Graphic Design Manager

Job Description:

WE CREATE EMPOWERED LEADERS! At Milwaukee Tool, our most valued resource is our dedicated team of employees - employees who work with a passion to be the best and have an unparalleled pride in their work and in the Milwaukee brand. We know that the only way to sustain growth and success is to value the growth and success of each person within the organization that's why we invest in an individual's growth and development from day one.

Behind our doors you'll be empowered every day to own it, drive it, and do what it takes to design and develop the biggest breakthroughs in the industry. Meanwhile, you'll have the support and resources of the fastest-growing brand in the construction industry to make it happen.

Year after year, our team continues to make significant breakthroughs in the industry. We're just getting started.

Your Role on Our Team:

As a Graphic Design Manager, you will lead a team and deliver creative initiatives that shape the brand voice and elevate customer experiences. This role requires a strategic, evolutionary mindset with strong design & technology expertise, leadership abilities, and a passion for innovation. You will oversee high-impact design projects, manage a team of talented graphic designers, deliver brand consistency, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive world class digital design outcomes. You will be expected to work seamlessly with other creative functions (videography, photography, 3-D design) and collaborate on cohesive workflows that increase total creative production efficiencies.

Key responsibilities include aligning and leading design strategy with business strategies, evaluating & evolving our technology (AI, automation, scale) and personnel capabilities, managing priorities, and evolving processes. You will also champion disruptive innovation, present insights to senior leadership, and ensure seamless execution of business objectives.

This role is Onsite in Menomonee Falls, WI

You'll be DISRUPTIVE through these duties and responsibilities:

Creative Leadership & Brand Integrity

• Lead creative design initiatives while upholding brand standards.
• Develop user-focused strategies aligned with business objectives and launch goals.
• Continuously assess and evolve processes, driving disruptive innovation and optimizing efficiency.
• Aggressively assess and evolve our implementation of technology and designer capabilities, prioritizing impact vs activity with a scaling mentality.

Strategic Problem Solving & Innovation

• Identify issues, develop solutions proactively, summarize details and trade-off decisions for leadership.
• Champion leadership in execution, process optimization & evolution, and continuous improvement.
• Drive innovation by implementing best practices and leveraging expertise to train others.
• Actively seeks additional ways to add value and increase influence outside of assigned workload.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead projects with clear priorities, ensuring progress and proactively resolving issues.
• Adapt to changing priorities while managing workload for self and team to meet deadlines.
• Influence cross-functional teams, communicate vision, and align efforts for strong solutions.
• Present insights and improvement opportunities to senior leadership.
• Effectively communicate complex ideas tailored to different audiences.

Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Manage and develop direct reports to deliver user-focused and solution-driven strategies and tactics.
• Provide constructive feedback and set clear expectations for team members.
• Facilitate collaboration across departments, ensuring efficiency and impact.
• Foster collaboration across teams, ensuring efficiency and impact.
• Provide constructive feedback, set expectations, and train team members on effective communication, problem-solving, and driving high-impact designs.
• Promote inclusivity and knowledge-sharing across departments.

The TOOLS you'll bring with you:

• Experience & Education: 7-10 years of professional graphic design experience with leadership and management skills; bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field.

• Design Expertise: Strong portfolio showcasing creativity and expertise in design principles, typography, and color theory.

• Technical Skills: Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign); knowledge of Adobe After Effects, digital asset management and project management software is a plus.

• Expert understanding of emerging AI and automation tools/technologies with proven track record managing end to end digital design workflows.

• Brand & Market Understanding: Ability to analyze market, consumer, and customer insights.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong ability to work with and influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Mindset & Approach: Results-driven, detail-oriented, open to feedback, and continuously seeking improvement.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business goals into action plans and contingencies.

• Portfolio required

We provide these great perks and benefits:

• Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans
• Generous 401 (K) savings plan
• Education assistance
• On-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service
• And many more, check out our benefits site HERE.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.