Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer Company: American Food & Vending | American Dining Creations Location: Liverpool, New York, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Date Posted: January 10, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of impactful visual assets and brand identity initiatives, driving creative excellence for a leading hospitality service partner.
• Lead the development and execution of high-quality graphic design projects across diverse media, including advertising campaigns, print materials, and digital assets, ensuring brand consistency.
• Act as a creative thought leader, staying abreast of design trends and implementing innovative techniques and tools to elevate the organization's visual output.
• Manage complex design projects from conception to completion, balancing creative vision with strategic business objectives and mentorship of junior design staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior contributor within the creative department, emphasizing leadership, strategic input, and the ability to mentor junior staff. The focus on "shaping the visual identity" and "creative output" suggests a significant impact on the company's overall brand perception and marketing effectiveness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of comprehensive graphic design projects, encompassing advertising campaigns, marketing collateral, digital assets, social media content, and branding initiatives.
• Ensure strict adherence to and consistent application of established company brand guidelines, visual identity standards, and style guides across all creative deliverables.
• Proactively research and introduce emerging design trends, innovative techniques, and cutting-edge software to enhance the team's creative capabilities and the quality of output.
• Oversee the end-to-end project management lifecycle for multiple design assignments concurrently, meticulously managing timelines, resource allocation, and deliverables to ensure successful and timely completion.
• Collaborate closely and effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, product development, and executive leadership, to deeply understand project requirements and translate strategic objectives into compelling visual solutions.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope definition, timeline projections, budget considerations, and resource allocation strategies, for all assigned design initiatives.
• Present design concepts, strategies, and rationales persuasively to senior leadership, stakeholders, and external clients, articulating the creative vision and its alignment with business goals.
• Foster a collaborative and productive team environment by maintaining open communication channels, actively participating in team discussions, and providing constructive feedback to peers and junior designers.
• Mentor and guide junior graphic designers, offering professional development support, regular performance feedback, and training on design best practices and software utilization.
• Organize and facilitate design workshops, training sessions, and collaborative design review meetings to elevate the overall skill set and creative output of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution, project management, and team leadership. The emphasis on "translating concepts into impactful designs" and "presenting design concepts and strategies" indicates a need for strong communication and strategic thinking beyond just visual execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Fine Arts, or a closely related creative field.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in graphic design, with a demonstrated track record of increasing responsibility, including significant experience in a senior or lead capacity.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD) and potentially others like After Effects for motion graphics.
• A robust and diverse portfolio showcasing a wide array of successful design projects, covering branding, digital media, print collateral, and campaign development.
• Deep understanding and practical application of fundamental design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, layout, and visual hierarchy.
• Proven capability to manage and prioritize multiple complex design projects simultaneously within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, ensuring high-quality output.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including non-designers.
• Strong understanding of UX/UI design principles and best practices for digital interfaces and user experiences.
• Proficiency in motion graphics and video editing software, with the ability to create dynamic visual content.
• Familiarity with web design principles and basic knowledge of HTML/CSS to inform web-based design decisions.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring, coaching, or leading junior creative team members.
• Exceptional attention to detail, a commitment to creative excellence, and a passion for producing high-caliber design work.
• High adaptability and flexibility to pivot design approaches based on feedback, project requirements, or shifting market dynamics.
• Proactive and self-motivated work ethic, with a commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of industry design trends and technological advancements.
• Strong team-player mentality, with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and a focus on collective success.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) for design workflow management.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and their design implications.
• Knowledge of A/B testing principles for optimizing digital design elements.
• Experience in the hospitality or food service industry, understanding its unique visual communication needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for UX/UI, motion graphics, and web design knowledge suggests a role that bridges traditional graphic design with digital media and user experience, indicating the company's need for a versatile creative professional. The explicit mention of mentoring points to a leadership expectation within the team structure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio that clearly demonstrates a minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong emphasis on leadership and project ownership.
• Showcase a diverse range of design projects, including successful branding initiatives, integrated marketing campaigns (print and digital), website/app UI mockups, and any experience with motion graphics or video.
• Include case studies that detail the design process, problem-solving approach, creative rationale, and quantifiable outcomes or business impact achieved.
• Highlight projects where you either led the design effort, mentored junior designers, or collaborated significantly with cross-functional teams to achieve a common goal.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process, from initial client brief and research to concept development, iteration, feedback incorporation, and final asset delivery.
• Demonstrate proficiency in project management methodologies relevant to design, such as Agile or Waterfall, and how you adapt them to creative workflows.
• Outline your approach to ensuring brand consistency across all design outputs and managing brand assets effectively.
• Be ready to explain how you incorporate user feedback and data insights into your design iterations and final solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects" and the detailed breakdown of responsibilities implies that candidates will be expected to present a portfolio that not only exhibits creative talent but also demonstrates project leadership, strategic thinking, and process management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $90,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.
• Retirement savings plan, likely a 401(k), with potential company match to support long-term financial planning.
• Paid time off (PTO) including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, allowing for work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including workshops, training sessions, and potential conference attendance to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends.
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs) offering confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or merit increases based on individual contributions and company success.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, with potential for occasional overtime during peak project periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for the US market and aligns with a Senior Graphic Designer role in a mid-sized company. The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions in the US, with specific details to be confirmed with the employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality Services, Food & Beverage, Corporate Dining, Education Dining. American Dining Creations is a division of American Food & Vending, a significant player in the privately held hospitality service sector in the US.

