Must have 4 years of Retail Environmental design experience in retail, banking and/or quick service restaurants.

This role is onsite in the Atlanta office (no relocation offered, must live in Atlanta area).

POSITION SUMMARY: The Design Director aligns with strategies, branding concepts, and design initiatives. Responsible for creative developments on assigned accounts/projects. Works with Designers, Strategy Directors, Design Engineers, and Account Managers to produce creative work. Works cross-collaboratively to brainstorm ideas and follow the project direction. Candidate should have a strong background in Retail Design and Brand Communications. Must be comfortable as an experienced presenter and have regular client contact.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• While this is a design leadership role, it is essential to be a hands-on, working Design Director, responsible for driving a substantial portion of projects that can tie to the efforts of other creative team members
• Provides leadership/motivation and directs the creative process, so that the creative team, environment, culture, capabilities, tools, and processes, support the purpose and strategic goals of the company
• Co-leads (with project management) a unified creative/project management process to execute project initiatives effectively
• Ensures the timely development and execution of creative projects to assure profit goals are achieved
• Oversees creative consultations with the account team to assure appropriate creative strategies, adequacy/accuracy of input, schedules, budgets, production support, necessary reviews, and client presentations
• Participates in gathering and interpreting research and trends as it applies to client initiatives
• Collaborates with other departments (engineering, procurement, project management, account management, business development & production) to maintain project standards and resolve conflicts
• Supports and supervises assigned creative associates; oversees their execution of all creative efforts to insure that assigned projects are on strategy, budget, and schedule
• Maintains outside professional relationships to assure 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 assure timely billing
• Assures the staff adheres to established creative and company policies/procedures
• Participates in new business efforts and RFP responses as assigned
• Executes duties and assignments as directed in compliance with corporate guidelines and objectives
• Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities
• Able to communicate accurately, concisely, and compellingly to a variety of audiences
• Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member
• Displays a strong commitment to organizational success
• Consistently complies with quality, service, and productivity standards and meets deadlines
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, skills, equipment, procedures, and materials

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year College, University, or Art School in Fine Arts / Graphic Design / Retail Interiors / Architecture / Communications or a closely related field
• Deep understanding of how to use and expand upon established client brand assets to develop campaigns, design programs, environments, and guest experiences that align with and support the respective brand
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
• Experience working on large design projects and branded programs in all facets of retail such as quick-serve restaurants and hospitality, and/or financial services