Senior Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Brand Designer

Company: HBK CPA

Location: Holmdel, NJ, United States (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: June 26, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4-6 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual evolution of HBK CPA's brand identity through a comprehensive brand refresh initiative.

• Translate intricate business concepts into compelling visual narratives across digital and print mediums.

• Drive the creation and implementation of sophisticated brand guidelines and visual systems.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive and impactful brand representation.

• Contribute to a dynamic Marketing & Growth team in a fast-paced professional services environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Brand Designer," the responsibilities extend into brand operations by managing the visual identity systems and ensuring consistent application across all touchpoints. This role is crucial for maintaining brand integrity and supporting strategic marketing initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of a firm-wide brand refresh, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive brand identity systems, including logos, color palettes, typography, and visual style guides.

• Design high-impact marketing collateral for both digital platforms (websites, social media, email campaigns) and print (brochures, presentations, event materials).

• Create compelling visual assets for internal and external communications, ensuring clarity and brand consistency.

• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and leadership teams to understand their visual needs and translate them into effective design solutions.

• Produce production-ready files for various outputs, ensuring quality and adherence to specifications.

• Stay abreast of industry design trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to inform design strategies.

• Manage design projects from concept to completion, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines within a hybrid work environment.

• Provide creative direction and mentorship to junior designers or external agencies as needed.

• Contribute to the development of design system components for scalable and consistent brand application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities lean heavily into brand strategy implementation and operationalizing brand guidelines, which is a key function within marketing operations. The emphasis on brand refresh and visual systems management indicates a strategic operational component beyond just design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field. Experience:

• 4-6 years of professional design experience, with a strong preference for experience in professional services, B2B marketing, or an agency setting.

• Proven track record in brand development, identity system creation, or leading brand refresh projects.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet stringent deadlines. Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Strong understanding of typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy principles.

• Experience designing for both digital (web, social media, email) and print media.

• Ability to create production-ready files for diverse output methods (offset printing, digital rendering, web deployment).

• Keen attention to detail and a commitment to producing error-free, polished work.

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize and organize tasks effectively.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating and defending creative concepts.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to receive and incorporate feedback constructively.

• Strategic thinking ability to align design solutions with overarching business goals.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently while contributing effectively to team goals. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the accounting, financial services, or broader professional services industry.

• Familiarity with motion graphics or video editing software.

• Proficiency in Figma or other design system management tools.

• Advanced skills in PowerPoint or other presentation design software.

• Experience designing for social media platforms and understanding their specific requirements.

• Familiarity with marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot) and Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress).

• Understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills focus on core design execution and project management, while preferred skills highlight a desire for candidates with experience in specific industries and tools relevant to a professional services marketing operation, such as HubSpot and WordPress for content management and marketing automation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 4-6 years of professional design work, with a clear emphasis on brand development, identity systems, and brand refresh initiatives.

• Demonstrations of sophisticated aesthetic judgment, design versatility, and the ability to translate complex business concepts into compelling visual narratives.

• Examples of design projects executed for both digital and print mediums, highlighting adaptability to different output requirements.

• Case studies detailing the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of design decisions on brand perception and business objectives. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from brief to final delivery, including research, conceptualization, iteration, and production phases.

• Experience in developing and maintaining brand guidelines and visual identity systems, demonstrating a structured approach to brand governance.

• Examples of how design has been used to support marketing campaigns or business objectives, showcasing strategic application.

• Evidence of adhering to production standards and creating error-free, polished final assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Brand Designer role, especially one involving a brand refresh, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is not just on the final output but on the strategic thinking, process, and ability to operationalize brand guidelines consistently. This aligns with the operational aspects of managing a brand.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 annually

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation Package

• Open Paid-Time-Off (PTO) Policy

• Flexible Work Environment Promoting Work/Life Balance

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match and Profit Sharing

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Company-Paid Life Insurance

• Affordable Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Affordable Accidental and Critical Illness Insurance

• 9 Paid Holidays

• Annual Performance Reviews

• Access to Industry Conferences and Professional Development Opportunities Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote, requiring effective time management and self-discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on the provided AI-generated figures of $70,000-$80,000 USD annually, which is a reasonable estimate for a Senior Brand Designer with 4-6 years of experience in a professional services context in the US, considering location and industry. The benefits package is extensive, as detailed in the input, offering a strong value proposition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Accounting and Financial Services. HBK CPA is a Top 50 accounting firm and a Top 100 registered investment advisory, emphasizing client relationships and entrepreneurial support.

