Creative Director

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for the development of retail design strategies, branding concepts, design initiatives, and account-based creative solutions. Responsible for creative operations on assigned accounts including associate supervision, work production, and project timelines. Manages the creative process and maximizes resources. Works with Design Directors, Designers, Strategy Directors, Design Engineers, and Account Managers to creatively guide the design creative process. Works closely with project team and clients to gather the scope of work, brainstorm ideas, and develop the project direction. Resolves functional conflicts through diplomatic consultation and mentors effectively in a positive, inspiring manner. An experienced presenter and senior-level client contact who is comfortable in a hands-on creative role. Manages, guides, and develops a team of creatives with a variety of skill sets. A key contributor to account growth and client relationship development.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides leadership/motivation and directs the creative process to ensure the environment, culture, capabilities, tools, and processes, support the purpose and strategic goals of the company
• Co-leads [with project management] a unified creative/project management process to execute project initiatives effectively and on budget
• Ensures the timely development and execution of creative projects to assure profit goals (rev and margin) are achieved
• Oversees creative consultations with the account team to assure appropriate creative strategies, adequacy/accuracy of input, schedules, budgets, production support, necessary reviews, and client presentations
• Participates in gathering and interpreting research and trends as it applies to client initiatives and creative design
• Collaborates with other departments (engineering, procurement, project management, account management, business development & production) to maintain project standards and resolve conflicts
• Supports and supervises assigned creative associates; oversees their execution of all creative efforts to insure that assigned projects are on strategy, budget, and schedule
• Maintains outside professional relationships to assure the ongoing availability of specialized expertise, creative freelancers, and studios when required
• Keeps the account team leaders aware of the use of outside services and materials to assure timely billing and adherence to budgets
• Assures the staff adheres to established creative and company policies/procedures
• Key participant in new business efforts and RFP responses
• Executes duties and assignments as directed in compliance with corporate guidelines and objectives
• Keeps internal and/or external customer(s) in mind at all times and strives to proactively address concerns and needs
• Makes and implements decisions based on principles, values, and sound business arguments
• Effectively communicates by adjusting style, tone, and level of detail appropriate to the audience and occasion
• Applies knowledge to identify issues and internal problems and works to develop solutions
• Identifies and hires the best people available from inside or outside the organization
• Seeks out strong contributors while assembling teams with complimentary skills and strengths
• Carries out organizational strategy with a clear understanding of the industry trends, economic sectors, and market dynamics that drive the company’s initiatives
• Develops strategies for the company and coordinates the implementation
• Identifies processes and actions associated with complex initiatives
• Prioritizes effort for self and others to maximize results
• Consistently delivers required business results
• Sets and achieves achievable yet aggressive goals
• Steps up to assess, diffuse and solve client escalations
• Responsible for tangible growth of direct reports and wider team

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year College, University, or Art School in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Retail Interiors, Architecture, Communications, or a closely related field.

The candidate will have 15+ years of experience and demonstrate the following experience:

Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), SketchUp & Keynote. Experience working on large design projects in all areas of retail such as quick-serve restaurants and hospitality, and/or financial services.

Miller Zell