Creative Manager

Location: Dulles

** Position Summary*
* The Creative Manager builds strategic partnerships in key areas across the firm to proactively identify creative marketing and brand opportunities, translating focused business knowledge into creative direction and leadership for the design team. Working closely with the Creative Director and Marketing leaders, this role balances hands-on execution with team leadership, resource management, and creative oversight to ensure the delivery of high-impact campaigns and creative that strengthen our brand, fuels business growth, and supports associate operations.

** Position Details*
* + Provide creative oversight across projects and campaign initiatives by shaping creative strategy, translating business objectives into compelling solutions, and directing the development of high-quality work that aligns with brand standards, audience needs, and organizational goals.

+ ​​Lead, coach, and develop a team of Senior Designers and Designers, fostering high performance, professional growth, accountability, and engagement while building a collaborative and inclusive team culture.​

+ ​​Serve as a player-coach by personally executing high-priority creative initiatives while providing creative direction, mentorship, and constructive feedback that elevates the strategic thinking, craftsmanship, and effectiveness of team deliverables.​

+ Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Marketing and business leaders, developing a deep understanding of business priorities and proactively identifying creative opportunities that support organizational goals and strengthen brand reputation.

+ ​​Manage team workload, priorities, and resource allocation in coordination with Project Management team, overseeing project intake, planning, and assignment of work to ensure efficient operations, effective utilization of team resources, and successful delivery of priorities.​

+ Champion the integrity of marketing and brand, ensuring consistency of messaging, visual identity, and customer experience across channels and touchpoints.

+ Evaluate the effectiveness of creative deliverables using campaign performance, audience insights, and stakeholder feedback, applying learnings to strengthen future work.

+ Monitor industry trends, audience expectations, and emerging creative practices, applying relevant insights to strengthen the organization's brand presence and creative output.

** Qualifications*
* + BA in Visual Communication, Design or related field

+ ​9+ years work/design experience

+ ​2+ years management experience

+ ​Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft suite

+ ​Advanced working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite

+ ​Agency experience is desirable

+ ​Experience working with brand standards is desirable

+ ​Experience working across various mediums (i.e. social, print, digital, video) is desirable

+ ​Experience working with project management software is desirable (i.e. Workfront, Asana, Monday)

** Benefits*
* As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

+ 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting

+ Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)

+ Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability

+ Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance

+ Disability income protection insurance

+ Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)

+ Paid parental leave

+ Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time

+ Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses

+ Wellness benefits

** About Southland Industries*
* As one of the nation's largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great…