Marketing Creative Design Manager

Hey, we're Ardene!

We're the ultimate destination in North America and beyond for head-to-toe apparel, footwear, and accessories - all at the best prices. In 1982, we started as an accessories and jewelry retailer. Today, we're on a whole new level, with 250+ stores in Canada, the USA and internationally – not to mention ardene.com and our app!

We believe that fashion shouldn’t be exclusive or intimidating – it should be celebrated with youthful confidence and fearless enthusiasm. Our journey is ongoing in this new era of retail, as we focus more than ever before on customer experience and sustainable practices.

We also take employee wellbeing and personal growth to heart. Our teams focus on driving initiatives in the area of mental health, diversity & inclusion, engagement and recognition. This includes our many mindfulness programs too, so our teams can create meaningful connections, lead with intention and kindness, and be their best selves at work and in their lives.

Want to learn more about Life at Ardene? Check out our careers site for the latest updates & read one-on-one personal interviews with team members from across Ardene.

https://ardenecorporate.com/life-at-ardene

WHO YOU ARE:

You are smart, positive, energetic and team-oriented. Recognized for your leadership, creativity, and organizational skills, you focus on results and own what you do every step of the way.

You have an in depth understanding of current market trends, fashion trends, art, and web- and print-graphics video and animation techniques – and the ability to transfer them into strong mass market designs with omnichannel retail in mind. As Marketing Creative Design Manager, you will  partner closely with the marketing and ecommerce teams.  

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage and mentor a team of graphic designers, providing daily guidance, feedback, and creative coaching.
• Review, approve, and elevate design work across campaigns, emails, web pages, media ads, retail signage, and social content.
• Lead the seasonal brand aesthetic and visual direction for all marketing stories, from concept to execution.
• Translate merchandising and marketing strategies into compelling, on-brand visual narratives.
• Develop seasonal mood boards, colour palettes, typography direction, and graphic language.
• Ensure all marketing creative across all channels feels cohesive, elevated, and aligned with brand DNA.
• Work closely with the marketing team and production designers on projects such as in-store signage, coupons, window mock-ups, campaign signage, video graphics and animation, event assets, and more.
• Set design standards, best practices, and templates to maintain consistency across all channels.
• Oversee workload prioritization, workflow planning, and resource allocation for the graphics team.
• Follow the company's brand guidelines and ensure all concepts align with the creative direction.
• Present design concepts clearly and concisely, including mock-ups for presentations.
• Stay current with retail, fashion, youth culture, and graphic design trends to keep the brand fresh and relevant.
• Bring forward new ideas, techniques, and visual approaches to continually evolve the brand's visual identity.
• Manage project timelines and ensure all deliverables are completed on schedule.
• Oversee minor revisions including layout, copy, and legal updates.
• Maintain organized files and ensure proper archiving.
• Visit stores regularly to stay informed on how designs are executed and displayed in the retail environment.
• Perform other tasks and projects as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Certificate or graduate diploma in graphic design or equivalent;
• 5-7 years experience in a management or lead design role;
• Ability to lead and manage a team of designers working in digital & in-store.
• Strong proficiency InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects;
• Digital expertise, including a strong understanding of web design principles and compositions – and current best-practice knowledge.
• Strong proficiency in setting up print ready files;
• Knowledge of photo and video editing is a strong asset;
• Knowledge in AI design is a strong asset;
• Experience in a retail marketing environment is a strong asset;
• Strong sense of creativity, innovation and positive attitude;
• Strong knowledge of Gen Z & Millienial market trends and social platforms;
• Ability to multi-task while being meticulous, thorough and detailed;
• Ability to manage a project from start to finish, meet strict deadlines and manage time efficiently;
• Bilingual (English and French) both written and spoken;
• Strong organizational and planning skills with a strong ability to prioritize;
• Ability to work in-office 5-days per week;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced demanding environment.

GROW WITH US!

We’re pretty proud to say that everything we do starts right here at our head office (Ville St. Laurent). From dedicated in-house apparel and design teams, marketing + brand + digital experts, stylists, photographers, and graphic designers - all the way to store concept and operations. We do it all.

The Ardene head office is truly a creative hub that is second to none. Join us and see for yourself!