Lead Graphic Designer

Summary:
Lead high-quality creative design solutions in a fast-paced production environment functioning as an internal agency to the multiple brands of Arrowhead Engineered Products. This senior-level position combines exceptional individual design execution with project leadership, team mentoring, and client relationship management responsibilities. You'll work across diverse and exciting industries—from high-performance automotive and racing parts to outdoor power equipment to golf accessories—creating everything from cutting-edge digital campaigns to large-scale trade show materials and retail planograms.

This position serves as both a senior creative contributor and project leader, responsible for mentoring junior designers, leading creative projects from concept through completion, and presenting creative solutions directly to internal clients. You'll collaborate with marketing managers to ideate creative concepts and guide brainstorming sessions that solve complex business challenges across Arrowhead Engineered Products business lines.

Key Success Factors: Ability to maintain 75% billable utilization, lead multiple concurrent projects, mentor team members, present creative concepts to stakeholders, and deliver exceptional creative work in an agency-style production environment.

Primary Responsibilities:
Project Leadership & Production Management

• Lead creative projectsfrom initial concept through final delivery, ensuring on-time completion and quality standards
• Maintain 75% billable utilizationusing time tracking tools and efficient project management practices
• Execute complete design process from concept to completion, ensuring high-quality design and brand consistency across multiple brands
• Manage project workflowsusing project management platforms (Wrike experience preferred), ensuring deadlines are met and stakeholders are informed
• Coordinate with internal teams and manage external vendors to deliver comprehensive creative solutionsClient Relations & Creative Leadership
• Present creative concepts and final designsdirectly to Creative Services' internal clients with clear strategic rationale
• Lead brainstorming sessionsand ideate creative concepts with marketing managers from different business units
• Guide creative problem-solvingsessions to develop innovative solutions to complex business challenges
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with marketing managers across multiple business units
• Respond constructively to feedback, implementing modifications that align with brand strategy and business objectives

Design Execution & Quality

• Generate creative solutions that translate complex technical information into clear, engaging marketing collateral
• Demonstrate expert-level proficiency in marketing collateral across digital, print, packaging, and motion graphics
• Stay current with design trendsacross all major mediums (digital, print, social media, packaging, etc.)
• Review and refine assets to ensure alignment with brand standards, technical accuracy, and error-free execution

Mentoring & Team Development

• Mentor designers, helping them develop technical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and professional growth
• Take leadership rolein guiding team members through complex projects and quality standards
• Review and provide constructive feedback on junior team members' work to ensure quality standards and brand consistency
• Share knowledge of design principles, brand guidelines, and industry best practices to elevate overall team capabilities
• Foster a positive, creative, and collaborative team environment that encourages growth and innovation

Brand Stewardship & Trend Management

• Maintain deep understanding of each business unit's brand guidelines, target customers, and strategic positioning
• Ensure all creative assets align with brand voice, positioning, and visual standards across ABRG, OPE/Stens, J&N, Golf, and eCommerce
• Stay current with design trends, emerging technologies, and best practicesacross digital, print, social media, and packaging design
• Contribute to evolution of brand guidelines to support business growth and market changes# Improved Senior Graphic Designer Job Description

Continuous Improvement

• Seek opportunities to improve personal skillset, team workflows, and cross-functional collaboration
• Stay current with design trends, technology, and best practices relevant to B2B manufacturing and retail markets
• Contribute to process improvements that enhance quality and efficiency
• Lead by example in embracing new technologies, creative approaches, and collaborative methods

Required Qualifications:
Education & Experience

• Associate degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field, OR equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 5 years of professional design experiencein agency, in-house, or manufacturing environment
• Proven track record leading creative projectsand managing multiple concurrent initiatives with tight deadlines
• Experience managing external vendors(photographers, printers, agencies, freelancers)
• Project management platform experience(Wrike, Monday, Basecamp, or similar tools)
• Client presentation experience- comfortable presenting creative concepts to stakeholders
• Experience working with technical/manufacturing productspreferred
• Previous mentoring, training, or creative leadership experiencestrongly preferred
• Agency or internal agency environment experiencepreferred

