Cato Corporation is hiring: Art Director in Charlotte

Cato is seeking an experienced Art Director to join its Advertising/Marketing team. The Art Director is responsible for the creative direction, design, and execution of photography and visual assets across advertising, ecommerce, and marketing channels. This role partners closely with the Creative Director, photographers, and cross-functional teams to translate brand vision into compelling, customer-focused creative while ensuring high standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency. The Art Director balances strong creative judgment with hands-on execution in a fast-paced retail environment. JOB SUMMARY The Art Director is responsible for the creative direction, design, and execution of photography and visual assets across advertising, ecommerce, and marketing channels. This role partners closely with the Creative Director, photographers, and cross-functional teams to translate brand vision into compelling, customer-focused creative while ensuring high standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency. The Art Director balances strong creative judgment with hands-on execution in a fast-paced retail environment. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Art direct and oversee all assigned photoshoots in partnership with the Creative Director and photographers, ensuring imagery aligns with brand standards, seasonal direction, and business objectives. Lead photoshoot planning and execution, including model selection, shoot schedules, location or studio direction, and overall visual approach while adhering to budgetary guidelines. Collaborate with photographers and the Creative Director to concept, design, and execute sets and environments; source and manage props that support brand storytelling and creative direction. Schedule prop pickups, drop offs and maintain a clean and organized prop room. Coordinate photoshoot logistics as needed, including communication with modeling agencies, confirming call times, resolving travel or scheduling issues, and supporting accurate budget tracking. Attend pre-production meetings, capturing detailed notes and visual references, and consolidate all creative and logistical details into clear, accurate shoot schedules and documentation. Partner with Merchandising and Styling teams to ensure samples are photo-ready, appropriately sized, and resolved prior to shoots. Oversee sample flow to and from photo studio. Return samples to buyers. Edit, select, and approve final photography for print, ecommerce, email, social media, and promotional use, applying strong creative judgment and attention to brand consistency. Perform and oversee photo retouching as needed, marking images for retouching and ensuring final assets meet quality and aesthetic standards. Design and produce creative layouts for advertising materials across print and digital channels. Work in partnership with the production director to produce innovative materials within budgetary guidelines, ensure all released materials meet the requirements for the best quality reproduction. Collaborate with the Ecommerce team to support website updates and ensure imagery is optimized for digital performance and customer engagement. Maintain organized creative files, assets, and documentation in accordance with department standards and workflows. Stay current on competitive advertising, fashion and lifestyle trends, and evolving design and production technologies to continuously elevate creative output. Review all work for accuracy, quality, and appropriateness, ensuring alignment with brand voice, visual standards, and customer expectations. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Support special projects, brand initiatives and cross-functional initiatives as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Commercial Art, Fine Arts, or a related creative field. WORK EXPERIENCE: 3–5 years of experience in fashion retail, ecommerce, advertising, or brand-focused creative environments, with demonstrated experience in art directing photography and visual content. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Strong creative eye with a passion for art direction, visual storytelling, and brand expression. Proven ability to art direct photography, sets, and environments in a fast-paced retail setting. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Bridge. Strong typography, layout, and composition skills. High level of accuracy and attention to detail across all creative output. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Collaborative team player who can also work independently and take initiative. Confident creative decision-maker with the ability to give and receive constructive feedback. Organized, self-motivated, and adaptable, with a solutions-oriented mindset. The Cato Corporation offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits including Medical/Dental/Life Insurance package, 401(K) Retirement Plan, Flexible Spending Plan, Stock Purchase Plan and more! The Cato Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. #J-18808-Ljbffr