Creative Design Manager, Wine & Spirits

Join to apply for the Creative Design Manager, Wine & Spirits role at Executive Alliance
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Executive Alliance are pleased to represent our client, a food and beverage manufacturer and distributor in the greater Chicago area. They are seeking a Creative Design Manager who has experience guiding teams and designing full‑scale marketing campaigns and solutions that speak to the entire buyer and customer journey.

NOTE:
This is an onsite role reporting into company HQ in Highland Park, IL. This is not a remote role.

We offer an excellent opportunity to take ownership of compelling brand and packaging design projects within the wine and spirits industry. You will work closely with the family‑owned and sales teams to bring brand stories to life from concept through to production and logistics.

You’ll be involved in the entire lifecycle of design, contributing both individually and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, quality‑driven environment.

• Strategic thinker and detail‑oriented designer with a solid foundation in brand packaging and identity design, ideally within the premium wine and spirits sector.

• Minimum 5 years of design experience, including packaging or identity work.
• Degree in Design, Packaging, Advertising or equivalent professional experience (BFA preferred).
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite – especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Proven creative problem‑solving abilities with a strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual strength and executional excellence.
• Clear communication skills – both written and verbal – with a professional demeanor.
• Comfortable presenting rationale and giving/receiving constructive feedback.
• Ability to sketch and visualize concepts effectively.
• Demonstrated team spirit and mentoring ability.
• Highly organized, with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.
• Meticulous attention to detail under tight deadlines.
• Positive, collaborative attitude – a “can‑do” approach is essential.

In this role, you will be expected to lead and deliver impactful design solutions, manage project workflows, and support junior team members. You will take ownership of your own projects while contributing to the wider creative goals of the team.

• Conceptualizing, developing, and executing end‑to‑end design solutions supporting a customer journey.
• Leading project ownership and delivering on‑brand, on‑time, visually outstanding outcomes.
• Championing brand strategies and acting as a brand steward.
• Liaising with internal stakeholders and external vendors, including photographers, illustrators, and printers.
• Supporting project organization, planning, and execution across multiple streams.
• Providing feedback and critique to elevate team‑wide design quality.
• Mentoring and supporting junior designers.

• Minimum 5 years of design experience, including packaging or identity work.
• Degree in Design, Packaging, Advertising or equivalent professional experience (BFA preferred).
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite – especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Proven creative problem‑solving abilities with a strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual strength and executional excellence.
• Clear communication skills – both written and verbal – with a professional demeanor.
• Comfortable presenting rationale and giving/receiving constructive feedback.
• Ability to sketch and visualize concepts effectively.
• Demonstrated team spirit and mentoring ability.
• Highly organized, with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.
• Meticulous attention to detail under tight deadlines.
• Positive, collaborative attitude – a “can‑do” approach is essential.

• Doug Wald, Vice President of Recruiting, Executive Alliance
• Phone:
• Email:

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Staffing and Recruiting