Creative Director

A Little About Us:

Swanson has been dishin out vitamins and supplements straight from the heartland for 55 years and counting. We offer grounded, realistic approaches and remedies for healthier living that have been passed down longer than grandmas not-so-secret recipes. Were looking for folks to help us leave the world a little bit healthier than how we found it, and in return well offer a satisfying career that ensures a solid work-life balance, competitive benefits package for full-time employees and some nifty rewards for all employees through our Wellness Program.

Summary:

The primary function of this position is leading creative services in support of the Swanson Health business. This leader is a key member of the creative team, responsible for providing guidance, developing and approving high-quality, customer-centric creative for print and packaging, as well as direct response, ecommerce, web, social and more. This individual functions as the brand steward and must possess an understanding of and passion for branding, typography, and both print and digital design. This individual leads a close-knit, collaborative group, with the opportunity to contribute to strategic business projects and solutions that will further grow the Swanson business.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Lead and review design concepting and execution across US and Global business units, with an emphasis on supporting print and packaging design production, digital/direct response, email marketing, website and social media.
2. Responsible for leading Marketing Operations Manager and providing guidance on creative project prioritization
3. Drives all content strategy and execution, based on Marketing and Merchandising planning process.
4. Work with the Marketing Team to successfully translate concepts to print catalog page
5. Formatting and designing of catalog pages, features and covers
6. Prepare files and images for press, exhibiting working understanding of prepress production process
7. Follow packaging guidelines and processes to bring new product labels and designs to life on pack
8. Design experiences with the customer in mind, balancing user experience with conversion in both print and digital platforms
9. Create print direct mail layouts and prep files for print catalog marketing materials
10. Support timely production of Swanson Brand Labelsdomestic and internationalfrom mocks to proofing to management approval to sending order to label printer. Working with other departments to coordinate label changes and label orders. Working with outside vendors to ensure all finished good products arrive with approved labels.
11. Produce high-quality, customer-centered designs that adhere to print and direct- response standards, with an appetite for proactively identifying areas for optimization
12. Produce new and refresh outdated design for a variety of print and digital materials, as well as formulate initial design ideas
13. Proactively collaborate with cross-functional partners to bring business goals to life
14. Actively seek out innovative solutions to solve identified print-and web-related problems
15. Produce quality designs in a timely manner and within brand standards
16. Lead and support on creative asset, database and file organization needs
17. Maintain a positive and professional working relationship with peers, management, and support resources, with a constant commitment to teamwork and exemplary customer service.
18. Conducts self in the presence of customers and community so as to present a professional image of SHP.

Competencies Required:

• Ability to design in Photoshop, InDesign and overall Adobe CS and learn new creative suite tools as needed
• Strong organizational skills with extreme attention to detail and ability to multi-task across projects
• A self-starter with a passion for working efficiently in a collaborative, fast-paced, environment against tight deadlines
• Willing to take and provide direction, but also work independently or with a team to
• solve challenges
• Ability to translate business priorities and needs into performance-driven creative
• Ability to learn and work within designated brand guidelines and adhere to project- specific briefs
• Appetite for developing a strong knowledge of best practices for performance-driven print, packaging and e-commerce creative production
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• A wide degree of creativity, willingness to learn and latitude
• Ability to successfully communicate with all levels of management and team members
• Ability to collaborate proactively across a network of remote team members

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Manages subordinate supervisor(s) who supervise employee(s); is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of these units. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree in Graphic Design, Graphic Communications, Multimedia or related field with 5-6 years of creative design experience. Or; an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and duties of the job as listed above.

Equipment and Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Mac OS Computer
• Jira
• Mozart
• Wrike
• Microsoft Office Products
• General office equipment
  

Travel:

• Ability to travel up to 25%