Sr. Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Graphic Designer

Company: Propelis (on behalf of Molson Coors Beverage Company)

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME (6-month contract, with possibility to extend)

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Production

Date Posted: August 27, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative development and production of high-impact retail and point-of-sale (POS) materials for Molson Coors Beverage Company.

• Ensure rigorous adherence to brand consistency, regulatory compliance, and industry-specific guidelines across all design outputs.

• Drive design excellence through trend-informed creative strategies and a deep understanding of consumer behavior and competitor activity in the beverage and CPG sectors.

• Manage a portfolio of complex design projects, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional quality standards in a fast-paced environment.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative studio culture within the Marketing Production team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract position within Propelis, a company that operates as a global marketing services provider for clients like Molson Coors. The Sr. Graphic Designer will be embedded within the client's marketing production team, focusing on visual asset creation for retail and promotional campaigns. The emphasis on "brewing" and "ingredients" suggests a strong cultural alignment with the beverage industry and a need for candidates who can adapt to client-specific terminology and values.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and development of a wide range of retail and point-of-sale (POS) materials, including but not limited to: displays, signage, promotional assets, and packaging collateral.

• Diligently review and verify all artwork files for accuracy, consistency, and strict adherence to brand standards and regulatory guidelines.

• Proactively monitor and communicate changes in industry-specific and region-specific regulations and guidelines related to packaging artwork to the broader team.

• Conduct in-depth analysis of retail industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer behaviors to strategically inform and enhance design strategies and creative output.

• Gather and synthesize necessary information and materials, including comprehensive brand guidelines, creative briefs, and reference stimuli, to prepare compelling creative work.

• Interpret strategic inputs with a high degree of creativity, originality, and strong visual and technical production judgment.

• Provide direct mentorship, guidance, and technical support to junior designers, cultivating a collaborative, inspiring, and high-performing studio environment.

• Efficiently manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines are met without compromising quality standards or strategic objectives.

• Apply a keen attention to detail and a strong sense of urgency, supported by robust training in graphic design principles, color management, printing processes, and digital production requirements.

• Collaborate closely with the Studio Lead, Marketing Production, and the wider Studio team to define, refine, and maintain effective Marketing Production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a senior-level role focused on end-to-end design execution for retail marketing. The emphasis on "accelerating Molson Coors' capabilities" and "strategic execution" points to a need for designers who can not only create visually appealing assets but also contribute to strategic marketing initiatives and process improvements within the production workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Post-Secondary degree in Graphic Design, Graphic Arts, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent professional experience of 10+ years in print, digital, and creative graphic design will be considered. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong focus on print, digital, and creative production.

• Proven track record of managing complex design projects from concept to completion, ensuring brand consistency and regulatory compliance.

• Experience in the alcohol/beverage industry or consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to gather and interpret strategic briefs and translate them into impactful visual designs. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Comprehensive understanding of print production processes, including color management, file preparation, and various printing techniques.

• Expertise in digital production requirements for various platforms and media.

• Strong grasp of brand consistency principles and the ability to maintain them across diverse marketing materials.

• Proven ability to ensure and verify artwork for regulatory compliance and adherence to specific industry guidelines.

• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders effectively.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to interpret strategic inputs and apply creative judgment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D/rendering software.

• Proficiency in motion graphics and animation.

• Familiarity with Adobe Workfront or similar project management/workflow tools.

• Experience with color management systems and proofing processes.

• Knowledge of retail display design principles and point-of-sale material production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of experience, coupled with advanced Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency and preferred experience in 3D/motion graphics, positions this as a senior role demanding a high level of technical and creative expertise. The emphasis on "understanding business priorities" and "building relationships" indicates a need for a candidate who is not only a skilled designer but also a strategic partner.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of diverse graphic design work, with a significant emphasis on print, digital, and retail/POS materials.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating leadership in the design and development of complex marketing collateral, highlighting the creative process, challenges overcome, and final outcomes.

• Examples of work that clearly illustrate adherence to strict brand guidelines and regulatory compliance, particularly within the CPG or beverage industries.

