Brand Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Design Manager

Company: Molson Coors

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Brand & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-18

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Orchestrates effective and aesthetic design solutions for Molson Coors brands, acting as a critical growth and business driver.

• Leverages expertise in brand stewardship and creative direction to guide design execution across various consumer touchpoints, ensuring brand consistency.

• Facilitates problem-solving through critical thinking and an understanding of corporate culture, operating efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

• Manages design projects from creative briefing to execution, ensuring alignment with brand objectives, budgets, timelines, and resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Brand Design Manager, indicating a need for strategic oversight and leadership in design execution rather than purely hands-on execution. The emphasis on "business driver," "productivity efficiencies," and "partnership with Marketing" suggests a role that bridges creative output with commercial objectives, aligning closely with GTM (Go-To-Market) operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of "Brand Worlds," ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand identity across all platforms.

• Serve as a creative director and brand steward for assigned brands, guiding design strategy and ensuring consistent application of brand guidelines.

• Manage the end-to-end execution of brand asset development, with a specific focus on packaging design and all consumer touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Project Management, Sales Planning, Legal, R&D, and external creative agencies to define project scope, timelines, and budgets.

• Craft and refine Creative Briefs, conduct creative reviews, and present design solutions to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with business objectives and consumer insights.

• Partner with Graphics Specialists to oversee production stages, ensuring design intent is maintained and considering technical limitations such as color and substrate.

• Identify project timelines for design development and meticulously track progress, ensuring timely delivery of all packaging projects.

• Advise on which creative ideas are on-brand and on-brief by blending understanding of cultural context, competitive landscape, consumer insights, and business strategy.

• Apply design training and experience to guide creative assessment and drive optimal aesthetic and effective creative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic brand thinking, creative direction, and project management. The emphasis on "Brand World development," "packaging design," and "consumer touch points" indicates a strong connection to product marketing and GTM execution, requiring a deep understanding of how design impacts market perception and sales.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 8+ years of hands-on design experience, with a proven track record in brand design, packaging design, or a similar creative role.

• Experience within the alcohol/beverage industry or consumer-packaged goods (CPG) sector is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with speed and accuracy, understanding and prioritizing business objectives.

• Proven experience in building strong relationships and collaborating effectively with internal teams and external partners.

Required Skills:

• Brand Design Expertise: Deep understanding of brand identity development, visual storytelling, and brand stewardship principles.

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Strong foundational graphic design skills, with a keen eye for aesthetics, typography, color theory, and layout.

• Packaging Design: Specialized knowledge in the principles and execution of effective packaging design for consumer goods.

• Creative Direction: Ability to guide creative processes, provide constructive feedback, and ensure design solutions meet strategic objectives.

• Project Management: Skill in defining timelines, tracking progress, managing multiple projects concurrently, and ensuring on-time delivery.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including Marketing, Sales, Legal, R&D, and external agencies.

• Professional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence stakeholders.

• Emotional Intelligence: High level of interpersonal skill, empathy, and awareness in professional interactions.

• Business Acumen: Understanding of how design contributes to business strategy, consumer insights, and market competitiveness.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the beer, spirits, or broader beverage alcohol industry.

• Familiarity with CPG market dynamics and consumer behavior.

• Experience in developing and managing "Brand Worlds."

• Proficiency in design software commonly used in the industry (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

• Budget management and agency selection experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8+ years of "hands-on designer" experience, coupled with the title "Manager," suggests a transition from pure execution to strategic oversight and team guidance. The emphasis on "business partnering skills" and "integrity" points towards a role that requires not only creative talent but also strong operational and ethical capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Brand Identity Showcase: Demonstrate a portfolio that clearly illustrates the development and application of distinct brand identities across various formats.

• Packaging Design Case Studies: Include detailed case studies of packaging design projects, highlighting the strategic thinking, creative process, and final execution.

• Consumer Touchpoint Examples: Showcase how designs have been effectively implemented across diverse consumer touchpoints, such as digital, print, point-of-sale, and experiential marketing.

• Process Documentation: Provide evidence of how design processes were managed, including examples of creative briefs, review cycles, and stakeholder alignment.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Include examples of how design challenges were overcome, demonstrating critical thinking and adaptive solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Creative Brief Development: Examples of well-structured creative briefs that clearly defined project objectives, target audiences, and key deliverables.

• Design Review & Feedback: Documentation of design review processes, including how feedback was gathered, synthesized, and implemented.

• Cross-functional Workflow: Illustrate how design projects integrated with other functional areas (e.g., marketing, sales, legal, R&D) to ensure seamless execution.

• Agency Collaboration: Examples of managing relationships and projects with external creative agencies, showcasing effective communication and outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Brand Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just display aesthetic output but also the strategic thinking, process management, and collaborative efforts that led to successful brand executions. The emphasis on "Brand World development" and "consumer touch points" means showcasing holistic brand experiences.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $96,600 - $126,700 annually.

