Design Manager

The Design Manager creates the development of global creative solutions, in alignment with marketing, corporate, and business objectives to build brand awareness across multiple regions and the United States.  Partners closely with subteam of Writer(s) and Marketing Manager(s) on a project-by-project basis to deliver solutions for Creative Director and Brand Director approval. Works closely with teams of multi-disciplinary staff including Writers, Production, Project management, Marketing, Events, Video, Promotions. Ensures creative execution is codified by supporting brand style guide team. Brings understanding of design and branding industry trends, and marketplace issues.  Designs, and art directs: executing projects, campaigns and programs across promotions, packaging, events, videos, print collateral, .ppt, and other media. Manages small design staff, and external vendors. Directs production output for projects they are specifically responsible for.

·         Partners with Marketing Managers and other cross functional staff, managers, and executives to develop and implement creative strategies.

Interacts with stakeholders across the company to understand business objectives and strategies.

·         Presents creative concepts, executional strategies, and communications solutions to stakeholders.

·         Obtains necessary approvals from Creative Director and others to successfully accomplish marketing and business objectives

·         Participates in promotional planning to develop strategic design and creative direction, audience messages and integrated programs.

·         Provides leadership and expertise regarding creative solutions for strategies and tactics in support of marketing, corporate, sales, and business objectives.

·         Partners with Marketing Managers/Project Managers to plan, develop, and implement creative solutions.

·         Mentors and develops strategic, conceptual, and technical skills of Creative Services staff.

·         Provides feedback and coaching directly to fellow staff members as appropriate.

     Partners with creative director, other design manager, and designers in sharing design resources across sub teams.

Bachelor’s degree in design, or equivalent combination of education and experience in the visual communications field.

 

Experience:            Typically a minimum 10+ years of hands-on design, creative direction, visual communications or related experience in a corporate environment, ad agency, or design firm.  Including 3-5 years of management experience.

Strong plus: Advertising experience, Internet experience, Video experience.

Spanish speaking a strong plus.

 

Knowledge/Experience:

·         Experience designing and developing solutions for packaging, collateral, promotions and advertising, videos, large sales events, logos,  .ppt, Internet, and brand style guides.

·         Experience retaining and art directing photographers, illustrators.

·         Experience defining and developing creative strategies based on marketing and business objectives.

·         Experience providing creative direction to external creative resources such as advertising agencies, video companies, design firms and multi-disciplinary contractors and consultants.

·         Experience working closely with writer(s) to deliver team-based solutions.

·         Experience leading creative teams consisting of multi-disciplinary specialists.

 

Competencies/Skills:

·         Strong conceptual and strategic thinking skills

·         Strong analytical problem-solving skills

·         Strong creative direction, art direction, photography direction, and design skills

·         Strong understanding of integrated marketing

·         Understanding of production methods of deliverables (including video, Internet)

·         Strong leadership skills

·         Strong verbal and written communication skills, including listening, presentation and persuasion skills

·         Strong knowledge of business and technological trends

·         Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as a team member

·         Strong organizational skills

·         Macintosh computer skills; Some PC skills

·         Ability to demonstrate positive, confident, enthusiastic, energetic behaviors

·         Ability to demonstrate assertiveness and effectively work through conflict