Visual Design Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual Design Strategist Company: Relish Works Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States Job Type: Full Time Category: Design Strategy & Innovation Operations Date Posted: 2025-11-03 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead visual communication strategies by synthesizing complex research data into clear, engaging visual assets for the foodservice industry.
• Apply systems thinking and user-centered design principles to conceptualize, illustrate, and present innovative business strategies, new ventures, and service offerings.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including user researchers, experience designers, and business strategists, to drive innovation from ideation to market testing.
• Develop high-level executive communication materials, including presentations, decks, and corporate collateral, that articulate new business concepts with clarity and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Visual Design Strategist" and the description focus on design and innovation, the emphasis on "systems thinking," "synthesizing research findings," "illustrating new experiences," and "pitching ideas for new strategies, businesses and service offerings" positions this role within an operations-adjacent function. The role requires translating complex information into actionable insights and visually compelling narratives, a core competency in GTM and innovation operations. The cross-functional collaboration with strategic thinkers and doers further underscores its operational impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative research findings into easily digestible diagrams, infographics, and visual narratives to inform strategic decision-making.
• Develop and apply conceptual frameworks to structure thinking and articulate the logic behind new business ideas, strategies, and service offerings.
• Translate abstract concepts and research insights into tangible visual assets, including wireframes, diagrams, illustrations, presentations, print collateral, and video content, ranging from initial sketches to high-production quality.
• Design and develop compelling executive-level communication materials, such as Google Slide presentations and decks, that clearly convey new insights, business proposals, and strategic recommendations.
• Create and refine brands, user experiences, and engaging content for new business ideas, preparing them for market testing and validation.
• Apply core principles of information hierarchy, color theory, typography, and layout to craft visually appealing and conceptually clear stories that resonate with target audiences.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across Relish Works' functional areas, including innovation, ventures, and investments, to leverage diverse expertise and drive project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong project management and stakeholder communication skills, essential for operations roles. The emphasis on translating research into actionable strategies and developing materials for executive audiences highlights the role's impact on business development and strategic planning, aligning with GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Visual Communication Design, Graphic Design, or a related field. Experience: 2-4 years of professional experience in a user-centered design field, with a preference for experience in cross-industry consulting or innovation hubs.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in visual design principles, including information hierarchy, color theory, typography, and layout design.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative research into clear, impactful visual communications (diagrams, infographics, presentations).
• Experience in developing frameworks and structuring thinking around new concepts and business strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong aptitude for storytelling and presenting to executive-level audiences.
• Strong collaboration skills, with experience working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Comfort with ambiguity and a proven ability to thrive in a self-directed, fast-paced startup environment.
• A proactive and curious mindset, with a strong desire to learn and adapt.
• Ability to frame complex problems and articulate clear solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in brand development and creating engaging content for new business ideas.
• Proficiency in creating various forms of visual media, including wireframes, illustrations, and potentially video content.
• Familiarity with the foodservice industry or a strong interest in its innovation landscape.
• Experience in a consulting environment, particularly in strategy or innovation consulting.
• Facilitation skills for collaborative workshops and ideation sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "2-4 years of experience" and the emphasis on framing problems and presenting to executives suggest this is a mid-level role. The "self-directed culture" and "startup environment" points indicate a need for individuals who can manage their own workflows and drive initiatives with minimal oversight, a common trait in operations roles within dynamic organizations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong ability to translate complex research data into clear, actionable visual insights and frameworks.
• Showcase examples of creating visually compelling presentations and executive-level communication materials that effectively convey strategic concepts.
• Include case studies illustrating the development of new brands, experiences, or business ideas from conception through to potential market testing.
• Highlight experience in applying design principles (information hierarchy, typography, layout) to solve complex communication challenges.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you've structured thinking and developed frameworks to support strategic initiatives.
• Illustrate your process for synthesizing research findings into visual formats that inform decision-making.
• Showcase your workflow for creating and iterating on visual assets, from initial sketches to polished final deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Visual Design Strategist role, a portfolio is crucial. The emphasis on synthesizing research and developing strategic frameworks implies that the portfolio should not just showcase aesthetic design skills but also the ability to apply design thinking to business problems and communicate complex ideas effectively. This is akin to a process portfolio in operations, demonstrating how problems are tackled and solutions are visualized.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Visual Design Strategists with 2-4 years of experience in Chicago, the estimated annual salary range is $70,000 - $95,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Chicago, the company's focus on innovation, and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• Access to innovation resources and a collaborative studio environment.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in scheduling, with an expectation of approximately 3 days per week in the Chicago office.

