Senior Design Director

POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Design Director oversees development of retail design strategies, branding concepts, design initiatives and account-based creative solutions. Responsible for creative operations on assigned accounts/projects to include associate supervision and work production. Works with SVP Creative Director, Design Directors, Designers, Strategy Directors, Design Engineers and Account Managers to creatively guide the design process. Works closely with project team and clients to gather scope of work, brainstorm ideas and create the project direction. Candidate should have a strong background in Retail Design and Brand Communications. Resolves functional conflicts through diplomatic consultation and mentors effectively in a positive, inspiring manner. An experienced presenter and senior-level client contact with a very active hands-on role. Manages teams to develop skills and core job functionality skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides leadership/motivation and directs the creative, so that the environment, culture, teams, capabilities, tools, processes, expectations, work style and other elements to support the purpose and strategic goals of the company
• Co-leads a unified creative/project management process in order to execute project initiatives
• Ensures the timely development and execution of creative projects to assure profit goals are achieved as outlined in project kick off
• Oversees creative consultations with account teams to assure appropriate creative strategies, adequacy/accuracy of input, schedules, budgets, production support, necessary reviews, and client presentations
• Participates and interprets research and trends as it applies to client initiatives.
• Collaborates with outside departments (engineering, procurement, account management, business development & production) to maintain project standards
• Supports and supervises creative associates; oversees their execution of all creative efforts to ensure they are on strategy, budget and schedule
• Maintains external professional relationships to ensure the ongoing availability of specialized expertise, creative freelancers, and reputable studios when their services are required
• Keeps the account team leaders aware of the use of outside services and materials to ensure timely billing
• Ensure the staff adheres to established creative and company policy/procedures
• Participates in new business efforts and RFP responses
• Executes duties and assignments as directed in compliance with corporate guidelines and objectives

• Presents with poise, authority and clarity
• Responds appropriately to questions, objectives, or challenges
• Uses good judgment
• Effectively communicates by adjusting style, tone and level of detail appropriate to the audience and occasion
• Applies knowledge to identify issues and internal problems and works to develop solutions
• Demonstrates business foresight along with ability to integrate diverse perspectives
• Asses the difficulty of initiatives, identifies processes and actions associated with complex initiatives
• Elicits feedback from customers. Considers both short term and long-term interest of the customer when making decisions
• Takes responsibility to resolve customer concerns
• Creates clear objectives and actionable goals for direct reports

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year College, University or Art School in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Retail Interiors, Architecture, Communications or closely related field.

Experience:

Candidate will have 10 years’ experience and demonstrate the following:

Conceptual Ability

Excellent hands-on creative and creative direction skills in retail design, with an ability to develop concepts, inspire and support a team of designers to develop their ideas.

Creative Leadership

Experience and ability to inspire and lead a team with diverse talent with a positive, enthusiastic and dynamic spirit, raising them to a high level of creative work. Must possess both an inspiring personality and have a can-do attitude. Should be open and respectful of the team, while clear and firm in leading creative work.

Presentation/Client Facing Capability

Experience and ability to ensure the development of high-quality creative pitches and presentations to clients and handle client relations, together with the consulting and account teams.

Management

Ability to manage the creative development process, optimize and maximize resources.  Capable of working with a wide variety of team members within the organization to strategically guide design process while also managing client relationships over the course of the entire design process.

Implementation

Proven track record of successful retail project outcomes and results in a cost-effective, high quality, competent and efficient manner.

Special Skills/Qualifications:

Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) Or SketchUp/3DB Max & Keynote/Microsoft Office

Experience working on large design projects in retail, quick serve restaurants and hospitality, and/or financial services

Travel:

20-30% travel annually