Executive Creative Director (ECD)
POSITION: Executive Creative Director (ECD)
LOCATION: Toronto, ON
REPORTING TO: CEO
CATEGORY: Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
ABOUT SDI MARKETING
SDI Marketing delivers cutting-edge solutions to solve our clients’ most complex business challenges. We are a leading provider of sports, entertainment, CPG and retail marketing. We are focused on brand engagement, loyalty programs, and communications as one of the largest integrated marketing firms in North America, we bring together creativity, technology, and strategic thinking to deliver unparalleled results.
THE ROLE
As the Executive Creative Director (ECD), you are the driving force behind world-class creative solutions for the business challenges faced by our clients. You are a visionary leader who excels in developing and leading transformative creative work. Your passion for innovation and design is unmatched, and you are known for pushing boundaries across all consumer engagement platforms. You have an entrepreneurial mindset that fuels your drive to consistently redefine excellence in the creative landscape.
As the ECD, you will inspire and mentor a high-performing team of creative directors, designers, and strategists, fostering collaboration and innovation. You will serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), reporting directly to the CEO, and will lead the development of creative strategies that drive client success and business growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Creative Leadership & Vision
Lead and oversee creative direction and innovation for all client work.
Serve as the creative catalyst for SDI Marketing, consistently elevating the standard of creative excellence throughout the organization.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Inspire, coach, and lead a multidisciplinary creative team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
Identify and nurture top talent within the creative department to ensure continuous growth and skill development.
Strategic Development
Partner with client service teams and clients to craft strategic creative solutions that are clearly aligned with client objectives and SDI’s business goals.
Inform and contribute to short and long-term organizational planning and strategy as a member of the Executive team and demonstrate a commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace.
Business Growth & Client Relations
Accountable for aquring new business to support revenue growth and profitability objectives at SDI.
Lead the creative aspects of new business pitches, contributing to proposals and presentations on a regular basis
Cultivate and develope relationships with key existing and new clients
Identify changes in the business envrioment and adjust creative vision accordingly. Stay on top of creative and industry trends.
Operational Excellence
Manage the creative workflow working with resource manager to ensure efficient allocation of resources across projects.
Oversee effectiveness and efficiiencies to ensure successful delivery of client objectives in collaboration with client service teams.
Develop relationships with external partners, contractors, and vendors to enhance creative output.
Thought Leadership & Innovation
Represent SDI at industry events, serving as a thought leader and champion for creative innovation.
Stay ahead of emerging trends in design, technology, and experiential marketing, integrating new ideas into SDI’s offerings.
Lead and facilitate creative brainstorming sessions, driving cross-departmental collaboration.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Design, Communications, or a related field.
Minimum 12+ years of experience in a creative leadership role, preferably within experiential marketing, advertising, or brand strategy.
Proven track record of managing and motivating creative teams to deliver high-impact experiences.
Exceptional at moving projects from concept to execution.
Expertise across multiple mediums – digital, social, print, and experiential.
Strong project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Exceptional storytelling, presentation, and communication skills.
Deep understanding of brand development and consumer engagement.
Adept at fostering client relationships and managing stakeholder expectations.
KEY SKILLS
Inspirational leadership with a collaborative approach.
Exceptional design and copywriting acumen.
Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling creative executions.
Comprehensive knowledge of interactive, experiential, and digital marketing trends.
Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for continuous innovation.
WHY JOIN SDI MARKETING?
SDI mktg is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs, supports diversity in its teaching, learningand work environments, and ensures that applications for members of underrepresented groups are sincerely considered under its employment equity policy. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of the SDI community are encouraged to apply.
SDI mktg is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and is committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
How to Apply
Please send applications and cover letter to: Robyn Hobbs robynh@sdimktg.com