Creative Manager

Description

The Creative Director will be responsible for developing creative guidelines and directing creative work, including print collateral, websites, eCommerce, email campaigns, digital and social media content, advertising and other related tasks. In this role they will need to rely on extensive product marketing and branding experience and professional judgment to plan and execute on multiple projects simultaneously for a variety of mediums and audiences.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for execution of all assigned creative projects, creative development, and creative alignment. 
• Provide thought leadership on ways to penetrate the highly competitive coffee and beverage marketplace. 
• Interact with all departments within the organization, outside manufacturers, vendors and agencies ensuring timely communication, project management and on time execution within budget parameters. 
• Develop brand standards for Farmer Brothers and all our customer facing brands. Ensure brand standards are communicated and followed across organization.
• Manage internal graphic design, external design agencies and contract partners in creative execution of marketing strategies. Maintain ownership of creative development budget.  
• Accountable for all packaging design work including retail and foodservice channels across all product categories
• Develop and oversee the creation of innovative and visually compelling digital marketing assets, including banners, emails, social media content, and website visuals.
• Lead the design and production of breakthrough advertising campaigns and high-quality sales materials such as brochures, sell sheets, presentations, and point-of-sale displays
• Oversee multiple design projects simultaneously, managing timelines, resources, and deliverables and ensure that all creative assets are optimized for their intended platforms (digital or print).
• Manage key suppliers in manufacturing of all merchandising pieces within specific budget. Ensure materials are delivered to field sales partners throughout the country on time through internal distribution system. 
• Lead the creative direction and visual identity development for new brands, ensuring they align with business goals and resonate with target audiences.
• Enhance effectiveness of internal sales and training materials through design improvement to improve clarity of message and readability.  
• Maintain and evolve the company’s visual identity to ensure consistency across all touch points.
• Present high profile design recommendation to senior leadership team
• Oversee Wrike Project Management Platform, following up with the sales team before creating a new "art request."

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field.
• 8 years of graphic design experience. Client side (non-agency) and food experience preferred  
• Proficient in using Macintosh based graphic design software including but not limited to Adobe CC: Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Possess a well rounded expertise in print and digital with an eye for detail, color, typography, and composition.
• Knowledge of various packaging materials and processes.
• HTML/CSS knowledge preferred.
• Strong project management, organizational and people skills
• People management and cross-functional leadership

Personal & Professional Skillsets

• Self starter that is resourceful and can work autonomously to meet deadlines, follow through on commitments, and effectively manage multiple priorities in a demanding and fast paced environment.
• Open to creative direction, feedback, and edits, while acting as the design expert and proactively suggesting improvements to existing materials and works in progress.
• Ability and desire to take initiative to do what it takes to get the job done.
• Ability to present and sell design ideas with articulate approach.
• Very organized and efficient; exceptional time management skills.
• Ability to stay current on design trends and advertising styles.
• Establishes high standards of performance for self and others.
• Tireless attention to detail.
• Readily and frequently collaborates with others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.