Creative Manager (Fixed-Term Contract) - Markham

JOB DESCRIPTION The Creative Manager I is responsible for leading creative initiatives across digital and product platforms. They manage design delivery, mentor junior talent, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure brand consistency and user-focused design. This role remains current with industry trends. Responsibilities 8+ years' experience as a Creative Lead, Creative Manager or Creative Director role. Proven experience leading and mentoring creative teams within a fast-paced retail, fashion, lifestyle, or agency environment. Strong conceptual thinking and ability to develop compelling campaign ideas from brief through to execution. Advanced design capability with a portfolio demonstrating original conceptual work and high-quality execution across multiple channels. Ability to personally contribute to design work, campaign development, creative problem-solving, and art direction as part of the studio workload. Strong understanding of typography, layout, visual communication, branding, and integrated campaign development. Experience managing studio traffic, workflow planning, resource allocation, and project prioritisation. Ability to unpack, challenge and refine briefs before they enter the studio workflow. Strong operational mindset with the ability to build structure, accountability, and delivery discipline within a creative environment. Ability to conduct creative audits and identify opportunities to elevate brand communication, campaign effectiveness, and creative standards. Experience working across retail marketing, digital, social media, content, print and campaign production. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Experience using Monday.com or similar workflow management platforms. Qualifications A relevant Tertiary qualification 8+ years' experience as a Creative Lead, Creative Manager or Creative Director role. Proven experience in managing and developing creative teams. Able to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, with a strong understanding of workflow management and online traffic coordination. Prior retail experience is essential Ideally have experience leading teams within premium creative agencies or established retail environments Capable of both producing high-quality design work and managing a team Skills: Managing studio workflow, traffic and team capacity. Ensuring briefs are strategically and creatively sound before entering production. Leading creative reviews and maintaining quality standards across all work. Conducting creative audits and identifying opportunities to strengthen the brand's creative output. Mentoring and developing designers within the studio. Personally contributing to campaign development, design execution and creative delivery when required. Supporting the team during peak workload periods and helping ensure projects are delivered on time and to a high standard. Behaviours: Being Resilient - rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations. Building Effective Teams - forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships Cultivates Innovation - creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success Decision Quality - consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions Drives Engagement - inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organisation Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems Organisational Savvy - understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people Situational Adaptability - effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation Strategic Mindset - thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation. Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. ABOUT US Who we are is because of our people. They are our greatest asset. TFG is an internationally diversified retail portfolio of 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands that Inspire our Customers to live their Best Lives and are woven into the lives of millions. Our vision is to create the most remarkable omnichannel experiences for our customers. TFG is more than a workplace, it's a launchpad for your growth. Join us and explore endless growth opportunities across our diverse brands. We're a purpose-led business, and on this team, you'll share the pride of making an impact across a whole industry. We're the designers, the makers, the shakers and the teams behind the scenes. Are you with us? ABOUT THE TEAM Join the Markham Movement! Dive into a world where style meets passion. At Markham, we offer the latest in smart and casual wear, from trendy footwear to must-have accessories and captivating fragrances. Our stores are vibrant hubs of youthful energy, dedicated to helping you discover the perfect look that speaks to your unique style. Be part of a brand that lives and breathes fashion - where every day is an opportunity to express yourself. Step into Markham and make your mark!