Sr Creative Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr Creative Design Manager

Company: Road Runner Sports

Location: San Diego, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: May 15, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the overarching creative vision and visual identity for the Road Runner Sports brand across all customer touchpoints, including web, email, social media, print collateral, and in-store displays.

• Lead and mentor a team of talented in-house creatives and external contractors, fostering a collaborative environment focused on producing high-quality, on-brand assets.

• Drive compelling brand storytelling through a strong emphasis on head-to-toe outfitting and visually merchandising complete solutions that inspire customers and drive conversions.

• Manage the end-to-end creative process for major brand campaigns and catalogs, from initial concept development and mood boards to final production and delivery, ensuring alignment with merchandising priorities and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is creative design, the "Sr Creative Design Manager" title and responsibilities like "leading the creative operations team" and "building the creative infrastructure" indicate a significant operations component. This role will require managing workflows, resource allocation, and process optimization within the creative department, aligning it closely with the principles of GTM and Marketing Operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and define the creative vision for Road Runner Sports, establishing the definitive visual standard for all marketing channels and customer interactions.

• Lead the development of engaging brand narratives that effectively connect product features, athlete stories, and lifestyle elements across all customer touchpoints.

• Direct and oversee all aspects of photoshoot production, including model and talent selection, styling, shoot planning, and on-set creative direction to ensure elevated brand execution.

• Manage the creation and production lifecycle for catalogs and large-scale brand campaigns, ensuring all creative outputs align with strategic merchandising and storytelling goals.

• Design impactful creative assets personally using Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, Adobe XD, Illustrator, InDesign) while concurrently managing and directing a team of designers, photographers, and production staff.

• Drive operational excellence within the broader creative team, establishing clear workflows, resource planning, and quality control measures to enhance efficiency and scalability.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Brand, Retail, Social Media, E-commerce, and Merchandise Marketing to deliver cohesive and effective creative solutions.

• Develop and implement robust creative infrastructure, including file management systems, production workflows, and resource allocation strategies, to operate as a high-performing creative studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities related to "leading and develop[ing] the broader creative operations team, including production coordinators and support staff, creating clear workflows and operational excellence" and "build[ing] the creative infrastructure, including file systems, production workflows, resource planning, and quality controls" strongly suggest a need for process mapping, workflow optimization, and project management skills, typical of a Marketing Operations or GTM Operations role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive design experience, gained within in-house brand environments or reputable agencies.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe XD.

• A strong, versatile portfolio showcasing mastery of digital, social media, email, and print design, with a distinct and consistent creative point of view.

• Solid understanding of UX/UI design principles, mobile-first web design strategies, and the application of brand systems across various platforms.

• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools such as Asana, Slack, and Microsoft 365.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in visual merchandising and creating compelling product outfitting.

• Proven ability to direct and manage photoshoot production, including talent casting and on-set creative direction.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and data-driven design optimization.

• Experience in developing and maintaining creative production workflows and operational standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on managing design teams, production workflows, and creative infrastructure suggests that candidates with experience in project management, process optimization, and resource allocation within creative departments will be highly valued. This role requires not only design talent but also operational leadership to ensure efficiency and scalability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong, consistent creative point of view across digital, social, email, and print mediums.

• Showcase examples of successful brand storytelling and visual merchandising, particularly those involving head-to-toe outfitting or complete solution presentations.

• Include case studies or examples that highlight your ability to manage the creative process from concept to final delivery, detailing your role in strategy and execution.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should ideally illustrate your approach to defining and refining creative workflows, showing how you ensure efficiency and quality.

• Examples of how you have built or improved creative infrastructure, such as file systems, production processes, or resource planning, are highly beneficial.

• Showcase your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and deliver creative solutions that meet specific business objectives and performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial not just for showcasing design aesthetic but also for demonstrating operational capability. Candidates should highlight projects where they implemented new workflows, managed production efficiently, or significantly improved the output and scalability of a creative team.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $135,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Significant employee discounts on all Road Runner Sports gear and footwear.

• Access to free running and walking events, promoting an active lifestyle.

• Opportunity to contribute to an outstanding and dynamic team environment.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for occasional overtime during peak campaign or production periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a good starting point for candidates familiar with creative leadership roles in the San Diego area, especially within the retail sector. The benefits package, particularly the employee discounts and event access, aligns with the company's focus on fitness and active lifestyles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods Retail, with a strong focus on running and walking footwear and apparel. Road Runner Sports is a recognized leader, having been awarded Footwear Retailer of the Year.

Company Size: Road Runner Sports operates over 50 retail stores nationwide and has a substantial e-commerce presence, indicating a mid-to-large size organization with significant operational complexity.

