Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Uline

Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-06-24T00:00:00

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and design of integrated marketing collateral, including catalogs, direct mail, and digital assets, ensuring adherence to Uline's established brand identity and standards.

• Drive visual storytelling initiatives by collaborating closely with the photography team on-set to execute creative direction and enhance product narratives.

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end design process for key creative projects, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining high-quality creative output.

• Serve as a mentor and provide guidance to junior print designers and interns, fostering their professional development and ensuring consistent creative excellence across the team.

• Partner with Art Directors and cross-functional stakeholders to refine design concepts, implement feedback, and drive design updates for various marketing channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer within Uline's in-house Creative team, focusing heavily on print and digital design for B2B marketing. The emphasis on "leading projects," "mentoring," and "creative direction" suggests a significant level of autonomy and responsibility beyond standard design tasks, aligning with senior-level expectations in operations-adjacent creative functions. The role requires a strong understanding of brand integrity and visual storytelling for product marketing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute compelling layouts for a diverse range of Uline marketing materials, including catalogs, direct mail pieces, digital advertisements, social media graphics, and internal communications, all while upholding rigorous brand guidelines.

• Collaborate strategically with the photography team during on-set shoots to actively contribute to creative direction, ensuring that visual assets align with campaign objectives and enhance product storytelling.

• Take ownership of creative projects, from initial concept through final production, coordinating with Art Directors and various departmental stakeholders to incorporate feedback and ensure all design updates meet quality standards and project deadlines.

• Provide mentorship, guidance, and constructive feedback to junior print designers and interns, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes skill development and consistent, high-caliber creative work.

• Proactively identify opportunities for design innovation and process improvement within the creative team, contributing to the continuous enhancement of Uline's visual communications strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and leadership. The emphasis on "leading design updates," "overseeing creative projects," and "mentoring" indicates that this role requires not just strong design skills but also project management and team development capabilities, typical of senior roles that impact operational efficiency in creative output.

🎓 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 corporate or agency environment, with a demonstrable focus on B2B marketing collateral.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, for both print and digital design workflows.

• Advanced understanding of MacOS operating systems and their integration with design software.

• Proven ability to conceptualize and execute impactful print and digital design layouts that align with established brand guidelines.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of B2B design projects, demonstrating effective visual storytelling and an understanding of marketing objectives.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams, including photography, marketing, and product management.

• Experience in leading design projects and providing creative direction to junior team members. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with direct mail campaign design and print production processes.

• Familiarity with digital marketing platforms and the design requirements for online advertising and social media.

• Basic understanding of photography principles and on-set creative direction.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Experience in mentoring or supervising junior designers or interns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "B2B-related setting" portfolio and "digital marketing" experience, combined with "7+ years" of experience, positions this role as a senior contributor capable of handling complex, business-oriented design challenges and potentially influencing broader marketing operations strategy through visual execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

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

• Specific examples of catalog design, direct mail campaigns, and digital marketing assets (e.g., banners, social graphics) that demonstrate an understanding of conversion-focused design principles.

• Case studies or detailed project descriptions that highlight your role in conceptualization, design execution, collaboration with stakeholders, and the impact of your work on business objectives.

• Evidence of maintaining brand integrity and applying design best practices across various media formats.

• Projects should reflect proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and experience working within a structured brand environment. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, from initial brief interpretation and ideation to final asset delivery and revision management.

• Demonstrate an understanding of print production workflows, including pre-press considerations, color management, and file preparation.

• Articulate how you approach collaboration and feedback integration within a team setting to ensure project alignment and quality.

• Be ready to explain how you ensure consistency and efficiency in your design process, especially when managing multiple projects or mentoring others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "B2B-related setting" portfolio and specific project types underscores the need for candidates to demonstrate practical application of design skills within a business context, directly impacting marketing operations and sales enablement through visual communication. Portfolio review will likely assess not just aesthetic quality but also strategic thinking and process adherence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Graphic Designers with 7+ years of experience in the Wisconsin/Illinois region, and considering Uline's reputation as a stable, growing company, the estimated salary range is $75,000 - $95,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the role's seniority, required expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, and the B2B focus.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, with coverage commencing on the first day of employment.

