Creative Manager

Creative Manager

Pella, Iowa (hybrid)

We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Creative Manager to lead our Creative team. The ideal candidate will be a master storyteller, a strategic thinker, and an exceptional leader who can inspire and guide a team of talented designers, writers, and artists. The Creative Manager will be responsible for developing and executing a compelling creative vision across all platforms, ensuring brand consistency, and delivering innovative, high-quality work that drives business objectives in both B2B and B2C markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creative Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of creative professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Oversee creative development from concept to execution, ensuring excellence and innovation. Provide clear creative direction, feedback, and mentorship to elevate team output.
• Strategic Vision: Working with the Director, Innovation, Design & Brand Experience, develop and implement a cohesive creative strategy that aligns with the company's brand identity, marketing goals, and business objectives.
• Content Strategy: Help develop the end-to-end content strategy for the marketing team, ensuring all content is engaging, relevant, and aligned with business and brand goals. Lead the creation of compelling, high-impact content across digital, print, video, packaging, displays and experiential platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure content supports broader organizational initiatives.
• Project Oversight: Oversee all creative projects from concept to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
• Brand Stewardship: Serve as a guardian of the brand, ensuring all creative outputs are consistent and effectively communicate the brand's message.
• Brand Evolution: Own the brand's long-term evolution and its comprehensive visual and verbal guidelines. Establish and maintain editorial standards, tone of voice and messaging frameworks. Audit and optimize brand assets regularly to maintain relevance and impact.
• Concept Development: Lead brainstorming sessions and guide the team in developing fresh, innovative, and impactful creative concepts for various campaigns and initiatives.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, product, and leadership teams to understand project requirements and translate them into successful creative outcomes.
• Resource Management: Manage the creative department's budget, resources, and external vendor relationships.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, Fine Arts).
• 7-10 years of experience in creative operations, content production, or agency management.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating a history of successful creative campaigns and projects.
• Proven experience in managing and inspiring creative teams.
• Expertise in a variety of creative software and technologies.
• Excellent understanding of design principles, user experience (UX), and brand development.

Skills and Attributes:

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to articulate a clear creative vision.
• Strategic and critical thinking skills, with the ability to translate business goals into creative solutions.
• A passion for creativity, innovation, and staying ahead of industry trends.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative mindset with a positive and proactive attitude.