Head of Creative & Innovations

Job Description:

Head of Creative & Innovations

Function: Marketing
Job Title: Head of Creative & Innovations
Department: Creative & Innovations
Location: East Africa
Reports to: Chief Marketing Officer
Direct Reports: Creative Manager, Packaging Design Officer

Job Purpose

The Head of Creative & Innovations leads the conceptualization, development, and execution of innovative ideas and strategies that position the company to win in the marketplace.

Key Stakeholders

• Internal:CEO, Heads of Department, Category Team, Research & Development Team.
• External:Marketing/Creative Agencies, Shareholders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Brand Stewardship & Creative Direction

• Act as guardian of the company's brand identity across all touchpoints, including advertising, digital assets, and packaging design, ensuring alignment with brand values, personality, and visual identity systems.
• Set the creative direction for all projects, campaigns, and product launches, ensuring consistency in brand identity and messaging.
• Ensure all creative outputs reflect brand values, tone, regulatory requirements, and market standards.

2. Innovation, Product & Packaging Development

• Oversee research to identify market gaps, consumer insights, and opportunities for product and packaging innovation, guiding R&D initiatives.
• Oversee the conceptualization and execution of innovative, market-relevant, and consumer-driven packaging designs that enhance shelf visibility, brand differentiation, and customer experience.
• Champion user-centric and sustainable design principles in both product and packaging development, ensuring functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.
• Oversee development of prototypes and proof-of-concepts for new products and packaging formats, testing and refining concepts before commercialization.
• Integrate creativity and packaging innovation into cross-functional processes with Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, and Sales.

3. Sustainability & ESG Integration

• Integrate sustainable design principles into product and packaging development.
• Promote environmentally responsible material selection and waste reduction initiatives.
• Support corporate sustainability and ESG goals through innovation and design practices.
• Ensure packaging solutions align with local and export environmental regulations.

4. Brand Architecture & Visual Identity Systems

• Develop and manage comprehensive brand architecture frameworks (master brand, sub-brands, product variants).
• Establish and enforce visual identity systems including typography, color systems, imagery standards, and design templates.
• Ensure consistency across digital, retail, and packaging touchpoints.
• Lead brand refresh and rebranding initiatives using structured brand equity models.

5. Product Innovation & R&D Integration

• Lead concept-to-commercialization processes including ideation, prototyping, and validation.
• Develop proof of concepts and pilot testing frameworks before mass production.
• Work closely with R&D to align product formulation with packaging compatibility.
• Manage innovation pipelines and stage gate processes.

6. Quality Management

• Establish and enforce quality standards for all creative, branding, and packaging outputs to ensure consistency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• Implement structured artwork approval and control processes to prevent errors, non-compliance, and costly reprints.
• Ensure packaging specifications align with production capabilities, quality assurance standards, and material performance requirements.
• Collaborate with QA and Production teams to conduct packaging validation tests (e.g., drop tests, leakage, compatibility, shelf-life stability).
• Oversee print quality control including color accuracy, barcode verification, and batch coding compliance.

7. Financial Management

• Develop and oversee budgets for creative and innovation projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
• Conduct cost analysis and financial forecasting to evaluate the financial viability of creative projects and innovation initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance metrics related to creative projects and innovation efforts (e.g., ROI).
• When required, negotiate contracts with external vendors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Assess and mitigate financial risks associated with creative projects and innovation endeavors.
• Integrate financial considerations into the creative process to develop solutions that are both impactful and cost-effective.

8. Risk and Compliance

• Identify potential risks associated with creative projects and innovation initiatives, such as legal, financial, reputational, and operational risks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing creative activities and innovation efforts.
• Safeguard intellectual property rights associated with creative assets and innovation outputs.
• Implement measures to protect sensitive information and personal data.
• Uphold high ethical standards in all creative endeavors and innovation activities.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

• Education:A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as design, marketing, business administration, or innovation management is typically required. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Experience:10 years and above of experience in creative leadership, innovation management, or a related field is essential.

Track Record: Demonstrated expertise in fostering creativity and innovation within teams and organizations, with a track record of successful innovation projects and creative campaigns.