Manager Product Visualization

ZAH Group•Lincolnshire, IL

16h•$97,000 - $122,000

About The Position

As the Manager of Product Visualization at Klein Tools, you will be responsible for leading the visual development and execution of projects centered on developing product content through CGI, 3D animation, and motion graphics. This role requires a balance of strategic, concept‑driven thinking and hands‑on visual communication expertise, ensuring creative solutions effectively deliver against the brief. You will influence peers and lead by example, guiding the team to produce high‑quality, impactful visual content. In this role, you will lead the 3D and VFX function to deliver photo-realistic product and environmental renders, establish and maintain 3D visual guidelines and standards, and collaborate cross‑functionally to enhance design execution. In addition to consumer‑facing product visualization, you bring a strong executional understanding of 3D animation, visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing. You will ensure that all content aligns with Klein Tools’ brand identity and strategic marketing goals across a broad product portfolio—supporting both existing products and new product launches.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field.
5-7 years of progressive experience, most recently in a creative leadership role such as Art Director or Senior Designer, preferably in an agency or in-house environment.
Strong portfolio showcasing a deep understanding of 3D modeling, texturing, environmental rendering, visual effects, compositing and animation.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects under tight, concurrent deadlines.
Excellent attention to detail with organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other design tools.
Proficiency in 3D design and visual effects tools (C4D, 3DS Max, Houdini, Maya) and render engines (Redshift, V-Ray, Octane).
Executional and hands-on expertise in 3D modeling + texturing, motion graphics, and visual effects. The ability to communicate complex and technical feedback articulately and succinctly to maintain momentum in asset development.
A fundamental understanding of interactive and mixed/augmented reality mediums.
Familiarity with Project Management (Monday.com or similar), Interface Design/Collaboration (Figma) and Digital Asset Management (Bynder or similar) tools
Exceptional leadership and team management, cultivation skills.
Strong communication and presentation abilities, with the capacity to articulate and sell creative concepts effectively.
Experience managing agencies, vendors and maintaining budgets

Responsibilities

Manage multiple concurrent sales support projects, overseeing the end ‑to ‑end creative process from initial concept through final execution. Collaborate closely with Product Marketing, Product Management, Sales, and Marketing channel owners to understand project goals, target audiences, key tensions, and timelines.
Ensure all VFX projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Effectively manage workloads, set priorities, maintain consistency, and drive timely delivery in partnership with key stakeholders.
Bring both analytical and creative thinking to the role, with a strong problem ‑solving mindset at the core. Value diverse perspectives and know how to leverage them to elevate creative outputs.
Present creative concepts to stakeholders and provide clear, consumer‑ focused, constructive, and actionable feedback to creative teams to ensure deliverables align with brand standards and communication objectives.
Establish and define visual standards and guidelines for CGI, 3D animation, and motion graphics at Klein Tools. Develop a cohesive visual system that supports the broader creative and marketing strategy while remaining flexible to the unique needs of individual briefs. Lead the rollout and adoption of these standards with external 3D/CG studio partners.
Build and maintain a centralized CGI materials, textures, and lighting library to drive consistency, quality, and efficiency across external partners and contractors. Partner closely with the Industrial Design team to ensure alignment.
Lead and mentor creative talent, fostering professional growth and upward mobility within the team. Cultivate a collaborative, proactive, and creatively driven environment focused on strategic intent and excellence in execution.
Remain hands ‑on with production and execution, championing innovative visual communication while safeguarding and elevating the Klein Tools brand.