Graphic Designer

About Ampersand Brands

Ampersand Brands is an expanding collection of cherished confectionery brands, such as Hammond's Candies, known for handcrafted sweets, and Lolli & Pops, a premium retail and gifting company with a nationwide footprint. The company is committed to growth by integrating innovation, compelling brand storytelling, and operational excellence to enhance its presence and establish itself as a leader in the U.S. confectionery market.

Role Overview

This position sits within Ampersand's portfolio, including Lolli & Pops and Hammond's Candies, which share the goal of enhancing everyday generosity with exquisite, giftable treats that build genuine human connections. We are looking for a Graphic Designer to become part of our expanding marketing and creative team. This opportunity suits a designer eager to shift from freelance assignments to deeper creative collaboration, taking responsibility for packaging, digital content, and brand storytelling, and partnering closely with the team to deliver impactful design across various platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Create branded visuals for digital and print media, including social media graphics, email campaigns, paid advertisements, event signage, and trade show displays.
• Support marketing campaigns for Lolli & Pops and Hammond’s Candies seasons ensuring consistent and compelling visual narratives.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to develop campaign concepts and translate ideas into appealing visual formats.
• Design packaging layouts for new and existing products maintaining brand consistency and preparing production-ready artwork with precise specifications.
• Work cross-functionally to align packaging designs with marketing and merchandising strategies.
• Assist in photoshoot preparations by organizing shot lists, advising on props, and assembling visual reference boards, keeping photography and video content aligned with brand standards.
• Organize and maintain an asset library with proper naming conventions and version controls using platforms like Dropbox or Drive.
• Manage archiving and file systems for creative materials, encompassing packaging, photography, and digital assets.
• Collaborate closely with marketing and creative teams and communicate clearly with supervisors regarding priorities and project status.
• Attend marketing and creative meetings to stay updated on new product launches and brand campaigns, presenting ideas confidently and engaging in constructive feedback cycles.

Qualifications

• Between 2 to 5 years of professional graphic design experience in agency, in-house, or freelance settings.
• High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign; experience with Figma, Canva, or motion graphics software is beneficial.
• Strong expertise in brand identity systems, color theory, layout principles, and packaging design.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities, open to feedback and proactive in sharing ideas.

Growth Opportunities

• Design across various brands covering digital, retail, and packaging projects.
• Chance to explore creative techniques including illustration, motion graphics, and innovative design methods.
• Mentorship and development support geared toward progression to a Lead Designer role.
• Access to company-sponsored professional development resources such as courses, training programs, and advanced design tools.

Work Setup

• Position can be performed remotely or from the Denver office; occasional travel to the headquarters for workshops and brand immersion is expected for remote workers.
• Remote employees should have flexible schedules to attend key meetings potentially outside their standard time zones, with possible adjustments to work hours to synchronize with team activities.
• The role requires initiative and autonomy; in contrast to freelance roles, daily detailed task lists may not be provided, encouraging proactive engagement and opportunity identification.
• Company will provide email access and an option of a corporate laptop or using personal equipment, with access to necessary software and shared file systems.

Compensation

The annual salary for this position ranges from 70000 to 72000 USD.