• Explanation: This range is based on the provided posting salary range and is considered competitive for a Brand Design Manager role in Chicago, IL, with 8+ years of experience in the CPG/Beverage industry. Factors such as specific skill sets, previous experience, and internal equity will influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance; an engaging Wellness Program; and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with extensive resources.

• Financial Security: Competitive base salary, target short-term incentive plan (15% target), and a retirement savings plan with a strong employer match.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work programs, a hybrid work model (4 days in office), generous paid time off (including holidays, vacation, and sick days), and parental leave.

• Employee Perks: Access to brand clothing and swag, opportunities to attend top events, and complimentary beer and beverages.

• Professional Development: "First Choice Learning" opportunities for career growth and development, and engagement with Business Resource Groups for volunteer and leadership experience.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing for 4 days in the office and 1 day remote, supporting work-life balance while ensuring in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated, providing a clear benchmark. The benefits package is extensive, highlighting Molson Coors' commitment to employee well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, which are key attractors for experienced professionals. The inclusion of "Short Term Incentive" points to a performance-driven compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (specifically Alcoholic Beverages). Molson Coors is a global brewer with a rich history, focused on transforming the beverage industry through innovation and a diverse portfolio.

Company Size: Large enterprise; Molson Coors is a global company with thousands of employees, indicating a structured environment with established processes and a wide array of career opportunities.

Founded: Molson Coors has a long history, with roots dating back to 1786 (Molson Brewery) and 1873 (Coors Brewery). This legacy suggests a company that values tradition while also driving forward-looking initiatives.

Team Structure:

• Brand Design Team: Likely part of a larger Marketing or Creative department, this team collaborates closely with Brand Managers, Marketing teams, and external agencies.

• Reporting Structure: The Brand Design Manager likely reports to a Director or VP of Marketing/Creative, overseeing a team that may include Graphic Designers, Specialists, and potentially external agency partners.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring deep partnerships with Project Management, Sales Planning, Legal, R&D, Procurement, and Brand teams to ensure cohesive brand execution.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Design decisions are informed by consumer insights, market analysis, and business strategy to ensure brand relevance and commercial success.

• Process Optimization: Emphasis on efficient workflows and project management to deliver high-quality creative assets within timelines and budgets.

• Brand Stewardship: A consistent approach to maintaining brand integrity and visual identity across all touchpoints, ensuring a unified brand experience.

Company Website: https://www.molsoncoors.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Molson Coors' extensive history and global presence imply a robust organizational structure, with established processes for brand management and creative development. The company's stated values of diversity, collaboration, and innovation suggest a dynamic and inclusive work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is mid-to-senior level, often referred to as a management or leadership position within the creative operations or brand marketing function. It requires a blend of deep design expertise and strategic business acumen.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Director of Marketing, Creative Director, or VP of Brand Management. May have direct reports or manage external agency relationships.

Operations Impact: The Brand Design Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping brand perception, driving consumer engagement, and ultimately impacting sales performance. Effective design is a key component of Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy, directly influencing product appeal and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into senior leadership roles such as Creative Director, Director of Brand Marketing, or VP of Marketing, overseeing broader creative strategies and teams.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like packaging innovation, digital brand experiences, or global brand consistency.

• Cross-Departmental Moves: Opportunities to transition into broader brand management, marketing strategy, or product development roles within Molson Coors.

• Mentorship & Training: Access to Molson Coors' "First Choice Learning" initiatives and potential to mentor junior designers, honing leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role represents a significant step in a creative career, moving from execution to strategic leadership and management. The "operations" aspect comes from managing the complex processes, timelines, budgets, and cross-functional collaborations required to bring brands to market effectively through design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid model, with 4 days expected in the Chicago office and 1 day remote. This suggests a modern office environment designed to foster collaboration and creativity.

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL. This location likely offers a vibrant urban setting with access to talent and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes dedicated areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative project work, crucial for a role involving cross-functional interaction.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and internal communication platforms will be provided to support efficient workflow.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for interaction with Brand Managers, Marketing teams, agency partners, and other creative professionals.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid model. The 4-day in-office expectation indicates a structured approach to in-person collaboration, while the remote day offers personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and team building with the desire for work-life balance. This arrangement is common in creative and marketing operations roles where spontaneous ideation and quick feedback loops benefit from physical proximity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will likely conduct an initial screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, strategic thinking, and leadership potential. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their work. This will likely involve showcasing 3-5 key projects, detailing the brief, your role, the creative process, challenges, and outcomes (including business impact if possible).

• Cross-functional Panel: Interviews with key stakeholders from Marketing, Project Management, or other relevant departments to assess collaboration and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Marketing) to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your brand strategy, creative direction, packaging design expertise, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the business objective, your role, the creative challenges, your process, the solution, and the measurable impact (e.g., increased sales, brand engagement, market share).

• Showcase Process: Don't just show final assets; include mood boards, sketches, early concepts, and rationale behind design decisions.

