Creative Director – Environments (Retail Interior Design)

Creative Director – Environments

This is not a GRAPHIC DESIGN ROLE but a RETAIL INTERIOR DESIGN position

Our client, a leading retail interior design firm located in downtown Toronto, is currently seeking an experienced Creative Director – Environments. This is a permanent position, with a salary of $100 – $120K, depending on experience plus a competitive benefits and vacation package.

WHO THEY ARE:

Our client is an integrated retail agency with over fifty years of experience in over forty countries around the world. Working with retailers and product companies worldwide, they uncover the most meaningful insights, set the right strategies, and deliver results-oriented creative solutions. Their staff designs with purpose and perform with passion- as a result, the unwavering commitment to make their clients successful is the driving force behind everything they do. They value their people by creating a collaborative, inspiring, and learning culture which attracts the most talented people and provides them with an enriched professional career.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF POSITION

The Creative Director (CD) is responsible for leading and managing all facets of the creative process. The CD is the ambassador of “creativity as a discipline” both internally and externally, furthering the spirit and passion for creative. The CD will partner with the Client Management Group to ensure seamless integration of the two core disciplines, supporting our balanced approach to client management. The CD will foster an environment that values people, their ideas, and their growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES OF THIS POSITION

• Responsible for the key design direction of projects from the beginning of the strategic assessment phase through the successful implementation of the concept – either in part or whole, dependent on team structure for specific projects
• All aspects of the design process including conceptual sketches, three-dimensional design conceptualizing exterior and interior concepts, two-dimensional design including planning, detailed production drawings, finishes and specifications
• Ensures timely completion of projects
• Project documentation including drawings
• Client liaison and correspondence as required
• Maintains project critical path
• Coordinates with studio staff and Client Development Group as required
• Proper and timely execution of all project design tasks and requirements
• Reviews work in progress and final presentations with Senior Creative Director
• Works in conjunction with Client Management Group to ensure that projects are completed within budgets and timeframes
• Administers to the business needs of the Retail Environments Group in conjunction with the Client Management Group
• Liaises directly with other client project consultants (Architects, Engineers, contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, etc.) throughout the life of the project
• Assists the client whenever possible in the development of strategic design/marketing direction
• Comprehension of the design brief including market review, competitive analysis and all aspects of the strategic design requirements
• Draws upon and effectively lead the internal resources of Watt to provide the highest quality strategic design advice enabling the highest level of professionalism and excellence
• Continuous improvement and development of processes with the team network
• Leads/manages creative projects and/or a portfolio of client work from concept through to execution
• Performs a combination of hands-on and directive role
• Translates strategy into design direction, owning and ensuring larger creative vision is met
• Manages/inspires the creative project team assigned to projects
• Ensures all creative project deliverables are at an appropriate quality level
• Presents the creative to client and/or agency partners to facilitate buy-in
• Partners with other creative leaders to further the spirit of creativity overall in the agency
• Collaborates with Account Leads and Senior Agency Leadership
• Helps coach and develop the enviro design team

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Design Degree
• Minimum of 11 to 12 years’ experience as a Creative Director or Design Director in a mid to large size design/branding company
• Demonstrated design proficiency, both directive and hands-on
• Minimum of 5 years of team management experience
• Solid financial background, covering all aspects of budgeting, business planning and forecasting
• Significant client relationship management experience
• Experience in strategic planning and organizational effectiveness
• Strong Industry knowledge
• Technical expertise in all aspects of design
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Personable, principled, and determined
• Positive, collaborative attitude – a team player
• Excellent work ethic and temperament
• Manages own time
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects/tasks
• Flexible and committed
• Ability to learn quickly

AGENCY COMPETENCIES

• Analytical / Problem-solving skills
• Commitment
• Communication Verbal & Written
• Creativity
• Decision-making ability
• Flexibility / Versatility
• Initiative
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Service Orientation
• Teamwork
• Work quality

Please email your resume to [email protected] with the wording “Job #592, Creative Director” in the subject line.

Recruitment By Design