Miller Zell is hiring: Creative Director in Atlanta

POSITION SUMMARY

The Creative Director leads the development of creative strategies, design concepts, and branding solutions across sectors such as retail, banking, and other customer-focused industries. This role involves managing creative operations on assigned accounts/projects, including hands‑on design, team supervision, and work production. Collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams (Design Leadership, Strategy Directors, Engineers, Account Leaders, and Project Managers), the Creative Director guides the creative process and delivers exceptional design solutions. Works with project teams and clients to define project scopes, brainstorm concepts, and establish direction. A strong background in Retail Design and Brand Communications is essential. Resolves conflicts through diplomatic consultation and communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing, to present ideas, manage client relationships, and foster teamwork. Mentors in a constructive and inspiring manner. An experienced presenter, comfortable with senior‑level client contact and relationship building. Plays an active role in ensuring efficient design processes, managing project timelines, budgets, and client expectations. Assesses team effectiveness to identify areas for development and supports account growth and client relationship building.

POSITION COMPETENCIES

Responsibilities associated with each position are a combination of organization‑wide and department‑specific standards. Competencies are evaluated initially during each employee’s Introductory Period using the on‑boarding plan and manager observations. Thereafter, competencies are assessed on an ongoing basis and formally documented annually using the Annual Performance Appraisal Form.

MZ CORE VALUES

Accountability: Whatever needs to be done is done. Accepting responsibility that results in anticipation/prevention of problem areas from actions, and problem‑solving inside and outside the department/organization.
Integrity: Always behave ethically and honestly in all our actions. Upholding generally accepted social and ethical standards in job‑related activities and behaviors.

JOB SPECIFIC

Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness in reaching set goals by adapting to changed circumstances, tasks, responsibilities, and people.
Attention to Detail: Taking responsibility for a thorough and detailed method of working.
Brand Savvy: Demonstrating a deep understanding of brand identity, ensuring every design decision aligns with the core values, aesthetics, and voice of the brand. Blending artistry and strategy to amplify brand value and achieve impactful results.
Conceptual Design Thinking: Exploring and understanding challenges or opportunities by synthesizing readily available information; uncovering patterns or relationships between seemingly unrelated concepts; and distilling complex scenarios to reveal core insights and underlying themes.
Continuous Learning: Actively and continuously gaining insight of strengths and weaknesses in order to identify the relevant areas that need further development (with regard to skills and knowledge) and acting upon it.
Design Decision Making: Crafting thoughtful, innovative, and practical solutions by interpreting available information and making timely, informed decisions that align with creative goals.
Initiative: Spotting opportunities within a circle of influence; anticipating threats and acting on them; self‑starting rather than waiting passively until the situation demands action.
Quality Orientation: Setting high standards regarding his/her work and working environment and acting accordingly; developing quality standards, continuously evaluating performance, products, and procedures; actively seeking ways to improve quality.
Strategic Thinking: Understands and processes complex information and exercises sound judgment, considering the situation, the issues, the key players, and the levels of authority involved. Proposes courses of action that further the objectives, priorities, and vision of the organization.

ORGANIZATIONAL RANKING

Reports To: SVP, Creative Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes, at times other creative team members based on project / Has no direct reports or staff managerial responsibility unless warranted by future changes within current department structure.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Synthesizes available information, research and insights to develop foundational strategies for projects that provide a creative road map, align project teams and guide client engagement.
• Oversees the execution of creative efforts in both a directorial and hands‑on role, maintaining adherence to strategy, processes, budget and schedules.
• Ensures creative strategies align with project objectives, brand standards, and client expectations. Knows how to effectively formulate and express creative strategy in verbal and written form.
• Leads brainstorming sessions, concept development, and client presentations.

