Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Uline

Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: July 29, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and design of impactful marketing collateral, including catalogs, direct mail pieces, and digital assets, ensuring unwavering adherence to Uline's established brand integrity and creative standards.

• Collaborate closely with the photography team on-set to drive visual storytelling initiatives, translating product features and benefits into compelling visual narratives that resonate with a B2B audience.

• Spearhead design updates and revisions for key marketing materials, fostering strong partnerships with Art Directors and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment and project success.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior print designers and interns, cultivating a collaborative environment that fosters skill development and consistently delivers high-quality creative output.

• Oversee and manage multiple creative projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and ensuring all design work meets stringent quality standards and adheres to project deadlines within a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a B2B context, emphasizing a need for design that drives commercial objectives and maintains brand consistency across diverse marketing channels. The "Senior" title implies a leadership component, including mentorship and project oversight, which is crucial for candidates to highlight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute layouts for Uline's comprehensive product catalogs, ensuring a visually appealing and informative presentation of offerings.

• Develop compelling direct mail campaigns, including postcards and flyers, that effectively communicate value propositions and drive customer engagement.

• Create engaging digital marketing assets, such as banner ads, social media graphics, and email templates, optimized for various online platforms.

• Design visually consistent internal communications materials, supporting employee engagement and corporate messaging initiatives.

• Partner with photographers on photo shoots to ensure creative direction is executed flawlessly, resulting in high-impact product imagery and visual storytelling.

• Lead design iterations and revisions, working collaboratively with Art Directors and stakeholders to incorporate feedback and achieve desired outcomes.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to brand guidelines and quality benchmarks.

• Mentor and guide junior designers and interns, fostering their professional development and ensuring the team's collective output meets Uline's high creative standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on print collateral (catalogs, direct mail) alongside digital assets, indicating a need for a designer proficient in both mediums. The direct collaboration with photography and mentorship of junior staff suggests a role that bridges execution and leadership within the creative department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive graphic design experience, preferably within a high-volume, fast-paced creative environment, such as an in-house marketing department or a busy agency.

• Demonstrated experience in B2B marketing or a related industry is highly advantageous, showcasing an understanding of business-to-business communication strategies and aesthetics. Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro) is essential for all design execution.

• Mastery of MacOS operating system and its associated design workflows.

• Strong foundational knowledge of print design principles, including typography, layout, color theory, and pre-press preparation.

• Proven ability to translate marketing objectives into effective digital design solutions for online channels.

• Excellent visual storytelling capabilities, with a knack for creating engaging narratives through imagery and layout.

• Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and designing comprehensive marketing collateral, such as catalogs and direct mail pieces.

• Solid understanding of brand integrity and the ability to consistently apply brand guidelines across all creative outputs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with photography art direction or on-set collaboration.

• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies for tracking design projects.

• Ability to mentor and provide constructive feedback to junior designers and interns.

• Experience in designing for e-commerce platforms or digital advertising campaigns.

• Understanding of user experience (UX) principles as they apply to digital design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years of experience and expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, coupled with a portfolio demonstrating B2B experience, positions this as a senior-level role. Emphasis on print design suggests a need for candidates with a strong foundation in traditional design principles, complementing digital skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 7 years of professional graphic design work, with a significant emphasis on B2B applications.

• Detailed case studies or project examples demonstrating expertise in catalog design, from initial concept through final production.

• Visual evidence of direct mail campaign design, including layout, copy integration, and strategic considerations for target audiences.

• Examples of digital marketing assets, such as web banners, social media graphics, and email templates, highlighting adaptability to various digital platforms.

• Demonstrations of how brand integrity was maintained and enhanced across multiple design projects and mediums.

• Projects that illustrate collaboration with cross-functional teams, including photography and marketing stakeholders, showcasing effective communication and problem-solving. Process Documentation:

• Examples of design process workflows, from brief interpretation and concept development to final asset delivery and production handoff.

