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Creative Design Director Jobs in Wheaton, IL (NOW HIRING)

PepsiCo

Brand Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $185K/yr

Lead, manage, and mentor designers across the Protein portfolio, always emphasizing creative excellence and working in close collaboration with the PBUS Gatorade Design Director and other leaders ...

Crossway

Creative Coordinator

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Support Art Director, Design Director, Video Director, and VP of Creative as needed * Communicate with authors about cover designs as needed * Purchase and maintain image and font licenses * Manage ...

Hasana, Inc.

Graphic Design/Creative Internship

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

As a Creative Intern you will focus on building the Hasana brand with compelling marketing while ... Initiate concepts and work independently and/or with Design Director & Copywriters * Perform other ...

Hasana, Inc.

Graphic Design/Creative Internship

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

As a Creative Intern you will focus on building the Hasana brand with compelling marketing while ... Initiate concepts and work independently and/or with Design Director & Copywriters * Perform other ...

Hasana, Inc.

Graphic Design/Creative Internship

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

As a Creative Intern you will focus on building the Hasana brand with compelling marketing while ... Initiate concepts and work independently and/or with Design Director & Copywriters * Perform other ...

MERGE

Associate Creative Director - Design

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$129K/yr

Associate Creative Director (Design) As Associate Creative Director (Design), you will shape the digital and physical visual narrative for a fast-paced retail account [major Quick-Service Restaurant ...

MERGE

Associate Creative Director - Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

$129K/yr

Associate Creative Director (Design) As Associate Creative Director (Design), you will shape the digital and physical visual narrative for a fast-paced retail account [major Quick-Service Restaurant ...

CourtAvenue

Design Director, Platform UI

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

At CourtAvenue, the Design Director, Platform UI leads the visual interface layer of our most ... Maintain mastery of client presentations and non-creative communication, explaining visual and ...

CourtAvenue

Design Director, Platform UI

Chicago, IL · On-site

$159K - $196K/yr

At CourtAvenue, the Design Director, Platform UI leads the visual interface layer of our most ... Maintain mastery of client presentations and non-creative communication, explaining visual and ...

Leapfrog Online

Creative Director

Chicago, IL

The Creative team is the subject matter expert when it comes to the visual design and layout, brand language, typographic and color components of our user interfaces. The Creative Director must be ...

Leapfrog Online

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Creative team is the subject matter expert when it comes to the visual design and layout, brand language, typographic and color components of our user interfaces. The Creative Director must be ...

Programmanagers

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Creative Director | Bring the Next Chapter of B&D's Brand to Life This is a unique opportunity to ... Hands-On Design & Creative Execution * Personally concept, design, and produce high‑priority work ...

Braze

Senior Director, Creative

Chicago, IL · On-site

We're looking for a Senior Director, Creative to lead and scale our design function as a conceptual, strategic, and operational pillar of the Creative and Brand organization. This role is responsible ...

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All JobsCreative Design JobsCreative Design Director JobsCreative Design Director Jobs in Wheaton, IL

Creative Design Director information

See Wheaton, IL salary details

$41.6K

$116K

$174K

How much do creative design director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative design director in Wheaton, IL is $116,036.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,600.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creative design director?

A Creative Design Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the visual and creative direction of projects within an organization. They lead design teams, develop creative strategies, and ensure that all visual communications align with the brand’s identity and business goals. Creative Design Directors often collaborate with marketing, product development, and executive teams to deliver cohesive and innovative designs. They combine artistic vision with leadership skills to inspire teams and deliver impactful results.

How does a creative design director typically collaborate with other departments to deliver cohesive brand experiences?

Creative Design Directors frequently work cross-functionally, partnering closely with marketing, product, and development teams to ensure design concepts align with overall business objectives. This collaboration often involves participating in strategy meetings, providing creative direction during project kick-offs, and offering feedback throughout the production process. By fostering open communication and sharing visual guidelines, Creative Design Directors help maintain consistent branding and drive innovative solutions that meet both user needs and business goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a creative design director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Design Director, you need extensive experience in visual design, branding, and project management, typically backed by a degree in design or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and familiarity with digital asset management systems are essential. Exceptional leadership, collaboration, and communication skills help you inspire teams and articulate creative vision to stakeholders. These competencies ensure the delivery of innovative, cohesive design solutions that align with business goals and client needs.

What is the difference between Creative Design Director vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative Design DirectorGraphic Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire creative projects, manages teams, sets design visionCreates visual content, executes design tasks based on briefs
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic thinking, advanced design skillsStrong graphic skills, proficiency in design software
Work EnvironmentCreative agencies, corporate marketing teams, large design firmsDesign studios, marketing departments, freelance work
CredentialsTypically a degree in design, art, or related field; extensive experienceDegree or certification in graphic design or related field

The main difference between a Creative Design Director and a Graphic Designer lies in scope and leadership. The Creative Design Director leads creative teams, sets strategic vision, and manages large projects, while the Graphic Designer focuses on executing specific visual tasks. Both roles require strong design skills, but the director position involves more oversight and strategic planning.

Are creative design directors paid well?

Creative design directors typically earn high salaries due to their leadership role in overseeing design teams and projects. Compensation varies by industry, experience, and location but generally includes a base salary plus bonuses and benefits, reflecting the seniority of the position.

Is there a demand for creative design directors?