• Visual evidence of skills in color management, prepress file preparation, and digital production workflows.

• Demonstrations of projects managed under tight deadlines and complex project scopes. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of contributions to the definition, update, or maintenance of Marketing Production processes.

• Examples of how you have gathered information and prepared creative work based on briefs, brand guidelines, and strategic inputs.

• Documentation of your approach to reviewing and verifying artwork for accuracy, consistency, and compliance.

• Case studies detailing how you have stayed updated on industry trends and communicated relevant changes to a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior graphic design role, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics and demonstrate strategic thinking, process management, and a deep understanding of production realities. The requirement for "process documentation" suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss not just what they designed, but how they approached the process, collaborated, and ensured quality and compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35.00 - $45.00 CAD per hour. This range is based on the provided Ontario pay range for this position and is subject to adjustment based on the successful candidate's experience, skills, knowledge, and other job-related factors.

Benefits:

• Flexible work programs designed to support work-life balance.

• Hybrid work model, requiring 4 days per week in the office.

• On-site pub, access to branded clothing and swag, and opportunities to attend top events.

• Complimentary beer and beverages.

• Commitment to People and Planet with challenging stretch goals.

• Opportunities for community engagement through charitable donations and volunteer activities.

• Engagement with various Business Resource Groups offering volunteer, leadership, and networking opportunities.

• Access to "First Choice Learning" opportunities for career growth and development.

• Work within a fast-paced, innovative company with passionate colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly range of $35-$45 CAD for a Sr. Graphic Designer with 10+ years of experience in Toronto is within the typical market rates for senior creative professionals, especially for a contract role. The benefits package is highly tailored to the company's culture and industry, offering unique perks like an on-site pub and free beverages. The hybrid model with 4 days in office is a key detail for candidates assessing work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing Services / Packaging Graphics / Prepress / Print Production (Portfolio Company of Propelis), serving the Food & Beverage and Retail sectors.

Company Size: Propelis operates as a global entity with 9,000 employees across 30 countries, serving 2,000+ clients. SGX, the specific division, combines expertise from SGS&Co and SGK.

Founded: Propelis is built on a combined legacy of over 150 years.

Team Structure:

• The Sr. Graphic Designer reports to the Studio Lead, Marketing Production, within the SGX division of Propelis, working on behalf of Molson Coors Beverage Company.

• The role involves close collaboration with the broader Studio team, including junior designers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with various marketing, production, and brand teams at Molson Coors. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven creative strategies informed by retail trends, competitor analysis, and consumer behavior.

• Focus on process optimization and adherence to brand consistency and regulatory compliance in all design outputs.

• Utilization of advanced technology and global footprint to deliver a full suite of packaging graphics, prepress, and print production solutions.

• Commitment to delivering "best-in-class" work that accelerates client's commercial creative and production capabilities.

Company Website: www.SGXgraphics.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The context highlights that this role is with SGX, a Propelis company, and the work is for Molson Coors. This means understanding both Propelis's global marketing services approach and Molson Coors' specific brand and industry context is crucial. The culture is likely a blend of a large, established global entity with the energetic, client-focused approach of a specialized marketing services provider, all within the unique, often celebratory, culture of the beverage industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is for an experienced designer who can lead projects, mentor others, and contribute strategically to creative production processes. It's a step beyond a standard graphic designer, requiring leadership in design execution and process adherence.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Graphic Designer reports directly to the Studio Lead, Marketing Production. This suggests a clear hierarchy within the production studio, with opportunities for upward mobility towards lead or management positions within the studio or Propelis's broader operations.

Operations Impact: The Sr. Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Molson Coors' commercial success by ensuring high-quality, compliant, and impactful retail and POS materials. This includes driving sales through effective visual merchandising, maintaining brand integrity, and preventing costly regulatory issues. Their strategic input on design trends can influence campaign effectiveness and consumer engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in print production, color management, digital asset creation, and potentially explore 3D rendering or motion graphics if not already proficient.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to formally mentor junior designers, lead specific project streams, and contribute to process improvement initiatives, paving the way for future lead roles.

