Sr. Graphic Designer - 6 month contract

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Graphic Designer - 6-month Contract

Company: Iceberg Finance Group

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-19

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing and executing visual assets that support marketing campaigns and brand initiatives within the financial services sector.

• The Sr. Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating marketing objectives into compelling visual designs across both print and digital mediums, ensuring brand consistency and driving engagement.

• This position requires a blend of creative design expertise, project management skills, and a strong understanding of production processes to deliver high-quality marketing collateral.

• The role involves close collaboration with marketing leadership and internal stakeholders to ensure visual communication aligns with business needs and enhances brand perception in the Canadian consumer financing market.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Sr. Graphic Designer," the provided experience level (2-5 years) suggests a mid-level role. The "Sr." might indicate a higher degree of autonomy or responsibility within a smaller team, or it could be a standard title within the company. The role's focus on marketing collateral and brand consistency within a financial services context positions it within the broader scope of Marketing Operations, requiring designers to understand workflow efficiency and campaign support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and production of a comprehensive range of marketing materials, including brochures, signage, banners, tent cards, display ads, email campaigns, and PowerPoint presentations.

• Partner closely with the Director of Marketing to effectively manage project priorities, balance multiple creative assignments, and ensure all deadlines are consistently met.

• Oversee the entire print production lifecycle, including coordinating with external vendors to guarantee quality output, timely delivery, and adherence to budget constraints.

• Collaborate with various internal stakeholders to interpret creative briefs accurately and translate them into impactful visual solutions that effectively address defined business needs.

• Present design concepts, mock-ups, and strategic recommendations to stakeholders, incorporating feedback constructively to refine and optimize creative outcomes.

• Proactively monitor project timelines, identify potential risks or challenges in the design and production process, and communicate these issues promptly to relevant parties.

• Champion and rigorously maintain brand consistency across all visual assets, ensuring strict adherence to the iFinance Brand Style Guide.

• Continuously identify and implement opportunities to enhance design workflows, streamline processes, and improve overall team efficiency and output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design execution and production management, typical of a mid-level designer in a lean marketing team. The inclusion of "improving design workflows, processes, and overall team efficiency" suggests a need for the candidate to think operationally about their creative output and the systems supporting it.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Diploma or degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within an agency, studio, or in-house creative department. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Strong skills in PowerPoint design, with a proven ability to develop polished, engaging, and professional presentations.

• Comprehensive understanding of both print production processes (e.g., pre-press, color management, substrates) and digital design best practices (e.g., web optimization, email design standards).

• Exceptional attention to detail, including meticulous proofreading and unwavering commitment to maintaining brand standards and guidelines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage stakeholder expectations and collaborate effectively across teams.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in consumer financing or financial services marketing.

• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) for tracking creative workflows.

• Basic understanding of HTML/CSS for email campaign design or web banner optimization.

• Experience with stock photography sourcing and licensing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are standard for a graphic designer role. The "preferred skills" add a layer of operational thinking by including project management tools and an understanding of digital implementation, relevant for a designer supporting marketing operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects that highlight proficiency in both print and digital design.

• Demonstrations of brand consistency across multiple collateral types, such as brochures, digital ads, and presentations.

• Case studies or examples detailing the design process from brief interpretation to final output, emphasizing problem-solving and creative rationale.

• Evidence of work on marketing materials relevant to the financial services industry or a similar regulated sector.

• Clear visualization of the impact or intended outcome of the designs presented. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design workflow, from initial concept development and brief intake to final file preparation and vendor handover.

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of print production workflows and digital asset optimization processes.

• Be prepared to discuss how feedback is incorporated into the design process and how revisions are managed efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes that the portfolio is not just a showcase of aesthetics but a demonstration of process, problem-solving, and understanding of operational requirements like brand consistency and production workflows, crucial for a role supporting marketing operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated CAD $50 - $60 per hour. Benefits:

• Access to company-provided equipment and software for design tasks.

• Opportunity to work on diverse and impactful creative projects for a growing brand.

• Collaborative team environment with a focus on innovation and execution.

• Potential for project extension or future opportunities based on performance and business needs.

