Graphic Designer Lead

Company / Location Information

A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Primary Function

We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Lead Graphic Designer to lead the development of compelling visual communications across digital, print, packaging, and eCommerce channels. This role is responsible for the conceptualization, design, and execution of high-impact creative assets that support brand growth, product marketing, and direct-to-consumer initiatives. The ideal candidate combines strong visual design skills with UX expertise, production knowledge, and experience directing photo and video content while leading a team of graphic designers.

Responsibilities

1. Key Responsibilities

   • Lead the end-to-end creative process, collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, product management, eCommerce, and external partners to develop and execute innovative creative strategies that support business goals and enhance brand performance.
   • Concept and design weekly promotional email campaigns, banner ads, and other digital marketing assets that drive engagement and conversions.
   • Develop creative concepts and execute designs for product labeling, packaging, and point-of-sale materials while maintaining brand consistency and regulatory compliance.
   • Create engaging social media content, including static graphics, animations, and campaign assets across multiple platforms.
   • Design and optimize product landing pages with a strong focus on user experience (UX), customer journey, and conversion rate optimization.
   • Develop and maintain direct-to-consumer (DTC) web assets, ensuring a seamless and visually compelling online customer experience.
   • Lead the creative direction for product and lifestyle photography and video productions, including concept development, shot planning, art direction, and collaboration with photographers, videographers, and talent.
   • Direct high-end photo retouching, color correction, and image enhancement for marketing and eCommerce applications.
   • Lead the design, layout, and ongoing maintenance of technical documentation, including product manuals, installation guides, and support materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and an exceptional user experience.
   • Ensure all creative assets adhere to brand standards and are delivered on time and to specification.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 7+ years of professional graphic design experience, including demonstrated experience leading creative projects and mentoring designers.
  • Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in digital marketing, packaging, web design, and brand development.
  • Proven experience designing promotional emails, web banners, landing pages, social media content, and print collateral.
  • Experience leading and directing product and lifestyle photography and video productions.
  • Advanced photo retouching and image manipulation skills.
  • Strong understanding of UX/UI best practices, responsive web design principles, and eCommerce customer experiences.
  • Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail, especially in technical and instructional content.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of HTML/CSS and email design best practices.
  • Experience with motion graphics and video editing.
  • Familiarity with packaging production processes and print specifications.
  • Understanding of A/B testing and performance-driven creative optimization.

  Success Measures

  • Increased engagement and conversion through email, social, and web creative.
  • Consistent delivery of high-quality branded assets across all channels.
  • Effective management of photo/video productions and creative campaigns.
  • Accurate, visually appealing product documentation and technical materials.
  • Strong collaboration and partnership across marketing, eCommerce, and product teams.

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.

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ADA Statement & EEO Statement

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status.

We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.