Pay: $90000 per year - $ per year
Location: Liverpool, NY
Summary: We are seeking a highly creative and strategic Creative Director to lead the visual expression of our hospitality, food service, and refreshment brands. This role will be responsible for shaping and maintaining a cohesive visual identity across all marketing channels — from on-site dining environments and vending programs to digital campaigns and sales materials. The ideal candidate combines strong design leadership with a deep understanding of consumer behavior in hospitality and food environments. They will oversee creative execution that drives engagement, enhances guest experience, supports client acquisition, and strengthens brand equity. This role requires full‑time, on‑site presence at the corporate headquarters office. (Liverpool, NY 13088).
Responsibilities
Brand Leadership & Visual Strategy
- Develop and maintain brand guidelines across multiple concepts, accounts, and service lines.
- Translate business objectives into compelling visual storytelling.
- Ensure consistent brand execution across physical and digital touchpoints.
- Elevate the visual presence of food, beverage, and refreshment offerings.
Creative Direction & Execution
- Concept and direct photo and video shoots (food styling, lifestyle, location shoots).
- Lead design for client proposals and RFP presentations.
- Lead design for environmental graphics and on‑site signage.
- Lead design for digital menus and kiosk interfaces.
- Lead design for social media and digital advertising.
- Lead design for website and email marketing.
- Lead design for print collateral and promotional materials.
- Oversee packaging and private‑label branding initiatives where applicable.
Hospitality & Experience Design
- Collaborate with culinary, operations, and business development teams to visually support new dining concepts and refreshment programs.
- Develop experiential marketing materials that enhance guest engagement.
- Ensure merchandising visuals align with consumer trends and seasonal promotions.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Manage and mentor graphic designers and creative team members.
- Partner cross‑functionally with marketing, culinary, operations, and sales teams.
- Manage relationships with external vendors, photographers, printers, and agencies.
- Maintain project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
Trend & Market Awareness
- Stay ahead of hospitality, food styling, and retail refreshment design trends.
- Monitor competitive brands and evolving consumer preferences.
- Integrate innovation into seasonal campaigns and brand refresh initiatives.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or related field.
- 5–8+ years of experience in art direction, preferably within hospitality, food service, retail food, or CPG.
- Strong portfolio showcasing branding, food photography direction, and multi‑channel campaigns.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
- Experience directing food photography and lifestyle shoots.
- Strong understanding of print production and digital design standards.
Preferred
- Experience in multi‑location or contract food service environments.
- Knowledge of environmental graphics and spatial branding.
- Motion graphics and video editing skills.
- Familiarity with digital menu systems and interactive displays.
Benefits
- Weekly pay
- 401K with company match
- Employee Assistance Program
- Eligible employees offered Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans, FSA/HSA
- Ongoing training and development programs
- Bonus Programs for eligible positions
American Food & Vending is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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