial district known for its modern office spaces and amenities. The company offers a hybrid work model, combining in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Fulton Market, Chicago, Michigan. This location is accessible and situated in a well-regarded business hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates intentional collaboration during in-office days, fostering teamwork and idea exchange within the marketing department and with other business units.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and likely an IT infrastructure that supports both in-office and remote work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the CMO and other marketing team members, as well as cross-functional teams, to discuss project requirements and gather feedback.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement allowing up to two remote days per week. This offers a balance between structured work and personal flexibility, accommodating the demands of creative work and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a defining characteristic. Candidates should be comfortable with a structured approach to in-office collaboration and understand the need for proactive communication in a remote/hybrid setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and portfolios for basic qualifications and fit.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Brief: A more in-depth review of your portfolio by the hiring manager (CMO) and potentially other marketing leads. You may be asked to walk through specific projects and discuss your process.

• Creative Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be given a design challenge or asked to present a case study based on a hypothetical or real Skyservice branding scenario to assess problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and creative execution.

• Cultural Fit Interview: A discussion focused on your work style, collaboration approach, and how you align with Skyservice's values (Quality, Safety, Respect, Commitment, Efficiency).

• Final Interview: Potentially with other senior leaders or department heads to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase brand design expertise, particularly in luxury or premium sectors, and across various media (digital, print, experiential).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the results or impact. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Showcase Brand Stewardship: Highlight examples where you successfully maintained or evolved brand standards, demonstrating an understanding of brand consistency and visual identity systems.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include projects that show your proficiency across different platforms and formats.

• Tailor to Skyservice: If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to highlight aspects relevant to business aviation or luxury services.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Skyservice Business Aviation, its services, target audience, competitors, and existing brand identity.

• Think Strategically: Prepare to articulate how design supports business objectives and enhances brand perception. Focus on solutions that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also effective in achieving marketing goals.

• Process-Oriented: Be ready to explain your design process clearly and concisely, emphasizing how you approach problem-solving and decision-making.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough and any potential case study presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior, strategic role like this will likely be thorough, with a strong emphasis on portfolio review and strategic thinking. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just design skills but also business acumen and brand understanding.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is mandatory, specifically:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of print collateral, proposals, and marketing materials.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and detailed illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing and creating motion-based content.

• Motion Graphics Software: While Premiere Pro is listed, proficiency in Adobe After Effects or similar tools would be a significant asset for more complex motion graphics.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for the designer, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or integrated into CRM systems (e.g., for email templates, proposal generation) would be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Adobe Premiere Pro indicates a need for video and motion graphic capabilities, which is a key differentiator for this role compared to a standard graphic designer position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality: A commitment to excellence in all design outputs and brand representation, reflecting the premium nature of Skyservice's offerings.

• Safety: While not directly a design function, an understanding of and respect for safety protocols is fundamental in the aviation industry, influencing the seriousness and professionalism of all communication.

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives, fostering positive working relationships, and treating all colleagues and clients with professionalism.

• Commitment: Dedication to project success, continuous improvement, and contributing to the overall goals of the marketing department and the company.

• Efficiency: Optimizing design processes, managing time effectively, and delivering high-impact creative solutions within project constraints.

Collaboration Style:

• Hybrid Teamwork: A blend of independent, focused work and scheduled in-office collaboration sessions. Proactive communication and clear articulation of ideas are essential.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with marketing teams, business unit leaders, and potentially external agencies to ensure design aligns with broader business objectives.

• Feedback and Iteration: An open approach to receiving and incorporating feedback to refine designs and ensure they meet stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are critical for cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work ethic and approach align with these principles, particularly "Quality" and "Efficiency" in the context of design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining strict brand standards while also introducing fresh, creative ideas to keep the brand dynamic and engaging in a competitive market.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively translating the requirements of multiple business units and senior leadership into cohesive visual solutions.

• Pace of a High-Growth Industry: Working in a fast-paced business aviation environment that requires adaptability and quick turnaround times for creative assets.

• Bridging Digital and Physical Experiences: Ensuring a seamless and premium brand experience across both online and offline touchpoints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Brand Development: Gaining deeper insight into brand strategy, market positioning, and executive-level marketing decision-making through direct reporting to the CMO.

• Industry Expertise: Developing a specialized understanding of the business aviation and luxury services sectors, enhancing design relevance and impact.

• Advanced Creative Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in video editing, motion graphics, and potentially UI/UX design for digital platforms.

• Leadership Potential: Developing skills for potential future leadership roles within the marketing or creative departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing these challenges and framing them as growth opportunities will be key for candidates. The role offers a unique chance to contribute to a premium brand in a specialized industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a marketing objective into a visual brand strategy."

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across diverse platforms and touchpoints, especially in a premium service industry?"

• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance creative innovation with strict brand guidelines. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, how do you see your design approach contributing to Skyservice's brand values of Quality, Safety, Respect, Commitment, and Efficiency?"

• "How would you describe your ideal collaboration style within a hybrid work environment, especially when working with senior leadership like the CMO?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a range of skills. Have a clear narrative for each project.

• Highlight Strategy, Not Just Aesthetics: For each piece, explain the "why" behind your design choices. Connect your work to business objectives and brand strategy.

• Emphasize Process: Be prepared to discuss your workflow, problem-solving techniques, and how you handle feedback.

• Conciseness is Crucial: Respect the interviewers' time. Practice presenting your key projects within a set timeframe.

• Be Ready for a Challenge: Prepare for a hypothetical design brief related to Skyservice. Think about how you'd approach it, what questions you'd ask, and what initial creative directions you might explore.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, brand understanding, and a professional, collaborative approach, in addition to design expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Jobvite link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio is curated to showcase your most relevant brand design work, emphasizing premium/luxury sectors and cross-channel execution. Tailor your presentation to highlight projects that demonstrate strategic thinking and brand stewardship.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly list your 5-8 years of relevant experience, advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and specific achievements in brand development. Incorporate keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic approach to brand challenges, and how your skills align with Skyservice's values. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and prepare for a potential design exercise.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Skyservice Business Aviation, its services, target market, competitors, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their brand positioning and identify opportunities where your design expertise can add value.

⚠️ 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.