• Industry Specialization: Gain in-depth knowledge and experience within the fast-paced beverage and CPG industries, becoming a subject matter expert for Molson Coors and potentially other clients within Propelis.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work closely with marketing, brand management, and production teams, broadening understanding of the end-to-end go-to-market process.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a senior contract role, the growth opportunities are more focused on skill enhancement, specialized industry knowledge, and potential leadership within project execution rather than a direct path to permanent employment within Molson Coors. However, strong performance could lead to contract extensions or opportunities within Propelis's wider network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with 4 days expected in the office. This indicates a collaborative office environment designed for teamwork and creative exchange, balanced with flexibility.

Office Location(s): Toronto, ON, Canada (Postal Code: M9W5E4). This location likely offers access to a vibrant creative community and is situated within a major business hub.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative studio environment is implied, fostering interaction with the Studio Lead and junior designers.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including advanced Adobe Creative Cloud capabilities, is expected.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with creative briefs, brand guidelines, and marketing production teams, facilitating a deep understanding of project requirements.

• The Toronto office likely provides a professional setting conducive to creative work and team collaboration.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with approximately 40 working hours per week. The hybrid model allows for some flexibility in structuring the work week, balancing office-based collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with 4 days in office suggests a company that values in-person collaboration for creative tasks, brainstorming, and team cohesion, while still offering some flexibility. Candidates should consider the commute and the nature of collaborative work in a studio setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements. Be prepared to discuss your 10+ years of experience and specific contributions.

• Technical/Creative Assessment: A potential skills assessment or a deep dive into your portfolio where you'll be asked to present specific projects. Focus on how you handled brand consistency, regulatory compliance, and production challenges.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will likely assess your ability to manage multiple projects, mentor junior designers, collaborate effectively, and adapt to the Molson Coors/Propelis culture. Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Studio Lead/Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion to evaluate your fit with the team, your strategic thinking, and your understanding of the role's impact on marketing production.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent your experience in retail/POS design, CPG/beverage industry work, and complex print/digital production.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable results (if possible). Emphasize how you ensured brand consistency and compliance.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples that demonstrate your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, color management, and file preparation for print and digital. If you have 3D or motion graphics experience, highlight it.

• Tell a Story: Present your portfolio in a narrative format, explaining the context and your contribution. Be ready to discuss your mentorship approach.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects relevant to Molson Coors' brands and the fast-paced nature of the beverage industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that simulates a real-world task, such as creating a POS display concept or updating existing artwork to meet new regulations.

• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the brief, your creative approach, your technical execution, and your ability to work within brand and regulatory constraints.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on the portfolio and the candidate's ability to articulate their design process, technical skills, and experience managing complex projects within a client-facing environment. Demonstrating an understanding of the beverage industry and regulatory landscape will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency is mandatory. This includes Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• 3D/Rendering Software: Experience with tools like Cinema 4D, Blender, or similar is a strong asset.

• Motion Graphics/Animation Software: Familiarity with Adobe After Effects is preferred.

• Project Management/Workflow Tools: Experience with Adobe Workfront or similar enterprise-level platforms (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Wrike) is a significant asset.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, an understanding of how design assets perform in retail environments or on digital platforms might be beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) could be a plus, though not explicitly required. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but understanding how marketing assets are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms could provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Cloud, and the preferred mention of 3D/rendering, motion graphics, and Adobe Workfront, highlights the technical expectations for this senior role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with these specific tools, especially Adobe Workfront, which is often used for managing creative workflows in large organizations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Honoring Commitments: Taking accountability for results and delivering on promises. This is crucial for a contract role where reliability is paramount.

• Thirst for Learning: A continuous desire to learn and help others grow, fostering a developmental environment.

• Collaboration: Building relationships and working effectively with others to achieve desired outcomes.

• Exhibiting Core Values: Adherence to the company's specific core values, which likely include aspects of creativity, innovation, and client focus.