• Highlight Collaboration: If working with agencies or internal teams, describe how you managed those relationships and integrated feedback.

• Tailor to Molson Coors: If possible, include examples that show an understanding of the beverage industry or CPG market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared for a design challenge or case study, either presented live or as a take-home assignment. This might involve critiquing existing designs, developing concepts for a new product, or solving a brand communication problem.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and any case study work concisely and engagingly. Focus on clarity, logical flow, and demonstrating strategic thinking.

• Operations Acumen: Be ready to discuss how you manage timelines, budgets, and cross-functional dependencies in a design context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just the "what" but the "why" and "how" behind their design decisions, emphasizing strategic thinking and business impact, which are key to operations roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential. Familiarity with other design and prototyping tools may also be beneficial.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira for tracking project progress, timelines, and task assignments.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day communication and team collaboration.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Familiarity with DAM systems for organizing and managing brand assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Brand Performance Metrics: While not directly an analyst, understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) for brand campaigns and packaging effectiveness (e.g., sales lift, market share, consumer engagement) is crucial.

• Consumer Insights Platforms: Experience with tools or methods for synthesizing consumer research and market data to inform design strategy.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Awareness of how design assets integrate with marketing automation tools for campaign execution.

• Digital Brand Platforms: Understanding of how brands are managed and deployed across various digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is creative-focused, its "Manager" title and emphasis on process and collaboration imply a need for proficiency in project management and collaboration tools. Understanding how design assets are used within broader marketing and sales operations is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnership to achieve shared brand and business goals.

• Integrity: Acting with honesty and accountability in all professional dealings, particularly in managing budgets, timelines, and stakeholder relationships.

• Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and explore new ideas to keep brands fresh and competitive.

• Efficiency: A commitment to optimizing processes and workflows to deliver high-quality results within demanding timelines.

• Thirst for Learning: Continuous personal and professional development, seeking new knowledge and skills to enhance contributions.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Works closely with Brand Managers, Marketing teams, and agencies as a strategic partner, not just an order-taker.

• Facilitative: Guides discussions, synthesizes feedback, and helps teams reach consensus on design solutions.

• Transparent: Open communication regarding project status, challenges, and decisions.

• Feedback-Rich: Creates an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and acted upon to improve design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Molson Coors' stated values of collaboration, integrity, and continuous learning are central to the culture. For a Brand Design Manager, this translates into a need for strong interpersonal skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement in both creative output and operational efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Objectives: Ensuring design is both aesthetically compelling and strategically aligned with commercial goals and brand guidelines.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Agendas: Navigating diverse opinions and requirements from various internal departments and external partners.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Delivering high-quality creative work under tight deadlines common in the CPG/Beverage industry.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified brand experience across a wide array of products and consumer touchpoints.

• Adapting to Market Trends: Staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences and design trends in a dynamic industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand Strategy Workshops: Deepen understanding of marketing strategy, consumer insights, and brand positioning.

• Creative Leadership Training: Develop skills in managing teams, agency partners, and creative processes.

• Industry Trends & Conferences: Opportunities to attend design and marketing conferences to stay abreast of new developments.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader business acumen through exposure to sales, R&D, and legal aspects of product development and marketing.

• Mentorship: Benefit from mentorship from senior leaders within Molson Coors and potentially develop junior talent through mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are typical for creative leadership positions in large CPG companies. Successfully navigating these challenges presents significant growth opportunities, particularly in developing strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach developing a creative brief for a new product launch?" (Focus on process, stakeholder input, and alignment with business goals).

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight negotiation, problem-solving, and prioritization skills).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a diverse portfolio of products and marketing channels?" (Discuss brand guidelines, asset management, and cross-functional collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Molson Coors and our brands?" (Research their portfolio, recent campaigns, and company values).

• "How do you foster collaboration between creative teams and other departments like Marketing or Sales?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional partnerships).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio into clear sections, perhaps by brand, project type, or skill. For each project, prepare a concise narrative: Problem/Objective, Role, Solution, and Result/Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images and mockups. Show the design in context (e.g., packaging on a shelf, ad in a magazine).

• Process Emphasis: Be ready to walk through your thought process, key decisions, and any challenges overcome. This is where your operational thinking shines.

• Conciseness: Aim for 3-5 strong case studies, not an exhaustive list. Be mindful of time during presentations.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your role in the project, and how you handled specific challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strong operational skills: strategic thinking, process management, stakeholder communication, and an understanding of how design drives business results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Molson Coors careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to specifically highlight your experience in brand design, packaging design, CPG/beverage industry, and project management. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your strategic thinking and process.

• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords from the job description (e.g., Brand Design, Packaging Design, Creative Direction, Project Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, CPG, Beverage Industry) into your resume to pass ATS screening. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to present your portfolio with a focus on strategy, process, and business impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Molson Coors' brands, recent marketing initiatives, company values, and any sustainability or community efforts. Understand their market position within the beverage industry.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.