Lead Graphic Designer Job at Columbus Hospitality, Llc in Ocala

Overview

The World Equestrian Center located in Ocala, FL is currently seeking a Lead Graphic Designer to join our team. The Lead Graphic Designer plays a critical role in shaping and stewarding the visual identity of both our luxury resort offerings and our equestrian and sport programming. This role creates best-in-class design work and provides creative leadership, formally managing other graphic designers.

The ideal candidate brings proven high-level experience in luxury branding, a strong portfolio spanning both print and digital, and the ability to pivot between distinct brand voices while maintaining a cohesive presence under a larger umbrella brand. Experience in developing brand identities, luxury logos, and launching new brands is required.

This is an on-site position based at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, supporting the resort/hospitality verticals (hotels, dining, retail, and spa), horse shows, special events, and sports programming.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of high-impact creative materials, with a strong emphasis on digital advertising and campaign-driven marketing assets.
• Lead the development of new brand identities, including logos, luxury-focused visual systems, collateral templates, and comprehensive style guides.
• Steward and evolve existing brand identities, ensuring cohesion across all platforms and sub-brands.
• Collaborate closely with marketing leadership to ensure all creative output supports and enhances strategic campaigns, business objectives, and revenue goals.
• Concept and execute a variety of deliverables, including:
  • Digital and print advertising
  • Social media graphics and promotional assets
  • Email and web graphics
  • Signage and event branding
  • Menus, brochures, presentations, and internal materials
  • Sales collateral
• Ensure all design outputs are consistent with brand guidelines while adapting visual tone for distinct sub-brand audiences (for example: luxury hospitality vs. equestrian sport).
• Stay current with design and marketing technology, including AI, digital signage, paid media, and UX considerations to ensure WEC creative remains innovative and effective.
• Oversee, mentor, and guide one or more graphic designers, including formal management responsibilities and art direction.
• As needed, support light motion graphic design needs for digital and social channels.

Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• 7+ years of professional experience in graphic design, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
• Proven, high-level experience in luxury branding is required, with a portfolio that demonstrates expertise in logo creation, brand identity systems, and visual storytelling for luxury, lifestyle, hospitality, or resort brands.
• Demonstrated success in overseeing and mentoring other designers, providing direction, feedback, and elevating team-wide creative output.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite. Bonus if proficient in motion/video tools such as After Effects and Premiere.
• Strong understanding of layout, typography, color theory, and production across both digital and print mediums.
• Proven ability to design across multiple channels, with an emphasis on digital advertising and conversion-driven creative.
• Experience leading brand launches, from concept to full rollout across marketing materials.
• Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills, a positive, solution-focused team player open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with equestrian sport is a plus but not required.

Portfolio Requirements

Applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating:

• At least 3 examples of luxury brand identity systems
• At least 5 examples of logo creation projects
• At least 2 campaigns that demonstrate digital ad performance or ROI
• Advertising and campaign creative
• Hospitality, resort, or lifestyle branding
• Event marketing and signage
• Multi-channel, brand-consistent design

About World Equestrian Center

World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work-life balance and by providing development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity

We are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace/EOE. All applicants will be required to submit a background check prior to employment.