Sr. Graphic Designer / Content Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Graphic Designer / Content Strategist

Company: Watts Water Technologies

Location: North Andover, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: October 2, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the ideation, visual design, and strategic content development for integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, and experiential platforms.

• Drive brand consistency and innovation by evolving and maintaining visual identity systems across all communication channels.

• Foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement by mentoring junior team members and exploring emerging design technologies, including AI.

• Collaborate effectively with marketing, corporate communications, and external agencies to deliver impactful creative solutions that align with business objectives.

• Contribute to the overarching content strategy, ensuring visual and narrative elements work cohesively to enhance brand presence and audience engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a strong creative focus, the "Content Strategist" aspect indicates a need for strategic thinking beyond pure design execution. This role requires an understanding of how design and content work together to achieve marketing goals, implying a need for strategic planning and audience analysis in addition to creative skills. The emphasis on AI tools also points to a forward-thinking approach to content creation and workflow optimization within the marketing function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization and execution of visual designs for integrated marketing campaigns, encompassing digital advertisements, social media content, email marketing, web assets, print collateral, trade show materials, and motion graphics.

• Develop and refine compelling creative advertising concepts and imagery to effectively support a diverse range of marketing initiatives and product launches.

• Foster strong cross-functional partnerships with internal marketing teams, corporate communications, and external agencies/vendors to ensure seamless project execution and brand alignment.

• Take ownership of the brand identity, ensuring its consistent application and innovative evolution across all touchpoints, from digital platforms to physical collateral.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior design and content team members, cultivating a collaborative environment focused on creative excellence and ongoing skill development.

• Proactively research and integrate emerging trends in content marketing and graphic design, as well as new technologies (including AI-powered design tools), to maintain a fresh, competitive, and cutting-edge creative output for Watts.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

• Execute other assigned projects and duties as directed by the Manager, Content Marketing or senior management, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute across various initiatives.

• Uphold and embody Watts' core values: Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, and Transparency in all aspects of work and collaboration.

• Undertake travel up to 10% of the time, which may include attending trade shows, participating in team meetings, and visiting vendor sites to support project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership, strategic content input, and team mentorship. The inclusion of AI tools and emerging technologies suggests an expectation for innovation and process improvement within the creative workflow. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and brand ownership underscores the strategic importance of this role within the marketing department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in graphic design, content marketing, or a comparable creative role. Experience within a corporate marketing department or a creative agency is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects. Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new design software and tools.

• A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing impactful creative work across digital, print, and motion design mediums, illustrating strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Deep understanding of brand guidelines and a proven ability to contribute to the development and maintenance of robust visual identity systems.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal colleagues, external vendors, and cross-functional partners to achieve shared objectives.

• Solid working knowledge of print and web production standards, including file preparation, color management, and best practices for digital asset management.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-powered design tools and a demonstrated enthusiasm for exploring and integrating new technologies into creative workflows.

• Prior experience in mentoring, coaching, or leading junior creative team members, fostering skill development and enhancing team capability.

• Exposure to front-end web design principles or basic web development concepts, providing an understanding of digital platform constraints and opportunities.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute meaningfully to content strategy development, bridging the gap between visual design and narrative storytelling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design expertise (Adobe Suite), strategic thinking (content strategy, brand evolution), and soft skills (collaboration, communication, project management). The preference for AI tool familiarity and mentorship experience signals a desire for a candidate who can not only execute but also innovate and lead within the creative function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio must be submitted with the application, showcasing a diverse range of creative projects that demonstrate strategic thinking, design execution, and measurable impact.

• Portfolio pieces should highlight expertise in various mediums, including digital campaigns (web banners, social media assets), print collateral (brochures, ads), and motion graphics/video.

• Include case studies or detailed descriptions for key projects, outlining the creative brief, design process, problem-solving approach, and the resulting outcomes or achievements.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of brand consistency and the ability to apply and evolve brand guidelines effectively across different applications.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process clearly, detailing how they approach project briefs, conduct research, develop concepts, iterate on designs, and finalize assets.

• For projects involving content strategy, describe the process for audience analysis, message development, and content planning that informed the visual design.

• Be prepared to discuss how you manage project workflows, collaborate with stakeholders, and incorporate feedback to optimize design outcomes.

• Demonstrate an understanding of production workflows for both print and digital assets, including file preparation and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with strategic elements and process documentation is crucial. Applicants should prepare to not only show their design work but also explain the "why" and "how" behind it, demonstrating their strategic thinking and process-oriented approach to creative problem-solving. This is particularly important given the "Content Strategist" aspect of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected annual salary range for this position is $92,000 to $100,000 USD.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Medical and dental coverage to support employee health and well-being.

• Financial Security: Robust retirement benefits designed to support long-term financial planning.

• Family Support: Family-building benefits, including paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents.

• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including 10 paid holidays, to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued professional growth, including educational reimbursement and access to learning resources.

• Additional Perks: Employee discount programs and fitness reimbursements to enhance overall employee experience.

• Learn More: Detailed information on benefit offerings can be found at: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically involving a standard 40-hour work week.

• The role is hybrid, requiring 3 days per week in the North Andover, MA office (Monday-Wednesday) and allowing for 2 days of remote work (Thursday-Friday).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for a Sr. Graphic Designer/Content Strategist role in the Massachusetts area. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance, family support, and professional growth, which are attractive to experienced professionals. The hybrid work arrangement is clearly defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Manufacturing (Water Technologies)

Company Size: Watts Water Technologies is a significant player in the global water technology market, indicating a mid-to-large enterprise structure with established processes and a broad reach. This size suggests opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and potential for impact within a well-resourced organization.

Founded: Founded over 150 years ago, Watts boasts a long history of innovation and reliability in providing water solutions. This longevity points to a stable company culture with deep-rooted expertise and a commitment to quality, likely fostering a sense of pride and dedication among its employees.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Manager, Content Marketing, suggesting a structured marketing department with specialized functions.

• The Sr. Graphic Designer/Content Strategist will likely work within a broader marketing or creative services team, collaborating closely with content creators, digital marketers, and brand managers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creative, the role is expected to be informed by marketing objectives and potentially data analytics to measure the effectiveness of designs and content.

• Integrated Campaigns: Emphasis on creating cohesive campaigns across multiple channels, requiring a strategic and integrated approach to content and design.

• Continuous Improvement: A core company value, suggesting an environment that encourages feedback, iteration, and adoption of new technologies and processes, such as AI tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on water technology provide a strong foundation for understanding its mission and market position. The culture is described as team-oriented and supportive, with a focus on quality and impact. The role's placement within the Content Marketing team suggests a strategic approach to marketing communications.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior level, indicating a need for significant experience and the ability to operate with a degree of autonomy. It suggests a transition from purely individual contribution to one that also involves strategic input, mentorship, and potentially project leadership within the creative domain.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the Manager, Content Marketing. This implies a clear line of reporting and provides a direct point of contact for guidance, feedback, and career development discussions.

Operations Impact:

• The role's impact is significant in shaping Watts' brand perception and communicating its value proposition. Through compelling visuals and strategic content, this position directly influences how customers, partners, and stakeholders perceive the company's commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability in water technology.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Creative: Potential to grow into a Creative Lead or Art Director role, managing larger projects and teams.

• Content Strategy Specialization: Deepen expertise in content strategy, focusing on audience engagement, SEO, and narrative development.

• Technology Adoption: Become a subject matter expert in leveraging AI and other emerging technologies for creative production.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunity to move into broader marketing management roles or explore adjacent areas like corporate communications.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in the water technology sector, becoming a valuable asset to the company's marketing efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr." designation and the blend of design and strategy indicate a role with significant growth potential. Candidates can expect opportunities to expand their strategic capabilities, leadership skills, and technical expertise in emerging creative technologies within a stable industry leader.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, combining in-office work with remote flexibility. The in-office days are designed for collaboration and team interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is North Andover, MA, with specific days designated for in-office presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The 3 days in the office are intended for face-to-face collaboration, brainstorming sessions, team meetings, and building stronger working relationships with colleagues and the Manager, Content Marketing.

• Tool Accessibility: Expect access to standard office equipment and potentially specialized creative software and hardware necessary for design and content creation.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with marketing colleagues, participate in team discussions, and receive direct feedback, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is approximately 40 hours.

• The hybrid model offers flexibility, with remote work permitted on Thursdays and Fridays, allowing for focused individual work while maintaining team connectivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is clearly defined, balancing the need for in-person collaboration with the benefits of remote work. This structure is common in creative roles, allowing for focused design work at home and collaborative strategy sessions in the office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Manager, Content Marketing to evaluate your experience, creative approach, and understanding of content strategy. This may include behavioral questions and scenario-based discussions.

• Portfolio Presentation/Creative Challenge: A session where you'll present your portfolio, walk through key projects, and potentially complete a design or content strategy challenge. This is crucial for demonstrating your skills and strategic thinking.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with other marketing team members or stakeholders to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior marketing leader to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase both graphic design excellence and strategic content thinking. Prioritize projects that align with Watts' industry and marketing goals.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results or impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Process: Be ready to explain your design process, your approach to content strategy, and how you use tools like Adobe Creative Suite and AI.

• Showcase Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to work across different mediums (digital, print, motion) and adapt your style to various brand needs.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If a creative challenge is provided, carefully analyze the brief, target audience, and objectives.

• Focus on Strategy: Show your thought process, not just the final design. Explain your strategic decisions regarding messaging, visuals, and platform suitability.

