Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Native Shoes

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: April 11, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visual identity and creative execution across all Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) channels, ensuring a cohesive brand experience.

• Drive art direction for seasonal campaigns and key brand moments, translating strategic objectives into compelling design solutions.

• Manage and mentor the creative team, including an Intermediate Graphic Designer and external freelancers, to elevate design output.

• Contribute to the evolution of the brand through innovative campaign development and art direction across digital and physical touchpoints.

• Maintain and develop the brand's visual ecosystem, ensuring consistency and impact across web, email, social media, and paid advertising.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Marketing department, indicating a strong focus on Go-To-Market (GTM) creative execution and brand storytelling. The emphasis on DTC channels suggests a need for proficiency in digital design and conversion-focused visual strategies, aligning it with revenue-generating operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead art direction for seasonal initiatives and key brand moments, translating strategy into impactful design solutions that resonate across all digital and physical channels.

• Spearhead the design conception and execution across Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) touchpoints, including website assets, email marketing campaigns, social media content, and paid advertising creatives.

• Manage the output of the in-house studio and a network of freelance creative professionals, ensuring high-quality, on-brand deliverables.

• Mentor and elevate the skills of the Intermediate Graphic Designer through constructive feedback, guidance, and collaborative project work.

• Actively contribute creative ideas and innovative solutions during brainstorming sessions and design meetings, playing a pivotal role in the development of overarching design concepts and strategies.

• Translate creative briefs and established brand guidelines into exceptional design solutions that strictly align with the Native Shoes aesthetic and quality standards.

• Efficiently manage and prioritize multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, industry best practices, and emerging technologies to continuously enhance design capabilities and maintain a competitive creative edge.

• Oversee the production of marketing collateral, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in file preparation for both digital applications and print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership in art direction and hands-on execution, particularly within the DTC ecosystem. This dual focus is common in GTM operations roles where understanding the customer journey and driving engagement through creative assets is paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a significant focus on branding, layout, illustration, color theory, typography, and motion design.

• Demonstrated experience in digital design, with a deep understanding of how to adapt concepts for various channels and use cases to drive engagement and conversions.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects and successful campaigns, emphasizing creativity, technical craftsmanship, and exceptional attention to detail.

• Expertise in translating creative briefs and brand guidelines into high-impact visual assets.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven marketing environment.

• Proven ability to take initiative, proactively solve problems, and work autonomously while also excelling within a collaborative team setting.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation, motion design, and UX/UI principles.

• Illustration skills beyond basic graphic elements.

• Familiarity with A/B testing creative assets for performance optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years of experience and a Bachelor's degree positions this as a senior-level role, implying a need for strategic thinking and leadership beyond execution. The emphasis on digital design and DTC channels suggests that candidates with experience in performance marketing creative will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a breadth of design projects, with a strong emphasis on branding, campaign development, and DTC channel execution.

• Demonstrate experience in translating strategic objectives into visual narratives that drive customer engagement and conversions.

• Include case studies that highlight the design process from brief to execution, detailing problem-solving approaches and final creative outcomes.

• Showcase proficiency in digital design, providing examples of web assets, email campaigns, social media graphics, and paid media creatives.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process, from concept generation and client brief interpretation to final asset delivery and stakeholder feedback integration.

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to managing multiple design projects, including workflow organization, prioritization, and time management.

• Showcase how design decisions are informed by brand guidelines, market trends, and performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this Senior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond aesthetic appeal to demonstrate strategic thinking, process management, and a clear understanding of how design impacts business objectives, especially within the DTC landscape. This aligns with the operations focus on measurable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental coverage.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and statutory holidays.

• Employee discount on Native Shoes products.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.

• Retirement savings plan contribution options.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement requires a minimum of 3 days per week in the Vancouver office, with flexibility for specific situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on market data for similar roles in Vancouver. The specific compensation package will be determined by the candidate's experience, qualifications, and alignment with the company's compensation philosophy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Footwear and Apparel, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and lightweight design principles. Native Shoes operates within the competitive consumer goods market, focusing on innovation and customer experience.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the presence of an in-house studio and an Intermediate Graphic Designer suggests a growing marketing team within a medium-sized company, likely between 50-250 employees, allowing for both structured processes and agile decision-making.

