Sr. Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Graphic Designer

Company: Rakuten Rewards

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: April 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual storytelling and brand consistency across digital platforms by conceptualizing and executing creative assets for marketing, web development, social media, and product teams.

• Ensure high-quality, consumer-facing creative output by meticulously reviewing final designs against established brand standards and best practices.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment within the Graphic Design team.

• Leverage advanced design tools and emerging technologies, including AI prompting techniques, to enhance workflow efficiency and creative innovation.

• Contribute to the strategic enhancement and evolution of the Rakuten brand through compelling design ideation and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a need for strong independent work ethic, creative problem-solving, and the ability to mentor junior team members. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Sales, and Product suggests a GTM-aligned operations focus, where design directly supports business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute a wide range of creative assets for digital media, including native mobile app interfaces, responsive web designs, social media campaigns, and marketing collateral.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Web Development, Product, Social) to translate business objectives and user needs into visually compelling design solutions.

• Lead the design process from ideation through final execution, demonstrating expertise in typography, color theory, composition, and layout.

• Ensure all creative deliverables adhere to Rakuten's brand guidelines, maintaining visual consistency and brand integrity across all touchpoints.

• Prepare and present conceptual ideas, design rationale, and final creative executions to design leads and executive stakeholders, effectively communicating vision and goals.

• Drive industry best practices in digital design, continuously seeking opportunities to innovate and enhance the user experience and brand perception.

• Support the production of assets during high-volume periods, assisting junior designers and ensuring timely delivery of all creative materials.

• Proactively initiate and propose design enhancements that increase brand visibility, engagement, and overall impact.

• Apply knowledge of channel-specific design principles to create optimized content for various digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative execution and strategic brand contribution, common in senior design roles supporting Go-To-Market (GTM) functions. The need to "initiate and drive industry best practices" and "provide ideas that influence, increase and enhance the Rakuten brand" points to a proactive, strategic approach expected from a Senior Designer in a dynamic e-commerce environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong emphasis on digital media and e-commerce.

Required Skills:

• High proficiency in Figma for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows.

• Expert-level command of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Demonstrated experience with Adobe After Effects for motion graphics and animation.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of creative executions, with a focus on digital and e-commerce design.

• Excellent understanding of typography, composition, layout, color theory, and photography principles.

• Proven ability to craft compelling user journeys, wireframes, and information architecture.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and rationale effectively to diverse audiences.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines.

• Demonstrated passion for continuous learning and professional development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research methodologies and familiarity with applying various research techniques to inform design decisions.

• Previous experience in the retail or e-commerce sector, understanding its unique design challenges and opportunities.

• Experience mentoring or leading junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and After Effects, alongside a strong portfolio, is standard for senior digital design roles. The inclusion of "user journeys, wireframes, and information architecture" points towards a UX/UI design sensibility, which is crucial for e-commerce platforms. The emphasis on AI prompting techniques indicates a forward-thinking company that values efficiency and innovation in its creative processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates a strong understanding of visual design principles, including composition, typography, color, and layout, with a focus on digital and e-commerce applications.

• Case studies showcasing the end-to-end design process for at least two significant projects, detailing concept development, ideation, user journey mapping, wireframing, and final execution.

• Examples of responsive web design and native mobile app design, highlighting adaptability and user-centricity across different screen sizes and platforms.

• Demonstrations of proficiency with core design tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, potentially including examples of motion graphics created with Adobe After Effects.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you've documented design processes, including user flows, wireframes, and style guides, to ensure consistency and collaboration across teams.

• Illustrate how you've used design processes to optimize workflows and improve efficiency, particularly in fast-paced environments.

• Provide examples of how you've gathered feedback and iterated on designs based on input from stakeholders, including marketing, product, and web development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for senior design roles. The specific mention of "user journeys, wireframes, and information architecture" suggests that the company values UX/UI design thinking, not just aesthetic execution. The emphasis on "process documentation" implies a need for designers who can not only create but also articulate and standardize their design workflows for team efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $77,837.00 - 122,548.53 annually.

