Job Title: Brand Experience & Graphic Design Manager - This role is On-site M-F
Job Summary:
We are seeking a talented and experienced Brand Experience & Graphic Design Manager to drive forward our visual identity, to ensure consistent and high- quality creative output across all marketing channels and to lead a team of 5. The Brand Experience & Graphic Design Manager will be responsible for overseeing and leading the creative team and will report directly to the Director of Marketing. This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams, including product marketing and our social team to conceptualize, design, and execute compelling creative strategies that will drive forward business success across multiple channels.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in graphic design, an approach to 360 creative strategy and an understanding of branding identity and web design. This individual should also embody emerging leadership skills and have a passion for driving results across multiple facets of marketing in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
About Ground Up:
Ground Up is a premier footwear manufacturer retaining an integrated portfolio of licensed and owned brands and has grown to be a leading supplier. The company’s unique capability to design and translate fashion trends offers a fresh perspective on licensed footwear.Ground Up was created with the vision of fulfilling the need for fun, innovative products for the true brand enthusiast. As our product entered the market, we found consumers wanting to express themselves and their fandom in new, creative ways. Consumers connect with us through our brand partnerships, giving them brands they love with a brand they now trust. Ground Up has become a recognizable brand for the whole family that stands for elevated fashion and fun.
We aspire to have our teams embody our core values of:
- Service
- People
- Teamwork
- Opportunity
- Results
- Innovation
- Trust
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of graphic designers & brand experience team.
- Providing mentorship, constructive feedback, and training to develop the skills of junior designers.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment that encourages creativity and growth.
- Provide constructive feedback and guidance to ensure high-quality work output.
Creative Strategy Development
- Collaborate with Marketing Director and peer level Marketing Manager to develop and implement creative strategies that align with the overall marketing goals and brand vision.
- Oversee the creation and execution of marketing campaigns ensuring they are on-brand, visually compelling, fall within our shared licensing guidelines and effectively communicate the desired message both internally and externally to all key stakeholders.
Project Management
- Manage multiple creative projects including product photography while simultaneously ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Prioritize and allocate resources effectively to meet project deadlines.
- Liaise with external vendors and agencies as needed to supplement internal creative capabilities.
Branding & Identity Management
- Ensure consistency in brand messaging and visual identity across all marketing materials and channels.
- Develop and maintain brand guidelines to be followed by the creative team and other departments.
Oversight of Digital Platforms:
- The Graphic Design Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s web design and ensuring that digital experiences remain fresh, functional, and on-brand.
Collaboration
- Work closely with other departments including product development, design, sales, partner success and production to understand their creative needs and deliver effective solutions.
- Participate in cross-departmental meetings to provide creative insights and ensure alignment on both marketing and general business objectives.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting
- Track and analyze the performance of creative campaigns, making data-driven recommendations for future improvements.
- Report on creative performance metrics to the leadership team.
Qualifications
- Portfolio is required for this role
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Communications or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in a creative role in a marketing department with at least 2 years in a managerial or leadership position
- 2+ years of experience with video production, photography and other multimedia format
- Strong portfolio showcasing a variety of creative work across multiple platforms and channels
- Proficiency in design software (ex: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) and an understanding of digital marketing tools and platforms
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
- Strong leadership abilities with a proven track record of managing and mentoring creative teams
- Ability to develop and inspire direct reports
- Ability to work with and influence both peers and senior management
- Strong creative, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, & planning skills
- Strong business and communication skills - both Verbal and Written.
- Demonstrated ability to work well within a team and the keen nuance internally to put collaboration above competition
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of Retail and/or Wholesale experience
- Experience in a B2B or B2C environment, preferably within a similar industry
- Familiarity with emerging trends in digital marketing and creative technologies
GUP Perks
- Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k plan & access to employee recognition programs.
- Paid vacation, holidays, Eternal Summer Fridays, birthdays off & more!
- Friendly, fun, creative & collaborative work environment.
- Ground Up International is an equal opportunity employer.