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

• Multiple bonus programs designed to reward performance and contribution.

• Paid holidays and a substantial amount of paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance.

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

• On-site amenities including a café and a first-class fitness center with access to personal trainers.

• Access to over four miles of well-maintained walking trails for employee recreation.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically involving a standard 40-hour work week. While specific daily hours may vary, the role is based on-site, requiring consistent availability during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are extensive and highly competitive, particularly the immediate commencement of health insurance and 401(k) match, which are significant advantages. The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior design roles in the specified region and industry, reflecting the need for specialized skills and experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Distribution & Packaging Materials. Uline operates as a leading distributor, serving a broad range of businesses with essential supplies. This B2B focus shapes the company's marketing and communication strategies, emphasizing reliability, efficiency, and product breadth.

Company Size: Over 9,800 employees across 14 locations. Uline's substantial size indicates a well-established, stable organization with robust internal processes and a significant operational footprint. This scale often means structured teams, clear reporting lines, and ample opportunities for career development.

Founded: 1980. With over 45 years of operation, Uline has a long history of growth and stability, positioning itself as a reliable employer. This longevity suggests a culture that values perseverance, operational excellence, and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Creative team is described as "award-winning" and "in-house," suggesting a dedicated, professional environment focused on producing high-quality work internally rather than relying heavily on external agencies.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger design department, potentially reporting to an Art Director or Creative Director, and will mentor print designers and interns, indicating a hierarchical and supportive team structure.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, with the designer expected to partner with photography teams, Art Directors, and other stakeholders across various departments to bring creative projects to life. Methodology:

• Uline's approach to design is deeply integrated with its B2B marketing strategy, focusing on clarity, brand consistency, and driving business objectives through visual communication.

• The emphasis on "product stories" and "visual storytelling" suggests a methodology that goes beyond mere aesthetics to convey value and information effectively to a business audience.

• The company culture appears to value efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement, as evidenced by its long-standing success and investment in its employees and facilities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Uline's B2B focus is crucial for a designer. Marketing efforts are geared towards business clients, requiring designs that are professional, informative, and drive purchasing decisions. The "award-winning" nature of the in-house team implies a high standard of creative output and a culture that values design excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Graphic Designer position, signifying a mid-to-senior level within the creative hierarchy. It involves not only expert-level design execution but also leadership responsibilities such as mentoring junior staff, overseeing project quality, and contributing to creative strategy. This level typically requires independent work, problem-solving, and the ability to influence design outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer is expected to collaborate with Art Directors and stakeholders, suggesting they will report to an Art Director or a similar creative lead. They will, in turn, oversee and mentor print designers and interns, establishing a clear reporting and mentorship dynamic within the team.

Operations Impact: While not a direct operations role, the Senior Graphic Designer's work significantly impacts Uline's sales and marketing operations. High-quality, consistent, and effective visual collateral—from catalogs to digital ads—directly supports sales efforts, enhances brand perception, improves customer engagement, and streamlines marketing campaign execution. Efficient and impactful design is a critical component of a successful Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Progression to Art Director or Creative Director roles, involving greater strategic input, team management, and campaign oversight.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like catalog design, direct mail strategy, or digital asset creation for e-commerce and marketing automation platforms.

• Process Improvement: Leading initiatives to optimize design workflows, implement new creative technologies, or enhance collaboration between creative and marketing operations teams.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of sales enablement, marketing automation, and product marketing through ongoing collaboration, potentially leading to roles bridging creative and operational functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title is key here. It implies the candidate will be a go-to person for complex design challenges and will contribute to the operational efficiency of the creative output. Growth opportunities are framed within a creative career path but also touch upon areas relevant to operations, such as process optimization and cross-functional impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is located at Uline's Corporate Headquarters in Pleasant Prairie, WI, which houses an "on-site café and first-class fitness center with complimentary personal trainers." This indicates a modern, well-equipped corporate campus environment designed to support employee well-being and productivity.

