Creative Director, Creative Development

Creative Director, Art Director Job Description: Creative Director, Art Director Role Summary We’re currently hiring a Chicago-based Creative Director, Art Director for a leading global beverage alcohol company. As the agency expands its scope to include shopper marketing, retail marketing, point-of-sale creative, and commerce activations, we are seeking a senior creative leader to help build and lead this capability. The ideal candidate brings deep experience developing integrated shopper and retail marketing campaigns within beverage alcohol, CPG, or retail sectors and can translate strategic briefs into breakthrough ideas that drive consumer engagement at the point of purchase. This role requires a highly conceptual thinker who can lead teams while remaining hands-on as needed, overseeing work from initial concept through execution across retail, shopper, experiential, and omnichannel touchpoints. Key Accountabilities Lead the creative development of shopper marketing and retail activation programs across national and regional retail environments. Develop breakthrough creative concepts for in-store campaigns, seasonal programs, retail promotions, point-of-sale materials, displays, sampling initiatives, and commerce marketing experiences. Translate shopper insights, retail objectives, and brand strategies into compelling creative solutions that influence purchase decisions at shelf and in-store. Oversee creative execution from concept through production. Partner closely with account, strategy, production, and experiential teams. Provide creative leadership for POS materials, retail displays, shopper campaigns, experiential activations, merchandising assets, retail toolkits, and commerce channels. Direct and mentor art directors, designers, photographers, illustrators, and production partners. Act as a player‑coach while leading a growing team. Qualifications 10+ years of experience in advertising, shopper marketing, retail marketing, commerce marketing, or integrated agency environments. Proven experience leading shopper marketing, retail marketing, POS, and in‑store activation programs. Beverage alcohol experience strongly preferred; CPG experience highly relevant. Strong portfolio showcasing retail, shopper, commerce, experiential, and integrated campaign work. Experience developing creative for retail environments and omnichannel experiences. Outstanding visual storytelling, conceptual thinking, and presentation skills. Experience managing and mentoring multidisciplinary creative teams. Preferred Experience Retail/shopper marketing agency experience. Experience supporting beverage alcohol brands sold through retail channels. Experience across experiential marketing, sampling programs, and retail activations. Experience directing creative across physical retail and digital commerce touchpoints. The anticipated base salary range for this position is $119,000–$198,500. Placement within the range is based on experience, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Benefits Medical, vision, and dental insurance, Life insurance, Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, 401k, Flexible paid time off, At least 15 paid holidays per year, Paid sick and safe leave, Paid parental leave. Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For further details regarding Dentsu benefits, please visit Medical, vision, and dental insurance Life insurance Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance 401(k) Flexible paid time off At least 15 paid holidays per year Paid sick and safe leave Paid parental leave Full benefits details at dentsubenefitsplus.com. Dentsu complies with applicable state and local leave laws, including the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act. #LI‑RB1 #LI‑Hybrid Location: Chicago Brand: Dentsu Creative Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e‑mail to View email address on click.appcast.io by clicking on the link to let us know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you. About dentsu For over 120 years, innovation has been a core tenet of our offering – exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact. Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We’re leading the way – helping to build a more sustainable planet. Dream loud. 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