Founded: Over 42 years ago, originating from a San Diego garage, suggesting a history of growth and innovation within the retail space.

Team Structure:

• The creative team is embedded within the Marketing department. This Senior Creative Design Manager will be the most senior creative leader, likely reporting to a VP of Marketing or CMO.

• The role involves managing an in-house team of designers and production coordinators, as well as a roster of freelance creatives, photographers, and stylists.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes "Our 6 Pillars": Be Different, Bring the WOW, Build Something Great Together, Get Moving, Stay Active, and Live Healthy. These values are likely integrated into daily operations, decision-making, and team interactions.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the focus on performance metrics, conversion goals, and partnering with E-commerce and Merchandise Marketing.

• The emphasis on "creative operations" and "building creative infrastructure" suggests a commitment to process optimization and efficiency within the creative function.

Company Website: roadrunnersports.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and growth from a small startup to a national retailer suggest a culture that values both heritage and forward-thinking innovation. The "6 Pillars" provide a strong framework for understanding expected behaviors and priorities within the organization, particularly in how creative initiatives align with brand values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, representing the highest creative authority within the company. It requires a blend of expert creative skills, strategic leadership, and operational management. The role is crucial for setting the brand's visual direction and ensuring its consistent application.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Creative Design Manager will likely report to a senior marketing executive (e.g., CMO, VP of Marketing). They will manage a team of direct reports and external creative resources, acting as the primary interface between creative services and other business units.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on revenue by shaping the brand's visual appeal, influencing customer perception, and driving conversion through effective marketing campaigns, website design, and in-store merchandising. Operational efficiency within the creative department directly impacts speed-to-market for campaigns and product launches.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a broader Creative Director role overseeing additional marketing functions or to expand the scope of creative operations management.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape long-term brand strategy and visual identity evolution, contributing significantly to the company's market positioning.

• Process Innovation: Lead initiatives to integrate new creative technologies, automation tools, and workflow efficiencies to further enhance team productivity and output quality.

• Mentorship: Develop and mentor a team of creative professionals, fostering their growth and career development within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for a creative leader to also build and refine the operational backbone of the creative department. Growth potential lies in both expanding creative influence and solidifying operational excellence within the team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the company's San Diego headquarters. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork and communication among marketing and creative staff.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 5549 Copley Dr, San Diego, CA 92111. This is a key hub for the company's operations and marketing functions.

Workspace Context:

• The San Diego office is likely equipped with modern design studios and collaborative spaces to support creative brainstorming and team interaction.

• Access to essential design technology, software, and potentially photography/video production facilities will be available to support the team's work.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with cross-functional marketing teams (Brand, E-commerce, Retail, Merchandising) are inherent to the role, promoting a dynamic and integrated work setting.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, typical for full-time management positions. However, given the nature of creative projects and campaign deadlines, flexibility may be required, including potential overtime during critical periods. The on-site nature supports immediate team collaboration and project oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in San Diego suggests a focus on in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for creative teams needing to brainstorm, review work, and build strong team cohesion. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office-based work structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and creative fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely CMO or VP Marketing) focusing on creative vision, leadership style, team management experience, and strategic thinking. Be prepared to discuss your approach to brand development and creative operations.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A session where you present your portfolio, highlighting key projects and explaining your process, strategic thinking, and results. You may be asked to walk through a specific case study demonstrating your ability to solve a creative challenge or manage a complex project from concept to completion.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Brand, E-commerce, Retail, and Merchandise Marketing to assess collaboration skills and understanding of business needs.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on cultural fit and long-term strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select ~5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills (digital, print, campaign, storytelling, merchandising). Tailor the selection to highlight experience aligned with Road Runner Sports' brand and needs.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process (including any operational considerations), the solutions, and the measurable results or impact (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, brand perception).

• Highlight Operations: If possible, include examples where you improved workflows, managed production efficiently, or built creative infrastructure. Quantify the impact of these operational improvements.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-designed, easy to navigate, and visually consistent with your aesthetic.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential creative challenges or hypothetical scenarios presented during interviews. These might involve developing a concept for a new campaign, outlining a strategy to improve visual merchandising, or proposing solutions to streamline creative production.

• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach, strategic thinking, and ability to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely, aligning them with business objectives.

• Practice presenting your portfolio and case studies concisely, focusing on impact and results.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on both creative output and operational management, interviewers will likely probe for evidence of process improvement capabilities, team leadership, and strategic alignment with business goals. Your portfolio should actively demonstrate these aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe XD. This is the core design suite for this role.

• UX/UI Design Tools: Familiarity with tools beyond Adobe XD that support user experience and interface design principles.