Office Location(s): The primary posting is for Pleasant Prairie, WI, with other potential locations listed as Milwaukee, WI; Waukegan, IL; and Glenview, IL. This suggests a regional presence and potential for collaboration across nearby Uline facilities, though the role is explicitly "on-site."

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is described as a "fast-paced creative environment" within an "award-winning, in-house Creative team." This suggests a dynamic, collaborative, and high-performance culture.

• The availability of on-site amenities like a fitness center and café fosters a campus-like atmosphere, encouraging employees to stay on-site and facilitating collaboration and work-life integration.

• The role requires close interaction with photography teams and Art Directors, implying a workspace that supports creative collaboration, feedback sessions, and potentially on-set work.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, on-site role. While specific hours are not detailed, standard corporate operating hours are implied, likely Monday through Friday, with a focus on delivering projects within established timelines. The emphasis is on being present and engaged within the corporate environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and detailed description of campus amenities paint a picture of a highly structured, professional, and supportive work environment. For a designer, this means being integrated into the company's physical operations and culture, with ample resources available to facilitate their work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, design experience, and alignment with Uline's brand and B2B focus.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, project rationale, and impact. This stage will also involve behavioral and technical questions related to graphic design, Adobe Creative Cloud, B2B marketing, and team collaboration. Expect questions about how you handle feedback and mentor others.

• Stakeholder/Team Interviews: Interviews with Art Directors, Creative Leads, and potentially cross-functional partners (e.g., marketing managers) to evaluate creative vision, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the award-winning Creative team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for B2B & Print: Prioritize projects that best demonstrate your expertise in B2B contexts, catalog design, direct mail, and other print collateral. Digital marketing examples are also important but ensure the B2B relevance is clear.

• Showcase Process: For each key project, be prepared to walk through your thought process: the brief, your initial concepts, design choices, problem-solving, collaboration, and the final outcome. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "contributed to a campaign that saw X% increase in inquiries") or describe the strategic intent and expected outcome.

• Demonstrate Mentorship: If applicable, include examples or be ready to discuss how you have guided or mentored junior designers or interns.

• Brand Adherence: Show your ability to work within and maintain brand guidelines, as this is critical for Uline.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge that may involve creating a concept or layout based on a Uline product or marketing scenario.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your design choices support business objectives.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and MacOS, including any advanced techniques or workflows you employ.

• Research Uline's current marketing materials (catalogs, website, ads) to understand their visual style, messaging, and target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential design challenges highlights the practical, results-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also articulate the strategic thinking and operational efficiency behind their creative process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Expert-level proficiency required in InDesign (for layout, catalogs, direct mail), Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, icons), and Photoshop (for image editing, digital assets).

• MacOS: Seamless operation and troubleshooting within the Apple operating system environment.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, expect to use tools for task tracking, deadline management, and collaboration within the Creative and Marketing teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with how design impacts digital marketing performance metrics (e.g., click-through rates, conversion rates) is beneficial, even if direct analytics tool usage is limited. Understanding how design supports marketing operations reporting is key. CRM & Automation:

• While this role is not directly in CRM management, an understanding of how design assets are used within CRM-driven marketing campaigns or automation workflows (e.g., email templates, landing page graphics) would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and MacOS" is central. This indicates that proficiency with these tools is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of the candidate's technical capabilities, directly impacting their ability to execute design tasks efficiently within Uline's operational framework.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Excellence: A strong commitment to high-quality creative output and maintaining brand integrity, reflecting Uline's overall dedication to operational excellence.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Working within a "fast-paced creative environment" implies a value placed on efficient workflows, meeting deadlines, and maximizing output.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The role emphasizes partnering with photography, Art Directors, and mentoring junior staff, highlighting a culture that thrives on shared effort and mutual support.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: While rooted in established brand guidelines, there's an expectation to "bring product stories to life" and lead projects, suggesting a drive for creative solutions and evolving visual strategies.

• Customer Focus (B2B): Designs are created with a specific business audience in mind, prioritizing clarity, information delivery, and driving business outcomes, reflecting a deep understanding of the B2B customer.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work closely with photography teams on-set and with Art Directors and stakeholders for project direction and revisions, demonstrating a need for seamless integration across departments.

