Sr Manager, Graphic Design

KeHE Distributors, LLC•Naperville, IL

About The Position

The Sr. Graphic Design Manager provides creative leadership and strategic direction to a team of designers, overseeing high-impact visual solutions that elevate and protect the KeHE brand. The role leads the creation of KeHE publications and creative projects across social communications, advertising, print, digital, trade shows, and events. In partnership with Advertising, Communications, Marketing, and Event teams, the manager ensures brand consistency, innovation, and excellence across touchpoints. The role also contributes to the development of an in-house agency model and Retail Media Network, and supports external advertising initiatives and proposals. All actions are expected to be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Civility Code.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in visual communications or a related field of study.
At least 8 years of related experience in graphic design or marketing.
At least 5 years of management experience.
Extensive knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro.
Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
Track record of designing and implementing innovative strategic projects and tools throughout a large organization.
Strong project and time management skills.
Ability to develop and execute strategic creative project plans that drive results.
Ability to manage a wide variety of tasks simultaneously, including under conflicting time pressures.
Ability to develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Track record of leading creative professionals.
Ability to work productively and effectively as part of a team.
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including some weekends.
Growth mindset, openness to coaching and feedback, and commitment to continuous learning.
Ability to provide creative team members with feedback, guidance, and leadership consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Civility Code.

Responsibilities

Maintain, evolve, and implement KeHE’s brand strategy across organizational channels.
Partner with Advertising, Marketing, and Event teams to ensure creative outputs reinforce the organization’s brand positioning and voice.
Lead and mentor graphic designers and freelancers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment and supporting their professional growth.
Lead strategic planning and oversee high-impact visual projects across digital, print, and experiential channels, including trade shows and events.
Oversee the creation of digital and printed publications, ensuring they are accurate and delivered on time.
Assist KeHE leaders in creating PowerPoint presentations and assist the Marketing team with Excel and Word formatting projects.
Create structured project plans for the Creative team based on defined requirements and approved specifications.
Ensure printed projects remain within expense budgets.
Partner in the strategic planning and development of an in-house agency model, including scalable processes, service tiers, and creative solutions for supplier and retailer advertising initiatives.
Collaborate with Advertising to create revenue-driving creative solutions for external clients that align with their brand standards, marketing goals, and business objectives.
Provide strategic input for external customer advertising proposals and RFP responses.
Collaborate with Advertising to develop, pilot, and implement a Retail Media Network.
Oversee and optimize creative workflows for advertising initiatives, establishing processes, governance standards, and resource allocation strategies to meet timelines, budgets, quality benchmarks, and business objectives.
Delegate responsibilities across the Creative team and oversee project strategy, concept development, and quality assurance to ensure excellent, timely deliverables.
Use AI-powered tools and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, support design innovation, accelerate production, and improve team efficiency.
Assist the Creative Director and Creative team as needed.
Direct video production strategy across brand and advertising initiatives, aligning execution with objectives, performance metrics, brand standards, fiscal responsibility, and production quality.
Meet with stakeholders to conceptualize and scope projects and develop deliverables and timelines.
Identify and recommend innovative approaches to improve design quality and address project challenges.
Assist with incorporating the strategic plan into marketing and graphics.
Perform other assigned duties and projects.