• Exposure to the financial services industry and consumer financing market dynamics. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for contract Sr. Graphic Designers in Toronto with 3-5 years of experience. Benefits for contract roles are typically more limited than for permanent positions, focusing on the tools and the project itself.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services, Consumer Financing. iFinance Canada is a prominent player in the Canadian consumer financing landscape, providing accessible financing solutions since 1996. As part of the Iceberg Finance Group, the company is dedicated to supporting customers, merchants, and partners with innovative programs and exceptional service.

Company Size: Part of the Iceberg Finance Group, which suggests a larger corporate structure, though the specific size of the iFinance Canada marketing team might be smaller and more agile. This size often means designers have significant impact and visibility.

Founded: 1996 (for iFinance Canada). This indicates a company with established market presence and a history of navigating the financial services industry.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Director of Marketing.

• The role involves close collaboration with other members of the Marketing team, potentially including marketing specialists, content creators, and campaign managers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with various departments that require marketing collateral and visual support. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making in marketing strategy, which the designer's visuals will support.

• Focus on customer experience and partner enablement through clear and effective communication.

• Emphasis on innovation in financing programs and service delivery.

• Commitment to brand consistency and professional execution across all touchpoints.

Company Website: https://icebergfinance.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on consumer financing and its established history suggest a need for clear, trustworthy, and compliant visual communication. The team structure implies direct access to marketing leadership, allowing for significant influence on creative direction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level designer with "Sr." designation, indicating a significant level of autonomy and responsibility for project execution and production management within the marketing department. It’s a key individual contributor role focused on delivering tangible creative assets.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Director of Marketing provides a clear line of communication and mentorship. This structure allows for direct feedback and alignment with marketing strategy.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, brand perception, and customer engagement. High-quality visuals are critical for communicating value propositions in the competitive financial services sector, impacting lead generation and conversion rates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Deepening: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., presentation design, print production intricacies) and gain exposure to the operational aspects of marketing campaign execution.

• Project Variety: Exposure to a wide array of marketing materials and projects, allowing for portfolio expansion and demonstration of versatility.

• Contract Extension/Future Roles: Strong performance and demonstrated ability to manage projects efficiently and collaboratively could lead to contract extensions or opportunities for future roles within the organization or its parent group.

• Industry Insight: Gaining valuable experience within the Canadian consumer financing sector, which can be a specialized niche.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the "Sr." title and direct reporting line suggest opportunities for impactful work and potential for future engagements. The growth is more about skill development and experience acquisition within a specific industry context rather than a traditional management track.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This typically fosters better collaboration, easier access to team members and resources, and a clearer separation between work and personal life.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada (M4W 1B9). This specific location in Toronto places the office within a major urban center, likely offering good accessibility via public transit and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The on-site environment facilitates direct interaction with the Director of Marketing and other internal stakeholders, crucial for collaborative design processes and rapid feedback loops.

• Access to necessary design software and potentially company-specific templates or brand assets will be provided.

• Opportunities for spontaneous discussions and collaborative brainstorming sessions with the marketing team are inherent in an office setting. Work Schedule:

• Expected to align with standard business hours for the Toronto region, approximately 40 hours per week. This facilitates synchronous collaboration with the marketing team and timely project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor for candidates. It suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and direct team integration, which can be beneficial for complex creative projects requiring frequent input and review.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output against the job requirements.

• Skills Assessment/Technical Interview: This may involve a practical design exercise or a discussion focused on your technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and an understanding of print/digital production.

• Portfolio Review & Behavioral Interview: A session where you present your portfolio, discuss your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you handle feedback. Behavioral questions will assess your collaboration, communication, and ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the Director of Marketing or another senior leader to discuss cultural fit, strategic alignment, and confirm suitability for the contract role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills in print collateral (brochures, signage), digital assets (display ads, email), and presentations. Include examples that demonstrate brand consistency.

• Highlight Process: For 1-2 key projects, be prepared to walk through your entire design process: understanding the brief, conceptualization, design iterations, feedback incorporation, and final production/delivery.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any designs contributed to measurable marketing success (e.g., higher click-through rates, increased engagement), highlight this. Even anecdotal evidence of meeting specific business objectives is valuable.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Select projects where you faced creative challenges or constraints and explain how you overcame them.