📝 Enhancement Note: As salary information was not provided, a range has been estimated based on typical market rates for similar roles in Chicago, factoring in the experience level and the nature of the company's work. This range is an approximation and should be confirmed with the employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage Innovation, Wholesale Distribution Support. Relish Works operates as an innovation hub, specifically focused on challenging the status quo and pioneering advancements within the food industry, leveraging its connection with a top wholesale food distributor. Company Size: While specific size is not detailed, Relish Works operates as an "independent start-up" within a larger corporate structure, suggesting a dynamic, agile, and potentially lean team environment. Founded: The founding date of Relish Works is not specified, but its operational model as an innovation hub implies a relatively recent establishment focused on future-forward initiatives.

Team Structure:

• The Visual Design Strategist will be part of an innovation studio team, working closely with a "scrappy group of passionate practitioners."
• The role involves collaboration with interdisciplinary project teams comprising user research, experience design, business strategy, and project management specialists.
• Reporting lines are not explicitly detailed but are implied to be within the innovation studio structure, with potential collaboration across Relish's innovation, ventures, and investments departments.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on a "user-centered" and "systems thinking" approach to problem-solving and solution development.
• Data-driven decision-making, with a focus on synthesizing qualitative and quantitative research.
• Agile and iterative development processes, suitable for a startup environment where speed and adaptability are key.
• Strong focus on clear communication and storytelling to articulate complex ideas and strategies to stakeholders.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of Relish Works as an "independent start-up" working with a larger distributor suggests a culture that blends the agility and innovation of a startup with the resources and stability of an established entity. This dynamic can be appealing to operations professionals seeking impact and growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 2-4 years of specialized experience. It's an individual contributor role focused on applying design strategy to innovation initiatives, acting as a bridge between research insights and business strategy execution. Reporting Structure: The Visual Design Strategist will likely report to a Design Lead, Innovation Lead, or Head of Strategy within the innovation studio. Collaboration will be extensive with peers across various disciplines. Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's ability to innovate and identify new growth opportunities within the food industry. By translating research into compelling visual narratives and strategic proposals, the Visual Design Strategist enables executive teams to make informed investment and development decisions, driving business evolution and market impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in visual communication for strategy, potentially specializing in areas like service design visualization, brand strategy for new ventures, or executive presentation design.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop skills in leading visual aspects of innovation projects, influencing strategic direction through compelling design.
• Industry Expertise: Gain significant knowledge and experience in the food and beverage industry's innovation landscape, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Advancement: Potential to move into senior design strategist roles, lead design initiatives, or transition into broader innovation strategy or product development roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around expanding specialized design skills and gaining industry knowledge, which are valuable for career progression in both design and operations-adjacent innovation roles. The emphasis on influencing strategic direction highlights the potential for impact beyond pure design execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid office model. The role requires working from an office located in The Loop, Chicago, approximately 3 days per week. Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois (The Loop). Specific office details are typical for a professional urban workspace.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is within an "innovation studio," suggesting a collaborative, creative, and dynamic environment designed to foster ideation and teamwork.
• Access to necessary design tools, software, and technology for visual creation and presentation is implied.
• Opportunities for close interaction with a multidisciplinary team of strategists, researchers, and designers are a key feature of the work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with flexibility inherent in a hybrid model. The role requires adaptability to the fast-paced nature of a startup environment, which may occasionally involve working outside standard hours to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and location in Chicago's Loop provide a balance of flexibility and access to a professional hub. The "innovation studio" environment suggests a hands-on, collaborative culture that is often attractive to professionals who value dynamic work settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or talent acquisition will review applications and resumes, focusing on alignment with required experience and skills.
• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio and may undergo a screening call with a hiring manager or team member to discuss their work and approach. This stage will assess visual design skills, strategic thinking, and research synthesis capabilities.
• Case Study/Challenge: A common step for design strategy roles involves a take-home or in-person case study. This will assess the ability to frame problems, synthesize information, and present solutions visually, similar to operations challenges.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with cross-functional team members (e.g., UX Researchers, Business Strategists) to evaluate collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your best work that demonstrates your ability to synthesize research, develop strategic frameworks, and create compelling executive-level presentations.
• Organize projects logically, clearly articulating the problem, your process, your role, the solutions, and the impact. Use diagrams and visuals to explain your thinking.
• For case studies, focus on storytelling. Clearly outline the challenge, your approach (including research synthesis and strategy development), and how your visual solutions addressed the core issues.
• Highlight projects where you translated complex information into understandable and actionable insights for diverse audiences.
• Be prepared to discuss your design decisions, rationale, and how you collaborated with others.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a challenge that requires you to analyze a problem within the food service industry, synthesize provided (or hypothetical) research, and develop a visual strategy or concept.
• Practice structuring your thoughts and deliverables for clarity and impact, focusing on the narrative flow from problem to proposed solution.
• Prepare to present your findings and recommendations concisely, emphasizing your strategic and visual communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case studies underscores the practical, output-driven nature of this role, aligning with the performance-oriented expectations in operations. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their process and strategic thinking through their work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential. Figma or Sketch are also highly probable for collaborative workflows and rapid prototyping.
• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in Google Slides is explicitly mentioned, with potential use of PowerPoint for executive communication.
• Prototyping/Wireframing Tools: Tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or even Miro for conceptualizing and illustrating user flows and experiences.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, familiarity with visualizing data from qualitative and quantitative research is key. This may involve using tools to create charts and graphs or interpreting data from analytics platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly a CRM or automation role, but understanding how visual strategies support business goals and new venture pitches is important. Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) is likely beneficial for managing project workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily design-focused, but the application of these tools to "synthesize research," "illustrate new experiences," and "pitch ideas" connects it to operational outcomes. Proficiency in visual communication tools is paramount, with an expectation of translating data into comprehensible formats.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Inclusive & Passionate: A team that is welcoming, driven by a shared enthusiasm for innovation and the food industry.
• Resourceful & Dependable: Practitioners who can creatively solve problems with available means and can be relied upon to deliver high-quality work.
• Problem Solvers: A collective drive to tackle complex challenges, leveraging specialized skills in strategy, research, design, and communication.
• Flexibility & Collaboration: A work environment that prioritizes adaptable approaches and strong teamwork across disciplines.
• Accountability: Team members are expected to feel ownership and responsibility for all aspects of the business, not just their specific functional area, fostering a holistic operational mindset.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Integration: Seamless collaboration with diverse functional areas (user research, experience design, business strategy, project management) is fundamental.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely with innovation, ventures, and investments teams to align visual strategies with business objectives and market opportunities.
• Feedback Exchange: An open culture that encourages constructive feedback on design and strategy to refine concepts and improve outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: A proactive approach to sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across the team to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "accountability for all parts of the business, not just their discipline" is a strong indicator of a culture that values a broad operational perspective and cross-functional contribution, even in a design-focused role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Ambiguity into Clarity: Navigating complex, often ill-defined innovation challenges and translating them into clear, actionable visual strategies and communication materials.
• Balancing Creativity and Business Objectives: Pushing visual boundaries while ensuring designs effectively support business goals and resonate with executive audiences.
• Rapid Iteration in a Startup Environment: Adapting quickly to changing project requirements and fast-paced development cycles inherent in a startup setting.
• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively communicating design rationale and strategic implications to team members with non-design backgrounds, ensuring alignment and buy-in.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Innovation Strategy Expertise: Gain hands-on experience in developing and visualizing new business models and service offerings within the dynamic food industry.
• Executive Communication Mastery: Hone skills in crafting persuasive presentations and narratives for senior leadership, a critical skill for career advancement.
• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Learn from experts in user research, business strategy, and venture development, broadening understanding of the innovation ecosystem.
• Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust portfolio of strategic design projects that showcase impact on business innovation and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability and strong problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in any operations-related field. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning and the development of strategic, communication-focused competencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to synthesize complex research findings into a clear visual narrative. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio, detailing your approach to data synthesis, visual representation, and impact.
• "How do you approach balancing creative exploration with the need to meet specific business objectives and executive communication requirements?" Be ready to discuss your methodology for grounding creative work in strategic goals and audience needs.
• "Walk us through a project where you developed a framework or structure for a new concept. How did you ensure its clarity and utility?" Focus on demonstrating your systems thinking and ability to create logical structures.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Relish Works and our focus on innovation within the food industry?" Research the company's mission, recent initiatives, and market position. Connect your passion for design and innovation to their specific objectives.
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and resourceful team environment, especially in a fast-paced startup setting?" Provide examples of your collaborative style, how you've managed ambiguity, and your role in fostering a positive team dynamic.
• "How do you ensure your visual strategies align with business goals and deliver measurable impact?" Discuss your understanding of ROI in design and how you frame project success beyond aesthetics.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around key projects that best showcase your strategic thinking, research synthesis, and executive communication abilities.
• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your unique role, your process (emphasizing research and strategy), the visual solutions, and the results or impact.
• Use your portfolio pieces as visual aids to guide the conversation, rather than just presenting slides. Be prepared to dive deep into specific design decisions and rationale.
• Practice explaining complex visual concepts clearly and concisely, demonstrating your ability to engage stakeholders who may not have a design background.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and an understanding of business impact, echoing the core competencies expected in operations roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual Design Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your ability to synthesize research, develop strategic frameworks, and create compelling visual communications for executive audiences. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your process, and the outcome.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "Visual Design," "Systems Thinking," "User-Centered Design," "Research Synthesis," "Executive Communication," and "Collaboration." Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on impact.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience and approach to design strategy. Be ready to discuss your portfolio pieces and how your skills align with Relish Works' innovation goals and startup culture.
• Research Relish Works: Understand their mission, their role within the food industry, and their approach to innovation. Consider how your visual strategy skills can directly contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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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