Manager, Graphic Design

We currently have a great opportunity available for a Graphic Design Manager. The Graphic Design Manager role is a leadership and functional role within the Marketing Communications team. The Graphic Design Manager must live in the Chicagoland area and work from the Lincolnshire, IL corporate headquarters office. The Graphic Design Manager must be comfortable working in a Windows environment, and must be able to implement international Branding guidelines effectively for the Americas. Working collaboratively with subject matter experts within Marketing Communications, Product Marketing, Sales, Scientific Marketing and other internal stakeholders, the Graphic Design Manager will be responsible for creative copy and design content for digital, web and print designs in order to effectively communicate corporate goals and brand strategy. This role will also manage a communications specialist who is responsible for production of internal and external communications including tasks such as website banners, newsletters, social media, and other copy projects. This position reports to Director, Brand Content and Engagement Strategy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Manage the Communications Specialist within the Marketing Communications team.
2. Responsible for graphic design and art direction from inception to production.
3. Strong communication skills to brainstorm, develop concepts, articulate ideas and gain stakeholder approval on design of effective presentations, brochures, ad, digital, web page, illustrations, charts, infographics/graphs, and collaborate on projects with Marketing, Sales, and the Sysmex Center for Learning Studio creative team.
4. Ability to collaborate with Subject Matter Experts to create copy for presentations, brochures and other corporate or sales materials.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, advanced knowledge of PowerPoint.
6. Proficient to Expert level in core Adobe design software (InDesign, Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop).
7. Design creative and brand positioning corporate and sales PowerPoint templates and presentations.
8. Ensure projects are completed on time and on budget.
9. Self-motivated and takes initiative to learn new industry software, techniques and next practices in the field of graphic arts.

Physical Risk:

Regular exposure to risk that may require alertness, but with minimal precautions.

Physical Demands:

Light physical effort. Routine handling of objects up to 20 pounds; prolonged (at least 50% of time) sitting, standing, keyboard or CRT work. May require periods of moderate discomfort due to noise, dust, lighting and/or other conditions.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office. 
• Proficient to Expert with design programs of Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop) with emphasis in InDesign. (Quark experience considered). 
• Ability to inspire, lead, communicate and develop a broad range of creative and technical talent. 
• Advertising or creative agency experience at the management level. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with Subject Matter Experts to write copy. 
• Comfortable working within International brand guidelines specified by Japanese corporate parent, while creating designs appropriate for the Americas. 
• A self-starter with the ability to work under minimal supervision. 
• Ability to translate customer insights and market trends into high impact creative strategies and tactics. 
• Deep skills in “go-to-market” strategy development and execution as well as with integrated communications. 
• Strong working knowledge of experience design, brand development, interactive commerce, and creative process. 
• Fluent in digital and wireless technology channels. 
• Creative thinker with the ability to lead the creative process and transform brand strategy to creative strategy

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree Graphic Design, Marketing Communications, or related fieldand
• 5 years graphic design professional experience with a good mix of professional advertising agency experience and experience in a corporate environment. 
• Experience with other Microsoft software (particularly Project and SharePoint) is a plus. 
• Online portfolio/samples required, showcasing strong infographic, branding, and print layout experience.