ROLE: EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR – OMNI SHOPPER
TEAM: CREATIVE
LOCATION: TORONTO (HYBRID)
COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Salt XC is an agency driven by the philosophy of Experiential Commerce™. Our unique framework for designing better consumer experiences that earn attention and drive action. We take an integrated approach that connects your consumer’s online and offline experiences through data, media and the memorable moments that drive brand transactions.
ROLE OVERVIEW:
As an Executive Creative Director for our Omni Shopper teams, you will not only provide leadership and guidance to your team but also actively contribute to the development of ideas. You will have the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and personally engage in the creative process. Additionally, there will be instances where you may work independently or collaborate with various partners across creative, design, and strategy. In this position, you will have the chance to work on diverse projects spanning from content to traditional creative, digital/social media, branded experiences, shopper engagement, influencer and programs – driving to retail.
We value lateral thinking, both inside and outside the box, as it is essential to pushing boundaries and creating innovative solutions. You are obsessed with the function of retail but are committed to reinventing the perception of the shopper journey. Your ability to tell compelling stories will be instrumental in this role. You will leverage this skill in various aspects, such as crafting persuasive presentations, leading client discussions, and guiding them through the ideation process. Collaboration comes naturally to you, and your inherent curiosity and interest in culture fuel your drive to find business solutions through the power of ideas.
RESPONSIBILTIES:
- Provide visionary leadership and direction to the Shopper creative team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Set the creative standards and ensure the agency's work consistently meets or exceeds client expectations.
- Collaborate with the agency's strategy and account teams to understand client objectives, target audiences, and market trends. Develop creative strategies that align with the clients' brand and business goals.
- Drive the development of compelling and innovative creative concepts across various mediums that push the Shopper discipline, ensuring they resonate with the target audience and effectively communicate the clients' messages. Oversee the ideation process and provide guidance to creative teams.
- Act as a primary point of contact for key clients, understanding their needs, and building strong relationships. Present and articulate creative concepts and strategies to clients, addressing feedback and incorporating changes while maintaining the integrity of the creative vision.
- Foster the growth and development of the Omni Shopper creative team by providing mentorship, guidance, and constructive feedback.
- Collaborate with project management teams to ensure efficient workflow and timely delivery of creative projects. Monitor project budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure profitability and client satisfaction.
- Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and creative best practices. Apply this knowledge to drive innovation and ensure the agency remains at the forefront of creative excellence.
- Work closely with other department heads, such as account management, strategy, and production, to ensure seamless collaboration and integration of creative solutions across all client touchpoints.
- Maintain high standards of creative output by conducting regular reviews and critiques of work. Ensure all creative deliverables are accurate, on-brand, and align with client objectives.
- Contribute to new business pitches and presentations by providing strategic insights and showcasing the agency's creative capabilities. Collaborate with the business development team to win new clients and expand existing client relationships.
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Extensive Creative Background: A successful Executive Creative Director should have a solid foundation of 12+ years in advertising, specializing in Shopper marketing, art direction, copywriting, or content marketing. They should have a deep understanding of creative principles, trends, and industry best practices.
- Leadership and Management: As a leader, an Executive Creative Director should have proven experience in managing and inspiring creative teams. This includes the ability to foster a collaborative and innovative environment, provide guidance and mentorship, and effectively manage resources and timelines.
- Strategic Thinking: An Executive Creative Director should possess strategic thinking skills to align creative efforts with business objectives. They should be able to understand client needs, market trends, and target audiences, and translate them into compelling creative strategies that deliver results.
- Strong Communication: Excellent communication skills are crucial for an Executive Creative Director. They should be able to effectively articulate and present creative concepts, ideas, and strategies to clients, stakeholders, and internal teams. This includes the ability to provide constructive feedback and guidance to ensure the successful execution of creative projects.
- Creative Vision: An Executive Creative Director should have a strong creative vision for the evolution of the Shopper space, and the ability to conceptualize innovative and impactful ideas. They should be able to push boundaries, think outside the box, and inspire their team to create groundbreaking and memorable work.
- Business Acumen: In addition to their creative expertise, an Executive Creative Director should have a solid understanding of the business side of the industry. This includes knowledge of budgeting, resource allocation, client management, and the ability to drive profitability while maintaining creative excellence.
- Adaptability and Resilience: The creative industry is constantly evolving, and an Executive Creative Director should be adaptable to change and embrace new technologies, platforms, and trends. They should also be able to handle pressure, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and navigate tight deadlines with poise and resilience.
SALT’S VALUES
- Salt of the Earth: We aspire to be good people. People who are humble, hardworking, honest, and kind to one another. People who are fun to work with, who trust and are respectful of each other.
- Do What's Right: We don’t believe in taking shortcuts. We believe in doing what is right, not what is easy or expected.
- Earn It:We believe in rolling up our sleeves and not being afraid of hard work. We want to earn the respect of others, the results we deliver and the praise we receive.
- Make things Better: We aspire to leave things better than we found them and are always looking for a better way. Great ideas come from anywhere, they come from being curious, passionate, solutions-oriented people who care deeply about what we do.
- Seek Different Perspectives: We believe in embracing difference; the perspective it brings, how it challenges us, how it spurs creativity, and its ability to make us better.
SaltXC is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting and retaining the most qualified employees regardless of race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age or disability.
