Creative Manager

Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) is all about owning what you do. We're a 100% employee-owned multi-faceted contractor who thrives on delivering complex, heavy civil projects by developing innovative infrastructure solutions.We're currently searching for a Creative Manager to join our marketing team. This role bridges high-level brand governance with day-to-day creative execution, requiring a keen eye for design, application of digital and traditional media, a collaborative mentality, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders across a diverse business ecosystem. This role is responsible for leading the visual expression of the ESS brand across every touchpoint — from recruitment marketing and internal communications to client pursuits, major campaigns, events, digital experiences, and executive communications. You’ll elevate the quality of our creative work while helping our designers, photographers/videographers, and marketing teammates produce their best work.What you'll be doing:Manage and maintain company brand standards and brand systems, ensuring graphic elements are consistently applied across all internal and external mediumsEnsure all creative assets align with the company's strategic goals and visionTranslate marketing objectives into creative strategies and campaigns; lead creative concept development from ideation through executionDevelop and maintain a centralized brand toolkit and asset library for internal and external useDesign a wide range of creative assets and offer creative insights on a variety of internal and external initiatives and campaigns – including social media, email campaigns, direct mail, branded merchandise, event materials, motion graphics, and moreWork cross-functionally with marketing, communications, media/production, and operational leadershipCoach and mentor graphic designers and other marketing teammatesWork with individuals across a variety of teams to develop creative solutions for our company, partners, and clientsCoordinate with external agencies, freelancers, or production partners as neededProvide art direction on photoshoots, construction jobsites, and other shootsExplore and reasonably leverage AI-enable creative tools to improve ideation, production, and efficiency while maintaining brand qualityProvide best practices and encourage creativity with all marketing team members, staying abreast of and applying design trendsAttend company events and represent the firm at industry events as neededYou're a good fit if:You hold a Bachelor's degree in graphic design, fine arts, visual communications, or a related disciplineYou have 6+ years of graphic design experienceYou have management and/or mentorship experienceYou have familiarity with video production, motion graphics, and web designYou understand marketing funnels, digital platforms, and content strategyYou have a strong creative portfolio showcasing expertise in branding, design systems, and campaign-worthy work across various mediaYou approach design with passion and disciplineYou're a little obsessed with processes, proofing, and error-checkingYou thrive in both an independent and collaborative environmentYou are passionate about transforming ideas into clear, cohesive, and impactful campaignsYou don't sweat it if you need to juggle concurrent projects with tight deadlinesYou are an absolute rockstar in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and PhotoshopYou have routinely worked with third-party vendors and have experience preparing creative files for web and large-format printingYou're an active member of the design, marketing, and communications communityYou play well with others and generally have a positive attitudeYou take initiative and drive projectsBonus skills/experience:Know a little about the A/E/C industry already? Bonus!Know about civil construction, too? Double bonus!You can navigate Adobe PremierPro, Adobe After Effects, and WordPressYou dabble in video editing and motion graphics and/or have experience collaborating with video editors to create impactful motion graphics¿Hablas español? We routinely translate our copy into Spanish. If you can write or QC Spanish content, that would be outstanding!Location:This team member will work out of the Kansas City, MO office located in the River Market district. Other office locations would be considered. Some regional travel may be required, including a few overnight stays here and there. ESS offers a comprehensive and competitive package including access to top-notch tech tools and flex time.Hybrid Work Schedule: Monday/Friday - RemoteTuesday/Wednesday/Thursday - Office