Design Director/ Associate Creative Director

Spark / Design North

Spark, formerly Design North, has a 50+ year history of producing top quality design for consumer packaging and other types of retail communications. Our clients include both Fortune 500 and small entrepreneurs in the areas of food, beverage, tools, toys, housewares and pharmaceuticals. Now, as part of a global company, we have expanded capabilities and are poised to make a greater impact through our design and production expertise. Our recently renovated farm complex is an ideal setting for creative thinking, relaxed attitudes, and an occasional barbecue lunch.

https://www.sparkbrighterthinking.com/ and http://designnorth.com/

https://www.sparkbrighterthinking.com/


Position Details

Design Director/ Associate Creative Director
Job
Full-time
10/15/2017
Southeast Wisconsin
Racine/Milwaukee, WI

Are you looking for a position that’s challenging, has great variety and a high level of responsibility? Are you intrigued by building client and team relationships around the world, while working in a casual work environment with a fun group of people? Our position could be for you. We are looking for a senior-level creative who will help lead the conceptual and strategic direction for project teams based on our client’s business needs. This person should have a rich background in brand development, packaging design, marketing communications, and digital integration. Growth potential exists, especially for less experienced candidates. “Hands-on” skills and desire are essential.

This person's key contribution will be to combine marketing strategy with creative thinking, to produce strategic design solutions. The ability to think big picture is a must, as well as the ability to see and produce a variety of creative solutions. This can either be through solo or collaborative efforts; directing the work of others to achieve results is essential. You will champion and protect the brand or idea while inspiring teams to deliver the best creative solution across various touchpoints (packaging, POS, digital, print, etc.)

Your understanding should encompass every stage of the graphics process, from strategically-aligned concept development and art direction, to design realization and production across multiple formats, and print or digital processes.

Responsibilities:

  • Controls the aesthetic quality of all assigned projects; maintains highest standards of design excellence and creativity
  • Comfortable presenting and discussing all aspects of design, including to/with clients at all levels of seniority and varying backgrounds, and able to work effectively alongside a wider client management team on high-profile projects
  • Drives the creative brief, creative strategy, and creative solution for assigned projects
  • Is a strategic partner and brand advisor to assigned clients and demonstrates a deep understanding of their market, challenges and potential opportunities; provides insights and perspectives that align our services with client needs
  • Directs the creative work of project teams, and monitors work in progress
  • Coordinates all phases of design to ensure proper timing and budget requirements; prepares budgets, quotations and estimates, and maintains profitability
  • Develops and manages design systems and brand guidelines; acts as brand champion
  • Directs the work of photographers and illustrators
  • Keeps current with industry-specific news and trends
  • Supports new technologies and training to ensure optimum efficiency and performance 

Necessary skills:

  • Passion for great design, with a desire to raise the bar of design excellence
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to deliver high quality results on time, while working in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to juggle shifting priorities and multiple projects simultaneously; organized
  • Team player with a “can do” attitude; supportive of the wider team
  • Personable, collaborative nature; self-motivated, energetic and enthusiastic
  • Acts with honesty and integrity at all times
  • Motivated and driven to deliver successful outcomes for both clients and Spark
  • Mac proficient, specifically in Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop; web design experience a plus
  • Knowledge of production processes and digital workflow
  • BFA in communications design or equivalent
  • 8+ years of design experience in a well-respected design studio, consumer packaged goods company or corporate environment
  • Experience in branding and packaging design; additional experience in POS, digital design, campaign activation a plus
  • Experience in developing and directing the creative vision for a brand, and ensuring that deliverables are aligned with the brief to meet or exceed client expectations
  • Ability to lead and mentor a design team
  • Natural ability for building relationships with clients, and for making persuasive creative presentations

Salary commensurate with experience, plus benefit package.



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