CandleScience is hiring : Principal Graphic Designer in Durham

Overview

At CandleScience, our visuals tell stories—sparking creativity, fueling small businesses, and bringing fragrance to life in ways words alone can’t. As our Principal Graphic Designer, you’ll be the creative heartbeat of our brand’s look and feel, crafting beautiful, thoughtful, and functional designs that resonate with makers and fragrance lovers alike. In this hands‑on role, you’ll partner with leaders across marketing, product, and content to shape campaigns, launches, and creative assets. From photos and videos to graphics and brand touchpoints, you’ll ensure every piece reflects our identity and resonates with audiences—from first‑time hobbyists to seasoned commercial makers.

Responsibilities

Creative Direction & Design : Design assets for campaigns, product launches, packaging, web, social media, email, and print.

Evolve and maintain the CandleScience visual brand identity, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.

Translate marketing and product strategies into visuals that inspire and inform customers.

Photo & Video Production Support : Assist in photo and video shoots—including concept development, shot list ideation, styling support, and on‑set creative direction.

Partner with photographers, videographers, and stylists to ensure deliverables align with brand goals and marketing needs.

Collaboration & Alignment : Work with marketing, product, content, and e‑commerce teams to create cohesive, multi‑channel campaigns; participate in brainstorming sessions; adapt assets for various formats while maintaining brand consistency.

Quality & Process : Review deliverables for accuracy and brand alignment; manage timelines and project priorities; identify opportunities to improve design workflows and asset organization.

Qualifications

5+ years of professional graphic design experience, preferably in a marketing or brand environment.

Strong portfolio demonstrating a range of digital, print, and brand design work.

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, After Effects) and related tools.

Experience with photo and / or video shoot planning and creative direction.

Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Experience in lifestyle, crafting, DIY, or e‑commerce brands is a plus.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field preferred.

Equivalent professional experience considered.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.

Ability to climb and work on a ladder as needed.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid role based in the Raleigh-Durham area. Team members typically work 2-3 days per week onsite, with the remaining time remote. The position involves significant desk time for research, writing, and collaboration. Regular team meetings, video calls, and in‑person creative sessions help build and refine content strategies.

Salary Range

$70,000 to $80,000.

Benefits

Employee assistance program

Paid time off (Vacation & Sick)

Referral program

401(k) and 401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

About Us

CandleScience develops and sells candle and soap making supplies. Our customers vary in size from candle and soap entrepreneurs to seasonal hobbyists. We began in 2003 as a two‑person startup and have grown to be a market leader in the industry. We focus on web development, product development, and operations to deliver safe, high‑quality products.

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