Walgreens

Director, Creative

Walgreens • $120K — $150K *
Deerfield, IL 60015In-Person
Media
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related field; Master's preferred
  • 6+ years of marketing or advertising experience with strong creative leadership
  • Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and collaborate with executives
  • Proven track record of developing and implementing strategic initiatives
  • 2+ years of experience influencing financial decisions within a business context
  • Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in brand development and integrated campaigns

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement creative frameworks to address strategic challenges
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align business needs with creative execution
  • Recommend strategies and operational plans based on market insights
  • Communicate complex creative concepts to senior management and stakeholders
  • Build and maintain relationships with external agencies and internal partners
  • Set and oversee financial and operational objectives for the creative department
  • Lead and mentor creative teams to ensure ongoing development and high morale

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Generous vacation policy and paid time off
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth
  • Flexible work arrangements and travel allowance
  • Employee discount programs and wellness initiatives
Full Job Description
Job Description

Job Summary

The Director, Creative serves as the enterprise creative lead responsible for elevating the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of Walgreens' creative expression across marketing, brand, and customer touchpoints. Reporting to the SVP, Marketing, this role provides strategic creative leadership across integrated campaigns, brand initiatives, and business priorities while partnering closely with marketing, private brands, merchandising, broader internal stakeholders, and agency teams.
As the primary in-house creative leader, the Director will bring a strong advertising and design perspective to the organization, guiding creative development, challenging thinking, and ensuring creative excellence across all channels and touchpoints. A key focus of the role will be supporting Walgreens' Own Brand reinvention, helping shape brand identity, packaging design, visual systems, and creative expression while ensuring alignment with broader enterprise brand objectives.
This leader serves as a strategic partner to internal teams and external agencies, providing creative direction, strengthening creative quality, and helping translate customer insights and business objectives into compelling and effective creative solutions. The Director will also play a critical role in assessing and shaping future creative capabilities and operating models as Walgreens evaluates opportunities to rebuild and expand internal creative resources.

Job Responsibilities
  • Builds the formal frameworks and methodologies for approaching major strategic issues both leveraging existing resources and creating new innovative concepts across the Company for area of expertise. Ensures process and structural fit with key stakeholders. Performs as a focal point for cross-functional teams and liaison to stakeholders in developing and implementing frameworks. Develops effective working relationships with stakeholders to achieve targeted goals and/or solutions.
  • Counsels key stakeholders on areas of expertise. Partners cross-functionally to translate and define business needs for area of responsibility to execute against. Strategically partners cross-functionally to develop the strategies and actionable roadmap to meet goals. Develops short- and long-range strategies, plans and actionable goals. Oversees implementation of procedures, processes, and policies that have significant impact upon the organization.
  • Makes recommendations for the formulation of the strategies and operating plans of the specified area of responsibility, then, based on prevailing conditions executes or adjusts the operating plans of the business unit directed.
  • Shares complex information related to areas of expertise. Interacts with senior management to keep abreast of objectives. Interacts with direct reports and peers in management / customers / vendors to interpret information and improve cross-functional processes and programs. Builds and enhances key internal and external contacts.
  • Works with external vendors and third parties to develop and maintain positive relationships. Builds and enhances internal and external partnerships.
  • Sets financial, operational and quality objectives and develops/oversees operating plans for the area of responsibility.
  • Ensures growth and optimization of consumer awareness, market share and/or specified initiatives. Reviews the competitive marketplace and makes recommendations for adjustments to operational and strategic activities based upon identified information.
  • May develop budget for specified area of responsibility and delivers against business goals/objectives.
  • Analyzes performance drivers, proactively determines actionable strategy, and then contributes to identifying solutions for mitigation and/or optimization to achieve overall business goals.
  • Directs teams accountable for daily operations. Oversees and directs the work of managers, senior managers and their subordinates. Obtains and allocates resources to meet operating plans. Ensures the ongoing training and development of direct reports. Develops and mentors staff through on-boarding, open communication, training and development opportunities and performance management processes; builds and maintains employee morale and motivation; ensures the team is appropriately staffed with required competencies; fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace


External Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and at least 6 years of marketing or advertising experience OR a high school diploma/GED and at least 9 years of marketing or advertising experience.
  • Experience establishing & maintaining relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization, including the executive level.
  • Experience developing strategic initiatives which align with business goals and budget.
  • Experience identifying operational issues and recommending and implementing strategies to resolve problems.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams
  • Experience interacting at the executive level.
  • Experience managing client-facing programs.
  • At least 2 years of experience contributing to financial decisions in the workplace.
  • At least 3 years of direct leadership, indirect leadership and/or cross-functional team leadership.
  • Willing to travel up to 10% of the time for business purposes (within state and out of state).


Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Design, Advertising, Marketing, Communications, Fine Arts, or related field.
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in creative leadership within an advertising agency, brand organization, or a combination of both.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in advertising, brand development, design systems, integrated marketing campaigns, storytelling, and visual communication.
  • Experience leading creative development across digital, social, video, retail, experiential, CRM, packaging, and traditional media channels.
  • Strong design acumen with expertise in brand identity systems, visual storytelling, consumer-facing design, and creative strategy.
  • Experience partnering with and directing external creative agencies, production partners, designers, writers, and creative teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide clear creative direction and elevate the quality and effectiveness of marketing and brand communications.
  • Experience supporting brand transformations, rebrands, portfolio refreshes, packaging redesigns, or identity system development preferred.
  • Strong executive presence and ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Experience in retail, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, or other consumer-facing industries preferred.
  • Agency experience, brand-side experience, or a combination of both strongly preferred.

About Walgreens

Walgreens is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2010 sales of $67 billion. The company operates 7,689 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services, and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility, and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers, and the public sector. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.

Walgreens Careers

Joining Walgreens means becoming part of a team dedicated to inspiring health and well-being across America. As a cornerstone of the community, Walgreens offers unparalleled job opportunities in the retail and healthcare sectors, making it an ideal place for professional growth and innovation. Work You’ll Do At Walgreens, every position contributes to our mission of delivering premier health solutions while ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters growth. Our team members are at the forefront of transforming customer experiences through dedication and expertise. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Embrace the opportunity to lead at Walgreens, where we combine industry expertise with a culture of innovation. Our leadership is committed to nurturing a professional environment where ideas thrive and leadership skills are honed through comprehensive diversity training and leadership development programs. Engage in Meaningful Work Join a team that values hard work and creativity, where your skills will be enhanced through challenging projects and collaborative team efforts. Walgreens is not just about filling prescriptions—it's about offering solutions that promote healthier communities. Explore Career Opportunities Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a more advanced professional role, Walgreens offers a range of career paths in dynamic business areas. From in-store roles to corporate support, our job opportunities are designed to fit a variety of skills and interests. Internship and Employment Benefits Start your career with a Walgreens internship and gain hands-on experience that paves the way for future employment. Our interns work on real projects that matter, gaining skills that are crucial for future success. Full-time team members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and exclusive employee discounts. Invest in Your Career Growth Walgreens is committed to the career development of our employees. We provide resources and training that encourage continuous learning and career advancement. With support for certifications and networking opportunities, team members can expand their professional horizons and achieve their career goals. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the diverse range of hiring opportunities at Walgreens by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players ready to make a significant impact. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work at Walgreens. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Walgreens. At Walgreens, we are excited to see where your ambition takes you. Join us and be part of a team that is dedicated to shaping the future of health and wellness for everyone.
Learn more about Walgreens
Size
202,000 employees
Market Cap
$32.8 billion
Industry
Retail & Consumer Goods
Net Income
-$696 million
Founded
1901
5 Year Trend
+2.3%
Revenue
$141.5 billion
NASDAQ
WBA
* Ladders Estimates

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