Company Size: Operates nationwide dining accounts, employing over 2,000 people, indicating a large organization with a significant operational footprint.

Founded: While specific founding dates for American Food & Vending or American Dining Creations are not provided, the company's long-standing presence and nationwide operations suggest a well-established entity with a history of consistent growth and service delivery.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely operates within a broader marketing or communications department, potentially comprising a small to medium-sized group of designers with varying specializations.
• The Senior Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or a similar leadership role, and will be expected to mentor junior designers.
• Collaboration is expected across various departments, including marketing, sales, culinary, operations, and potentially IT or product development, to support diverse project needs.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a "Fresh Difference" culinary philosophy, suggesting a focus on quality, freshness, and innovation in their offerings. This ethos likely extends to their creative and branding efforts, prioritizing appealing and modern visuals.
• Their approach involves creating customized dining programs with the strength of a national program and the flexibility of an industry leader, indicating a balance between standardized processes and adaptive solutions.
• Operations are characterized by superior culinary offerings, outstanding management practices, and responsiveness to client needs, suggesting a culture that values efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.

Company Website: https://www.afvusa.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates in a service-based industry where visual presentation is critical for attracting and retaining clients (corporate and educational institutions). The "Fresh Difference" philosophy implies a need for vibrant, appealing, and health-conscious visual branding.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior Graphic Designer position, signifying a mid-to-senior level contributor. It requires not only advanced design skills but also leadership qualities, project management capabilities, and the ability to mentor others. The role is pivotal in shaping the company's visual identity and creative output.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Marketing Director, or a similar senior marketing/creative leader. They will also have direct reports or mentees in the form of junior designers.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly influences brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and client engagement. High-quality visuals are crucial for American Dining Creations to stand out in the competitive hospitality and corporate dining sectors, impacting lead generation, client retention, and overall brand reputation. Effective design supports sales efforts and reinforces the company's commitment to quality and innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Creative Director or Art Director role, managing larger teams and broader creative strategies for the organization.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like brand strategy, digital design, motion graphics, or UX/UI, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to various facets of the business (culinary, operations, sales) can lead to a more holistic understanding of the company, potentially opening doors to broader marketing or brand management roles.
• Industry Recognition: Contributing to award-winning campaigns or significant brand overhauls can build a strong professional portfolio and reputation within the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a clear path for advancement within the organization, either through increased leadership scope or specialized creative expertise. The role's impact is directly tied to the company's success in a visually driven industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is on-site in Liverpool, New York. This suggests a traditional office environment where collaboration and in-person interaction are valued.

Office Location(s): 124 Metropolitan Park Drive, Liverpool, NY 13088. This location is likely within a business park or commercial area, offering standard office amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with marketing, sales, and other creative team members.
• Access to standard office technology, including design software, hardware, and potentially a shared server for asset management, will be provided.
• Opportunities for regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and design critiques with both peers and management.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the flexibility to manage personal project timelines. However, the fast-paced nature of design and client service may require occasional overtime to meet deadlines, particularly for major campaigns or events.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role, the environment will likely foster direct communication and teamwork, which is often beneficial for creative projects requiring quick feedback loops and collaborative problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, experience level, and alignment with the role's core requirements.
• Portfolio Review (Virtual or In-Person): A critical stage where you will present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through your most relevant projects, explaining your design process, creative decisions, challenges overcome, and the impact of your work.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: You may be given a practical design exercise to assess your skills in a specific area (e.g., creating a social media graphic, designing a brochure concept) under timed conditions. This helps evaluate your problem-solving abilities and design execution.
• Behavioral and Situational Interviews: Questions will focus on your experience leading teams, managing projects, collaborating with stakeholders, handling feedback, and navigating challenging situations. Be ready to provide specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity for both parties to assess alignment with the company's values, work style, and team dynamics.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., Director of Marketing, VP) to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, and successful outcomes in areas similar to American Dining Creations' needs (branding, marketing collateral, digital assets).
• Tell a Story: For each project, don't just show the final output. Explain the brief, your role, the problem you were solving, your creative process, key decisions, challenges, and the results achieved. Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%", "supported a campaign that generated Y leads").
• Highlight Leadership: If you mentored juniors or led a design initiative, clearly articulate your role and the outcome.
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Know the software you used inside and out and be ready to discuss technical considerations.
• Tailor Your Presentation: Briefly explain why specific projects are relevant to American Dining Creations and the hospitality industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand all requirements, objectives, and constraints. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
• Time Management: Allocate time for each stage of the challenge: planning, concepting, execution, and review.
• Focus on Strategy: Even in a timed exercise, demonstrate strategic thinking. Explain your approach and rationale, not just the visual outcome.
• Clean Presentation: Ensure your final submission is polished, well-organized, and easy to understand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge indicates that practical skills and the ability to articulate design process and strategy are paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to "show, not just tell."

