Retail Story Design Art Director [AQ-15888]

About the role

Aquent is partnering with a globally recognized brand that consistently pushes the boundaries of innovation and consumer engagement. This industry leader is dedicated to crafting exceptional experiences that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide, setting trends and inspiring millions. Join a team where your creativity will directly shape how consumers interact with groundbreaking products and stories, making a tangible impact on a global scale. We are seeking a visionary creative leader to take the helm in shaping captivating retail narratives and designing immersive consumer journeys. In this pivotal role, you will define the aesthetic and experiential direction for how consumers connect with products and brand stories in physical spaces. This is an unparalleled opportunity to blend strategic thinking with hands-on creative execution, influencing the very essence of how a leading brand is perceived and experienced globally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative vision for retail storytelling, dynamic displays, immersive environments, and compelling consumer experiences.
• Develop innovative concepts and translate abstract ideas into powerful, visually engaging presentations.
• Create and refine 2D designs, storyboards, graphics, and essential production materials.
• Collaborate seamlessly with diverse internal teams, external partners, and senior creative stakeholders to bring visions to life.
• Provide expert design direction and foster growth through mentorship for junior designers.
• Establish robust creative standards and scalable solutions to ensure consistent, high-quality execution across all projects.
• Integrate emerging technology, digital solutions, and interactive experiences to elevate consumer engagement where appropriate.
• Manage multiple creative projects simultaneously, expertly balancing ambitious timelines, budget constraints, and uncompromising creative quality.

Must-Have Qualifications

• 8+ years of comprehensive experience in brand, graphic, environmental, experiential, or retail design.
• 3+ years of proven experience in creative leadership or team management.
• Demonstrated strong expertise in retail storytelling, designing retail environments, or creating branded experiences.
• Advanced proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Keynote.
• Exceptional concept development, art direction, presentation, and visual communication skills.
• Ability to effectively sketch and visually articulate ideas from initial ideation through detailed design development.
• Extensive experience leading projects from the conceptual stage through to final delivery.
• Outstanding communication and collaboration abilities.
• A compelling creative portfolio showcasing sophisticated visual storytelling and impactful retail/environmental work.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience with After Effects, Premiere, Miro, Figma, SketchUp, or Unreal Engine.
• Background in environmental graphic design, furniture/fixture design, interactive experiences, or international retail.