• Mentorship & Support: A key aspect of the role is to mentor junior designers and interns, fostering a supportive and developmental team dynamic.

• Feedback-Driven: The process involves leading design updates in collaboration with stakeholders, indicating a culture that values constructive feedback and iterative design improvements.

• Project Ownership: Leading creative projects implies a sense of responsibility and ownership, encouraging proactive communication and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with a high-performing, results-oriented creative team operating within a larger B2B distribution company. The emphasis on quality, efficiency, and collaboration is critical for how the creative team supports the company's broader operational and sales objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Brand Consistency at Scale: Ensuring that all creative output, across numerous projects and evolving campaigns, consistently adheres to Uline's established brand standards.

• Balancing Creativity with Business Objectives: Translating strategic business goals and product information into visually compelling designs that also drive conversions and customer engagement in a B2B context.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively collaborating with and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, including Art Directors and department heads, to achieve optimal creative outcomes.

• Mentoring and Developing Junior Talent: Providing effective guidance and support to junior designers and interns to foster their growth while maintaining project quality and deadlines.

• Adapting to Fast-Paced Environment: Thriving in a high-volume, deadline-driven creative setting requires strong time management, prioritization, and resilience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in specialized areas like complex catalog layouts, sophisticated direct mail design, or advanced digital asset creation for e-commerce platforms.

• Creative Leadership: Developing leadership capabilities through mentoring, project oversight, and potential involvement in strategic creative planning.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of evolving design trends, digital marketing strategies, and print production advancements relevant to the B2B sector.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Gaining deeper insights into marketing operations, sales enablement, and product strategy through close collaboration with other departments.

• Professional Development: Access to tuition assistance for continuing education, enabling candidates to pursue further certifications or specialized training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to prompt candidates to think about problem-solving and resilience, key traits for senior roles that impact operational flow. Growth opportunities are presented to highlight how the role can be a stepping stone for further career advancement within Uline's creative or related operational functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex B2B design project you led from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure the design met business objectives?" (Focus on process, collaboration, problem-solving, and outcome.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers? Provide an example of how you've helped a team member improve their skills or overcome a design challenge." (Assess leadership and team development capabilities.)

• "Uline's brand is known for its direct and efficient approach. How would you translate this into a compelling visual for a new product catalog or a digital ad campaign?" (Evaluate understanding of brand voice and strategic design application.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Research Uline's current catalog and website. What are your initial impressions of their design strategy, and where do you see opportunities for enhancement or evolution?" (Demonstrate research and critical thinking.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project?" (Assess communication, collaboration, and adaptability.)

• "Given our fast-paced environment, how do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests?" (Evaluate time management and organizational skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges overcome, and the final impact. Use a story-telling approach.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. If direct metrics aren't available, speak to the strategic intent and expected business outcomes.

• Highlight B2B Relevance: Explicitly connect your design choices to the needs and goals of a B2B audience and Uline's business objectives.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Cloud and MacOS, demonstrating your efficiency and mastery of the tools.

• Emphasize Mentorship: If applicable, include projects or discuss experiences where you have guided or supported junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are designed to assess strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with Uline's operational culture, beyond just technical design skills. Preparing detailed, example-driven answers will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Uline Careers portal at https://uline.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Uline_Careers/job/Pleasant-Prairie-WI/Senior-Graphic-Designer_R264886.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the 7+ years of B2B design experience, expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, and any leadership or mentoring responsibilities. Use keywords from the job description like "catalog design," "direct mail," "visual storytelling," and "brand integrity."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest B2B print and digital design projects, focusing on catalog, direct mail, and marketing collateral. Prepare to discuss your process, strategic rationale, and any quantifiable results. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a link to a personal website or a well-organized PDF).

• Research Uline: Familiarize yourself with Uline's product catalog, website, marketing materials, and overall brand messaging. Understand their B2B focus and operational efficiency.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and contributions for each project in your portfolio. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with Uline's brand and business goals.

⚠️ 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.