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide range of print and digital assets.
• Adobe XD: Crucial for UI/UX design, prototyping, and wireframing digital interfaces.
• Motion Graphics/Video Editing Software: Proficiency in Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, or similar tools for creating dynamic video content and animations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, familiarity with how design impacts engagement metrics from platforms like Google Analytics, social media analytics, or marketing automation tools is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how design assets are utilized within CRM systems or marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email campaigns) can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe XD points to the core software requirements. Knowledge of motion graphics and video editing tools suggests a need for multimedia content creation capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to producing high-caliber, polished design work that reflects positively on the company's brand.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas, exploring new design trends, and pushing creative boundaries.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where designers work together, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.
• Client Focus: Understanding and effectively translating client needs and business objectives into impactful design solutions.
• Efficiency & Adaptability: Managing workloads effectively, meeting deadlines, and adapting designs based on feedback or changing project requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The design team will work closely with marketing, sales, and operations to ensure cohesive messaging and branding across all company initiatives.
• Feedback-Driven: A culture that embraces constructive feedback from peers, managers, and stakeholders to refine designs and improve outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, new techniques, and creative inspiration to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on partnership, customization, and responsiveness in its service offerings suggests a culture that values collaboration, client-centricity, and adaptable problem-solving, which will likely be reflected in the design team's dynamics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across diverse projects while introducing fresh, engaging creative concepts can be a constant challenge.
• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively translating diverse stakeholder needs and feedback into cohesive design solutions requires strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Rapidly Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with fast-paced changes in digital design, software, and consumer preferences requires continuous learning and adaptation.
• Project Prioritization: Juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines and varying levels of urgency demands strong organizational and time management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications or explore new design software and tools.
• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Access to professional development events focused on graphic design, branding, UX/UI, and marketing strategies.
• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior creative leaders within the company, or the opportunity to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership growth.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide range of design challenges within the hospitality and corporate dining sectors provides broad learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for a designer looking to move into a leadership position, refine their strategic design thinking, and contribute to the visual narrative of a large, established company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a significant design project from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure its success?" (Focus on project management, problem-solving, and leadership.)
• "How do you balance maintaining brand consistency with introducing innovative and fresh design elements?" (Assess understanding of brand guidelines and creative thinking.)
• "Walk us through your process for developing a new branding initiative for a client. What are the critical steps?" (Evaluate your design methodology and strategic approach.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project?" (Test your communication, negotiation, and adaptability skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about American Food & Vending/American Dining Creations, and why are you interested in contributing your design skills to our industry?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest.)
• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers. What is your approach to providing feedback and fostering their growth?" (Highlight leadership and team development capabilities.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.)
• "What are your thoughts on the importance of visual identity in the hospitality sector?" (Connect your expertise to the company's industry.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with your most impactful project that aligns with the company's needs. For each project: brief/problem, your role, process, key decisions, challenges, and results.
• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each piece. Focus on the why behind your design choices and the impact they had.
• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is clean, visually appealing, and easy to follow. Use high-resolution images and clear typography.
• Engagement: Be ready to answer questions about your work, your process, and your design philosophy. Engage the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions about their team and projects.
• Tailoring: If possible, subtly weave in how your skills and experience can specifically benefit American Dining Creations, referencing their industry or specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not just design talent, but also leadership potential, strategic thinking, and strong collaboration skills, as expected from a senior role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Olivia Paradox platform.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that highlight leadership, brand development, campaign execution, and digital design relevant to service industries. Tailor your case studies to showcase problem-solving and quantifiable results.
• Resume Optimization: Align your resume with the job description, emphasizing keywords related to graphic design, leadership, Adobe Creative Suite, project management, and brand identity. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and project experience. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio with a clear, compelling narrative.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with American Food & Vending and American Dining Creations' services, brand aesthetic, and market position within the hospitality industry to better 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.