Manager, Creative Design

Grainger Businesses • Lake Forest, IL

14d • Hybrid

About The Position

As Manager, Creative Design, you will lead a team of talented designers in developing visually compelling, brand-aligned creative across multi-channel campaigns. A hands-on leader, you bring deep expertise in visual design and brand expression, guiding concept development and execution across print and digital. You will work closely with partners in Marketing to deliver an integrated and compelling customer experience. You are both a mentor and a maker, with the ability to inspire excellence and roll up your sleeves when needed. This role reports to the Senior Manager, Creative Strategy. This is a hybrid position that is based onsite in Lake Forest three days a week.

Requirements

• BA/BS/BFA in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field (MA a plus)
• 7 - 10 years of professional experience in visual design with a strong portfolio demonstrating brand storytelling, campaign development, and multi-channel execution
• 2+ years of experience managing or mentoring creative teams
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and understanding of design principles
• Strong understanding of integrated marketing principles, brand systems, and customer engagement through design
• Demonstrated success in a large, matrixed organization or creative agency, working with and creating scalable project management, AI, and other technologies.
• Proven ability to lead integrated creative direction that aligns visual design with messaging across channels
• Exceptional visual and conceptual communication skills
• Experience with performance-driven content, A/B testing, and creative optimization
• Comfort managing multiple priorities and navigating ambiguity

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of designers and front-end developers across brand and performance marketing channels.
• Set and uphold standards for design excellence, visual consistency, and brand alignment.
• Develop design strategies that align to brand goals and customer insights.
• Guide ideation and execution for multi-channel campaigns, including digital, social, print, and more.
• Provide hands-on design support during high-volume or high-priority initiatives.
• Partner closely with brand, content strategy, and production peers to ensure cohesive creative execution.
• Review and critique design work to ensure quality, clarity, and audience relevance.
• Champion a customer-first approach in all visual storytelling.
• Mentor team members through coaching, feedback, and developmental opportunities.
• Build scalable processes and workflows that support efficiency and creative excellence.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including agency partners.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees