Creative Director (Interactive Retail)

Creative Director (Interactive Retail) • San Francisco, United States About the Role We are makers. We create because we are curious, and we believe that the best way to prove an idea works is to make it real. As the Creative Director, Interactive & Retail Experiences, you are the architect of the "magic moment"—that split second when a user touches a device and understands exactly why they need it. Reporting to the GCD of Emerging Experiences, you will own the digital manifestation of Google hardware and software in the physical world. Your domain is the screen, but your context is the store. You will lead the creation of world-class interactive demos for global retail environments ("Google Store", "Best Buy", etc.) and event activations. You are a hybrid creative leader: part UX architect, part product designer, and part storyteller, capable of translating complex AI features into intuitive, playful, and "Google Grade" interactions. Responsibilities Own the Demo: Lead the conceptualization and execution of on-device demos for new product launches (Pixel, Nest, Fitbit). You will turn technical specs into "show, don't tell" experiences that prove the product’s value instantly. Retail Pragmatism: Balance "big vision" creative thinking with the realities of the retail environment. Design experiences that are robust enough for thousands of interactions yet simple enough to engage a shopper in seconds. UX/UI Leadership: Direct teams of interactive designers, motion designers, and creative technologists. Ensure every swipe, tap, and transition meets the highest standards of craft and usability. Partner with Product: Collaborate deeply with Google’s hardware and retail marketing teams. You must be comfortable navigating complex stakeholder maps (Marketing, Product, Brand) to align creative vision with product roadmaps. Push the Possible: Challenge the status quo of "attract loops" and "feature lists." Innovate how we showcase AI and software features in ways that feel magical, not mechanical. Present with Authority: Lead client presentations with clarity and conviction. You are the expert in the room, guiding clients from the "what" to the "how". AI Optimist: Embrace AI tools to supercharge your team’s workflow—from rapid UI prototyping to generative content creation. You don't just design for AI products; you design with AI tools. About You Experience: 10+ years of creative experience with a focus on digital, interactive, or product design. At least 3+ years in a leadership role managing multidisciplinary teams. Deep UX/UI Fluency: You have a portfolio that demonstrates deep expertise in user experience and interface design. Product design experience is a significant plus. Retail/Tech Pedigree: Experience working with major tech clients or launching products in retail environments is highly preferred. You understand the "shopper journey" and how to interrupt it. Maker Mindset: You are hands‑on. You can jump into Figma or Principle when needed, not just to fix, but to demonstrate an idea. Tech‑Savvy: A strong understanding of hardware capabilities, software constraints, and the opportunities within the Android ecosystem. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Innovation: Successfully launching new demo formats that increase dwell time and engagement in retail. Craft Quality: Delivering work that is recognized internally and externally as "Google Grade"—clear, human, and useful. Client Trust: Becoming the "first call" for client partners when facing a new product launch challenge. What We Offer Excellent, full coverage medical, dental, vision insurance. Generous PTO and 15 company‑wide holidays. 401(k) with company contribution. Paid parental leave. Work‑life balance with an emphasis on personal well‑being. Career growth in a disruptor space & entrepreneurial opportunities within the Monks network. A globally diverse & inclusive culture with employee resource groups such as S4 Melanin, Pride.Monks, Cultura.Monks, and more. Authentic commitment to DEI efforts and sustainable growth. Salary Range: $160,000—$190,000 USD We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building a respectful and empowering work environment for all people to freely express themselves among colleagues who embrace diversity in all respects. This role is subject to our Return to Office (RTO) policy. If you reside within a commutable distance of one of our office locations, you will be expected to work from the office a set number of days per week. The specific details, including the number of required office days, will be in accordance with the company’s then-current RTO policy, which is subject to change from time to time. Monks has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what Monks may pay for the position at the time of posting. Monks may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on job‑related factors, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status. About Monks Monks is the global, digital‑first, data‑driven, unitary operating brand of S4 Capital plc. With a legacy of innovation and specialized expertise, Monks combines an extraordinary range of global marketing, technology services to redefine how brands interact with the world. #J-18808-Ljbffr Firewood Marketing, Inc.