Benefits:

• Stock options

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.

• RRSP matching program to support retirement savings.

• Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to encourage community engagement.

• Other employee benefits as the company implements.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to Toronto, Canada, reflecting the local market conditions for a Senior Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in the tech/e-commerce sector. The listed benefits are competitive and align with industry standards for full-time roles in Canada, with a particular note on RRSP matching which is a valuable benefit in the Canadian market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Digital Marketing, Technology Services. Rakuten Rewards operates within the competitive online retail and loyalty program space, leveraging technology to connect consumers with brands and provide value through rewards like Cash Back. This dynamic industry requires constant innovation in user experience and marketing to maintain a competitive edge.

Company Size: Rakuten Rewards is part of the global Rakuten Group, a large technology conglomerate. While specific numbers for the Rewards division or Canadian operations aren't provided, the parent company's scale suggests a robust organizational structure with significant resources. This means opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and exposure to diverse projects, but also a need for clear communication and process adherence within a larger corporate framework.

Founded: Rakuten Group was founded in 1997, with Rakuten Rewards (formerly Ebates) having a history dating back to 1999. This long-standing presence indicates stability and deep market experience within the e-commerce and loyalty sectors.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design team is part of a larger organization, likely within the Marketing or Creative department.

• The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Sr. Manager, Graphic Design, indicating a clear reporting hierarchy and leadership structure.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes the "Five Principles for Success" (Always improve, Always Advance; Passionately Professional; Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika; Maximize Customer Satisfaction; Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!), which suggests a culture focused on continuous improvement, high standards, iterative development, customer-centricity, and agile execution.

• The mention of AI prompting techniques points towards an adoption of modern workflow methodologies to enhance efficiency and creativity.

• The "Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika" principle (Rakuten Cycle) indicates a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and iterative improvement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Rakuten's "Five Principles for Success" is crucial for cultural fit. These principles emphasize a proactive, customer-focused, and results-oriented approach that is highly relevant for operations and GTM roles. The global scale of Rakuten Group offers significant opportunities but also necessitates strong operational processes for effective collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Graphic Designer, signifying a mid-to-senior level position. It requires not only advanced design skills but also the ability to mentor junior team members, contribute to strategic creative direction, and manage projects independently. This level typically involves a deeper understanding of business objectives and how design impacts key performance indicators (KPIs) like customer engagement, conversion rates, and brand loyalty.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Sr. Manager, Graphic Design. This structure provides clear guidance and oversight while allowing for autonomy in day-to-day creative execution and project management. The role also involves significant collaboration with other departments, indicating exposure to various facets of the business and the opportunity to build a broad internal network.

Operations Impact: As a Senior Graphic Designer, the role's impact is directly tied to the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, user acquisition efforts, and customer retention strategies. High-quality, on-brand creative assets are essential for driving engagement, communicating value propositions, and ultimately contributing to revenue growth through improved conversion rates and customer satisfaction within the Rakuten Rewards ecosystem.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in digital design, UX/UI, motion graphics, and emerging design technologies. Learning AI prompting techniques offers a direct path to enhancing workflow efficiency and creative output.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead Designer or Art Director role, taking on greater strategic responsibility, managing larger projects, and potentially leading design teams. Mentoring junior designers is a stepping stone to formal leadership.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working closely with Marketing, Sales, and Product teams provides invaluable experience in Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies and operations, opening doors to roles in product marketing, campaign management, or even product design.

• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise within the e-commerce and loyalty program sector, becoming a specialist in designing for consumer rewards platforms and driving user engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Graphic Designer role is a critical component of the GTM engine. Its impact on customer acquisition and retention through effective visual communication is substantial. The growth path outlined suggests opportunities for both specialization in design craft and broader leadership within operations or marketing functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Toronto, Canada, at the Yonge Sheppard Center. This suggests a traditional office environment with dedicated workspaces.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Yonge Sheppard Center). This location is a prominent business hub, likely offering good accessibility via public transit and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with various departments, implying an open or semi-open office layout designed to facilitate team interaction and communication.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects) and potentially advanced hardware for creative work. The company's adoption of AI prompting suggests integration of new technologies into the workspace.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular design team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-departmental project discussions, fostering a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the fast-paced nature of the e-commerce industry and the emphasis on "Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!," some flexibility and willingness to work beyond standard hours during peak periods or critical project phases may be expected to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a central Toronto location indicates a preference for in-person collaboration and team synergy. The emphasis on "fast pace" and "speed" suggests an environment where agile workflows and responsive communication are paramount for operations and GTM success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, walking through key projects, design process, and rationale. This is a critical step to evaluate creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and communication abilities. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, and outcomes for each project.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or challenge to evaluate proficiency in required tools (Figma, Adobe Suite) and ability to apply design principles under timed conditions. This might involve creating a quick concept, wireframe, or revising an existing design.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with hiring managers, Sr. Manager, Graphic Design, and potentially members of the Marketing, Product, or Web Development teams to assess collaboration skills, cultural fit, and understanding of business objectives.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and experience relevant to digital, e-commerce, and mobile app design.

• Showcase Process: For each project, detail your approach: problem statement, target audience, ideation, wireframing, user journeys, design iterations, final solution, and measurable results (if available).

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your use of Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and After Effects.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include data or metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, user engagement, task completion).

• Tailor to Rakuten: Emphasize projects that align with Rakuten Rewards' brand, customer base, and business goals. Consider how your work demonstrates their "Five Principles for Success."

• Prepare for AI Discussion: Be ready to discuss your understanding of AI prompting for design and how you foresee it impacting your workflow.

Challenge Preparation:

• Tool Familiarity: Ensure you are comfortable and efficient with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. Practice common design tasks and workflows.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate design challenges that require creative solutions within constraints (e.g., designing for a specific user segment, optimizing a particular user flow).

• Brand Alignment: Be prepared to design within or adapt to Rakuten's existing brand guidelines.

• Concise Communication: Practice explaining your design decisions and process clearly and concisely, especially under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a practical demonstration of skills and strategic thinking, beyond just a polished portfolio. The inclusion of AI prompting and cross-functional interviews highlights the modern operational demands of a GTM-aligned design role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, collaborative workflows, and creating interactive designs for web and mobile applications. Proficiency expected for wireframing, user journey mapping, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Includes Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout design for multi-page documents, though less emphasis for digital-first roles). Mastery is critical for asset creation.

• Adobe After Effects: Required for creating motion graphics, animations, and dynamic visual elements for digital campaigns, social media, and promotional content.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• The role requires collaboration with Marketing and Sales teams who likely utilize CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms. While direct use may not be required, an understanding of how design assets integrate into these systems and support GTM campaigns is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on industry-standard design software. The explicit mention of Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and After Effects indicates the core tools expected. The implicit need to understand analytics and CRM integration points to the designer's role within the broader GTM operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Always improve, Always Advance (Kaizen): A commitment to continuous learning, iterative refinement of designs, and staying ahead of design trends and technologies. This applies to both individual skill development and the optimization of design processes for greater efficiency.

• Passionately Professional: Maintaining high standards of quality, craftsmanship, and ethical conduct in all design work. This involves taking ownership of projects, delivering exceptional results, and being a dedicated advocate for the brand's visual identity.

• Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika (Rakuten Cycle): A data-informed approach to design, where ideas are tested, prototypes are validated, and learnings are integrated back into the process. This encourages experimentation and evidence-based design decisions.

• Maximize Customer Satisfaction: Designing with the end-user at the forefront, ensuring that creative assets are not only visually appealing but also intuitive, engaging, and contribute positively to the customer experience on Rakuten Rewards platforms.

• Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!: A focus on agility, efficiency, and timely delivery of creative assets. This means effectively managing workloads, prioritizing tasks, and working collaboratively to meet demanding project timelines common in the fast-paced e-commerce environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively with diverse teams (Marketing, Web Development, Product, Social) to achieve shared GTM objectives. This involves clear communication, active listening, and a willingness to integrate feedback.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to discussing and refining design workflows and best practices to improve team efficiency and output quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, techniques, and learnings, particularly around new tools like AI prompting, to elevate the entire design team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten's "Five Principles for Success" are deeply embedded in their operational values. For a Senior Graphic Designer, understanding and embodying these principles is key to cultural alignment and effective contribution to the GTM strategy. The emphasis on speed and customer satisfaction is particularly relevant for an e-commerce platform.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design ideas into assets that strictly adhere to established brand guidelines and technical specifications of various platforms (web, mobile).

• Managing High-Volume Demands: Consistently delivering high-quality creative work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced e-commerce environment, requiring strong prioritization and time management skills.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder needs and feedback from multiple departments (Marketing, Product, Web Dev) to ensure design solutions meet broader business objectives.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with rapid advancements in design tools and AI technologies, and effectively integrating them into existing workflows to maintain efficiency and innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen understanding of GTM strategies, marketing campaign execution, and user acquisition/retention principles through close collaboration with relevant teams.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend design conferences (e.g., Adobe MAX, AIGA events) or pursue certifications in UX/UI design or specific software to enhance expertise.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior designers, potentially leading small project teams, and contributing to the strategic direction of the design function.

• AI & Emerging Tech: Gain hands-on experience and training in AI prompting techniques for design, positioning the candidate at the forefront of creative technology adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in fast-paced, collaborative environments. The growth opportunities highlight a clear path for both deepening design expertise and developing broader operational and leadership capabilities within the GTM function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a strong creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, negotiation skills, and ability to deliver on-brand work.)

• "Walk us through a complex digital design project from your portfolio that involved cross-functional collaboration. What was your role, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize your process, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.)

• "How would you approach designing an A/B test for a key element on our website or mobile app to improve conversion rates?" (Demonstrate understanding of data-driven design and optimization.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Rakuten's 'Five Principles for Success' resonate with your personal work philosophy and experience?" (Connect your past experiences and values to their core principles.)

• "What are your thoughts on the role of AI in graphic design, and how do you see yourself incorporating AI prompting techniques into your workflow at Rakuten Rewards?" (Show your forward-thinking approach and willingness to adopt new technologies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation with a clear beginning (problem/objective), middle (process/solutions), and end (outcome/impact). Tell a story for each project.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation slides are clean, well-designed, and highlight the key visual elements of your work. Use high-resolution images and mockups.

• Process Deep Dive: Be prepared to elaborate on your wireframing, user journey mapping, and ideation phases. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Tool Demonstration: If asked, be ready to quickly showcase your proficiency in Figma or Adobe Suite, perhaps by quickly sketching a concept or demonstrating a feature.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success and impact of your designs. If no hard data is available, discuss anticipated outcomes or qualitative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on assessing not only design skills but also strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and cultural alignment with Rakuten's core values and GTM approach. The emphasis on AI and data-driven design is a key differentiator.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Rakuten Rewards careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest digital and e-commerce design projects. Ensure it includes examples of mobile app UI, responsive web design, and any relevant motion graphics work. Clearly articulate your design process, including ideation, wireframing, and user journey mapping for a few key projects.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Adobe After Effects. Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible, especially those related to engagement, conversion, or brand impact. Explicitly mention your experience with user journeys, wireframes, and AI prompting techniques.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on telling a compelling story for each project. Be ready to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you collaborate with cross-functional teams. Prepare to answer questions about Rakuten's Five Principles for Success and your thoughts on AI in design.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Rakuten Rewards, its brand, its products, and its competitors. Pay close attention to their "Five Principles for Success" and how they translate into a workplace culture and operational strategy. Understand their e-commerce model and the role of design in driving customer satisfaction and business growth.

⚠️ 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.