Job Description

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The companys innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2019 revenues of approximately $9.3 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA

Eastmans Creative Team Lead will supervise a dynamic group of approximately 4-5 creative team members who are responsible for directing and executing design projects of all kinds from concept to implementation. This includes concepts, logos, graphics and animations for leading B2B and B2C, house and stand-alone brands. Graphic designers in MarCom partner with project managers, account and business representatives, and in-house and external digital and creative teammates to produce concepts and designs daily. This dynamic environment will require the Team Lead to maintain awareness of current trends in social, digital, virtual and print design, and an understanding of the markets Eastman serves.

Eastmans in-house Creative Team Lead is also expected to work as an individual contributor and lead stand-alone projects, while maintaining the integrity of Eastmans overarching corporate brand. This is a multifaceted role, leading and challenging a dynamic group of designers to deliver their best work, while also providing unique, forward-thinking design and branding ideas for the collective. The Creative Team Lead is expected to proactively pitch new ideas that stretch status quo and must be willing to teach by example in a wide variety of situations.

Key Expectations:

Design Responsibilities:

* Oversee Corporate creative work including, but not limited to: Graphic Design, Illustration, Layout, 3D, Printing, Production, Photo Editing, Motion Graphics, UI, UX, CX
* Effectively translate information from creative brief to finished design, ensuring deliverables are as expected, on time, and under budget
* Participate in and/or facilitate kick-off meetings to understand business strategies, goals and objectives with MarCom Account Team
* Articulate design decisions and proactively manage expectations with stakeholders on timing throughout the creative process
* Make and explain metrics-based design decisions for UI, UX, CX with a willingness to review and adjust based on ongoing iteration of design and communication strategies
* Maintain working knowledge of up-and-coming design trends and how competitors are using design to differentiate themselves
* Leverage knowledge of market trends effectively to make brand and design decisions, ensuring we challenge the status quo and adjust our approach regularly as needed

Brand Governance Responsibilities:

* Maintain relationships with internal and external brand, writing, and design stakeholders
* Ensure decisions around ideation and concept for house and subsidiary brands are made with care not to compete with or undermine each other
* Monitor design and market trends, interpreting them and educating others of their impact

Team Leadership Responsibilities:

* Develop strategy, execute processes and ensure consistent service level standards for Creative Team
* Meet with each team member on a regular basis to discuss workload, provide training and coaching on agile methodology, and help ensure pertinent time estimations for deliverables
* Regularly have performance coaching and development conversations with team members
* Humbly balance a role that includes both people leadership and individual contributor responsibilities
* Act as a client escalation point and quickly address needs
* Deliver new and creative ideas for client projects and internal operations
* Represent the Creative Team as part of the Marketing Communications Extended Leadership Team
* Manage day-to-day interaction with senior-level Marcom and Business Management
* Serve as Creative Project lead, as needed, for Tier I corporate projects
* Lead designers to work with on-staff videographers and photographers for projects as needed
* Interact with and train MarCom Account, Creative, and Digital teams on consistency issues and complex brand decisions
* Lead team meetings and peer-to-peer collaboration among team members

Qualifications

Location:

* U.S. Central or Eastern time zone
* Relocation not required
* Remote workplace optional
* Quarterly travel expected to corporate headquarters, located in Kingsport, Tenn.

Education: Bachelors degree in Graphic Design, Marketing or Communications required

Experience:

* Minimum of 7 years proven design or brand experience required; experience in both B2B and B2C preferred
* Minimum of 2 years team leadership experience

Essential Skills & Knowledge:

* Superior knowledge of the following software: Adobe Creative Suite; Photoshop; Illustrator; PowerPoint; Acrobat, After Effects, Premier, Blender, Keyshot and Adobe Dimension.
* Practical working knowledge of trademark, copyright, and licensing agreements
* Proven portfolio in Branding, Graphic Design, Illustration, Layout, 3D, Printing, Production, Photo Editing
* Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
* Ability to effectively estimate time requirements for design work
* Ability to develop strong, collaborative, and positive working relationships with direct reports, peers, and leadership

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day