Associate Creative Director, Design & Events

About the role

This is a newly created hybrid role in McKesson’s in-house design studio, reporting to the Sr. Creative Director, Design Studio and Brand Systems Architect. The Associate Creative Director will provide hands-on creative direction for key business events and projects, working closely with business stakeholders to elevate McKesson’s brand. This strategic creative leader will create impactful design systems, leverage AI to streamline workflows, and embed automation to accelerate output and reduce repetitive tasks. The role involves managing junior and mid-level talent, setting AI usage standards, and ensuring high-quality deliverables. The position requires proximity to McKesson’s headquarters in Las Colinas, TX, for occasional in-office meetings and event support, with minimal travel expected (10%).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the go-to creative partner and design lead for key events, in partnership with Sr. Creative Director and Segment Creative Directors.
• Champion and activate AI, technology, and automation in partnership with studio leadership.
• Manage and mentor designers and early-career talent, fostering creativity, accountability, and growth.
• Develop and execute high-impact event design concepts, including environmental graphics, signage, presentations, and immersive brand experiences; provide actionable feedback to elevate deliverables and reduce revision rounds.
• Manage and/or provide onsite event design support, coordinating studio delegations as part of the planning and creative development process.
• Provide post-event design analysis and data-informed recommendations for future events and design systems.
• Lead select brand projects, ensuring alignment with visual identity and objectives.
• Collaborate with marketing, communications, and business partners to deliver high-impact, on-brand creative solutions.
• Ensure clear priorities and resource allocation to meet deadlines and quality standards.
• Monitor industry design trends, emerging technologies, and evolving team needs to keep McKesson’s event creative cutting edge.
• Partner with department Senior Creative Director and Creative Director to leverage in-house and freelance talent for peak workloads and specialized needs, with visibility to budgets and forecasts.
• Support annual and quarterly planning meetings with stakeholders to align priorities and forecast design needs.
• Work closely with Project Management and Operations teams to align timelines, resources, and deliverables to maximize studio team impact.

Requirements

• 9+ years of relevant experience in ad agency, marketing communications, and/or client service (agency or in-house).
• Design event leadership experience; creative problem-solving with strong attention to detail and design quality.
• Strong planning and people skills to manage multiple project workstreams and stakeholders from start to finish.
• Proactive attitude, identifying challenges and presenting solutions in a highly matrixed organization.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with design workflows and project management tools.
• Agency and in-house design experience across print, digital, video, and event production.
• Experience managing agency partners, vendors, and freelancers.
• Executive presence; ability to lead and influence while maintaining composure under pressure.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of Workfront, Smartsheet, Microsoft Office, and Copilot.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience applying AI and automation to creative production (e.g., Adobe Firefly or similar).
• Proven ability to build and scale AI-enabled workflows and coach teams on effective, responsible adoption.
• Ability to develop early-career design talent.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Design portfolio required (include a link with your resume for consideration).
• Must be within driving distance to McKesson’s headquarters in Las Colinas, TX, for hybrid work and occasional in-office meetings.