Head of Creative Strategy

3 weeks ago

Old Toronto, Ontario, Canada Makemarks Full time

Makemarks is a consumer engagement agency dedicated to crafting memorable experiences across the entire brand landscape – from brand identity and packaging to content creation and consumer interactions. With a profound understanding of human behavior, we are uniquely positioned to empower brands to thrive in an era of continuous evolution.

As a dynamic experience powerhouse, our team of 700 professionals collaborates across 12 studios and 8 countries, assisting some of the world's leading brands (including Amazon, LEGO, PepsiCo, Target, and AB InBev) in connecting with their audiences and addressing the most significant challenges and opportunities in today's consumer environment.

About the Team

The Makemarks Marcom team operates as our agile and skilled agency-within-an-agency. They design intelligent, insight-driven omni-channel campaigns, programs, and content, bringing them to life across various touchpoints and mediums, both digital and physical. This multidisciplinary group of problem-solvers uncovers the essence behind client requests and needs, developing innovative and creative solutions that engage audiences, enhance brands, and drive sales.


About the Role

This role requires a highly collaborative and seasoned creative leader to steer the creative and strategic vision for a diverse array of clients across multiple marketing and communication channels.

You will lead a team of creative professionals, including Associate Creative Directors, Design Directors, Art Directors, Copywriters, and Designers, providing mentorship, guidance, and inspiration while fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.

The Creative Director exemplifies Makemarks' vision of positivity, adaptability, and belief in the power of co-creation – ensuring we deliver optimal solutions for each brief and request. Utilizing strong judgment and analytical skills, the Creative Director drives the creative process from initial concepts to final execution, consistently exceeding client expectations.

With a keen eye for design and an acute sense of tone, paired with clever conceptual and strategic thinking, you are truly omni-channel – equally comfortable in social and digital realms as you are with retail programs, in-store communications, traditional media, and beyond. You set and uphold the quality standard for the creative output of the company, ensuring it ranks among the industry's elite.

Collaboration with the Group Creative Director and other Creative Leads will be essential to refine our processes and practices, assess and nurture our talent, and identify avenues for business growth and opportunity. You will also engage with teams across the entire Makemarks ecosystem, working on an exciting range of clients and categories, including toys, food & beverage, beer, wine, spirits, technology, personal care, beauty, retail, and more.

On Any Given Day You Might

  • Collaborate with agency partners to determine project needs and outline the approach and resources required to fulfill requests.
  • Guide your creative team in developing innovative ideas, campaign platforms, and narratives.
  • Work closely with our Strategy team to identify trends, refine insights, and illuminate areas for creative exploration.
  • Act as the ultimate brand steward for key clients and accounts.
  • Lead and craft compelling presentations to showcase and advocate for our creative ideas, design strategies, and capabilities.
  • Consult and collaborate with teams across the Makemarks ecosystem.
  • Engage with clients to discuss their needs, present creative solutions, and explore how to better assist them.
  • Partner with internal and external production teams (production artists, photographers, CGI, motion, etc.) to realize the creative vision.
  • Conduct creative reviews and internal assessments to enhance the quality of work.
  • Lead and participate in brainstorming sessions.
  • Engage in internal initiatives, such as training and information sessions, to elevate and enhance our talent.
  • Stay informed about the latest trends and innovations, exploring ways to leverage AI tools to advance our work.

The Ideal Candidate

  • Is passionate about omni-channel marketing and advertising communications, eager to engage in discussions and continuously learn.
  • Possesses a strong creative vision and strategic thinking capabilities.
  • Has extensive experience leading creative initiatives across various channels and touchpoints.
  • Enjoys mentoring, guiding, and developing teams, fostering a collaborative environment.
  • Champions creativity and innovative ideas, encouraging their team to rise to challenges.
  • Excels at problem-solving and looking beyond the immediate request.
  • Exhibits innate curiosity, insight into human behavior, and an instinct for popular culture and trends.
  • Embraces flexibility and agility, ready to roll up their sleeves and take action.
  • Adopts a consumer-first approach to navigating today's complex purchasing journey.
  • Possesses a strong understanding of both physical and digital channels, adept at extending ideas across the spectrum.
  • Is well-versed in the digital ecosystem, with an intuitive grasp of its various forms.
  • Is committed to process improvement, always seeking ways to refine and adapt.
  • Exudes enthusiasm for their discipline, with compelling storytelling skills that engage clients and internal partners alike.
  • Can work across diverse groups, disciplines, and projects to drive progress.
  • Has experience with comprehensive shopper and trade marketing programs across a wide range of clients (including CPG, food/beverage, wine/spirits, electronics, and toys).

You Bring

  • A degree or diploma in Graphic Design, Advertising & Marketing, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of prior creative leadership experience.
  • A well-rounded portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of campaign development across various communication spaces, mediums, and approaches – including retail/trade marketing, digital and social media, POS design, video content, and more.
  • Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
  • Proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign), Keynote, and Microsoft Office.
QualificationsEducationRequired

Bachelor's degree or higher.

ExperienceRequired

Proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign), Keynote, and Microsoft Office.

A well-rounded portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of campaign development across various communication spaces, mediums, and approaches – including retail/trade marketing, digital and social media, POS design, video content, and more.

10 years:

10 years of previous creative leadership experience.

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