• Documentation of how feedback from Art Directors and stakeholders was incorporated into design revisions, illustrating a structured iteration process.

• Case studies that detail the problem-solving approach taken for specific design challenges, emphasizing efficiency and creative solutions.

• Evidence of successful project management, including how deadlines were met and quality standards were upheld for complex design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are critical for this role, emphasizing not just the final output but also the process and strategic thinking behind B2B design. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design methodology, collaboration techniques, and how they ensure brand consistency and project efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary range for a Senior Graphic Designer in the Pleasant Prairie, WI area, with 7+ years of experience, typically falls between $85,000 and $110,000. This estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in the Midwest region, considering the cost of living and the specialized skills required for B2B marketing collateral and brand management.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous 6% employer match, effective from day one of employment.

• Multiple bonus programs designed to reward performance and contribution.

• Paid holidays and a generous paid time off (PTO) package, ensuring work-life balance.

• Tuition Assistance Program providing financial support for continuing education and professional development.

• On-site employee perks including a subsidized café and a first-class fitness center with complimentary personal trainers.

• Access to over four miles of scenic walking trails on the corporate campus. Working Hours:

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

• While the role is on-site, Uline generally fosters a productive work environment that respects employee time and promotes efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While Uline does not explicitly state the salary range, industry research suggests a competitive compensation package for a Senior Graphic Designer with 7+ years of experience in a high-cost-of-living area like Pleasant Prairie, WI. The benefits are exceptionally strong, particularly the day-one 401(k) match and extensive on-site amenities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Distribution (Shipping, Industrial, Packaging Materials)

Company Size: Uline is a large company with over 9,800 employees across 14 locations, indicating a stable and well-established organization with significant resources.

Founded: Uline was founded over 45 years ago, highlighting a long history of success and stability in the market. This longevity suggests a company culture that values tradition, reliability, and sustained growth.

Team Structure:

• The Creative team is an award-winning, in-house department, suggesting a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• As a Senior Graphic Designer, you will likely work closely with Art Directors, fellow designers (print and digital), photographers, and potentially marketing strategists.

• The role involves mentoring junior designers and interns, indicating a team structure that supports knowledge transfer and professional development.

• Collaboration will extend across departments, requiring effective communication with stakeholders who rely on Uline's marketing materials. Methodology:

• Uline's focus on industrial distribution suggests a practical, results-oriented approach to marketing and design.

• The emphasis on brand integrity and visual storytelling points to a methodology that values clear, impactful communication that drives sales and customer loyalty.

• Design processes are likely structured to ensure efficiency and quality, given the high volume of catalog and direct mail production.

• Data-driven insights may inform design decisions, especially in digital marketing, to optimize campaign performance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Uline's position as a leading distributor implies a B2B focus with a need for professional, reliable, and effective marketing collateral. The in-house Creative team structure suggests opportunities for direct impact and close collaboration, while the company's size and history point to stability and established processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Senior Graphic Designer role represents a significant step in a design career, moving beyond execution to include leadership, mentorship, and strategic input. It's a position for experienced professionals who can independently manage complex projects and guide others.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to an Art Director or Creative Director within the in-house Creative team. They will, in turn, mentor junior designers and interns. Collaboration will be extensive with various departments requiring design support.

Operations Impact: While this role is in graphic design, its impact is deeply tied to revenue operations and Go-To-Market strategies. High-quality catalogs, direct mail, and digital marketing assets directly influence customer acquisition, retention, and sales volume for Uline's extensive product catalog. Effective visual communication enhances brand perception, drives lead generation, and supports the overall sales funnel.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into an Art Director or Lead Designer role, taking on greater strategic responsibility and team management.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like catalog design, direct mail strategy, or digital campaign optimization within the B2B context.