• Tailor to iFinance: If possible, include a conceptual piece or a case study that shows how you would approach design challenges for a company in the consumer financing space.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge that might involve creating a concept for a specific marketing collateral piece (e.g., a digital banner ad, a section of a brochure) based on a provided brief.

• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the brief, your creative approach, your ability to work efficiently, and your communication of design rationale.

• Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely, as if presenting to the Director of Marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasizing the portfolio as a demonstration of process and problem-solving, not just final output, is key for this role. The interview process is likely designed to assess both creative talent and operational efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all aspects of graphic design, layout, and asset creation.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Strong skills needed for creating professional and engaging presentations, a key output for this role.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, an understanding of how design elements impact digital metrics (e.g., banner ad performance, email open rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with reporting dashboards that showcase campaign performance could provide context. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool usage is specified for this role, but awareness of how marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) utilize visual assets in campaigns is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The focus is heavily on the core Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint. The "operations" aspect comes from understanding how these tools are used within a marketing workflow to produce assets that support broader campaign execution and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Valuing fresh ideas and bringing brands to life visually across various channels.

• Execution & Efficiency: A focus on delivering high-quality work on time and within budget, with an eye for process improvement.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with the Director of Marketing and other stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.

• Brand Stewardship: A commitment to maintaining brand consistency and upholding the company's visual identity.

• Customer Focus: Understanding that design serves to effectively communicate with and engage customers and partners.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires a collaborative approach, working closely with the Director of Marketing to manage priorities and translate briefs into designs.

• Open communication and the ability to incorporate feedback are essential for success in this team-oriented environment.

• Proactive communication regarding project status, risks, and challenges is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a blend of creative excellence and operational pragmatism, which is characteristic of successful marketing operations teams. The emphasis on collaboration and efficiency is crucial for a designer supporting a busy marketing function.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing a diverse workload with competing deadlines requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Translating Complex Ideas: Effectively visualizing financial concepts and product benefits in a clear and engaging manner.

• Print Production Management: Navigating the intricacies of print production, including vendor coordination, color accuracy, and material selection, to ensure successful outcomes.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all design outputs adhere strictly to the iFinance Brand Style Guide across various formats and channels.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Production Expertise: Deepening knowledge of print production processes and digital asset optimization.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insight into the consumer financing sector and its unique marketing challenges.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Understanding how design supports broader marketing strategies and business objectives.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with diverse project examples that demonstrate a wide range of design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are practical and directly related to the day-to-day execution of design tasks within a business context. The growth opportunities are focused on skill acquisition and practical experience within the specified industry and role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a brochure from receiving a creative brief to final file delivery." Expect questions about how you interpret briefs, generate concepts, incorporate feedback, and manage print production.

• Brand Consistency: "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of marketing materials, especially when working under tight deadlines?" Be prepared to discuss your methods for referencing brand guides and maintaining visual integrity.

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you faced a significant creative challenge or constraint on a project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" Focus on your resourcefulness and problem-solving abilities.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for iFinance Canada and within the financial services industry?" Research the company's mission, values, and recent activities.

• "How do you approach collaborating with non-designers, such as marketing managers or sales teams?" Highlight your communication and stakeholder management skills.

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of visual design in the consumer financing sector?" Discuss how design can build trust and communicate value. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (print, digital, presentation) or by showcasing your strongest, most relevant work first.

• Storytelling: For each presented project, articulate the brief, your creative approach, the challenges you faced, your design solutions, and the final outcome or impact.

• Technical Details: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you used, as well as any specific considerations for print production or digital optimization.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and present your most impactful projects efficiently, allowing for discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also an understanding of workflow, brand management, and collaborative communication – key aspects for a role supporting marketing operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Iceberg Finance Group careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a link to a personal website or a well-organized PDF) and prominently features examples of marketing collateral, digital assets, and presentations. Tailor your selection to highlight relevant experience, especially if you have worked in finance or similar regulated industries.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 3+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint, and experience with print production and digital design. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "brand consistency," "marketing materials," "print production," "Adobe InDesign").

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, how you handle feedback and deadlines, and your experience managing projects from concept to completion. Prepare to present your portfolio and articulate the rationale behind your design choices.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with iFinance Canada's services, target audience, and brand identity. Understand their position in the Canadian consumer financing market to better align your responses with their business objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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