Creative Operations Manager

Reporting to the Director of Digital and Marketing Communications, this role oversees all aspects of creative operations in collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders, as well as the in-house production studio (“The Shop”). The position is responsible for managing project workflows, prioritizing tasks, and supporting the organization’s graphic design needs.This individual will lead the creative direction for various projects and campaigns, working closely with designers and cross-functional teams. Responsibilities include reviewing and managing creative briefs, allocating production studio resources, and overseeing project timelines through Asana. The role ensures all deliverables align with the company’s visual identity and brand guidelines while maintaining efficiency, timeliness, and quality across all design outputs.Key ResponsibilitiesLeads all internal marketing communication requests for collateral, internal and external communication elements Lead all creative operations, encompassing strategic team expansion through the integration of a copywriter and Creative Graphic designerFoster collaborative partnership with cross-functional teams to drive and build creative integration across all channels;Collaborate with marcom to understand project objectives and develop creative briefsLiaise with all briefing leads to manage expectations, ask questions and clarify deliverables before a project is allocated to a graphic designerLiaise with the Corporate Communications teams in the development of any content/collateral/messaging required to ensure consistent visual brand identityEnsure projects are clearly defined, on schedule and within budgetContribute to the conceptualization and development of creative strategies and visual directions for various marketing initiativesUsing Asana, projects will be briefed, created and managed, while collecting critical data points to ensure a timely and efficient process throughout the cross functional teamsParticipate in the review and approval process of creative concepts and executionsUnifies and create a common and consistent look/ feel/tone following our brand guidelines to bring to life the CF Brand vision and purpose through all graphic design work going through The Shop, such as (but not limited to):Marketing, Office, Leasing ect. Content (static & video) across our property assets (digital directories, screens, e-newsletter, social)Brochures, decks and sales pitches for office, retail, residential developmentsCollateral materialsInternal presentationsSupervise agency work across creative project initiatives, ensuring high-quality deliverables and adherence to brand guidelines and timelinesManages relationship with outsourced support when required (freelance designer, printers, videographers, photographers and other vendors)Provide exceptional client service support through proactive solutions and timely responses to feedback and request while working to mitigate any potential issues and risks.SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY (financial, people, operations):Streamline communications and collaboration with the briefing team (Marketing, MarComm,, property teams Comms, Leasing, etc.) and escalates issues in a timely manner to ensure efficient and solution-oriented approach is upheld at all timesResponsible for the project management tool Asana process designed for The Shop and the collection/interpretation of data/KPIs to provide recommendations on process efficiencies and/or risk managementOversees the workflow and monitors The Shop’s daily efforts identifying resource needs and providing supportClear understanding of the creative development/production processes across various mediums( (Print, Digital, OOH, social, etc.)Manages and oversee the end-to-end design process, providing brand and/or graphic design input and is responsible for the creative development of internal and external communication elements leveraging our CF brand design Develops and maintains multiple relationships at all levels internally and externallyProvide weekly status reports to Director, Digital & Marketing CommunicationsPeople responsibility:Mentor and guide design operation staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement,collaboration and excellence.Direct reports include: Marketing Design Coordinators. Copywriter freelancer, Creative Design CoordinatorKey Qualifications Undergraduate degree in Graphic Design Program or other post-secondary education with a professional degree from an accredited School of Graphic Design or an accredited college / CEGEP (possess DEC from a minimum 3-year program).Project management experience (Asana or similar) with internal design agencyMinimum 7-10 years of relevant and progressive experience in Retail Design / Graphic Design layout/web creation/packaging.Demonstrable knowledge of current trends in retail design and food merchandising.Knowledgeable of the following programs: Adobe Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), AutoCAD, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.Experience in data asset management (for example Bynder)Strong organizational and prioritization skills with a focus on achieving deadlines and delivering resultsAbility to undertake and effectively manage projects independently.Ability to work in fast paced, multi-task oriented environment.Strong solution oriented approach.Strong written and verbal communication skills. Excellent cross functional collaboration and communicationAbility to deliver strong presentations to stakeholders with confidence and credibilityExternal critic with a fresh eye and non-biased approach.Reviews and constantly improves work standards, ensures best in class results.Strong business acumen.Ability to influence others and skilled at problem solving/conflict resolution. Ability to accommodate periods of high intensity during development projects.