• Skill Development: Uline's Tuition Assistance Program supports ongoing learning, allowing for acquisition of new design software, techniques, or even related marketing skills.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Exposure to various marketing initiatives and departmental needs provides a broad understanding of business operations and how design contributes to overall success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation and mentorship responsibilities indicate a clear path for career progression within Uline's Creative department, potentially leading to leadership roles. The impact on revenue is significant, as design directly supports sales and customer engagement in the B2B distribution sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Uline's Corporate Headquarters in Pleasant Prairie, WI. This is an on-site position, emphasizing a traditional office environment.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Pleasant Prairie, WI, with potential for interaction or consideration of roles at other nearby locations like Milwaukee, WI, Waukegan, IL, and Glenview, IL, depending on broader company needs. The Pleasant Prairie campus is substantial, featuring advanced facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with Art Directors, photographers, marketing teams, and other designers. Expect a dynamic team setting with regular communication and feedback loops.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) on MacOS workstations is a given. The company likely invests in up-to-date technology to support its high-volume creative output.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with colleagues within the Creative department, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The on-site nature facilitates spontaneous brainstorming and quick problem-solving.

• On-site Amenities: Uline offers exceptional on-site amenities, including a café and a first-class fitness center, contributing to a positive and convenient work experience.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, likely around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, adherence to deadlines and project needs may occasionally require flexibility, though the company emphasizes a structured work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key aspect of this role. Uline's emphasis on its corporate headquarters and the extensive amenities suggest a commitment to providing a well-equipped and supportive physical workspace designed for productivity and employee well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio. Ensure your portfolio prominently features B2B design work, catalog examples, and direct mail campaigns.

2. Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications to assess qualifications against the minimum requirements. Focus on highlighting your 7+ years of experience and Adobe Creative Suite expertise.

3. Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into your portfolio by Art Directors or senior design staff. Be prepared to discuss your design process, creative decisions, and the impact of your work.

4. Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: You may be given a design challenge or a portfolio presentation task to assess your practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you approach a brief. This could involve critiquing existing Uline materials or proposing a redesign.

5. Interviews with Hiring Team: Interviews with Art Directors and potentially other team members to evaluate your fit with the team culture, communication skills, and mentoring capabilities.

6. Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a higher-level manager to discuss career aspirations and overall alignment with Uline's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest B2B design projects, prioritizing those that demonstrate catalog design, direct mail, and digital marketing collateral. Include a minimum of 3-5 substantial projects.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly outline the objective, your role, the challenges faced, your creative process (sketches, mood boards, iterations), and the final outcome. Use visuals to illustrate your journey.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or qualitative results that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased response rates, improved brand perception, successful campaign launches).

• Brand Consistency: Clearly articulate how you maintained and enforced brand integrity throughout your projects.

• Mentorship Examples: If applicable, include examples of how you've guided junior designers or shared your expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Uline's Brand: Thoroughly review Uline's website, catalogs, and marketing materials to grasp their aesthetic, tone, and target audience.

• B2B Design Principles: Refresh your understanding of effective B2B design strategies that drive conversions and build business relationships.

• Catalog Design Best Practices: Be ready to discuss layout principles, information hierarchy, and visual merchandising techniques specific to catalogs.

• Direct Mail Strategy: Prepare to discuss how design elements in direct mail contribute to response rates and customer engagement.

• Adobe Creative Cloud Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, potentially through a live design exercise or problem-solving scenario.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily relies on portfolio assessment. Candidates should meticulously prepare their portfolio to highlight B2B relevance, catalog/direct mail expertise, and a clear, repeatable design process. A creative challenge is highly probable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Expert proficiency required in:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of catalogs, direct mail, flyers, and internal communications. This is likely the core tool for print collateral.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creation of digital assets.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and detailed illustrations.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, editing, and pre-press checks.

• MacOS: Expert knowledge of the operating system and its design-specific features and workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary design tool, familiarity with digital analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) may be beneficial for understanding the performance of digital marketing assets. Designers may need to interpret reports to inform future digital design choices.

