Associate Creative Director Run/Train

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Director Run/Train

🔹 Company: PUMA Group

🔹 Location: PUMA Boston International Office, Boston, MA, USA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Creative

🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 8+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategizing, managing, and developing advertising campaigns
• Leading a creative team and fostering a collaborative environment
• Overseeing end-to-end development of seasonal creative directions
• Collaborating with various marketing channels and external partners
• Using research and market trends analysis to inform strategic decision-making

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong blend of creative prowess and leadership skills to drive innovative campaigns and manage a team effectively.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop thorough creative strategies aligned with the Brand and BU's objectives

✅ Oversee the end-to-end development and implementation of seasonal creative directions

✅ Define clear content plans and message hierarchies for all marketing channels

✅ Collaborate with marketing channel owners to implement ideas across various channels

✅ Lead creative productions by identifying, hiring, and briefing external partners

✅ Lead the development of creative guidelines to aid in regional execution of global concepts

✅ Use research and market trends analysis, benchmark, feedback, and consumer insights to inform strategic decision-making

✅ Demonstrate leadership through a passion for management and mentoring, fostering team spirit, and cultivating energy and optimism

✅ Ability to socialize and present creative work in a compelling and persuasive way to cross-functional partners and senior leadership

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic thinking, creative execution, and team leadership, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Art Direction, Digital Marketing, or a design-related equivalent

Experience: 8+ years of experience in digital design, social, or creative roles specific to the footwear/apparel industry

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in crafting strategic frameworks and executing creative campaigns
• Extensive expertise in digital content development
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Familiarity with the running and fitness industry

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with external partners and agencies
• Fluency in additional languages
• Experience with project management tools

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio demonstrating their creative prowess and leadership capabilities in the footwear/apparel industry.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for a senior creative role in the Boston area)

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee discounts on PUMA products

Working Hours: Full-time, with domestic and international travel required up to 40%

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior creative role in the Boston area. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: PUMA operates in the competitive sportswear and footwear industry, with a strong focus on running, training, and other athletic categories. The company is known for its innovative designs and collaborations with high-profile athletes and artists.

Company Size: PUMA is a large, global organization with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse markets and cultures.

Founded: PUMA was founded in 1948 and has since grown into a leading global sports brand, with a strong presence in over 120 countries.

Company Description:

• PUMA is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, with initiatives focused on reducing environmental impact and promoting fair labor practices
• The company fosters a culture of innovation, creativity, and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and continuous learning
• PUMA offers a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, with opportunities for employees to grow both personally and professionally

Company Specialties:

• Footwear design and manufacturing
• Apparel design and manufacturing
• Sports marketing and sponsorships
• Retail operations and e-commerce
• Sustainability and social responsibility initiatives

Company Website: http://about.puma.com/en/careers

ASSUMPTION: PUMA's large size and global presence offer numerous opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse markets and cultures. The company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility sets it apart in the competitive sportswear industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, reporting directly to the Creative Director and overseeing a team of creatives.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Creative Director Run/Train will report to the Creative Director and manage a team of creatives, including art directors, designers, and copywriters.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with domestic and international travel required up to 40%.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Creative Director role, overseeing multiple business units or regions
• Expansion into other areas of the business, such as product design, merchandising, or marketing
• Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborations with athletes and artists

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to advance to a Creative Director position or explore other areas of the business.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The PUMA Boston International Office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): PUMA Boston International Office, Boston, MA, USA

Geographic Context:

• Boston is a major hub for the sports industry, with a vibrant and diverse cultural scene
• The city offers numerous opportunities for networking and professional growth within the industry
• Boston has a four-season climate, with cold winters and mild summers

Work Schedule: Full-time, with domestic and international travel required up to 40%

ASSUMPTION: The PUMA Boston International Office provides a modern and collaborative work environment, with numerous opportunities for professional growth and networking within the sports industry.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• Creative portfolio presentation and interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the Creative Director

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creative portfolio and presentation skills
• Leadership and management capabilities
• Industry knowledge and market trends awareness
• Problem-solving and strategic thinking

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a comprehensive creative portfolio showcasing your best work and explaining your creative process
• Research PUMA's brand, values, and recent campaigns to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission

ATS Keywords: Creative Director, Associate Creative Director, Run/Train, Campaign Management, Brand Strategy, Digital Content, Marketing Channels, Team Leadership, Market Trends, Consumer Insights

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's creative portfolio, leadership skills, and industry knowledge, as well as their cultural fit with PUMA's values and mission.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Presentation software (e.g., Keynote, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have proficiency in industry-standard design software, as well as experience with project management tools and presentation software.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Be Driven: PUMA values employees who are passionate, motivated, and committed to driving results
• Be Vibrant: PUMA fosters a culture of creativity, innovation, and self-expression
• Be Together: PUMA encourages collaboration, teamwork, and a positive, inclusive work environment
• Be You: PUMA celebrates individuality and authenticity, encouraging employees to bring their unique perspectives to the table

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I possess a strong work ethic and a passion for driving results?
• Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Do I have a unique perspective and a willingness to express my ideas and opinions?
• Am I open to feedback and willing to adapt my approach as needed?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with PUMA's values and work style, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and attributes to thrive in this dynamic and collaborative environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Balancing creative vision with business objectives and constraints
• Adapting to a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment
• Travel requirements up to 40% of the time

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges, including managing multiple projects and deadlines, balancing creative vision with business objectives, and adapting to a fast-paced work environment. Candidates should be prepared to handle these challenges and thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other senior creative roles, this position offers a unique blend of strategic thinking, creative execution, and team leadership
• In the sportswear industry, this role is specific to the running and training category, requiring a deep understanding of the target audience and market trends
• Career progression in this role could lead to a Creative Director position or expansion into other areas of the business, such as product design or marketing

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic thinking, creative execution, and team leadership, with specific requirements related to the running and training category in the sportswear industry. Candidates should assess their fit with these specific aspects of the role and consider their long-term career goals within the organization.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive creative strategy for a global running campaign, including seasonal content plans, message hierarchies, and production timelines
• Collaborating with external partners and agencies to produce high-quality creative assets for various marketing channels
• Presenting creative work to cross-functional partners and senior leadership, effectively communicating the strategic vision and securing buy-in for campaign execution

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, creative, and leadership aspects of the role, requiring candidates to possess a strong portfolio and proven track record in campaign development and execution.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the creative department?
• How does the creative process integrate with other marketing channels and business units within PUMA?
• What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within this role and the organization as a whole?
• How does PUMA support work-life balance for employees, particularly those with travel requirements?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the running and training category in the sportswear industry, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the team structure, creative process, professional growth opportunities, work-life balance, and industry challenges, allowing candidates to assess their fit with the role and the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a comprehensive creative portfolio showcasing your best work and explaining your creative process
• Research PUMA's brand, values, and recent campaigns to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.