Associate Creative Director - Photo, Video

Work Mode: Onsite

Location: Onsite at Kohler, WI

Opportunity

The Associate Creative Director, Photography (& Video) is a leader is the execution and delivery of premium photography and video/motion content for all Kohler Co brands. If you have an excellent eye, experience with premium and Lux brands, are comfortable of sets and location, and are an excellent communicator and people-leader, this could be the perfect role. The role will see you lead from concept, to treatment, to innovation (even AI) and nimble (social) content creation. The ACD manages 5-9 direct reports, including Photographers, Editors and Art Directors. The ACD is a thought leader and partner with the boarder design and creative team, and out site partner. This role reports to the VP, Global Creative.

We are seeking a passionate, forward-thinking, and curious leader, with deep photography skills leading studios and brands. Video is a huge bonus. The leader is comfortable behind a camera, lighting, studio sets, talent, and assisting with flat lays. Creating a distinctive look and feel from branding to PDPs is a part of the role.

Specific Responsibilities

Creative Product Output:

• Is able to confidently take on projects of varied scope, budget and timeline — from immediate, quick-turnaround needs to large-scale projects with complex/extensive production and delivery schedules.

• Is able to expertly direct all stages of photo (and ideally video) production, as well as contribute directly, as a project owner, with extensive hands-on content creation experience.

• Global awareness and an understanding of global advertising.

• Responsible to ensure production of team’s work is delivered strategy and on brand

• Delivers original ideas that are clear, concise, and convincing

• Proactively looks for opportunities to foster new and innovative ideas amongst their team.

• Is a student of the industry – keeps abreast of current trends and technologies to maintain leading edge and credible

Partners with Producers to:

• Nimbly manage resources, delegate, prioritize and time-manage amidst a high-volume content creation environment.

• Delivers timely, on budget development and execution of projects designed to deliver results for the team and the business

Relationship Management:

• Assures full trust in covering business partner meetings – can present ideas in a clear manner, can defend a point of view regarding those ideas, and is an active listener and problem solver when feedback is provided

• Has a respectful and partnering relationship with all teams within the group – account, strategy, project management, design, studio production, photography, retouching, digital, social, etc.

• Manages outside vendor and agencies as well as freelancers and contract workforce as appropriate.

Strategic/Financial Oversight:

• Responsible for providing input and creation of creative group, as well as business’ brand strategy.

• Oversight and management of project budgets in partnership with Account and Project Manager to ensure objective is met and in line with quality and time considerations.

Leadership:

• Encourages and fosters career development of the team; provides creative direction to others – encouraging thinking beyond their own work.

• Leads high performing team that meets all deadlines with work that consistently exceeds expectations

• Can delegate workload and resources effectively to cover major assignments without the need for additional teams, while managing lower level teams on minor assignments

Skills/Requirements

• 10+ years’ experience in an advertising agency or inhouse studio

• BS, BA or relevant degree required

• Portfolio to demonstrate photography abilities

• OMNI-Channel experience TV, Print, Digital, Content/Video, Literature, Retail Packaging, Graphics

• Extensive production experience in all mediums

• A proven leader of teams and a mentor of careers

• Viewed as management-level creative lead, influencing, and directing work

• Talent, judgment, and imagination to create ideas and design. Understands the importance of details

• Excellent communications skills. Can command a room when presenting

• Solution oriented, nimble problem solver

• Passionate about design, luxury, and aesthetics

• Committed, nurturing, collaborative, confident, level-headed, respectful, with empathy

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The salary range for this position is $117,000 - $149,500. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

Why Work at Kohler Co.?

Kohler Co.'s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates’ development to make that happen. So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual’s personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler.

In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more!

*Important update for candidates applying to roles within Kohler Energy, including Power Systems, Engines, Home Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Curtis Instruments, and Heila Technologies.

On November 6, Kohler Co. announced the strategic decision to establish Kohler Energy as a separate, independent business with Platinum Equity as the majority investment partner. Kohler will continue to stay invested in the Energy business following the closing and remains committed to supporting the acceleration of long-term growth strategies for both organizations. Talent and operational transition plans are underway, and Kohler Co. and Platinum Equity expect the agreement to close in the first half of 2024.Thank you for your interest in joining our growing team as we embark on the next phase of growth!

About Us

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities. We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.kohlercompany.com .

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

We invite you to learn more about equal employment opportunity by reviewing the FederalEEO is the Law (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf) and theEEO is the Law Supplement (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf) .