Graphic Designer

Ampersand Brands is a growing portfolio of beloved confectionery brands, including Hammond’s Candies, the iconic hand-crafted candy maker, and Lolli & Pops, a premium retail and gifting brand with a national presence. The company is backed by strong growth ambitions, combining innovation, brand storytelling, and operational excellence to expand its reach and solidify its position as a leading player in the U.S. confections industry.

Ampersand Brands is home to Lolli & Pops and Hammond’s Candies—a portfolio of heritage and modern confectionery brands united by one mission: to elevate everyday generosity through premium, giftable sweets that create authentic human connections.

We’re seeking a Graphic Designer to join our growing marketing and creative team. This role is ideal for a designer who’s ready to evolve from freelance execution into full creative collaboration—taking ownership across packaging, digital, and brand storytelling while working closely with the team to bring thoughtful design to life across every channel.

As our in-house designer, you’ll help translate Ampersand’s brands into cohesive visual systems that work seamlessly across print, digital, and retail. You’ll be supported by the creative and marketing teams and have the opportunity to shape how our visual identity evolves across all touchpoints.

●        Design on-brand assets across digital and print, including social graphics, email designs, paid media, event signage, and trade show materials.

●        Support seasonal marketing campaigns for both Lolli & Pops and Hammond’s Candies with strong, consistent visual storytelling.

●        Collaborate in creative brainstorms to help develop campaign ideas and translate them into engaging visual directions.

●        Execute packaging design and layout for new and existing products, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines.

●        Apply accurate specs to dielines and final artwork, readying files for production handoff.

●        Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure packaging design aligns with marketing and merchandising strategy.

●        Support photoshoot prep through shot list organization, prop styling input, and visual reference boards.

●        Maintain alignment between brand guidelines and new content created through photography or video.

●        Maintain an organized asset library (Dropbox/Drive) with clear naming conventions and version control.

●        Oversee archiving and file systems for creative assets, including packaging, photography, and digital materials.

●        Partner closely with the marketing and creative teams while maintaining clear direction from your manager on priorities.

●        Attend scheduled marketing meetings and creative syncs to stay aligned on upcoming launches and brand initiatives.

●        Present ideas and designs confidently and participate in feedback loops that strengthen the brand’s creative output.

Skills & Experience

●        2–5 years of professional design experience (agency, in-house, or freelance).

●        Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. (Experience with Figma, Canva, or motion tools a plus.)

●        Strong understanding of brand systems, color, layout, and packaging design

●        Strong communication and collaboration skills—comfortable receiving feedback and contributing ideas.

This role is designed for a designer ready to evolve from freelancer to full creative partner. You’ll gain:

●        Experience designing for multiple brands across digital, retail, and packaging.

●        Opportunity to explore new creative mediums such as illustration, motion, and experimental design.

●        Mentorship and feedback to support development toward a Lead Designer role.

●        Company-funded opportunities for professional growth (courses, programs, or design tools).

●     Remote Status: This role will be either remote or Denver based. If remote, occasional travel to Denver HQ will be arranged for creative workshops or brand immersions.

●     Time Zone Flexibility: If remote, the team will accommodate your time difference, but there may be key meetings that extend beyond your timezone hours. For example, if a major marketing meeting occurs at 5 PM MT, attendance is expected. You may wish to shift your start time slightly to create more overlap with the team (for example, starting your day one hour later). This can be discussed and fine-tuned as we settle into a rhythm.

●     Autonomy & Initiative: Unlike freelance work, there won’t always be a detailed task list waiting for you each morning. You’re encouraged to check in with your manager if your queue is light—and to take initiative by identifying opportunities for improvement (e.g., refining photo folders, organizing creative templates, proposing new campaign approaches, or refreshing design systems).

●     Tools & Access: You’ll receive a company email and may choose between a company-issued laptop or continued use of your personal setup. Access to shared software and file systems will be provided.