Company Size: Hundreds of professionals across 20 locations, indicating a significant but structured organization. This size suggests a need for standardized brand operations and clear visual communication strategies.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the firm's current positioning as a Top 50 accounting firm implies a history of growth and established presence.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Brand Designer will be part of the Marketing & Growth team.

• This team likely collaborates closely with sales, client relationship managers, and firm leadership.

• Reporting structure indicates a potential manager overseeing marketing functions, with the Senior Brand Designer leading visual strategy. Methodology:

• HBK operates on a model of "entrepreneurs working with entrepreneurs," suggesting a client-centric, proactive, and solution-oriented approach.

• The firm values strong client relationships and community influence, which the brand design must reflect.

• A focus on growth and talent development is evident, with support for professional success.

Company Website: https://hbkcpa.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding HBK's culture as a professional services firm focused on client success and entrepreneurial support is key. The brand designer's role is to visually embody these values and support the firm's growth ambitions through consistent and compelling brand messaging. The hybrid work model also reflects a modern company culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role, focused on specialized expertise in brand design and visual strategy. It sits within the broader marketing operations function, responsible for the tactical execution and strategic guidance of the firm's visual identity.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand Designer will report into the Marketing & Growth team leadership. This position is critical for translating marketing strategy into visual execution and ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on HBK's brand perception, client engagement, and overall market presence. Effective brand design supports lead generation, client acquisition, and reinforces the firm's professional credibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Brand Leadership: Opportunity to lead significant brand development initiatives, including the current brand refresh, and shape the future visual direction of the firm.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to diverse design challenges across multiple service lines (accounting, advisory, etc.) and industries, broadening design expertise.

• Mentorship & Learning: Collaborate with experienced marketing professionals and potentially mentor junior designers, fostering leadership skills.

• Career Advancement: A clear path for professional advancement is suggested as the marketing function continues to grow, potentially into a Brand Manager or Creative Director role.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new design tools (Figma, motion graphics) and develop skills in areas like presentation design and social media content creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a level of autonomy and strategic contribution. The role is positioned to grow with the marketing function, offering a clear trajectory for career development within brand management and creative leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a hybrid work environment, requiring 3 days in the office and 2 days remote. This suggests a modern office setup designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary location listed is Holmdel, NJ, with other potential office locations including Youngstown, OH; Melville, NY; and Warrendale, PA. This indicates a multi-state firm with opportunities for collaboration across different regions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Modern, collaborative office spaces are mentioned, designed to foster teamwork and idea exchange among marketing professionals.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially newer tools like Figma, alongside office technology supporting hybrid work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person interaction with marketing colleagues 3 days a week, facilitating spontaneous brainstorming and feedback sessions.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time schedule, likely aligning with typical business hours, but with the flexibility of a hybrid model. This requires strong self-management to ensure deliverables are met consistently, regardless of location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring a candidate comfortable with balancing remote and in-office work. The mention of "modern, collaborative office spaces" suggests an environment conducive to creative teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of applications and portfolios for basic qualifications and creative alignment.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to thoroughly review the candidate's portfolio, focusing on brand development, refresh projects, and design execution. Expect to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Skills Assessment: Potential technical assessment or design challenge to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, and problem-solving.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Meetings with the Marketing & Growth team and hiring manager to assess collaboration skills, strategic thinking, cultural fit, and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Interview: Possibly with senior leadership to discuss the strategic impact of brand design on business objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that directly align with brand development, identity systems, and brand refreshes. Prioritize B2B or professional services examples if available.

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the client's challenge, your design process, the strategic rationale behind your creative decisions, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Brand Refresh: Given the role's focus, ensure at least one project clearly demonstrates experience in a brand refresh or significant brand identity evolution.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples of both digital and print design work, showcasing your ability to adapt to various mediums and output requirements.

• Quality Over Quantity: Ensure all presented work is polished, error-free, and reflects your best aesthetic judgment and technical skill.

Challenge Preparation: