Hybrid, Associate Art Director - Zales & Banter

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Signet Jewelers is the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry, operating more than 2,800 stores worldwide under the iconic brands: Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, H.Samuel, Ernest Jones, Peoples, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, Rocksbox, JamesAllen.com and Diamonds Direct. We are a people-first company and this core value is at the heart of everything we do, from empowering our valued team members, to collaborating with our customers, to fostering the communities in which we live and serve. People - and the love their actions inspire - are what drive us. We're not only proud of the love we inspire outside our walls, we're especially proud of the diversity, inclusion and equity we're inspiring inside. There are dynamic career paths awaiting you - rewarding opportunities to impact the lives of others and inspire love. Join us!

Reporting to the Creative Director, this role is for someone who can move fluidly between art directing photo and video shoots and rolling up their sleeves to design across our marketing channels. You''ll partner closely with the Creative Director and Copywriter to shape campaign concepts from the first spark of an idea through to a polished brand execution. You'll be creating mood board to mechanicals and translating brand marketing strategy into work that''s beautiful, smart, and built to perform. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and pivot copy direction based on channel and platform needs.

Responsibilities

• Photo & video art direction: Help concept, plan, and execute on-set art direction for campaign and product shoots across both brands - from casting and styling references to set design, lighting mood, and post-production direction.
• Concept development: Partner with the Creative Director and Copywriter to develop campaign territories, taglines, and visual platforms that flex across the everyday elevated Zales register and the high energy Banter voice.
• Pitch & presentation decks: Build polished, presentation-ready decks and creative pitches for internal leadership, cross-functional partners, and external brand collaborators.
• Marketing design: Design and adapt assets across channels from digital, social, email, paid media, in-store, and OOH - ensuring every touchpoint feels cohesive and elevated.
• Brand stewardship: Maintain and evolve the visual identity for both brands, keeping work distinct, consistent, and unique from other competitors
• Think strategically: Bring a point of view, not just execution and comfortable navigating brand tensions to sharpen and push the creative. Stay attuned to cultural trends and competitive landscape to keep Zales and Banter's creative fresh, relevant, and authentic.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work alongside brand marketing, merchandising, digital, and social partners to deliver creative that's both gorgeous and grounded in business goals.
• Production support: Help prep decks, wardrobe and styling notes, retouching markups, and shot lists that keep productions running smoothly.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Champion best practices in adhering to brand guidelines including craft, typography, design, and campaign storytelling.
• Act as an adaptable collaborator who approaches feedback with openness and works fluidly across teams to drive alignment and momentum.
• Take a solution-oriented approach when partnering with peers and leadership, contributing new ideas while aligning on creative direction.
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and respect for leadership decisions while balancing creative point of view to drive shared success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Design, or Photography, Advertising, Visual Communications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of art direction and/or design experience, ideally in retail, fashion, beauty, or lifestyle brands (in-house or agency).
• A portfolio that shows real range: strong photo/video art direction, polished multi-channel design, and the kind of presentation and pitch work that wins a room.
• Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and presentation tools (Keynote/PowerPoint), Figma for web design, and motion skills are a plus.
• The range to shift between an elevated, emotional aesthetic and a bold, trend-forward one - sometimes in the same day.
• A self-starter who can take a loose brief and run with it, owning projects end to end with minimal hand-holding.
• On-set experience and comfort directing photographers, stylists, and crew.
• Sharp instincts for typography, layout, color, and composition.
• A collaborative spirit, strong organizational skills, and the ability to juggle multiple projects against deadlines.

Benefits

We believe in rewarding top talent with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance:

Premium Healthcare Coverage - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family covered.

401(k) with Company Match - Invest in your future with a generous retirement savings plan, including company matching after just one year.

Generous Time Off - Recharge with a robust PTO package, plus company holidays.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs - Be part of a culture that celebrates diverse perspectives and fosters belonging.

Career Growth & Development - Opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and continuous learning.

Exclusive Perks - Enjoy additional benefits, wellness programs, employee discounts, and more!