Summary Description: This position develops and creates graphic design materials for the Marketing and Innovation team. Delivers production-ready artwork or assets for a variety of print and digital materials which includes print ads, collateral pieces, social media, web, presentation materials, retail product design, packaging, email marketing, mock-ups and corporate communications pieces.

Responsibilities:

• Creates print and digital collateral based on current and emerging creative industry trends that align with Whataburger® branding and standards.
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of typography, layout and design with the ability to create marketing communications pieces from conception to completion.
• Translates established designs into various advertising elements and versions including both print and digital mediums.
• Stays current on emerging technologies in computer software and new media, particularly as it relates to a design environment.
• Organizes and serves a primary lead for department’s design tracking system and keeps management and marketing department informed on all work being created.
• Interfaces with third-party print vendors to ensure they are meeting Whataburger® brand standards on print materials by reviewing proofs and attending press checks. Reviews costs, sign estimates and assigns appropriate bill codes when appropriate.
• Coordinates distribution of print-ready materials to appropriate vendors in a timely manner and follows through until completion.
• Partners with the external ad agency to share and release designs and files in an effective and time-efficient manner.
• Collaborates with advertising agency on copywriting as needed; maintains partnership with agency to collaborate on projects and ensure brand consistency.
• Ensures that the overall look and feel of the print and digital marketing materials is best in class, aesthetically pleasing, consistent, and compelling while adhering to our brand standards.
• Validates and aligns designs with multiple stakeholders, ensuring integration of brand strategy, visual design concepts, product attributes, and iconography. Provides options and willingly iterates to achieve brand vision and tone.
• Occasionally reviews and provides input into the work of outside graphic designers. Evaluates and acquires imaging content from external production artists, designers, vendors, and contractors.
• Develops, designs, produces compelling marketing materials in print and digital media.
• Proactively executes projects as outlined by business unit and company goals.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Design, Graphic Design,, Marketing, Communications or related discipline or any equivalent combination of education and experience required

Experience:

• 2+ years’ experience as a production artist preferred
• 2+ years’ experience in creative design required
• Graphic design and production experience within an agency or in-house firm beneficial
• 2+ years’ experience in graphic design

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Skilled in proactively communicating relevant project information and status updates to team and management
• Capable of independently and proactively executing multiple projects simultaneously within tight deadlines
• Accountable for setting own work direction toward specific objectives
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud/Suite applications in a Mac environment
• Basic HTML5, CSS3, WordPress, Java Script
• Proficiency in print and digital production
• Knowledge of common design principles, print production and mechanical standards/portfolio required
• Ability to presents and explain ideas to creative manager and marketing department in a confident manner
• Knowledge of pre-press and print production
• Ability to take initiative and collaborate
• Ability to deliver high-quality work on schedule or preferably one to three months in advance
• Strong layout skills and an experienced eye for color and typography
• Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in Workday (as applicable)
• Ability to communicate well with the general public and experience in establishing and maintaining an effective working relationship with management, vendors, and co-workers
• Ability to work in a team environment

Working Conditions/Travel Requirements:

• Expected to work the necessary time to satisfactorily fulfill job responsibilities
• Must be able to report to work timely and as required by operational/business needs
• Must be able to work a full-time schedule and work outside of normal business hours when necessary
• Some travel, both locally and long distances, (including air travel), to worksites, meeting sites, and other locations may be necessary

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903