What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graphic Designer position at Grillo's Pickles?
WHO ARE WE?
Grillo’s Pickles is a Boston-native company founded in 2008. Over the past 15 years, we have grown from selling our 100-year-old pickle recipe out of a handmade pickle cart on the streets of Boston to a nationwide brand with passionate fans across all corners of the US. Now part of the Irresistible Foods Group (IFG) along with King’s Hawaiian and Killer Brownie, we are continuing to redefine the pickle category and show the world that good is not good enough. Not bad for a pickle in a lawn chair. We're in the business of fresh. Fresh is more than a clean ingredient label or where we're sold. It's about creating fresh products out of a handmade pickle cart and flipping the script on how to build an amazing brand with a passionate fan base. It's about sharing our fresh perspective, style, and values with the world. It's about punching above our weight class, shooting our shot, saying “yes” to big opportunities, and then figuring it out. We are fearlessly passionate, authentic, and true to who we are. We accredit our growth to our commitment to staying true to our roots and never straying away from the values that drive us:
- Quality first. We can’t say we make the World’s Best Pickle if we don’t. Our brand is built entirely on delivering an incredible experience, one pickle at a time, and the trust we earn from our customers and fans that keeps them coming back for more. We’re committed to quality even if it’s harder, takes longer, or costs more. We won’t cut corners or settle for less. And quality first is not just for our products, but our people too.
- Hustle harder. Other brands might have bigger budgets, but we have heart, grit, and resourcefulness, and they’ve gotten us this far. We do more with less. We think boldly and more creatively to overcome roadblocks and turn scrappy ideas into huge opportunities.
- Respect & dignity. When we started, the people in the park were our first customers. We didn’t care if they lived there, worked nearby, or were just passing through. Our pickles brought them together. Everyone’s welcome to be a part of this thing we’re building. No prejudices, no assholes. We show everyone the same respect, honesty, and kindness we would want to be shown to us.
- Drive fast, take smart chances. The ability to listen to our fans, our partners, and the market and react quickly lets us take advantage of unique opportunities that others can’t. Being responsive, willing to take risks, and embracing the unconventional approach is what sets us apart and will help us get and stay ahead of the competition.
- Positive vibes. From the earliest days in the park to NY Pickle Fest to Expo, we can turn anything into a party. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we aren’t afraid to be ourselves – make a little noise, have some fun, and stand out. We started out making pickles for a living – that’s insane.
These values are not only what drive us but also what we seek in all members at all levels in our company. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, why don’t you join our family?
WHO ARE YOU?
You are a diligent and thoughtful individual who is passionate about getting things done well and getting them done on time, if not early. You perform at your best when you’re given generalguardrails and sent on your way to get shit done. You’re not afraid to ask questions or challenge the status quo if things don’t make sense because you take pride in figuring out better ways to do things, even if you weren’t asked to do so. You like to keep organized and find it easy to prioritize the most important tasks to complete. Most importantly, you’re fun. After all, you work for a pickle company.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Reporting to the VP of Creative, the Graphic Designer is a high-visibility, highly cross-functional role that touches almost all aspects of Grillo’s creative output, from packaging and brand identity to digital and print assets. This role requires a strategic thinker who can balance brand consistency with fresh, innovative design execution. You will be a vital member of the Grillo’s Team, responsible for supporting brand marketing objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES BRAND IDENTITY& CREATIVE DIRECTION
- Ensure a cohesive, authentic, and culturally relevant brand presence across packaging, marketing, digital, and in-store materials.
- Drive both consistency and innovation, ensuring the brand remains fresh while maintaining its core identity.
- Stay deeply attuned to design, fashion, and cultural trends to keep Grillo’s creative, forward-thinking, and relevant.
- Translate brand strategies into engaging, audience-driven creative that resonates with Grillo’s customers.
DESIGN & EXECUTION
- Concept, design, and produce assets for:
-Packaging updates and mockups.
-Brand-wide digital and print materials including marketing campaigns, email layouts, and presentations.
-In-store displays, event signage, and merchandise.
-Social media and website content that aligns with the brand’s unique voice and visual identity.
-Creating clear and on-brand presentations for internal and external partnerships.
- Develop and prepare print-ready files for production, ensuring final artwork meets printer specifications.
- Utilize illustration and photography skills(if applicable) to enhance brand storytelling.
- Ensure all creative work meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and innovation.
- Maintain an organized system for digital assets, ensuring easy access and consistency across brand materials.
COLLABORATION & LEADERSHIP
- Work cross-functionally with marketing, social media, and sales teams to execute creative initiatives.
- Partner with vendors, printers, and production partners to ensure design execution meets quality expectations.
- Build and maintain strong external relationships, ensuring creative collaborations align with Grillo’s vision.
- Guide and provide visual direction to ensure creative work aligns with the evolving identity.
- Incorporate feedback from internal stakeholders and external partners to refine and finalize designs.
STRATEGIC STORYTELLING
- Adapt creative work to align with specific campaigns, audiences, and markets as needed.
- Maintain a solution-oriented approach, ensuring the brand remains agile in its creative execution.
- Develop visually compelling designs that translate brand strategies into engaging consumer experiences.
WHAT YOU'LL HAVE:
- 2-5 years of design experience, ideally in CPG, food/beverage, or an agency setting.
- Mastery of Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator (PowerPoint is a plus).
- A strong portfolio showcasing packaging, branding, digital, and print design work.
- Ability to think strategically and execute creatively, balancing innovation with brand consistency.
- A keen eye for typography, layout, and storytelling.
- Illustration and photography experience (preferred).
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to make smart, fast decisions.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, startup-like environment.
- Comfortable with hybrid work (Westwood, MA office) and up to 20% travel for photoshoots, events, and trade shows.
To apply, please submit your resume and links to your portfolio and social profiles.
This position will be on-site 3 days per week.
Please - only apply if you currently live within commutable distance to Westwood, MA.
Travel/Offsite: 20%
Grillo's Pickles is an equal opportunity employer.