Graphic Designer

OverviewHAYWARD INDUSTRIES (NYSE "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment globally, with a significant presence in the commercial pool market that is continuously growing. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Hayward designs, manufactures and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control and energy solutions. For over 80-years, Hayward has been enhancing pool ownership by manufacturing cutting edge, advanced pool and spa equipment. Hayward listens to our customers' needs and makes sure they are implemented during the design and manufacturing process. The goal is to become the preferred brand of choice with every residential and commercial swimming pool and spa. The Graphic Designer will play a critical role in building our in-house agency by creating, implementing, and supporting a combination of brand and business objectives from various stakeholders at HAYWARD. Working independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams, this person will be a problem-solver, delivering a wide range of creative solutions across print, digital, packaging, POP, and event/tradeshow platforms. This position will be located at 1415 Vantage Park Drive, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC (Uptown). The graphic designer will work onsite at this Charlotte location with our growing teamResponsibilitiesTo perform this job successfully, the graphic designer must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Develop creative solutions for a wide variety of print and digital projects, demonstrating expert visual communication skills with a keen eye for hierarchy, layout, typography, and relevant messaging for the target audience. Manage your time and project priorities efficiently whether working independently or collaboratively, aligning to internal workflow processes and deliverable dates. Develop a wide range of creative assets including print and digital ads, catalogs, brochures, presentations, sell sheets, packaging, POP, eblasts, web banners, print/packaging mockups, display ads, tradeshow graphics and various other materials that support the brand strategy and business objectives. Ability to interpret and execute against creative briefs and strategic objectives with purposeful, impactful, and relevant solutions. Coordinate and collaborate on projects with external vendors including print and production vendors, ad agencies, photo/video studios, developers, and others. Support digital and website creative, working closely with front end development team. Work with outside agencies to support sales, HR and other Hayward departments for communication needs. Stay current with emerging design and digital trends, along with the industry's competitive landscape and share innovations with internal teams. Help to maintain an updated repository of creative and marketing assets including images, photography, videos, native art files, logos, presentation templates, etc. Requirements: Highly creative, motivated team player with excellent, versatile problem-solving skills. Flexible/Adaptable – able to quickly shift priorities and multi-task. Ability to manage multiple projects and make timely decisions. Proven ability to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail, highly organized. Excellent verbal, written and visual communication skills. Bring passion and enthusiasm to work. Desire to advance work and sharpen skills. Work Samples/Portfolio demonstrating expert design skills, including upholding brand standards. Open to different perspectives and ideas, responds well to direction from leadership and peers. Qualifications Must have 2 to 4 years graphic design experience working in, or closely supporting, an in-house design department. Creative experience within a mid-to-large size consumer or B2B products company or related manufacturing company is a plus. Must have strong understanding of prepress and preparing files for production. Proven design expertise across a variety of print and digital platforms. Must have in-depth knowledge of Photoshop specifically for color correction and retouching. Must be an expert in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Acrobat. Must be proficient in MS Office software – PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. Copywriting and/or advertising experience is a plus. Experience with producing and editing video is a plus. Designing for E-commerce experience is a plus. Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) or technical degree in graphic design, visual communication, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and strong related experience in lieu of degree.