Description

Our team brings to life Nestlé’s vision for enhancing quality of life through contributing to a healthier future. This is an exciting opportunity to join an expanding Design organization creating holistic, consumer-obsessed experiences using a people-centered process for our brands. 

The Strategic Design Manager (SDM) is a cross-functional creative management role, within Nestlé’s Design Center of Excellence (Design CoE), assisting/supporting the Head of Design—outlining and driving key initiative/projects within their group of brands or business unit. The SDM leads the design strategy process through close partnership with a marketing/cross-functional team, leading agencies, design managers and designers. The SDM adapts the vision of the Head of Design translating to individual brands and initiatives. 

As part of a cross-functional team (including marketing, marketing research and packaging), this position has accountability for design strategy, brand strategic direction and championing design as a key element for the consumer. The SDM takes a people-centered, broad consumer obsessed approach to design as active business partners in brand leadership. Experience leading  a track record with proven examples of an integrated brand ecosystem, brand identity and packaging design.

Primary responsibilities are leading/translating the design strategy for the foods division and brands with oversight/approval for visual branding, experience, and package design. Leading creative projects and initiatives set forth in the annual business plan, as well as supplemental and design-led initiatives to advocate, drive, and execute environmentally sustainable and low-impact design solutions. 

Qualifications

Responsibilities

· Responsibility/oversight to define and meet design objectives with the highest quality of innovation and pipeline for creative with a clear project budget/list

· Co-creating design briefs, ensuring synthesis/translation; clear project objectives utilizing knowledge of design and cultural trends 

· Understanding of Product Innovation and Industrial Design

· Demonstrate strong presentation skills 

· Up to 15 to 20% hands-on design work

· Managing relationships and results of external vendors (strategic agencies, consultants and partners)

· Contribute to a network of freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, strategists, copy writers and agencies 

Qualifications

· Minimum 8-10 years of Design related experience

· Minimum of 5 years of formal creative management experience

· Fluency with design strategy methods and practices

· Bachelor’s degree required/Master’s preferred in Design or related field

· Experience with design-related software cross-platform (Mac & PC) software application and document management 

· Demonstrate strong visual, written, and oral communication skills 

· Experience managing complex brands and cross-functional teams required 

· Demonstrated ability to understand trends and cultural contexts 

· Consumer Package Goods industry experience preferred 

· Full understanding of consumer-driven, environmentally responsible design and packaging

How to Apply

Please apply directly through our careers portal at nestleusacareers.com

Nestlé USA

Nestlé USA

30003 Bainbridge Rd
Solon, OH 44139

About Us

Innovation has been at the heart of our company since its beginning. Nestlé touches the lives of billions of people every day: the farmers who grow our ingredients, our consumers, and the communities where we live and work. This is no different with our focus on design as a verb and we can make a difference in a persons life. Our growing global design community has campuses in across the nation and create solutions that feed America.