Senior Graphic Designer

American Food & Vending ⏐ American Dining Creations
Full-time$60k-90k/year (USD)Liverpool, United States

📍 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: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-02

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead the strategic development and execution of high-impact graphic design projects, encompassing advertising campaigns, print collateral, digital assets, and comprehensive branding initiatives for a national hospitality organization.

  • Champion the consistent application of the company's established visual identity and brand guidelines across all creative outputs, ensuring brand integrity and recognition.

  • Serve as a creative thought leader, proactively identifying and integrating emerging design trends, innovative techniques, and advanced tools to elevate the team's creative output and strategic impact.

  • Drive project management excellence by meticulously planning, organizing, and overseeing multiple design initiatives simultaneously, ensuring adherence to strict deadlines and uncompromising quality standards.

  • Foster robust collaboration with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product development, and external partners, to translate complex business objectives into compelling and effective visual design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, implying a significant level of autonomy, strategic input, and potential mentorship responsibilities within the creative function. The emphasis on leading campaigns, managing projects, and acting as a thought leader indicates a move beyond execution to strategic contribution within the GTM and marketing operations framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Spearhead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of innovative graphic design solutions for diverse marketing channels, including digital advertising, social media content, internal communications, and event collateral.

  • Develop and maintain comprehensive brand style guides, ensuring consistent application of visual identity elements across all company-facing materials and platforms.

  • Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to inform design strategies and identify opportunities for creative differentiation within the hospitality sector.

  • Manage the end-to-end design process for key marketing initiatives, from initial brief and concept development through to final asset delivery and performance review.

  • Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop compelling visual narratives that support lead generation, customer engagement, and brand storytelling efforts.

  • Oversee the production process for print and digital assets, liaising with vendors, printers, and web developers to ensure accurate and timely execution.

  • Present design concepts, strategies, and final deliverables to senior leadership, articulating the rationale behind design choices and their alignment with business objectives.

  • Provide constructive feedback and mentorship to junior designers, fostering their professional development and ensuring adherence to design best practices and standards.

  • Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement within the design workflow, implementing efficiencies and best practices to enhance team productivity and output quality.

  • Stay abreast of industry best practices in graphic design, digital marketing, and brand management, continuously seeking opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational management, common in senior creative roles that interface with marketing operations. The emphasis on strategy, collaboration with sales/marketing, and process improvement suggests this role contributes to the broader GTM strategy by ensuring visual consistency and impactful creative asset development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in graphic design, with at least 2-3 years in a senior or lead capacity, demonstrating a track record of successful project completion and creative leadership.

Required Skills:

  • Expert proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe XD, for creating and manipulating complex visual assets.

  • Strong command of typography, color theory, composition, layout design, and overall visual design principles.

  • Proven experience in developing and maintaining brand identity systems, including logo design, style guides, and visual asset libraries.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority design projects concurrently, effectively prioritizing tasks and meeting demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts, present strategies, and provide clear, constructive feedback.

  • Experience in UX/UI design principles and their application in creating user-centered digital interfaces.

  • Proficiency in creating digital assets for various platforms, including web, social media, and email marketing.

Preferred Skills:

  • Knowledge of motion graphics and video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro) for dynamic content creation.

  • Familiarity with web design principles, including HTML and CSS, to inform digital design decisions and collaborate effectively with web developers.

  • Experience in mentoring junior designers or leading small creative teams, providing guidance and fostering skill development.

  • Understanding of marketing principles and how design contributes to campaign effectiveness and business objectives.

  • Experience within the hospitality, food service, or B2B service industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years of professional experience in graphic design, including leadership roles" strongly suggests a need for candidates who can not only execute design but also strategize, manage projects, and potentially mentor. The inclusion of UX/UI, motion graphics, and HTML/CSS points to a modern design role that requires a broad skill set touching on digital marketing operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 distinct projects that highlight expertise across branding, digital marketing assets, print collateral, and campaign development.

  • Each project within the portfolio should clearly articulate the design challenge, the applicant's role, the creative process undertaken, and the measurable impact or outcome achieved.

  • Demonstrations of brand consistency and the ability to adapt designs to different media and target audiences are critical.

  • Include examples of UI/UX design work if applicable, detailing user flow considerations and interface design decisions.

Process Documentation:

  • Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including how they approach client briefs, conduct research, develop concepts, iterate on designs based on feedback, and manage project timelines.

  • An understanding of how design processes integrate with broader marketing workflows and GTM strategies will be advantageous.

  • Be ready to explain how you ensure brand consistency and quality control throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on demonstrating not just creative output but also strategic thinking, process management, and the ability to deliver tangible business results through design, which aligns with operations and GTM objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $90,000 per year. This salary range is based on the provided job description data for a Senior Graphic Designer role in Liverpool, New York. A professional in this role with 5-10 years of experience in a medium-sized company within the hospitality sector in the Northeast US typically falls within this compensation bracket. Factors such as specific skill set, depth of experience, and performance during the interview process can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

  • Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401k).

  • Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

  • Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses or salary increases.

  • Employee discount programs or perks related to company services.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, with potential for occasional flexibility required to meet project deadlines or collaborate with teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range was explicitly provided in the input. The benefits listed are standard for a full-time position at a company of this size and industry, offering a competitive package for a senior-level creative professional.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality Services, Food & Vending, Corporate & Education Dining.

Company Size: American Food & Vending / American Dining Creations operates nationwide, employing over 2,000 people and serving hundreds of thousands daily, indicating a large, established organization with a significant operational footprint.

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the company operates nationwide and has a substantial employee base, suggesting a mature and well-established business with a long history in the hospitality sector.

Team Structure:

  • The Senior Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing or Communications department.

  • This department may include marketing managers, content creators, social media specialists, and potentially other designers.

  • The Senior Graphic Designer is expected to mentor junior designers, suggesting a hierarchical structure within the creative team.

Methodology:

  • The company emphasizes customization and flexibility in its dining services, suggesting a problem-solving and client-centric approach.

  • The "Fresh Difference" culinary philosophy and focus on "outstanding and memorable dining solutions" point to a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer experience.

  • Operations are managed with "highest operation standards," indicating a focus on efficiency, consistency, and best practices.

  • Data-driven insights likely inform menu development, service improvements, and market strategy, which the design team will visually support.

Company Website: https://olivia.paradox.ai/co/AmericanFoodVendingAmericanDiningCreations4/ (Note: This URL leads to the applicant tracking system, not the company's primary public website. The actual company website is likely afvusa.com based on domain_derived.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates in a competitive service industry where brand perception and visual communication are key. The "large" company size and nationwide operations imply a need for standardized branding and collateral that can be scaled effectively. The emphasis on customization and quality suggests a culture that values both creativity and operational excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It involves not only design execution but also strategic input, project leadership, and mentorship. It sits within the broader marketing and creative operations function, contributing to the company's GTM strategy through impactful visual communication.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Director, Creative Director, or a similar leadership role within the marketing department. They will also oversee or mentor junior designers, establishing a clear reporting and mentorship dynamic.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly influences brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and client engagement. By creating compelling visuals for advertising, digital platforms, and presentations, they support sales efforts, enhance brand recognition, and contribute to the overall success of the company's GTM initiatives. Strong design is crucial for differentiating American Dining Creations in a competitive market and communicating its value proposition effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Creative Leadership: Progression to Art Director or Creative Director roles, managing larger teams and broader creative strategies.

  • Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like UX/UI design, motion graphics, or brand strategy.

  • Cross-Functional Roles: Transitioning into marketing management, brand management, or project management roles where design expertise is a significant asset.

  • Industry Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert in design for the hospitality or B2B service sector.

  • Mentorship & Training: Developing leadership and training skills through ongoing mentorship of junior staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and mentorship requirement suggest a clear path for growth beyond individual contribution, focusing on leadership and strategic impact within the creative operations domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment where collaboration and in-person interaction are expected. The company operates nationwide, suggesting a professional corporate office setting.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is 124 Metropolitan Park Drive, Liverpool, NY 13088. While the company has nationwide operations, this specific role is based at this Liverpool, NY address.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is likely to be a professional office environment equipped with standard office amenities and technology.

  • It will provide access to necessary design software and hardware.

  • The environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with marketing colleagues, potentially other creative professionals, and stakeholders from various departments.

  • The culture of a large company like American Food & Vending suggests a structured but potentially dynamic work setting, especially within the marketing department.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically aligning with traditional business hours (e.g., Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM). However, as a senior role with project deadlines, flexibility may be required to accommodate specific campaign launches or urgent requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles that involve direct team collaboration, mentorship, and hands-on use of office-based resources and equipment. The Liverpool, NY location is the specific hub for this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

  • Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio to the hiring manager and potentially other members of the creative or marketing team. Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work.

  • Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design challenge, either during the interview or as a take-home assignment, to evaluate your practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to a specific brief.

  • Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with potential peers or stakeholders from marketing, sales, or operations to assess collaboration style and communication skills.

  • Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit, strategic alignment, and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your skills in branding, digital, and print design, aligning with the responsibilities of this role. Prioritize work that demonstrates leadership, strategic thinking, and measurable results.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your solution, and the outcome. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, successful campaign launch).

  • Highlight Process: Be ready to walk through your design process, including ideation, research, iteration, and collaboration. This is especially important for a senior role.

  • Showcase Brand Consistency: Demonstrate your ability to adhere to and evolve brand guidelines.