CROSS‑FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

• Partners with teams across Engineering, Procurement, Account Management, Project Management, Business Development, and Production to clarify creative vision and ensure design integrity.
• Works with Project Management and other key stakeholders to formulate project timelines, set project progress milestones and clarify any assets or informational mandatories the design team requires.
• Guides and supports creative project teams, maintaining adherence to company policies and procedures. Assesses challenges, offers corrective solutions, and ensures the team delivers high‑quality results.
• Actively monitors project resources to ensure team efficiency, productivity and profitability and provides updates to the greater team when necessary.
• Identifies the need for outside services when necessary and participates in interviewing and on‑boarding creative contractors with specialized expertise (designers, writers, photographers, studios)
• Keeps account team leaders aware of the use of outside services and materials to assure timely billing and adherence to budgets
• Seeks out opportunities for department team‑building to inspire and stimulate: sharing industry and design trends, recommending creative outings or similar activities

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT

• Engages with clients to interpret research and trends, align creative initiatives, and address feedback constructively.
• Considers both short term and long‑term interests of the customer and those of Miller Zell when making creative decisions.
• Takes responsibility to resolve customer concerns. Recommends strategic measures to course‑correct actions and reboot client dynamics/engagement.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Contributes to new business efforts and RFP responses, supporting strategic objectives as directed by leadership.
• Ensures the timely development and execution of creative projects to assure profit goals (revenue and margin) are achieved.

COMMUNICATION AND CRITICAL THINKING

• Communicates effectively—both verbally and written—adapting style and tone to suit different audiences.
• Balances diverse perspectives to develop innovative solutions.
• Presents with authority, clarity, and poise, addressing questions and objections effectively.
• Anticipates potential challenges and proactively recommends solutions.
• Assesses the difficulty of initiatives, identifies processes and actions associated with complex initiatives.

MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS

• As observed by manager and others
• Review of documentation related to job performance
• Project outcomes and results are delivered in a cost effective, high quality, competent, and efficient manner as determined by internal and external processes
• Conduct and interpersonal relationships contribute positively to the delivery of projects and services, and to orderly operation of the department and the organization
• Client (if applicable) and internal team feedback
• Skills are maintained and enhanced through meetings with interdisciplinary team members, participation in planning activities, and attendance at in‑service and continuing education programs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from a 4‑year College, University or Art School in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Retail Interiors, Architecture, Communications or closely related field.

Experience: The ideal candidate should have 12‑15 years of experience in creative roles, with a robust background in retail design, brand communications, and team leadership. They must exhibit strong creative direction skills and a proven ability to manage and support complex, cross‑functional project teams. Additionally, the candidate should have experience mentoring junior team members, effectively engaging with clients, and articulating creative strategies. Expertise in developing compelling a demonstrated history of delivering high‑quality design solutions is essential.

Special Skills/Qualifications:

Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), PowerPoint and/or Keynote; SketchUp a plus

Experience working on large‑scale design and branded environment projects in retail, quick serve restaurants and hospitality, and/or financial services

Travel: 20–40% travel monthly/annually based on client needs

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The incumbent must manage stress appropriately; make decisions under pressure; handle multiple priorities, work alone or may be required to work in areas that are confined and/or crowded.

CULTURAL FIT REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrates an open‑minded approach to understanding people regardless of their gender, age, race, national origin, religion, ethnicity, disability status, or other characteristics; treats all people fairly and consistently; effectively works with people from diverse backgrounds by treating them with dignity and respect. Has concern for the degree of trustworthiness and ethical behaviors with consideration for the knowledge one has of the impact and consequences when making a decision or taking action.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The incumbent will never be exposed to toxins, chemicals, detergents, and extreme temperatures (30°F – 115°F), dust, fumes, moving mechanical parts, x‑ray/electromagnetic energy, high pitched noises, communicable diseases, or gases. The incumbent will spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sedentary work: Lifting 20 lbs. maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying articles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to lift and/or push up to 30 pounds with mechanical assistance. This position requires stooping, kneeling, bending, manual dexterity, repetitive hand and arm coordination, finger dexterity, vision acuity both far and near with depth perception. The incumbent will both sit and stand performing this job.

CONTACTS / INTERACTS WITH

Employees, Clients, and Vendors

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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