• Passion for the Product: Given the industry, a genuine interest or passion for beverages and brands is often valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires close collaboration with the Studio Lead and junior designers, indicating a culture that values teamwork and shared success.

• Client-Focused: Working on behalf of Molson Coors means a strong emphasis on understanding and meeting client needs and expectations.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to improve design quality and processes.

• Efficiency-Focused: A drive to produce high-quality work efficiently, managing multiple projects and deadlines adeptly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed values ("Integrity and Honoring Commitments," "Thirst for Learning," "Build relationships and collaborate," "Take accountability for results," "Exhibit our core values") are explicitly stated and should be reflected in how candidates present themselves and their experiences. The emphasis on "brewing" and "beverages" suggests a unique cultural flavor that candidates should research and ideally connect with.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The role involves accelerating creative and production capabilities, requiring adaptability and the ability to manage multiple, high-priority projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: Effectively translating strategic marketing objectives into creative designs while strictly adhering to brand guidelines and regulatory requirements for the beverage industry.

• Client-Specific Demands: Working on behalf of a major client like Molson Coors means navigating specific brand nuances, approval processes, and strategic priorities.

• Contract Duration: As a 6-month contract, there's an inherent challenge in fully embedding into long-term strategic initiatives, requiring immediate impact and efficient project delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specialized areas like 3D rendering, motion graphics, and advanced print production techniques.

• Industry Expertise: Gaining significant experience and knowledge within the dynamic beverage and CPG sectors, understanding their unique marketing and production challenges.

• Mentorship Skills: Developing leadership and coaching abilities by guiding junior designers.

• Process Improvement Contribution: Opportunity to contribute to refining marketing production processes, enhancing efficiency and quality for the client.

• Exposure to Global Operations: Understanding the scale and scope of Propelis's global marketing services and how they support diverse clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they handle pressure, manage competing priorities, and ensure accuracy in a high-stakes creative environment. The growth opportunities are significant for skill enhancement and industry specialization within a contract framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design of a complex retail or POS campaign. What were the key challenges, how did you ensure brand consistency and regulatory compliance, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you approach staying updated on retail industry trends and competitor activity, and how do you integrate this knowledge into your design strategy?"

• "Walk me through your process for gathering information and interpreting strategic briefs to develop creative concepts. Provide an example."

• "How do you manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines, and what strategies do you use to prioritize your workload?"

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers. What is your approach to providing feedback and fostering their growth?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Propelis/SGX and specifically on the Molson Coors account?"

• "How do your personal values align with our stated company values, such as 'Integrity and Honoring Commitments' or 'Thirst for Learning'?"

• "Describe your ideal collaborative working environment, particularly within a studio setting."

• "What do you know about the beverage or CPG industry, and what excites you about working in this sector?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (retail, digital, etc.) or by the impact they had.

• Tell the Story: For each selected project, clearly articulate the "Why," "What," and "How." Explain the client's objective, your role and creative solution, and the production/compliance considerations.

• Highlight Technical Prowess: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, especially for print-ready files, color management, and any 3D/motion graphics elements.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, sales uplift, successful campaign execution).

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within any time limits. Be prepared for spontaneous questions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating senior-level design expertise, strong project management capabilities, a deep understanding of production and compliance, and a cultural fit with a client-focused, collaborative, and fast-paced organization. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled complex design challenges in the CPG/beverage space.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting2.ultipro.com portal.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible, and features your strongest work in retail/POS design, print production, and digital assets. Tailor your selection to highlight experience relevant to the beverage industry and Molson Coors' brand aesthetic.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly showcase 10+ years of relevant graphic design experience, emphasizing achievements in brand consistency, regulatory compliance, project management, and any mentorship roles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss specific project examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, creative process, technical proficiency (especially with Adobe Creative Cloud), and ability to collaborate. Practice articulating your contributions and leadership potential.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Propelis, SGX, and Molson Coors Beverage Company. Understand their brand portfolios, company values, and the broader context of the beverage and marketing services industries. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.