π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Creative Manager
πΉ Company: Cheba Hut Franchising, Inc.
πΉ Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
πΉ Job Type: On-site
πΉ Category: Restaurants
πΉ Date Posted: June 11, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the creative vision and strategy for Cheba Hut
- Overseeing illustration, graphic design, and media capture
- Managing creative freelancers and ensuring project alignment with brand aesthetic
- Collaborating with the Senior Director of Marketing to chart the course for Cheba Hut's creative future
- Staying plugged into the latest trends in illustration, art, photography, videography, and design
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, leadership, and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.
π Key Responsibilities
β
Co-Piloting the Creative Vision & Strategy
- Team up with the Senior Director of Marketing to chart the course for Cheba Hut's creative future and map out the strategy to get there.
- Stay plugged into the latest trends in illustration, art, photography, videography, and design to keep Cheba Hut at the cutting edge.
- Always think a year (or more!) ahead, tweaking the vision and strategy as needed to stay fresh.
- Articulate the creative vision and strategy to everyone who needs to hear it, loud and clear.
β
Mastering Graphic Design & Illustration
- Whip up stunning graphics and illustrations that bring projects and the overall creative vision to life.
- Put your spin on designs created by freelance artists, making them uniquely Cheba Hut.
- Keep projects on track and wrangle creative freelancers like a pro.
- Match the right creative talent with the perfect project.
β
Commanding Media Capture & Library Management
- Orchestrate all brand photography and videography shoots.
- Keep the digital library of brand assets and creative work super organized and accessible.
- Hook up franchisees with all the core brand assets and art they need from the library.
β
Crafting the Playbook for Creative Domination
- Lay out the roadmap and plan to crush the creative vision and strategy with maximum efficiency.
- Execute the plan like a boss, ensuring the creative machine is always humming.
- Be the master of the creative budget and project timelines.
- Keep key stakeholders in the loop on all things creative.
β
Orchestrating Shop Creative Projects
- Own the whole flow of design projects, making sure every single one is top-notch and delivered with lightning speed.
- Produce killer in-shop and digital assets for all national launches and promotions.
- Create jaw-dropping in-shop and digital assets for new shop openings and events.
- Be the style guide enforcer, making sure the brand aesthetic is consistent across the board.
- Spot opportunities to elevate Cheba Hut's creative game across all channels.
- Cook up full project plans and budgets to ensure every special project is a success, on time and on budget.
- Communicate launch plans with impact to all key players.
- Keep past projects thriving, ensuring their long-term success.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 5+ years in a creative role with a strong background in marketing
Required Skills:
- Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Experience with project management tools
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Proven track record in marketing and creative strategy
- Familiarity with both digital and traditional marketing channels
Preferred Skills:
- Certifications in graphic design or related fields
- Experience with video editing software
- Fluency in Spanish
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio demonstrating their creative skills and experience in a similar role will be highly competitive.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level creative manager role in Fort Collins, CO)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts on food and merchandise
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime during peak periods
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Cheba Hut Franchising, Inc. operates in the restaurant industry, with a unique marijuana-themed concept that caters to a diverse customer base.
Company Size: 11-50 employees, which means applicants can expect a close-knit, collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for growth and impact.
Founded: 1998, with a rich history and established brand presence in the market.
Company Description:
- Cheba Hut Franchising, Inc. is a private, core-values driven company based in Fort Collins, CO.
- The company is the franchise support company for Cheba Hut βToastedβ Subs, the OG marijuana-themed sub shop that fills bellies with dank food and communities with chill vibes.
- Cheba Hut has been helping folks escape the established since 1998 as the local hangout for curing cottonmouth and the munchies.
Company Specialties:
- Marijuana-themed restaurant concept
- Franchise support and development
- Brand management and marketing
- Menu innovation and product development
Company Website: chebahut.com
ASSUMPTION: Cheba Hut's unique marijuana-themed concept may appeal to candidates who are comfortable working in a non-traditional restaurant environment and embracing the company's core values.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
Reporting Structure: The Creative Manager will report directly to the Senior Director of Marketing and work closely with the marketing team, franchisees, and other internal stakeholders.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work or hybrid arrangements for specific projects.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a senior-level creative role within the company
- Expansion of responsibilities to include additional marketing or operational functions
- Opportunities to work on special projects or initiatives that drive company growth and success
ASSUMPTION: The Creative Manager role is well-suited for candidates who are looking to grow their career in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with ample opportunities for professional development and advancement.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a casual, laid-back atmosphere that reflects the company's marijuana-themed concept and core values.
Office Location(s): Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
Geographic Context:
- Fort Collins is a mid-sized city located in northern Colorado, with a population of approximately 165,000 residents.
- The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its outdoor recreation opportunities and high quality of life.
- Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, which contributes to the city's diverse and dynamic community.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with the possibility of overtime during peak periods or special events. The work schedule may include evenings and weekends as needed to support the company's marketing and promotional efforts.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a flexible work schedule will be well-suited for this role.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to assess communication skills and cultural fit
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager to discuss the role and candidate qualifications
- Portfolio review or creative challenge to evaluate the candidate's creative skills and problem-solving abilities
- Final interview with key stakeholders to discuss the candidate's fit within the company and team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creativity and innovation
- Communication and leadership skills
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Alignment with company core values
- Portfolio and work samples
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include a link to your portfolio or work samples, showcasing your creative skills and accomplishments
- Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its marijuana-themed concept, as well as the specific requirements of the role
- Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you approach projects and challenges
ATS Keywords: Creative Manager, Graphic Design, Illustration, Adobe Creative Suite, Marketing, Brand Management, Project Management, Team Leadership, Trend Analysis, Creative Strategy
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role may include a creative challenge or portfolio review to assess the candidate's creative skills and problem-solving abilities.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
- Brand management and asset organization tools (e.g., Frontify, Brandfolder)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite and project management tools is essential for this role, while experience with video editing software and brand management tools is preferred.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Show Respect: Treat everyone with kindness and respect, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment
- The Hustle: Work hard, be passionate, and never give up on finding a solution
- Own It: Take responsibility for your actions and decisions, and be accountable for your results
- Pay It Forward: Contribute to the community and support the growth and success of others
- Keep It Real: Be authentic, honest, and transparent in all interactions
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced environment
- Creative and innovative, with a strong attention to detail
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work on time and within budget
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you embrace Cheba Hut's unique marijuana-themed concept and core values?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a flexible work schedule?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work environment, and are you able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are a strong cultural fit for Cheba Hut will be passionate about the company's marijuana-themed concept, embrace its core values, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team of creative freelancers and ensuring project alignment with the brand aesthetic
- Keeping up with the latest trends in illustration, art, photography, videography, and design to maintain Cheba Hut's competitive edge
- Balancing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Working with a diverse customer base and franchisees with varying levels of brand adherence
ASSUMPTION: The Creative Manager role presents unique challenges that require strong leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the company's brand and marketing strategies.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional restaurant creative roles, this position requires a strong understanding of and comfort with Cheba Hut's marijuana-themed concept and core values
- Compared to other creative management roles, this position may require more frequent interaction with franchisees and a greater emphasis on brand adherence and consistency
- Career progression in this role may involve expanding responsibilities to include additional marketing or operational functions, rather than moving into a more senior creative role within the company
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are familiar with the restaurant industry and have experience working with franchisees will be well-suited for this role and its unique challenges and opportunities.
π Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand style guide and ensuring consistent application across all marketing channels and touchpoints
- Creating a series of eye-catching and on-brand social media graphics and videos to promote special events and promotions
- Designing and implementing a new in-store menu and signage system that enhances the customer experience and drives sales
ASSUMPTION: The Creative Manager role offers a wide range of creative and strategic projects that require strong leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the company's brand and marketing strategies.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for the creative team and how this role fits into that plan?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the creative team in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the company measure the success of its creative initiatives and campaigns?
- What is the company's approach to working with franchisees, and how does this role support that effort?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to driving the company's success.
π 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
- Include a link to your portfolio or work samples, showcasing your creative skills and accomplishments
- Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its marijuana-themed concept, as well as the specific requirements of the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.