Retail Story Design Art Director [AQ-17326]

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. Are you a visionary creative leader ready to define the future of retail experiences? We are seeking an individual 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. You will play a critical role in bringing brand stories to life, directly impacting how millions of consumers engage with groundbreaking products and shaping the very essence of a world-renowned brand.

Client description: Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.

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.

Requirements

• 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.