Studio Director

At Imagine we go beyond print to help our clients deliver game-changing visual communications from concept to delivery that set the standard for our industry. The first step in this process is hiring great employees! Our innovative teams are the most committed, highly experienced artisans in the business. We are committed to delivering high-quality marketing solutions, in every environment and campaign, helping our clients capture the heart, minds, and loyalty of their customers. For more than 30 years, The Imagine Group has established itself as one of the most influential and innovative visual communications companies in the industry. Join us and let's Imagine a better way together.

Position Summary:

The Studio Director will lead the Structural Engineering, Creative Design, and Innovation functions within Imagine's Studio Division. In this new role, the Studio Director will lead a fast-paced team of dynamic designers and engineers, build effective workflows, work cross functionally with sales and operations to optimize business processes, and have the opportunity to champion the capabilities of Imagine Studio directly with our valued customers.

The Director will ensure that Imagine Studio delivers cutting-edge solutions aligned with the core business while showcasing the value creation of the Studio's unique capabilities to clients.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Lead and manage the design and engineering teams specializing in packaging, displays, fixtures, and retail environments, while promoting problem-solving approaches to overcome challenges, expanding team capabilities beyond traditional scopes, and utilizing strategic thinking to deliver innovative and impactful solutions that meet evolving market demands.
2. Promote a positive team culture by encouraging collaboration, supporting team-building activities, and nurturing an environment of trust and mutual respect. Foster relationships across departments to strengthen unity, enhance productivity, and ensure a collective focus on achieving shared goals.
3. Drive creative and structural engineering projects from concept to completion, ensuring top-tier quality and alignment with client expectations.
4. Foster collaboration between Studio and Imagine's core business functions, enhancing the synergy between creative services and production.
5. Stay current on industry trends in packaging, structural design, and retail environments, integrating cutting-edge solutions into projects with the designers & engineers, and collaborate with other locations and agency teams.
6. Implement training and development programs for the Imagine Studio team to enhance skillsets, inspire innovation, and maintain high performance.
7. Experience with integrating Workfront into operational workflows and developing or implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance project efficiency and consistency.
8. Manage the entire operations and production process, ensuring timely execution and smooth coordination with the central PMO Director across multiple locations. Continuously enhance and uphold best practices, driving process improvements in operations.
9. Host client visits demonstrating Imagine Studio's capabilities and services, while identifying potential growth opportunities through relationship building.
10. Lead the implementation of best practices, process improvement, and change management.
11. Collaborate cross-functionally with the Imagine Studio Agency team, all Studio locations, and Midnight Oil, our LA-based agency, to ensure cohesive project execution, maximize creative output, and streamline processes across multiple teams and locations. This involves coordinating creative strategies, aligning workflows, and encouraging seamless communication between diverse stakeholders to deliver high-quality results on schedule.
12. Ensure efficient operations by managing resources, project timelines, and budgets.
13. Create and maintain regular reporting of key performance indicators (KPIs).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Lead the Structural Engineering, Creative Design, and Innovation functions.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Creative Arts, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of managerial experience overseeing cross-functional creative and engineering teams.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in the print industry space with packaging, displays, fixtures, or retail environments.
• Minimum of 10 years of related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, ArtiosCAD software, and other design tools relevant to packaging and structural design.
• Experience integrating Adobe Workfront into operational workflows.
• Demonstrated expertise in driving process improvements, implementing best practices, and managing change in a creative production environment.
• Experience in process improvement and change management.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Expertise in Adobe Workfront and SOP development.
• Experience in managing design and production processes, including budgets and timelines.
• Strong communication and client presentation skills.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, or use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasionally required to move or lift items up to 25 pounds (e.g., product samples, models).
• Ability to participate in on-site client visits, including tours of production areas and model shops.
• Ability to travel domestically as needed for client meetings or coordination with other studio locations.

The national pay range for this role is $150,000- $170,000.00/ year. The pay range may be slightly lower or higher based on the geographic location. The actual pay offered may vary based upon, but not limited to: education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location. In addition to base salary, depending on the role, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. Imagine offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus tuition assistance, caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and employer/partner discounts.

Imagine is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Diversity and Inclusion is not just a checked box, it is a critical part of our commitment to deliver innovative solutions to our clients and provide a great place to work for our entire Imagine family. We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role, but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply.