Category Graphic Designer - Contractor

Category Pod Graphic Designer – ContractorThe Category Pod Graphic Designer – Contractor position is a hybrid creative and business partner role responsible for delivering packaging and marketing design for a specific product category while serving as an embedded creative expert within that business. Unlike a traditional production-focused design role, this position requires deep category knowledge, strong client partnership, and proactive creative leadership. Each Category Pod Graphic Designer owns a defined category (or group of closely related categories) and works in close partnership with Business Unit, Innovation, and Sales teams to translate business objectives, shopper insights, and category dynamics into effective visual solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesCategory & Business PartnershipAct as the embedded creative partner for an assigned product category, serving as the primary design contact for BU, Innovation & Sales teams.Develop deep understanding of the category, including competitive landscape and key competitors, retail environments and merchandising realities, shopper segments, needs, and motivations, and brand roles, architecture, and portfolio strategy within the category.Participate in category and brand discussions as a creative business partner, contributing visual perspective to business decisions.Conduct and apply market assessments, including in-store audits, competitive reviews, and retailer-specific observations.Understand retailer strategies, constraints, and opportunities that impact creative execution and packaging decisions.Creative Execution & Design LeadershipDesign and execute packaging and supporting marketing creative aligned with established visual strategy and art direction.Translate category strategy and brand positioning into clear, effective visual communication.Ensure creative solutions support sales objectives, clarity at shelf, and brand consistency.Manage projects from concept through final execution, including revisions, production readiness, and handoff.Apply feedback from the Art Director and Director of Visual Strategy to ensure quality and alignment.Priority Ownership & Project ManagementOwn and manage creative priorities for the assigned category pod.Partner with Sales and Brand teams to understand business urgency and sequencing of work.Use Wrike as the primary tool for project intake, briefing, and status tracking.Balance multiple projects while maintaining alignment to category priorities.Proactively communicate timelines, tradeoffs, and capacity constraints.Partner with the Enablement Manager when additional resources or support are needed during periods of high demand.Client & Account ManagementServe as the day-to-day creative partner to internal clients, including Sales and Brand teams.Proactively manage creative requests, timelines, and expectations.Ask the right questions to clarify objectives and recommend solutions—not just execute requests.Build trust through reliability, business understanding, and effective communication.Collaboration & Continuous ImprovementCollaborate with cross-functional partners including Product, Innovation, Marketing, and Operations.Share category learnings and best practices with other pod designers and creative leadership.Continuously build business, category, and creative knowledge to improve impact.Support a culture of accountability, partnership, and creative excellence within the agency model.QualificationsStrong packaging design and production experience.Demonstrated ability to manage projects and work directly with internal stakeholders.Interest in or aptitude for learning business strategy, category dynamics, and shopper behavior.Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and growing knowledge of approved design AI tools.Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe mannerMinimum Experience & EducationBachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Production Design, Packaging Design, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.3–6+ years of professional graphic design experience, preferably in CPG, retail, or brand-driven environments.Include link to portfolio when submitting the applicationWork EnvironmentCurrently working hybrid schedule in Atlanta officeCentral Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro ®, Aqueon ®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam ®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zo ? con ®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit to learn more.We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.Mona - #LI-MJ1