Freelance Graphic Designer (Chicago)

Phusion Projects: Established in 2005 Phusion Projects is a global alcoholic beverage company with presence in over 40 countries, employing 250+ worldwide and housing a portfolio of brands including Four Loko, Four Loko PREGAME, Remix, Overtime, Earthquake, and more!

Culture: Innovation and disruption is in the DNA at Phusion, we understand drinkers as category agnostic and we pursue flavor, brand, and functional benefits above all else. We're always looking to push boundaries within our current product portfolio and partnerships and that mindset flows through in our company culture.

JOB TITLE: Graphic Designer (Freelance)

DEPARTMENT: Marketing

ENGAGEMENT TYPE: Freelance / independent contractor; 90-Day engagement with potential to extend based on performance and cultural fit

WEEKLY COMMITMENT: 20-40 hours per week

LOCATION: Hybrid, on-site Tuesdays and Wednesdays

PRIMARY CONTACT: VP, Brand Marketing

SUMMARY: The freelance Graphic Designer will create on-brand visual assets that bring Phusion's retail programs to life — from point-of-sale (POS) and display materials to sell sheets, sales decks, and shopper marketing kits. To be successful in this engagement you must have a strong understanding of print and retail design production, brand guidelines, and trade/shopper marketing conventions, including strong creative execution, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. You must also possess working knowledge of print production specs, packaging/dieline requirements, and design software. This contract position will partner closely with the Trade Marketing and Sales teams as well as outside print vendors and distributor partners to meet program deadlines.

SCOPE OF WORK:

● Creative, Production, and Compliance Expertise

• Develop shopper marketing kits and program toolkits that translate national brand campaigns into retail-ready executions.
• Partner with the Trade Marketing team to understand program objectives, retailer specs, and timelines, and translate them into compelling visual assets.
• Design POS and display materials: floor displays, case cards, shelf talkers, window clings, banners, and other in-store trade assets — for wholesaler and retail programs.
• Maintain and apply brand guidelines consistently across all trade materials, flagging inconsistencies and escalate brand questions as needed.
• Manage relationships with print vendors and production partners — reviewing proofs and ensuring print-ready files meet spec.
• Understand and effectively apply knowledge of color and printing on different substrates to achieve consistent results compatible with approved design intent.
• Recognize differences in print processes and how design elements may need to be modified to achieve the best final result.
• Facilitate open dialogue with Marketing leaders and the Legal Department to ensure that all consumer-facing marketing materials and programs are in compliance with Phusion Projects’ Marketing Code.
• Interface as needed with cross-functional teams including (but not limited to): Supply Chain, Legal, and creative agencies to ensure that brand objectives and timelines are in alignment throughout the course of a project.

● Marketing Services Support

• Create sell sheets, one-pagers, and sales presentation decks that support distributor and retailer pitches.
• Organize and maintain a library of trade asset templates, source files, and brand/packaging assets for reuse across programs.
• Support packaging and merchandising projects with mockups, renders, and layouts as needed.
• Track and manage multiple concurrent design requests, prioritizing based on program deadlines and business impact.
• Take on additional design projects as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

● This engagement has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

● 3-5 years of graphic design experience, ideally within CPG, beverage alcohol, or a related trade/shopper marketing environment, with a portfolio demonstrating print and retail design work.

● Bachelor's Degree (BA) in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred.

● Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); familiarity with 3D mockup/rendering tools a plus; familiarity with video editing is a plus

● Knowledge of print production processes, file prep, and packaging/dieline requirements.

● Own computer equipment and licensed design software (Adobe Creative Suite) to complete work independently.

● Availability to be present for on-site work and meetings every Tuesday and Wednesday.

● Other skills required:

• Strong understanding of brand guidelines and ability to apply them consistently across formats
• Excellent attention to detail and quality control on print-ready files
• Ability to manage multiple design requests simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across Trade Marketing, Sales, and vendor partners
• Creativity paired with a practical understanding of retail/production constraints
• Be a self-starter, adaptable to a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
• Strong organizational skills for managing asset libraries and file versioning
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage own schedule to meet agreed deadlines

COMPENSATION:

The pay range for this role is $30-$40 per hour.

COMPETENCIES:

● Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

● Dependability - Meets agreed deadlines and deliverables; Takes responsibility for own work; Keeps commitments; Proactively communicates when a timeline is at risk and proposes an alternate plan.

● Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

● Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

● Collaboration - Works effectively with Trade Marketing, Sales, and vendor partners; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Incorporates revision rounds efficiently.

The above is intended to describe the general scope of work for this freelance engagement. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of deliverables. Specific projects, deliverables, timelines, and fees will be defined in a separate independent contractor agreement and/or statement of work. As an independent contractor, the freelancer determines the means and methods of performing the work and is not an employee of Phusion Projects.