Founded: Native Shoes was founded to simplify everyday life through innovative footwear. This ethos likely permeates the company culture, fostering a forward-thinking and customer-centric approach.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team, likely reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director.

• This role involves direct management of an Intermediate Graphic Designer and collaboration with other marketing functions (e.g., digital marketing, content creation, product marketing).

Methodology:

• Design operations likely follow a structured approach, from brief interpretation to final asset delivery, incorporating feedback loops and quality assurance.

• Emphasis on data-informed design, where creative strategies are evaluated for their impact on DTC performance metrics.

• Agile project management principles may be applied to accommodate evolving campaign needs and market dynamics.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "Living Lightly" suggests a culture that values innovation, sustainability, and a positive impact. This can translate into a work environment that encourages creative problem-solving and mindful execution, particularly relevant for design and marketing operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the Creative and Marketing operations function. It signifies a move beyond individual contribution to include leadership, mentorship, and strategic input into the brand's visual direction. The role requires not just design execution but also art direction and management capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director. They will have direct reports or manage external creative resources, indicating a leadership track within the marketing department.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the brand's perceived value and its ability to attract and retain customers through visually compelling campaigns and consistent brand experiences across all DTC channels. High-quality creative directly supports sales funnels and conversion rates, making it a critical component of revenue operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Creative Director or Head of Design role as the company expands its marketing operations.

• Strategic Development: Opportunity to influence broader brand strategy and campaign conceptualization, moving from execution to strategic planning.

• Skill Specialization: Further development in areas like motion graphics, UX/UI, or integrated campaign management.

• Mentorship Experience: Gaining valuable experience in managing and developing junior talent, a key step in leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Graphic Designer role offers a clear pathway into leadership within a marketing operations context. The emphasis on managing others and influencing strategy makes it a significant step for career progression in the creative field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with a requirement for 3 days per week in the Vancouver office. This suggests a modern office setup designed for collaboration and focused work, balancing in-person interaction with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This location offers access to a vibrant creative community and a strong talent pool. The office is likely situated to be accessible for employees within the Greater Vancouver Area.

Workspace Context:

• The office is expected to foster a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging cross-functional interaction with marketing, product, and sales teams.

• Access to standard design software and hardware will be provided. The company’s commitment to design suggests a well-equipped creative studio environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility arrangements possible for specific circumstances, aligning with the hybrid model. This structure aims to support work-life balance while ensuring consistent project output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, indicating a balance between in-person collaboration essential for creative ideation and the flexibility that many professionals now seek. This setup requires strong self-management and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios to assess alignment with the role's requirements and brand aesthetic. Candidates should highlight relevant experience in DTC, branding, and campaign execution.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their process, strategic thinking, and the impact of their design work. This stage will also involve behavioral and situational questions to assess problem-solving skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

• Creative Challenge (Potential): A small design exercise or case study may be assigned to evaluate specific skills, such as translating a brief or adapting a concept for a new channel.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to prominently feature work relevant to DTC, branding, and campaign development. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, your strategic rationale, and the measurable impact or outcome (e.g., engagement rates, conversion improvements).

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, motion design, and how you adapt designs for different platforms.

• Highlight your experience in managing creative projects and/or mentoring junior designers.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a creative challenge is assigned, carefully read and understand the brief. Identify key objectives and constraints.

• Focus on demonstrating your thought process and strategic approach, not just the final visual output.

• Be ready to articulate your design decisions and how they align with the brand and business goals.

• Practice presenting your work concisely and effectively, anticipating potential questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio as a demonstration of operational capabilities in design. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just the aesthetics but the strategy, process, and results behind their work, especially as it pertains to driving DTC performance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for asset creation and layout.

• Adobe After Effects: Essential for motion graphics, animations, and video editing, contributing to dynamic digital content.

• Figma/Sketch: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with collaborative design tools like Figma or Sketch is increasingly valuable for UI/UX design and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with basic analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) to understand design performance and inform future creative strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design assets integrate with marketing automation platforms (e.g., email marketing software) and e-commerce platforms is beneficial.

• Knowledge of how design impacts user experience on websites and landing pages.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline requirement. The ability to leverage design tools to create engaging DTC content and understand its performance through basic analytics is crucial for this role's operational effectiveness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Live Lightly: This core company value likely translates into a design approach that is mindful, impactful, and reduces unnecessary complexity. It encourages efficient design solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective.

• Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries, experiment with new visual approaches, and stay ahead of design trends.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and constructive feedback to achieve collective goals.

• Customer-Centricity: Designing with the end-user in mind, ensuring visual communications are clear, engaging, and drive desired customer actions.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing high-quality work with meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of design production.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires a highly collaborative approach, working closely with marketing peers, product teams, and potentially external agencies or freelancers.

• Expect regular participation in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project reviews, where constructive feedback is exchanged.

• A culture of shared learning and mentorship, particularly between the Senior and Intermediate Graphic Designers, is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core value of "Live Lightly" suggests a culture that appreciates elegant, efficient, and impactful solutions. This should be reflected in the candidate's approach to design and problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Channel Specificity: Ensuring that all creative output maintains the core brand identity while being optimized for the unique requirements of different DTC channels (web, email, social, paid).

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders and Priorities: Effectively juggling diverse project requests from various departments and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Mentoring and Elevating Junior Talent: Guiding and developing the skills of the Intermediate Graphic Designer while maintaining high creative standards.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Continuously adapting to evolving digital design aesthetics and platform best practices to keep the brand's visual communication fresh and relevant.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in After Effects, motion graphics, or explore new design tools.

• Brand Strategy Workshops: Involvement in strategic planning sessions to influence the overall brand narrative and visual direction.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend design or marketing conferences to gain insights and network.

• Leadership Training: Development opportunities focused on management, mentorship, and strategic leadership within the marketing function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for growth by taking on leadership responsibilities and directly influencing brand strategy through creative direction, moving beyond pure execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing the art direction for our next major seasonal campaign, considering our 'Live Lightly' ethos?" (Focus: Strategic thinking, brand interpretation)

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex creative brief into a simple, effective visual solution for a specific DTC channel. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus: Problem-solving, channel optimization, results-driven design)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Native Shoes' brand and mission? How do you see your design philosophy aligning with our 'Live Lightly' value?" (Focus: Cultural fit, brand passion)

• "Describe your experience managing creative projects or mentoring junior designers. What is your approach to feedback and team collaboration?" (Focus: Leadership, team dynamics)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation logically: introduction, project overview (brief, your role), design process (ideation, challenges, solutions), final outcome (visuals), and results/impact.

• For each project, be ready to discuss your strategic thinking, design rationale, and how your work contributed to business objectives (e.g., engagement, conversions).

• Emphasize your experience with DTC channels and your understanding of effective digital design.

• Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with motion graphics or UX/UI.

• Articulate your management or mentorship style if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, a deep understanding of DTC marketing, and leadership potential, in addition to design craft. Be prepared to back up your claims with specific examples from your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Native Shoes careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to DTC, branding, and campaign development. Ensure it showcases your art direction capabilities and understanding of visual storytelling for consumer brands.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 7+ years of experience, focusing on achievements in graphic design, art direction, and team management. Use keywords from the job description, such as "DTC," "brand ecosystem," "campaign development," and "Adobe Creative Suite."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and leadership philosophy. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to answer potential interview questions, especially those related to problem-solving and creative execution for consumer brands.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Native Shoes' brand, mission, values, and recent marketing campaigns. Understand their commitment to "Living Lightly" and how that translates visually. This will help you articulate your cultural fit and strategic alignment.

⚠️ 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.