Associate Creative Director

Petmate is a global leader in pet supply products. Some of our most beloved brands include Chuckit! , Arm & Hammer , Barkbone , Gamma2 , HyperPet , JW Pet , La-Z-Boy , Mad Cat , Petmate , Vittles Vault and Wild Eats .

Over 60 years ago, Petmate began with a single focus on providing safe pet transportation, which resulted in the creation of the first dog kennel. Flash forward to today, and the same love and bond that existed to provide safe travels for our pets now permeates through every step of pet and pet owners shared adventure.

Knowing that pets are every bit as much a part of the family, Petmate takes pride in developing new, superior products that improve the quality of life and enrich the bond created between people & their pets. From environmentally responsible manufacturing to rigorous product testing, we place safety at the core of what we make and how we make it.

Our 25 trusted brands continually drive innovation across pet categories, spanning dog and cat toys, feeding and watering, food storage, carriers, shelters, bedding, consumables and more.

OUR WHY: To enrich the lives of families by cultivating the bond between people & their pets

OUR VISION: Families everywhere trust us more than any other company to enhance the well-being of their pets at every step of their adventure

Petmate Core Values

OWN IT!: We take full responsibility for our actions, decisions, and their outcomes

STEADFAST DETERMINATION: Steady pursuit of what's next with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm

DO THE RIGHT THING: Consistent alignment of actions and values in every situation, ensuring you're always true to what's right

SAFETY WITHOUT COMPROMISE: We prioritize the safety of employees, consumers, and pets without compromise

Job Summary:

Responsible for overseeing the creative development of campaigns, content, and other creative projects. Working closely with the Creative Director, the ACD/SAD ensures that the creative team delivers high-quality work that meets client expectations, while also mentoring junior creatives and managing multiple projects simultaneously. This role combines leadership, creativity, and strategic thinking to ensure that all creative outputs align with the company s or client s brand and objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Creative Leadership:

• Collaborate with the Creative Director to define and maintain the creative vision for projects.
• Lead brainstorming sessions and provide direction to creative teams, including copywriters, designers, and art directors.
• Develop innovative concepts for campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and client objectives.

Project Management:

• Manage multiple projects from concept through completion, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Review and approve all creative deliverables, providing constructive feedback to improve quality and effectiveness.
• Coordinate with account managers, strategists, and production teams to ensure smooth execution of campaigns.

Client Collaboration:

• Serve as a key point of contact for cross-functional internal clients during the creative process.
• Present creative concepts and strategies to clients, incorporating feedback as necessary.
• Ensure client expectations are met while maintaining creative integrity and quality.

Team Development:

• Mentor and provide guidance to junior creatives, helping them grow their skills and careers.
• Foster a collaborative environment within the creative team, encouraging innovation and teamwork.
• Identify opportunities for team training and professional development.

Strategic Input:

• Collaborate with strategists and planners to develop creative solutions that are strategically sound.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies such as AI), integrating them into creative work when applicable.

Qualifications:

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in a creative role (e.g., Art Director, Copywriter, or similar), with at least 5+ years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Proven experience in conceptualizing and delivering creative campaigns across multiple channels, including digital, print, and social media.

Education:

• Bachelor s degree in a related field such as Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design, or Communications (or equivalent experience).

Skills:

• Strong portfolio showcasing creative leadership and successful campaigns.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire a creative team while balancing client needs and creative vision.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Proficiency in relevant design and creative software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in an agency or fast-paced in-house, creative environment.
• Familiarity with video production, motion graphics, or web development.
• Strong presentation skills and experience presenting to senior leadership and clients.

Key Competencies:

• Creative problem-solving and strategic thinking.
• Leadership and team management.
• Attention to detail and quality control.
• Adaptability and openness to feedback.

Petmate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.