📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Creative Director, Commerce
🔹 Company: Circa - IPG DXTRA
🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Creative & Design
🔹 Date Posted: June 19, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic creative leadership focused on commerce and shopper journey
- Brand guardian and visual language expert for assigned clients
- Overseeing and developing creative teams and ideation
- Collaborating with strategists, business leads, and cross-functional teams
- Managing multiple work-streams and ensuring project delivery on time and on budget
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creative problem-solving, leadership, and client management skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in commerce and a deep understanding of shopper behavior.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Concepting and developing innovative commerce creative ideas while maintaining brand voice and identity
✅ Collaborating with integrated teams to deliver best-in-class creative solutions
✅ Working alongside strategists and business leads to develop shopper journeys for different zones within the POS
✅ Supporting concepts and layouts with clear rationale and presenting work internally and to clients
✅ Managing and mentoring multiple creative teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment
✅ Staying up-to-date with industry and technology trends, and incorporating them into creative strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of multitasking, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. The ideal candidate will be comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: College degree with a focus in Copywriting, preferred
Experience: 10+ years of experience in a related field, with a proven track record of leading successful commerce ideas
Required Skills:
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite
- Strong presentation and communication skills
- Proven leadership and team management skills
- Deep understanding of shopper journey and messaging within the POS
- Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with clients and internal teams
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in an agency environment
- Bilingual or multilingual skills
ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of this role, candidates with a background in advertising, branding, or a related field are likely to be the best fit. Familiarity with the retail and commerce industries is also highly desirable.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Creative Director role in Chicago with 10+ years of experience)
Benefits:
- Flexible Time Off
- Hybrid Work Model
- Holidays and Winter Break
- No Meeting Fridays
- Curated DE&I Programs and Initiatives
- Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
- Short- and Long-term Disability
- 401(K) with Company Match
- EAP – Employee Assistance Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Work from Home Stipend
- Referral Bonuses
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Saving Accounts
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits are subject to change and may be dependent on the candidate's employment status.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Public Relations and Communications Services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (Large)
Founded: 1906 (as a part of IPG DXTRA)
Company Description:
- IPG DXTRA is the world’s most diverse communications network, bringing experts in PR, branding, digital, experiential, influencer, and entertainment together to deliver creative, meaningful, and stand-out answers.
- The agency offers a wide range of services, including strategic communications, creative content, and integrated marketing campaigns.
- IPG DXTRA is part of the Interpublic Group (IPG), one of the world's leading organizations of advertising and marketing services companies.
Company Specialties:
- Public Relations
- Branding
- Digital Marketing
- Experiential Marketing
- Influencer Marketing
- Entertainment Marketing
Company Website: http://www.ipgdxtrahealth.com
ASSUMPTION: IPG DXTRA's large size and diverse range of services offer candidates the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects and collaborate with experts in different fields.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior/Management
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive Creative Director or a similar role
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site per week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to an Executive Creative Director or similar leadership role
- Expansion of creative responsibilities across multiple clients or practice areas
- Mentorship and team leadership opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance their career within the agency and take on more responsibilities over time.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with on-site amenities
Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a major city in the Midwest region of the United States, known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and rich history.
- The city offers a wide range of entertainment, dining, and recreational opportunities, as well as a strong job market and competitive salaries.
- Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday - Friday, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: Chicago's urban environment and vibrant culture make it an attractive location for professionals seeking a dynamic work-life balance. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely part of the time.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with a recruiter or HR representative
- Creative portfolio presentation and discussion with the hiring manager
- Final interview with the Executive Creative Director or a similar role
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative portfolio and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Understanding of shopper journey and commerce trends
- Client management and communication skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your creative and leadership skills, as well as your experience with commerce and shopper journey projects.
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best creative work, with a focus on commerce-related projects and campaigns.
- Be ready to discuss your creative process, how you approach briefs, and your ability to work collaboratively with teams.
ATS Keywords: Creative Director, Commerce, Shopper Journey, Brand Guardian, Team Management, Adobe Creative Suite, Client Relations, Industry Trends, Concept Development
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on creative portfolio presentation and discussion. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to lead creative teams and develop innovative commerce ideas.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Design thinking and collaboration tools (e.g., Miro, Figma)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite and project management tools is essential for this role. Candidates should also be comfortable using design thinking and collaboration tools to facilitate creative ideation and teamwork.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Diversity & Inclusion
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and accountable
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a creative and collaborative work environment?
- Are you comfortable managing multiple projects and teams simultaneously?
- Do you have a strong understanding of shopper journey and commerce trends?
- Are you able to work effectively with clients and internal stakeholders?
- Do you embrace a growth mindset and continuously seek to improve your skills and knowledge?
ASSUMPTION: IPG DXTRA values candidates who are creative, collaborative, and committed to delivering high-quality work. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple work-streams and ensuring project delivery on time and on budget
- Balancing creative vision with client expectations and brand guidelines
- Working effectively with remote team members and stakeholders
- Keeping up with industry trends and staying ahead of the competition
- Managing budget constraints and resource allocation
ASSUMPTION: This role presents several challenges, including managing multiple projects and teams, balancing creative vision with client expectations, and staying up-to-date with industry trends. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working under pressure and able to prioritize and manage their time effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Creative Director, Commerce vs. Creative Director, Branding: This role focuses more on commerce and shopper journey, while a branding-focused role would emphasize brand identity and visual language across all touchpoints.
- Industry-specific context: The retail and commerce industries are highly competitive and dynamic, with a constant need for innovative and effective creative solutions.
- Career path comparison: This role offers a clear path to progression within the agency, with opportunities to take on more responsibilities and advance to an Executive Creative Director or similar leadership role.
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on commerce and shopper journey, presenting a distinct set of challenges and opportunities compared to similar creative leadership roles. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their expertise in this specific area.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive shopper journey and visual identity for a new retail concept
- Creating a series of engaging and on-brand in-store activations for a major retail client
- Leading a team to reimagine the visual language and customer experience for an established e-commerce platform
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of creative and strategic challenges that candidates for this role might face. They should be prepared to discuss their approach to similar projects and the outcomes they achieved.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the creative process and team structure for this role?
- How does this agency support the growth and development of its creative teams?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the agency approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its creative work and team composition?
- What opportunities are there for collaboration with other creative teams and practice areas within the agency?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the creative process, team structure, and growth opportunities for this role. They should also provide insight into the agency's culture and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your creative and leadership skills, as well as your experience with commerce and shopper journey projects.
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best creative work, with a focus on commerce-related projects and campaigns.
- Be ready to discuss your creative process, how you approach briefs, and your ability to work collaboratively with teams.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