• Time Management: Be mindful of any time constraints and prioritize key elements of the challenge.

• Presentation Clarity: Prepare a concise and clear presentation of your solution, highlighting key design and strategic choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio. Applicants should prepare to not only showcase their design skills but also articulate their strategic thinking, process, and understanding of content marketing principles. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects for all aspects of graphic design, illustration, layout, and motion graphics.

• AI-Powered Design Tools: Familiarity and willingness to explore and integrate tools like Adobe Sensei, Midjourney, DALL-E, or similar AI platforms for concept generation, asset creation, and workflow enhancement.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms such as Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar tools for managing project timelines, tasks, and team collaboration.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Understanding of how to organize, store, and retrieve digital assets, ensuring brand consistency and efficient access.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics to understand website traffic, user behavior, and the performance of digital assets and campaigns.

• Social Media Analytics: Experience with native analytics on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or third-party tools to track engagement and campaign effectiveness.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create or interpret reports from various marketing channels to assess campaign performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary user, understanding how marketing collateral integrates with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) to support sales enablement and customer engagement is beneficial.

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like HubSpot, Marketo, or Pardot to understand how designed assets are used in email campaigns and automated workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The explicit mention of AI-powered design tools indicates a forward-looking expectation. Familiarity with project management and digital asset management systems is crucial for efficiency in a corporate environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical standards in all design and content creation processes, ensuring accurate representation of Watts' products and brand.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of creative projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality work that contributes to marketing objectives.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking opportunities to enhance design skills, explore new creative technologies (like AI), and refine workflows for greater efficiency and impact.

• Transparency: Open and honest communication with team members and stakeholders regarding project progress, challenges, and creative decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with marketing, communications, and other departments to ensure a unified brand message and support diverse business needs.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive criticism and a proactive approach to incorporating feedback to refine creative output.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, trends, and best practices with the team to foster collective growth and innovation.

• Partnership-Oriented: Building strong working relationships with internal teams and external vendors to achieve project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency) are directly applicable to the creative and strategic nature of this role. Employees are expected to embody these values in their daily work, influencing how they approach design, collaboration, and problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Consistency: Ensuring innovative design while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines.

• Pace of Digital Trends: Staying current with rapidly evolving digital design trends and AI technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder needs and feedback to deliver cohesive creative solutions.

• Measuring Creative Impact: Quantifying the ROI of design and content strategy efforts in a tangible way.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & AI Training: Access to workshops, courses, and certifications in cutting-edge design software and AI tools.

• Content Strategy Deep Dive: Opportunities to expand knowledge in areas like SEO, UX writing, and audience segmentation through internal resources or external training.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in trade shows and industry events to stay abreast of innovations in water technology and marketing.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Guidance from the Manager, Content Marketing and opportunities to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior creative role in a large corporation, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic thinking. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with the role's scope, offering paths for specialization, leadership, and continuous skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a campaign where you integrated graphic design and content strategy to achieve a specific marketing goal. What was your process?" (Focus on the strategic alignment and measurable outcomes.)

• "How do you approach staying current with design trends and emerging technologies, particularly AI, and how would you integrate them into Watts' creative workflow?" (Highlight your proactive learning and innovative mindset.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Watts Water Technologies, how would you ensure your design and content strategy aligns with our mission and brand values?" (Show you've researched the company and understand its core principles.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a creative project?" (Assess your collaboration and problem-solving skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio presentation logically. Start with a brief overview of your background, then dive into 2-3 of your most impactful projects.

• Tell a Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your strategic approach, the design solutions, and the results. Use visuals effectively, but don't let them overshadow your explanation.

• Highlight Strategy: Emphasize how your design choices supported the content strategy and business objectives. For example, "I chose this color palette to evoke trust and stability, aligning with Watts' brand promise, and designed the layout to guide the user's eye towards the key call-to-action."

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., increased engagement, higher click-through rates, improved brand recall) to demonstrate the value of your work.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, decision-making, and how you would handle specific scenarios at Watts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on bridging the gap between creative execution and strategic thinking. Candidates must be ready to articulate their thought processes, demonstrate how their work drives business results, and show an understanding of Watts' industry and values. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase this dual capability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Graphic Designer / Content Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Watts Water Technologies careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords related to graphic design, content strategy, Adobe Creative Suite, AI in design, brand identity, and integrated marketing campaigns. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best exemplify your skills in both graphic design and content strategy. Ensure each project includes a clear explanation of the brief, your role, process, and outcomes.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on telling a compelling story for each project that highlights strategic thinking and measurable impact. Be ready to discuss your design process and how you leverage tools like AI.

• Research Watts Water Technologies: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, products, and recent marketing efforts to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest. Understand their commitment to water solutions and sustainability.

⚠️ 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.

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