• Internal reporting tools may be used for project management and tracking design requests. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Senior Graphic Designer role's core responsibilities, but an understanding of how design assets integrate into CRM campaigns or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Cloud suite on MacOS. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. While direct analytics tools aren't listed, an understanding of how design impacts digital campaign performance is a valuable, albeit preferred, skill.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to producing visually stunning and technically flawless design work that upholds Uline's reputation.

• Brand Integrity: A deep respect for and adherence to Uline's established brand guidelines to ensure consistent and professional representation.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A drive to work effectively and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely delivery of marketing materials.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with Art Directors, photographers, and other team members, sharing ideas and supporting collective goals.

• Mentorship & Growth: An emphasis on developing talent within the team, sharing knowledge, and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with various departments to understand their needs and translate them into effective visual solutions. This requires clear communication and stakeholder management.

• Process-Oriented: Design workflows are likely structured to ensure quality control, feedback incorporation, and efficient production, particularly for high-volume print materials.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive criticism and open discussion to refine designs and achieve the best possible outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Senior designers are expected to mentor and guide junior team members, promoting a culture of continuous learning and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Uline's culture likely values a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a practical, results-driven approach, reflecting its position in the industrial distribution sector. The emphasis on mentorship and collaboration within the Creative team is a key cultural aspect for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume Production: Managing a constant stream of design requests for catalogs, direct mail, and digital assets while maintaining high quality can be demanding.

• Brand Consistency Across Channels: Ensuring that the Uline brand is consistently represented across diverse print and digital mediums requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of brand guidelines.

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Needs: The role requires creative problem-solving that aligns with Uline's business objectives and sales targets in a B2B context.

• Mentorship Responsibilities: Effectively guiding and developing junior designers while managing your own workload requires strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in specialized areas of print or digital design through Uline's Tuition Assistance Program or internal training.

• Leadership Development: Gain experience in managing projects, mentoring junior staff, and potentially leading design initiatives, paving the way for Art Director roles.

• Industry Exposure: Working on a wide range of marketing materials for a major distributor provides broad exposure to different design applications and B2B marketing strategies.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Collaborating with various business units offers insights into different facets of Uline's operations, enhancing overall business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around managing high-volume output and maintaining brand consistency, common in large B2B organizations. Growth opportunities are strong, particularly in leadership and specialization within the design field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a multi-page catalog, from brief to final print-ready files." (Focus on information hierarchy, layout, and production workflow.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various print and digital marketing materials?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and application.)

• "Walk us through a challenging B2B design project you led or significantly contributed to. What was the objective, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study showcasing problem-solving and impact.)

• "How would you approach mentoring a junior designer who is struggling with a particular design concept or software feature?" (Demonstrate your leadership and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Uline's brand and its marketing approach?" (Research Uline's website, catalogs, and mission.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to Uline's success in the industrial distribution market?" (Connect your expertise to their business goals.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with colleagues." (Align your working style with Uline's likely collaborative culture.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (catalog, direct mail, digital) or by impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the "why" behind your design choices, not just the "what." Discuss the client's needs, your creative process, and the results achieved.

• Highlight B2B Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate an understanding of B2B audiences and objectives.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and MacOS, and how you leverage these tools.

• Address Mentorship: If you have experience mentoring, be ready to share examples of how you've guided junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your design process, B2B experience, brand stewardship, and leadership potential. A well-prepared, story-driven portfolio presentation is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Visit the Uline Careers portal and submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest B2B design work, with specific examples of catalog design, direct mail campaigns, and digital marketing collateral. Tailor your presentation to highlight how your skills align with Uline's needs.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize your 7+ years of experience, expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and MacOS, and any experience in B2B or industrial sectors. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Uline's brand, products, and marketing efforts. Prepare to discuss your design process, creative problem-solving, and how you approach mentorship. Practice articulating your portfolio projects with clear objectives and outcomes.

• Company Research: Understand Uline's position as a leading industrial distributor and its commitment to quality and customer service. Be ready to discuss how your design contributions support these company values and drive sales.

⚠️ 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.