Creative Director jobs in Somerset, NJ

CREATIVE DIRECTOR - APPLEGATE (BEDMINSTER, NJ)

To save time applying, Applegate Farms does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

ABOUT APPLEGATE FARMS  

Founded in 1987, Applegate Farms, LLC produces high-quality natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheese and frozen products. Our products are made without GMO ingredients, and we source from farms where animals are treated with care and respect and are allowed to grow at their natural rate, all part of our mission – Changing The Meat We Eat®.

Natural can mean many things, but to Applegate natural means our food is:

• From animals Applegate humanely raised without antibiotics, added hormones or growth promotants
• From animals fed a vegetarian or pasture-centered diet (our beef is 100 percent grass-fed)
• Free of added chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates
• Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives

Applegate became a stand-alone subsidiary of Hormel Foods in July 2015.

RESPONSIBLITIES:

Reporting directly to the Sr Director of Innovation & Brand Equity, the Creative Director is a key leadership position within the Emerging Brands Marketing team. This role demands a visionary leader with a strong understanding of CPG, food, branding and marketing. The ideal person will be a strategically minded and conceptually strong – understanding how to bring together words and visuals to tell compelling stories – with business & operational savvy. 

• Responsible for setting the creative strategy for the brand and for guiding the development / implementation of a design system that propels the brand forward for the next decade.
  • Strengthen and push a high standard for the brand expression across all touchpoints.
  • Lead regular evolution and updates to visual guidelines and toolkits, ensuring consistent application of the brand internally and externally.
  • Partner with copy/content leads to make sure guidelines successfully guide partners.
• Lead the creative team in translating business goals into innovative and impactful visual and conceptual solutions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop creative briefs (in partnership with marketing colleagues, playing a key role as creative leader) that inspire and guide the team to deliver exceptional work.
  • Support planning of content calendar for all platforms. Lead creative development for content on owned platforms and support creative agencies on content for paid channels.
  • Responsible for creative in digital and print environments, in static and video formats.
  • Oversee development of materials from start to finish: brief, design, copywriting, production, approvals, trafficking, shipping & delivery, etc. Source all photography, illustration and audio.
  • Manage relationships with external contractors and/or agencies, which may include freelance writers, proofers, photographers, videographers, and designers. Negotiate contract terms and cost. 
  • Establish the process, structure and flow to ensure brand objectives and project deadlines are met. Ensure projects remain in budget.
• Manage team, budget & workflows effectively to meet organizational goals.
  • Develop team objectives (annually, quarterly and monthly) and track performance.
  • Plan and manage the creative budget effectively, allocating resources to maximize impact and achieve strategic goals.
  • Utilize creative request tracking & reporting system and ensure team members utilize the system in order to streamline work and leverage productivity.
  • Provide clear feedback to creative team and external partners working with the brand.
  • Provide guidance, mentorship, and foster a collaborative, creative environment.
  • Lead regular evolution and updates to visual guidelines and toolkits, ensuring consistent application of the brand internally and externally.
• Currently the role focuses on the Applegate brand only, but in the future up to 20% of time may be spent directing creative for other emerging brands within Hormel Foods portfolio (e.g. Justin’s).
• Keep abreast of current trends in design, style and tech.
• Keep abreast of competitor best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• MFA or BFA in Graphic Design (or related field).
• 10 years experience as an Art Director / SR Graphic Designer in a consumer packaging environment; proven track record as a design leader and then broader creative leader over time.
• Has significant experience working on/for a food brand.
• Must have management experience building and motivating a creative team.
• Ability to establish strong relationships while pushing hard on timeline/requirements. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to evaluate multiple concepts, discern and articulate which ideas are most valid and defend them to stakeholders.
• Strong influencing and collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication (both oral and written) and organizational skills.
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to support creative concepts in a professional and engaging manner; comfortable in front of senior leadership.
• A strong portfolio as a design/visual leader, showcasing brand experience across a range of mediums and with leading or implementing design and packaging systems and digital mediums.
• Exceptional taste and design aesthetic and awareness of design trends and innovation.
• Skilled in the use of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat Pro (AfterEffects a plus) as well as Microsoft PowerPoint. 
• Exhibits a passion for the Applegate mission of Changing The Meat We Eat® and Natural & Organic food.
• Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States
• Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa 

LOCATION: Bedminster, NJ

BENEFITS: Applegate Farms offers an excellent benefits package. Competitive base salary plus target incentive, annual merit increase performance reviews, medical, dental, vision, profit sharing, 401(k) immediate eligible, stock purchase plan, personal paid time. Relocation Assistance Program to eligible applicants, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

At Hormel Foods and Applegate we invite difference and diversity in all aspects.  We offer a space of support, understanding, and community.  We are committed to the journey!  Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion

Hormel Foods and Applegate are an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.