Support Center - Irving
The Manager - Creative is a creator and guardian of the brand look and feel. As a conceptual leader
and brand steward, this role leads the creative development and execution of marketing communications that align with creative briefs and support marketing/business objectives. Under the supervision of the Director - Creative Services, the Manager - Creative works as part of an
in-house creative team that leverages collaboration and conceptual thinking to foster innovation and drive creative excellence. This role manages and leads a team of designers, works closely with team members in Creative Services, Marketing, and Store Environment, and collaborates with the eComm, Education, and Merchandising teams.
Major Activities
Team Leadership
- Manages a team of staff and freelance designers. Is a visible, engaged leader who communicates easily and frequently. Demonstrates resilience and flexibility in the face of change; models strong core competencies; maintains high morale.
- Identifies and removes obstacles, adjusts workload and assignments to meet productivity standards, and accommodates changing business needs.
- Leads and inspires the team to achieve creative excellence and innovation. Directs a high standard of quality via brand standards and foundational design principles.
- Leads team to stay current on competitive and industry activity. Monitors, shares, and applies industry best practices into a proprietary Michaels execution.
- Maintains expert-level knowledge of current and emerging media channels, design trends, and technical applications.
- Recruits & cultivates high-performing talent; develops leadership succession plan.
Creative Concept Development
- Guides concept development through the entire development process from ideation to release.
- Translates business and marketing strategic objectives into industry-leading creative that is clear, compelling, and visually exciting.
- Develops and maintains robust campaign style guides for inspiration and reference for all marketing/store channels. Ensures flawless execution through effective presentation of campaign guides.
Creative Direction
- Develops creative solutions to promote marketing objectives, drive sales, and position Michaels as the authority in arts and crafts, décor, and custom framing.
- Oversees the development of assets for digital and print marketing, including email, website marketing, brand collateral and signage.
- Ensures all work is on-brand and aligns with the Brand Style Guide and campaign tool kits while satisfying the creative brief.
- Provides Designers with meaningful, clear direction and feedback to achieve business objectives and creative briefs.
- Contributes creative input and ideas to creative kick-off and brainstorming meetings.
- Reviews selection of pick-up photography and curates imagery that works well together while elevating campaign creativity.
- Collaborates with Creative Manager–Photography to define photography needs for campaigns and projects, choosing photo swipe that aligns with brand style. Creates POV shot lists and participates in pre-pro meetings for assigned campaigns.
- Designs and manages their own projects as assigned by the Director - Creative Services
- Serves as an alternate photo art director to support Creative Manager–Photography as needed
Communication/Presentation
- Effectively presents work to leadership, conveys creative strategy, and demonstrates alignment to the creative brief. Aligns with and acts on feedback.
- Models strong communication and presentation skills to direct reports, teaching and coaching through modeling, feedback and practice sessions.
- Communicates clearly and effectively; addresses challenges and issues in a timely manner. Fosters strong partnerships with peer Managers in CS, SE, and Marketing, as well as cross-functional partners.
- Prepares for and actively participates in department meetings.
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Minimum Education
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- A degree in graphic design or digital media is preferred
Minimum Special Certifications or technical skills
- Expert level expertise in Adobe Creative Suite
Minimum Type of experience the job requires
- 6+ years of relevant Creative Services experience required
- 5+ years managing/leading designers and 3+ years of Photography Art Direction experience
- Experience at a fast-paced agency or large in-house creative team
- Experience in brand or retail preferred
Other
- Strong sense of design demonstrated by an exceptional portfolio
- Digital, social media, and print expertise
- Ability to create & execute broad creative vision
- Strategic, conceptual thinking, strong organizational skills, accuracy, and deadline focused
- Strong self-manager with the ability to work at a high level of independence
- Able to juggle multiple projects while meeting demanding deadlines, producing high-quality work, and projecting a positive attitude
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Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.
For 50 years, Michaels has been the best place for all things creative. We strive to inspire our customers, cultivate confident leaders, and serve our communities by fostering an inclusive environment for everyone to learn, shop, and create. At Michaels, everyone has a seat at our craft table and every Team Member is encouraged to hone their craft with opportunities for personal and professional growth. From our Stores and Distribution Centers to Artistree and our Support Center, our best-in-class team is committed to delivering on our purpose to fuel the joy of creativity. As the leading creative destination in North America, we operate over 1,290 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and MakerPlace by Michaels, a dedicated handmade goods marketplace.
Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all Makers to create, innovate and be better together.
Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).
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