• Asset Management Systems: Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems or effective file system organization is crucial for managing a large volume of creative assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics to understand website performance and the impact of digital creative.

• E-commerce Platforms: Understanding of how creative assets are deployed and tracked on e-commerce sites.

• Data Visualization Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, the ability to interpret data and present creative performance metrics is valuable.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in Asana is explicitly required for workflow management and team collaboration.

• Communication Platforms: Fluency in Slack and Microsoft 365 is necessary for daily team and cross-functional communication.

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Understanding of how creative assets integrate with email marketing and other automation workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Asana, Slack, and Microsoft 365, alongside the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, highlights the need for candidates to be adept at using standard creative and operational tools. Experience with DAM systems or strong organizational skills for file management will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be Different: Encourages unique, innovative creative approaches that set Road Runner Sports apart in the market.

• Bring the WOW: Drives the creation of visually stunning and impactful assets that capture attention and delight customers.

• Build Something Great Together: Fosters collaboration, teamwork, and a shared commitment to achieving collective goals within the creative team and across departments.

• Get Moving, Stay Active, Live Healthy: Reflects the company's core mission, implying that creative work should align with and promote an active, healthy lifestyle.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on partnering with Brand, Retail, E-commerce, and Merchandise Marketing implies a collaborative style that bridges creative output with business objectives.

• Feedback-Driven: The role involves managing creative direction, which inherently requires providing and receiving constructive feedback to refine assets and strategies.

• Process-Oriented: The focus on "creative operations" and "building infrastructure" suggests a culture that values structured processes, clear communication, and efficient workflows to ensure timely and high-quality delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and embodying the company's "6 Pillars" will be critical for success. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their creative and operational approach aligns with these core values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Objectives: Ensuring that innovative creative work consistently drives measurable business results (e.g., conversions, engagement) for a retail brand.

• Managing Diverse Creative Needs: Catering to the distinct requirements of web, email, social, print, and in-store channels while maintaining a cohesive brand identity.

• Team Management and Scaling: Effectively leading and developing a team of in-house designers and contractors, while also building scalable operational processes to support company growth.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring that the high visual standard is met across all touchpoints, especially with a growing number of stores and digital platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Brand Development: Opportunity to significantly influence and shape the visual identity and brand narrative of a well-established retail company.

• Operational Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to optimize creative workflows, implement new tools, and enhance the efficiency of the creative department.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper insights into retail marketing, e-commerce strategies, and merchandise planning through close collaboration.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Develop leadership skills by managing and mentoring creative talent, potentially preparing for broader directorial roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to impact a well-known brand's visual direction while also building robust operational frameworks for the creative function. Successfully navigating these dual responsibilities will be key to professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define and maintain the visual identity of the Road Runner Sports brand across all channels, given its history and growth?" (Focus on brand systems, style guides, and consistency)

• "Describe your approach to leading a creative team, including in-house designers and external contractors. How do you ensure quality and efficiency?" (Highlight leadership, mentorship, workflow management, and operational excellence)

• "Walk us through a major brand campaign or catalog project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a detailed case study emphasizing process, collaboration, and results)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your creative style and operational approach aligning with Road Runner Sports' '6 Pillars'?" (Research the pillars and prepare examples)

• "What is your understanding of the running/walking footwear and apparel market, and how would that inform your creative direction?" (Show awareness of the industry and target audience)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and approach, then dive into 3-5 key projects. For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the creative and operational process, the challenges, the solution, and the measurable outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your creative and operational efforts (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved engagement, faster turnaround times, cost savings).

• Highlight Operations: Explicitly call out instances where you improved workflows, managed production efficiently, or built creative infrastructure. Explain the operational benefits.

• Engage: Be prepared for questions and discussions. Treat it as a collaborative review rather than a static presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate not just their design aesthetic but also their strategic thinking regarding brand management, team leadership, and operational efficiency. Demonstrating a clear understanding of how creative operations contribute to business success will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr Creative Design Manager position:

• Submit your application directly through the Road Runner Sports Career page via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases a range of relevant work (digital, print, campaign, merchandising), and clearly highlights any experience in creative operations, workflow optimization, or team management. Prepare to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Asana, and achievements related to brand identity, campaign management, and operational efficiency within creative departments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your creative vision, leadership philosophy, and operational strategies. Prepare specific examples and case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage creative projects end-to-end and lead teams effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Road Runner Sports website, understand their brand values ("6 Pillars"), and research their recent marketing campaigns and product launches to demonstrate genuine interest and industry awareness.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details should be verified directly with Road Runner Sports during the application and interview process.