The demand for creative design directors remains strong across industries such as advertising, media, and technology, as companies seek innovative visual branding and user experiences. Employment opportunities often require strong leadership skills, proficiency in design tools, and a portfolio demonstrating strategic vision, with growth driven by digital transformation and branding efforts.

What does a creative design director do in design?

A creative design director leads the visual and conceptual aspects of design projects, overseeing creative teams to develop innovative concepts that align with brand goals. They review and approve designs, set creative standards, and collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure the final product meets strategic objectives. Strong leadership, communication skills, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite are essential in this role.

What qualifications do I need to be a creative design director?

A creative design director typically needs a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual arts, or a related field, along with extensive experience in design and creative leadership. Strong skills in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, excellent communication, and project management abilities are also essential, often complemented by a portfolio demonstrating leadership in successful projects.

What are popular job titles related to Creative Design Director jobs in Wheaton, IL?

For Creative Design Director jobs in Wheaton, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Creative Design Director jobs in Wheaton, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Design Director jobs in Wheaton, IL are:

What cities near Wheaton, IL are hiring for Creative Design Director jobs?

Cities near Wheaton, IL with the most Creative Design Director job openings:

Creative Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Design Director job openings in Wheaton, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,036 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Brand Design Manager

PepsiCo

Chicago, IL • On-site

$110K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

PepsiCo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 904 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 445 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Overview
PepsiCo Design & Innovation is a creatively driven team that leverages the power of Design Thinking to solve brand and business problems that drive meaningful value and growth. Our mission is to elevate the role of design and design thinking as a function, process, mindset, and as culture in PepsiCo and the broader business world.
We are a consumer-centric organization with a start-up mentality within our larger organization; we collaborate with world-class partners in Marketing, Insights, and R&D to strategically drive business results with purpose.As a Brand Design Manager, Gatorade, you will report to the Design Director, Gatorade, partnering on the design and execution of projects that support PepsiCo's Gatorade Portfolio business in North America. Successful candidates will demonstrate superior ability to generate inspirational design solutions, driving from ideation to execution with quality and strategic excellence.
In this role, you will be responsible for delivering outstanding 360-degree creative work, crafting design excellence through all consumer touchpoints. Examples of projects may include development of brand design strategies, packaging and portfolio systems, promotions, and immersive brand activations, with solutions that span the gamut from print, packaging, social/digital, licensing, environmental and new media.
Responsibilities
  • Lead, manage, and mentor designers across the Protein portfolio, always emphasizing creative excellence and working in close collaboration with the PBUS Gatorade Design Director and other leaders across brand, product, enhancers, structural packaging, marketing, and advertising.
  • Responsible for generating creative design proposals (visions, scenarios, concepts) to share with cross-functional partners within PepsiCo and external suppliers to ensure products are developed and delivered with quality, value, and efficiency.
  • Energizes and leads both the internal team and external design resources from idea phase to commercialization. Regularly reviews the status of projects with appropriate leadership to ensure that expectations are met.
  • Participate in research activities and effectively translate customer needs into actionable design strategy (must be able to execute those requirements into design solutions). Help drive to final design recommendations, decisions, and design approval to enable artwork execution/production phases.
  • Demonstrate outstanding graphic design skills and develop brand extensions, LTOs, and collaborations that captivate consumers. Design purpose-built creative toolkits that establish clear brand throughlines, facilitate creative brainstorms, leveraging design thinking to spark innovative brand concepts.
  • Partner with designers to define and codify brand language and visual systems.
    Communicate ideas clearly through compelling visualizations and effective presentations to both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Oversee and execute the creative process from briefing to execution, with a focus on concept visualization.
  • Demonstrate vision and expertise in defining all design elements, including visual identity systems, typography, iconography, illustration, animation, and more.
  • Build a reputation for leadership, reliability, and excellence-empowering others to achieve their best.
    Balance visionary thinking with effective project management, delivering world-class executions while ensuring smooth implementation.
  • Expand your network by engaging the right freelancers and agency partners to enhance creative output.
  • Possess a strong understanding of AI and actively incorporate AI tools into their workflow to enhance creativity, efficiency, and innovation across design processes.
  • Supports the PepsiCo Design & Innovation organization in building and cultivating a robust external design network.

Compensation & Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $110,700 - $185,250.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 12% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications
  • 8+ years of hands-on brand and packaging/product/graphic design experience.
  • Should have full-time agency side and or client-side experience
  • Advanced experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Firefly software
  • Must be willing and able to travel 15% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong conceptual design skills, package design and design strategy experience.
  • 360 brand design experience (i.e., print, packaging, digital, environmental, experiential).
  • Extraordinary design taste and expertise with an excellent sense of design trends.
  • Illustration and motion skills highly preferred.
  • Previous experience managing creative teams and/or designers.
  • Systems design thinker (packaging architecture and visual identity systems).
  • Ability to work in an agile, dynamic work environment with a start-up mentality (comfortable with risk and uncertainty).
  • Strong stakeholder relationship management - effectively influence at all levels in the organization, as well as across regions and functions.
  • Effectively communicates (verbally and written) with internal and external business partners.
  • Collaborative and works well with others to deliver results; keep others informed to avoid unnecessary surprises.
  • Ability to multitask. Excellent time and project management skills to be able to meet project deadlines.

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Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.

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About PepsiCo

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Purchase, NY, US

Year founded

1965

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