  • Digital Presentation: Prepare a clean, professional digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, personal website) that is easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Brief: Carefully read and deconstruct any design challenge brief, identifying key objectives, target audience, and constraints.

  • Think Strategically: Consider the business goals behind the design request. How can your design solution directly support American Dining Creations' objectives?

  • Time Management: Allocate your time effectively to ensure you can deliver a well-thought-out solution within the given timeframe.

  • Present Clearly: Be prepared to present your design solution, explaining your choices and how they address the brief.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer, the portfolio is not just a showcase of work but a direct reflection of their strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities. The interview process will likely heavily weigh the ability to articulate design decisions and their business impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (essential for print and digital design).

  • Adobe XD: For UI/UX design, prototyping, and wireframing.

  • Microsoft Office Suite/Google Workspace: For document creation, presentations, and collaboration (Word/Docs, PowerPoint/Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior and inform digital design choices.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not a direct CRM role, understanding how designs are used in marketing automation platforms (e.g., email marketing software) or CRM-driven campaigns can be beneficial.

  • Experience with project management tools for task tracking and workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement. Experience with UI/UX tools like Adobe XD is also highly valued, indicating a need for modern digital design skills. Awareness of analytics and project management tools suggests an understanding of how design integrates into broader operational workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce visually compelling and original designs that capture attention and communicate effectively.

  • Brand Integrity: A deep commitment to maintaining and enhancing the company's visual identity and brand standards across all touchpoints.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with colleagues, share ideas, and provide constructive feedback to achieve collective goals.

  • Efficiency & Quality: A focus on delivering high-quality design work on time, optimizing processes to ensure productivity without sacrificing excellence.

  • Customer Focus: Understanding that design serves business objectives and ultimately aims to enhance the customer or client experience.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with marketing, sales, and operations teams to understand their needs and translate them into visual solutions.

  • Feedback-Oriented: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve designs and foster a culture of continuous learning.

  • Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication with team members and stakeholders to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

  • Mentorship & Support: A supportive approach to mentoring junior designers, fostering their growth and contributing to a positive team dynamic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on customization and quality in its service offerings likely translates to a culture that values detailed work, client satisfaction, and creative problem-solving within professional boundaries.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Ensuring innovative designs align with established brand guidelines and corporate objectives.

  • Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Catering to the varied design requests and feedback from different departments and leadership levels.

  • Pacing in a Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to changing project priorities and tight deadlines common in marketing and GTM initiatives.

  • Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness of design work and demonstrating ROI to stakeholders.

  • Staying Current with Trends: Continuously learning and adapting to evolving design software, techniques, and digital marketing landscapes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Software Training: Deepening skills in specialized areas like motion graphics, 3D design, or advanced UI/UX tools.

  • Brand Strategy Workshops: Understanding the strategic thinking behind branding and how to develop cohesive visual narratives.

  • Project Management Certifications: Enhancing skills in managing complex projects and workflows.

  • Industry Conferences & Webinars: Attending events to network and learn about the latest trends in graphic design, marketing, and the hospitality sector.

  • Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship initiatives to develop leadership and coaching abilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges that directly impact a large, established organization. Growth lies not only in technical skill but also in strategic influence and leadership within the creative function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for taking a design brief from concept to final delivery, especially when working with multiple stakeholders." (Focus on process, collaboration, and project management.)

  • "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate a brand's message and achieve specific business objectives?" (Focus on strategic thinking, brand alignment, and impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about American Food & Vending/American Dining Creations, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Demonstrate research and alignment.)

  • "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers or leading creative projects. What is your leadership style?" (Highlight leadership and team-building capabilities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. Start with your strongest, most relevant projects. For each piece, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the results.

  • Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates, higher engagement, successful campaign metrics).

  • Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your thought process behind each design. Why did you make certain choices regarding color, typography, layout, etc.?

  • Showcase Versatility: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates a range of skills, from branding and print to digital assets and potentially UI/UX.

  • Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to be confident, concise, and engaging. Be prepared for questions about your design philosophy and approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, project management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to demonstrate these qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link: https://olivia.paradox.ai/co/AmericanFoodVendingAmericanDiningCreations4/Job?job_id=PDX_AFVADC_FCB0C4C6-8808-440B-A888-56D22363997D_22511047

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select and refine your strongest design projects that align with the responsibilities outlined. Ensure it showcases branding, digital, and print work, with clear explanations of your process and impact.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience, leadership roles, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience in mentoring or managing projects. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Prepare for a Design Challenge: Familiarize yourself with common design challenges in marketing and branding, and practice developing solutions under time constraints.

  • Research the Company: Understand American Food & Vending/American Dining Creations' mission, services, and target markets to better articulate how your design skills can 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.


Application Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field and at least 5 years of professional experience, including leadership roles. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and a strong portfolio showcasing branding, digital, and print work are essential.