Creative Director

Job Description:

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc., our mission is to make reading lives better. We stand for readers. We also stand for our employees - from interns and co-ops to permanent staff – and support their growth and development. Whether you are a student at the start of your career or a professional carving a different path, our early career opportunities are built with you in mind-with experiences tailored to your individual skills and interests. 

We offer a start-up environment, interesting and engaging work within the technology and publishing industries, and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Additionally, our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work-life balance and a company culture committed to caring for our employees.

If you are looking for a company that inspires passion and personal and professional growth, come join Kobo and come help us make reading lives better.

The Role:

Rakuten Kobo is looking for a Creative Director to refine creative strategy across a number of projects and work with an internal team to deliver on Kobo’s brand promise in meaningful ways for all customers, across all touchpoints, and all countries.

This role will provide critical direction and support for marketing and creative initiatives, from collaborating in the development of creative briefs to final creative execution. Specifically, and immediately, the CD will work closely with the Dir Creative Ops and VP Brand to direct and oversee the rollout of a global initiative touching all owned touchpoints: to build a strong visual/written vocabulary and design system that will take the brand to the next level.

It requires a passion to break through with innovative ideas while ensuring alignment with business objectives. It requires strong people, persuasion and presentation skills. Solid expertise in retail, digital, social, email, print and creative development process is key. The ideal candidate must have exceptional communication, relationship building, influencing and analytical skills, and will be a brand advocate across the organization.

This person will work collaboratively with a team of in-house graphic designers, copy writers and external agencies as necessary with a focus on improving efficiency and quality. They will be required to execute designs and assets themselves, including but not limited to: proof of concepts with asset mock ups, a brand guideline book, campaign playbooks, as well as other high-visibility assets across all channels. It’s important this person have a strong design background, with the enthusiasm to get their hands in the work to create something inspirational and brand-centric. This person will proactively partner and work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders to bring the brand to life with compelling & engaging copy and beautiful, evocative design in various channels and markets, maintaining a consistent voice with local resonance.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and execute design projects, from conception to delivery
• Develop and pitch creative concepts. Deliver robust toolkits, advertising material, video assets and otherwise to support
• Work closely with Creative Operations, Brand Marketing and Brand Strategy to ensure concepts and vision are aligned to goals and operational needs
• Generate ideas to portray concepts and advertise our products/services
• Ensure designs are accessible, device and user-friendly
• Art direct on set for photography and video needs
• Maintain brand consistency throughout creative projects
• Liaise with various stakeholders to ensure expectations are met
• Stay up-to-date with industry developments and tools

Design Leadership:

• Facilitate stakeholder and peer reviews to drive creative trust and understanding
• Challenge the team to push their ideas forward, champion for innovation
• Create a culture of inspiration, trust and creativity
• Facilitate creative brainstorms

Collaboration:

• Work alongside various stakeholders and partners to ensure creative output is aligned to business strategy and goals
• Establish a culture of respect and transparency
• Work closely with Design, Copy and Production Leads to ensure concepts and brand development is aligned and applied to our operational design and copy needs

Design Strategy:

• Integrate performance and user testing data into design decisions
• Ensure creative concepts and brand standards are aligned to business goals and operational needs

The Skillset:

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in a senior creative leadership role
• Exceptional problem solver that grasps issues at the core level and offers insightful creative solutions
• Detail oriented, highly driven and results focused
• Portfolio of completed design projects
• Expert level proficiency in design softwares Figma and Adobe Creative Suite
• Extensive experience in design, especially digital
• Proven success in delivering outstanding results with a focus on flawless creative output and innovative, strategic approaches which drive brand loyalty, strong executional abilities and outstanding customer/partner engagement
• Strong aesthetic eye with refined sensibility of colors, fonts, layouts and compositions
• Attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines and collaborate with a team
• Ability to articulate and rationalize your concepts or process

Nice to Haves:

• Motion design experience
• Previous experience working in eReading, eCommerce, retail, entertainment, and software environments

The Perks:

• Flexible hours and hybrid remote working environment
• Subsidized in-office lunches
• Full benefits starting from your first day
• Paid Volunteer days, unlimited sick days, and 3% RRSP matching
• Monthly commuting & internet allowance
• Flexible health spending account
• Talent and development training budget
• Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook
• Frequent Lunch and Learns Author series
• Weekly Kobo Tech University sessions
• Weekly trivia happy hours (Thirsty Thursday’s, as we like to call it)
• Maternity/paternity leave top up

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.

Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

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