Creative Manager [Packaging]

Creative Manager

Minimum Requirements:

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Bachelors degree in Graphic Design & Art or equivalent Graphic Design qualification
• Packaging Diploma
• At least 10 years packaging and brand design experience with an outstanding working knowledge of concept artwork, finished Art and all print & packaging processes.
• Minimum 7 years management experience in leading teams, conducting performance reviews & measurements
• Experience of developing high performing design teams.
• Strategic and creative design thinking
• Strong knowledge of packaging construction, holistic design solutions, brands CIs and implementation thereof essential
• Strong market and trend related knowledge
• Excellent knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite CC: Illustrator, Photoshop, In-design.
• A strong understanding of design management systems and studio work flow to drive efficiencies

Responsibilities:

• To lead, manage and mentor the Companies packaging design team, including senior and junior creative designers, finished artists, illustrators, photographers and freelance designers in order to deliver to plan.
• To develop and communicate our brand objectives, by planning, resource sourcing and multitasking workload across the internal staff and external agencies to deliver.
• To ensure that all work delivered is aligned to the brand CIs as well as brand tiering and brand architecture.
• To ensure and maintain brand consistency in-line with relevant marketing strategies and Corporate Identity guidelines thus accurate implementation across all sub-brands are key.
• To collaborate with industry leaders to foster inspiration & learnings as well as the know how of keeping up with international trends in order to continually bring an edge to Private Label design continually.
• To recruit, retain and develop the best design talent in order to deliver the best in class and invest in the future of Company Private Label.
• To lead and create innovative spaces by leading brainstorming sessions to promote design thinking in order to achieve the highest standard in creativity and ensuring all briefs are met.
• To manage budgets and costings across all resources to ensure we remain within budget constraints.
• To work closely with traffic, client services and the Creative Executive to ensure smooth workflow and delivery of work, while ensuring the teams
  creative brief is understood and executed within respective deadlines.
• To maintain good client relationships as well as create strong partnerships with the marketing teams in order to co-create content and campaigns which complement our brand equities making a real impact with consumers.
• To maintain responsibility for all freelance hiring, rate negotiation and management whilst making sure the internal design team is working as efficiently as possible.
• To perform the sourcing of and directing outside resources ie: production agency, photographer, make-up artists, stylists illustrators and models, while building and maintaining professional relationships with a network of resources.
• To provide a strong support base to the Creative Executive in order to create the best sustainable design agency & design hub with top South African talent.