Creative Director

Overview

Apothékary is seeking a Creative Director with extensive expertise in brand management, production, video, design, and advertising to lead its creative team. This executive role involves shaping the creative vision across all brand touchpoints, crafting compelling narratives, and spearheading innovative marketing and advertising campaigns across digital and retail platforms. The ideal candidate excels in delivering bold, strategic, and innovative ideas, inspiring a collaborative team environment, and communicating effectively with leadership. Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer, this role requires leadership, creativity, and strategic excellence in a dynamic setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the long-term development of Apothékary’s brand by translating the founder's vision into scalable brand strategies and positioning.
• Maintain consistency by acting as the steward of the brand identity and style guide across all mediums including advertising, digital/media, packaging, ecommerce, retail, and experiential initiatives.
• Collaborate with Brand Marketing to define brand architecture, messaging pillars, and essential product attributes influenced by consumer insights and market analysis.
• Lead creative direction and strategic implementation of campaigns ensuring alignment with briefs and brand objectives.
• Oversee the conceptualization and execution of digital advertising and email initiatives across platforms such as Meta, Google, TikTok, Email, and SMS, optimizing results through data-driven analysis and A/B testing.
• Manage comprehensive photo and video production processes from concept development, mood boards, and shot lists to talent and location sourcing and on-set direction.
• Supervise execution of all printed branded materials, including product packaging, mailers, retail print collateral, direct mail, and visual merchandising.
• Support the Social team by contributing creative designs for a unified brand appearance across organic and paid channels.
• Lead, mentor, and manage internal designers and external creative partners, assigning resources and fostering professional growth.
• Facilitate brainstorming sessions and establish processes to enhance speed, iteration, and quality across paid, owned, and earned media.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, product, and digital teams to develop and deliver high-impact, strategy-driven creative work.
• Present creative concepts and strategic rationale effectively to leadership and stakeholders.
• Monitor campaign performance metrics such as engagement, conversion rates, and brand sentiment, providing insights and optimizing strategies accordingly.
• Oversee the creative budget to maximize efficiency and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Design, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or related field.
• At least 8 years of substantive experience in copywriting, brand strategy, and creative leadership, ideally within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and wellness sectors.
• A robust portfolio showcasing leadership in creative projects across diverse platforms including digital, print, packaging, and retail design.
• Demonstrated success and innovation in retail, direct-to-consumer (DTC), social media, emerging digital platforms, and evolving media landscapes.
• Strong presentation and influencing skills with the ability to communicate strategic brand ideas effectively to both cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Experience thriving in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment supporting high-growth branded consumer businesses.
• Hands-on leadership style emphasizing punctuality and meticulousness.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Figma, and Google Suite.
• High ethical standards underpinning leadership and behavior.
• A deep passion for the wellness community, herbal medicine, and a vision for engaging consumers innovatively.

Desirable Skills

• Experience blending in-house and agency creative roles.
• Background in the beauty and/or wellness industries.
• Familiarity with Japanese heritage and design aesthetics.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary ranging from $150,000 to $180,000 based on experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 15 paid time off days annually.
• 12 paid Mental Health Days per year, in addition to PTO.
• Opportunity to earn equity options in the company.
• Monthly stipend for Apothékary products.