Technical Skills

• Expert proficiency required: Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
• Advanced level: Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
• Proficient level: Premiere Pro, After Effects, or Final Cut Pro
• Project Management: Experience with project management platforms (Wrike, Monday, Basecamp, or similar)
• Wrike experience is a significant plus(our current platform)
• Time Tracking: Experience with utilization tracking and time management tools
• Preferred skills: Photography and video equipment operation, Microsoft 365
• AI-assisted design tools: Familiarity with emerging design technologies preferred

Core Competencies

• Client Presentation: Confident presenting creative concepts and design rationale to internal clients and stakeholders
• Creative Leadership: Ability to guide brainstorming sessions, lead creative ideation, and drive innovative problem-solving
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with experience managing timelines, resources, and deliverables
• Team Leadership: Natural mentoring abilities with patience and skills for developing junior team members
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interactions and team collaboration
• Adaptability: Comfort working across diverse industries (automotive, agriculture, outdoor power equipment, golf)
• Production Mindset: Thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments while maintaining quality standards
• Vendor Management: Experience coordinating with external suppliers, photographers, printers, and other creative vendors
• Utilization Focus: Understanding of agency-style billable hours and efficiency in time management

Work Environment:
Location: Hybrid office/remote with strong preference for regular on-site collaboration
Travel: Approximately 10-15% for trade shows, photography shoots, and business unit meetings
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 30 lbs, prolonged computer work, occasional outdoor photography

What We Offer:
Creative Variety: Work across exciting, diverse industries from high-performance racing to precision rotating electrical, and quality outdoor power equipment—no two projects are ever the same

• Collaborative Culture: Join a tight-knit, supportive Creative Services team that values innovation, creativity, and mutual growth
• Mentoring Opportunities: Make a real impact by developing junior designers and sharing your expertise
• Professional Growth: Continuous learning environment with access to latest creative tools, technology, and industry training
• Dynamic Projects: From cutting-edge digital campaigns to massive trade show displays, catalogs, packaging, and everything in between
• Supportive Leadership: Work with a Creative Director who values quality, process, and team development
• Modern Tools & Technology: State-of-the-art creative software, equipment, and emerging AI-assisted design tools
• Competitive Package: Comprehensive compensation and benefits in a stable, growing company
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid flexibility with a team that respects both deadlines and personal well-being

Application Requirements:Required Submissions:

• Current resumehighlighting project leadership and multi-project management experience
• Current design portfoliodemonstrating versatility across industries, media types, and project complexity
• Cover letteraddressing experience with client presentations, team leadership, and technical product marketing

Portfolio Requirements:

• Must include examples of: B2B marketing materials, brand consistency across product lines, technical/manufacturing content
• Demonstrate range across digital, print, packaging, and motion graphics
• Show examples of concept development and creative problem-solving
• Include any examples of work produced in agency or fast-paced production environments

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; used hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to sit for prolonged periods. Using proper lifting techniques, the employee must be able to lift to 30 lbs. occasionally.

Working Conditions:
Heated and air-conditioned office or remote location
Working outdoors is uncommon, but sometimes necessary
Approximate travel expectations of 10-15%

Notice to Recruitment Agencies and Search Firms
Arrowhead Engineered Products is committed to a structured and respectful hiring process. We kindly ask that recruiters and staffing agencies do not contact us via this page or reach out directly to our team members.
We only engage with external recruiting partners who have a fully executed, formal agreement in place. Any resumes or candidate submissions received without such an agreement will be considered unsolicited and will not create any contractual obligation. Arrowhead Engineered Products will not be responsible for any associated fees. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

This position is critical to supporting our shared services model and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships across multiple business units. We're looking for a creative professional who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment and takes pride in delivering exceptional creative solutions that drive business results while helping develop the next generation of creative talent. Join our team where creativity meets strategy, and every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful impact.