Category Graphic Designer - Contractor

Location: Atlanta, GA, United States Date Posted: Jun 23, 2026 Job ID: JV-2284 The 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 RESPONSIBILITIES Category & Business Partnership Act 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 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. Design 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 Management Own 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 Management Serve 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. Collaborate 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. QUALIFICATIONS Strong 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 manner MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION Bachelor’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. WORK ENVIRONMENT Currently working hybrid schedule in Atlanta office 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr