Creative Director - Contract

Welcome to Daiya Foods, where we are the creators of a revolutionary cheese alternative that tastes, shreds, melts and stretches like traditional cheese. Today, as plant-based food grows in popularity, that spirit of innovation continues to inspire our team. Our diverse portfolio of great tasting foods invites everyone to the table.   

Our dedication to minimizing environmental impact extends across our operations. We operate in a manufacturing facility and office that is LEED certified, embodying our commitment to sustainability through the leadership in energy and environmental design principles.  

Join our team of food-loving Daiyans, where our shared passion, vision, and ability to bring smiles to each other's faces fuel our journey of plant-based exploration.

Summary 

Are you a creative visionary with a passion for packaging design, brand storytelling, and omnichannel creative development? At Daiya, the Creative Director plays a pivotal role in crafting innovative solutions across consumer touchpoints. While packaging design is a primary focus, this role extends to shaping creative strategies for media production, tradeshows, campaigns, shopper marketing, brand presence, web design, and more. 

Reporting directly to the Director of Digital Engagement, you'll elevate Daiya’s creative standards and influence its future impact. This role is ideal for a dynamic leader eager to make a significant contribution in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. 

Maternity Leave Contract for a 14–18-month period. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Leadership and Vision: Establish and articulate a clear creative strategy to meet business and consumer needs, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. 
• Omnichannel Creative Development: Develop and oversee creative strategies that extend beyond packaging, encompassing media production, tradeshows, campaigns, shopper marketing, and digital channels. 
• Packaging Design Excellence: Lead the creation of packaging solutions that resonate with consumers, align with Daiya’s brand identity, and stand out in the marketplace.
• Content Production Leadership: Direct production for photography, videography, and packaging, ensuring alignment with creative vision and excellence in execution.
• Brand Consistency Across All Platforms: Uphold Daiya’s identity across all mediums, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and leveraging trends to engage diverse audiences.
• Innovative Content Production: Develop original, impactful concepts for both print and digital mediums, including cutting-edge social media campaigns and motion graphics.
• Operational Efficiency and Budget Management: Prioritize projects, allocate resources strategically, and manage budgets to optimize creative output and meet deadlines.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work with internal stakeholders and external partners to develop briefs, creative strategies, and campaigns that align with marketing objectives and maximize ROI.
• Performance Analysis and Future Planning: Monitor creative outputs against key performance metrics and use insights to refine strategies and improve audience engagement.
• Team Development and Mentorship: Guide and inspire your team to achieve professional growth and consistently deliver high-quality creative work. 

Education & Experience  

• ​​Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.​
• 7+ years of experience in progressive creative roles, including people management
• Proven expertise in packaging design, digital content creation, and motion graphics
• Demonstrated ability to lead creative campaigns that drive growth and consumer engagement. 

Related Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Strong artistic vision and ability to define and defend creative standards.
• Proven track record in directing and delivering omnichannel creative strategies, with a strong emphasis on packaging design and production leadership.
• Deep understanding of packaging trends and consumer preferences.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
• Proficient in design tools and software, with a keen understanding of evolving digital and social media platforms.
• Ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Skilled in fostering collaborative relationships across functions and with external partners.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to mentor, inspire, and build a high-performing creative team. 

Compensation, Benefits & Perks 

Daiya’s compensation offerings are based on a pay-for-performance philosophy. The pay range for this position is from $80,000-120,000 annually; the base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. 

At Daiya, investing in our people is a top priority. We believe in building a flexible, hybrid model to make work-life harmony a reality. We strive to build diverse and high performing teams and empower continuous learning to grow and improve ourselves. 

• Competitive compensation 
• Extended health benefits fully paid by Daiya for your family 
• 3 weeks’ vacation 
• Flex days 
• Retirement savings matching program  
• Flexible spending account  
• Fun and creative environment 
• Inspiring and innovative work 
• Smart and passionate teams 
• Making people and the planet a healthier place 

Daiya’s Core Competencies 

• Emotional Intelligence – You possess the ability to manage emotions, as well as seek to understand the emotions of others around you.
• Growth Mindset – You find opportunities and possibilities when challenged, embrace continuous learning, and constantly strive to grow and improve.
• Effective Communication – You effectively listen, assess, and adjust your communication to align your intention and impact.
• Collaboration – You work with and through others to create great results for Daiya.
• Driving Results – You take the initiative to find solutions, deliver results, maintain focus, and drive accountability.
• Service Excellence – You understand and serve the needs of others (Daiyans, consumers, and our communities) 

At Daiya Foods, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment, one in which employees can bring their whole selves to work everyday.  We welcome and celebrate differences because we believe a multitude of perspectives fosters innovation and will help us achieve our vision. 

Daiya Foods humbly acknowledges that the land on which we work, live, and play is the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam Nations. This connection to the land is not only a source of inspiration but also a guiding force in our journey towards greater environmental stewardship and community engagement.