Miller Zell is hiring: Creative Director in Atlanta

Seeking a dynamic design leader, a passionate hands‑on doer and forward‑thinking team dot‑connector who can comfortably switch gears from supporting client project teams and providing strategic guidance to helping drive internal company initiatives and representing Miller Zell as a compelling voice and presence.

This is a versatile role that requires an artful mix of design agility, proactive communication, presentation showmanship and gut‑level brand savvy. Experience in creating branded environments with an understanding of holistic, human‑centric design and visual storytelling. A solid foundation in graphic design & communication and brand identity. Knows how to develop and articulate the design of physical spaces, working with environment designers who can build and detail those models.

A key creative leader who will serve as a critical connection point between the client team, in‑house design team and in‑house project management team. Must be comfortably adept at pivoting when direction changes and knows how to convey those changes downstream with clarity and confidence. An engaged design leader who knows how to galvanize and direct team efforts as well as roll up their sleeves and get in the trenches with them.

A steady but reasonable degree of travel will be required for client meetings and prospect pitches as necessary. A motivated and resourceful self‑starter who can start creating a framework for a project or program and enlist partners to help build it out. Excellent written and verbal communication skills a must, as well as presentation building that weaves strategy and design thoughtfully and persuasively. Looking for a charismatic presenter and storyteller who knows how to command a room, read an audience and pivot/improv accordingly.

Looking for someone who knows how to work smart, not hard and can handle deadlines, demands and personalities with poise, composure and a sense of humor.

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.

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 presentations and 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 visit needs.