Manager - Creative Solutions

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager - Creative Solutions

🔹 Company: RR Donnelley

🔹 Location: Warrenville, Illinois, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Not Specified

🔹 Date Posted: Mon Mar 31 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading creative solution development for RFPs and proposals.
• Mentoring and developing junior team members.
• Fostering client trust and engagement through strategic pitches.
• Enhancing the creative services function and strategic growth.

ASSUMPTION: The role might also involve navigating complex client needs due to the global nature of the company's operations. Insights into global client management and strategies will likely enhance performance in this position.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead RFP and proposal responses with creative focus, including planning structures, locations, workflows, and pricing.

✅ Draft Statements of Work (SOWs) and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver cohesive RFP responses.

✅ Mentor junior Solutions Architects to build their strategic capabilities and team development.

✅ Assist in client pitches, focusing on trust-building with national representatives.

✅ Engage in strategic solution development for potential clients and service enhancement.

✅ Review and adapt content to align with updated strategies and ensure sales tools are relevant.

✅ Manage collaboration with implementation teams to refine solutions based on feedback.

✅ Enhance knowledge in website development, UI/UX design, SEO/SEM, and social media.

ASSUMPTION: The Manager will play a pivotal role in coordinating between departments, possibly requiring cross-functional leadership skills to ensure solutions align with client expectations and internal capabilities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related field preferred.

Experience: 7 years in creative project management or solutions development.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in developing complex creative solutions.
• Strong mentorship and team development abilities.
• Excellent strategic planning and problem-solving skills.
• Client relationship-building and engagement skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in pricing models and process optimization.
• Knowledge in website development, UI/UX design, and SEO/SEM.

ASSUMPTION: Possessing skills in digital marketing and familiarity with marketing technology platforms can give applicants a competitive edge, enhancing the creative tactics they can deploy.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $101,700 to $183,100 annually, adjusted based on location and experience.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off, disability insurance, and life insurance.
• Parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Tuition assistance and employee discounts.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with potential flexibility based on project needs.

ASSUMPTION: While the role is on-site, remote work may be integrated due to project specifications or team needs, aligning with market trends towards flexible work arrangements.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Manufacturing, specifically marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions.

Company Size: Over 30,000 employees, indicating significant resources and potential for career growth.

Founded: Information not specified, but RRD has a longstanding industry presence.

Company Description:

• Global provider of comprehensive marketing and business solutions.
• Strong focus on environmentally sustainable business practices.
• Offers a wide range of services designed to enhance customer engagement.

Company Specialties:

• Creative execution.
• Customer engagement strategies.
• End-to-end business solutions.

Company Website: http://www.rrd.com

ASSUMPTION: The company's global reach likely translates to diverse project opportunities, enabling exposure to varied markets and client needs.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid to senior-level managerial role.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to the Director of Creative Solutions or a similar executive position.

Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site with potential remote flexibility for specific projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to senior leadership roles within the creative or strategic areas.
• Opportunity to influence innovative projects and high-profile client solutions.
• Expand expertise in digital and integrated marketing landscapes.

ASSUMPTION: Networking and relationship building within the company and industry might be key to unlocking new projects and career advancements.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office with team collaboration spaces.

Office Location(s): Warrenville, Illinois, and possibly other regional offices for broader integration.

Geographic Context:

• Located within a major business hub that facilitates access to industry resources.
• Proximity to Chicago's extensive transport networks enhancing operational logistics.
• Situated in a region known for robust business activities and professional communities.

Work Schedule: Full-time role with expectations for additional hours during peak projects or deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: Workspace is likely designed to foster creativity and collaboration, essential for the role's strategic needs.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial application and resume submission.
• Preliminary HR interview to assess basic qualifications.
• Technical and skills assessment through problem-solving tasks or projects.
• Interview with hiring manager and potential direct reports.
• Final interview to discuss role expectations and career goals.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Leadership and mentorship capabilities.
• Strategic problem-solving and planning skills.
• Experience with RFPs and crafting innovative solutions.

Application Tips:

• Highlight experience with complex solutions in resumes.
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing any relevant creative projects.
• Emphasize strategic thinking and client relationship management.

ATS Keywords: Creative Solutions, Project Management, Team Development, Strategic Planning, Problem Solving, Client Engagement, Mentorship.

ASSUMPTION: The hiring process may place significant emphasis on demonstrating strategic insights and leadership potential given the role's focus on innovation.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Responsive design tools.
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello).
• Digital marketing analytics platforms.

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with emerging digital tools and platforms will likely be beneficial as the company continues to integrate new technologies into creative solutions.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to sustainable and impactful business practices.
• Emphasis on innovation and global client engagement.
• Focus on collaboration and teamwork across diverse regions.

Work Style:

• Efficient and collaborative with a focus on achieving high-impact outcomes.
• Flexible and adaptable to diverse project needs and client expectations.
• Proactive in seeking innovative solutions and continuous improvement.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How have I demonstrated strategic leadership in my previous roles?
• What examples can I share where I contributed to innovative project outcomes?
• In what ways have I effectively managed and mentored teams?

ASSUMPTION: A candidate’s alignment with the company’s values of innovation and collaboration will be crucial in cultural fit evaluation.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Navigating cross-departmental collaborations in a large organization.
• Adapting to global client demands and diverse market needs.
• Ensuring continuous innovation in response to evolving industry trends.
• Maintaining high performance under tight deadlines and pressure.

ASSUMPTION: The role may demand high adaptability and quick problem-solving skills to succeed in an industry with rapid innovations.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Higher strategic involvement compared to typical project management roles.
• More direct impact on client engagement compared to non-client facing positions.
• Greater emphasis on mentorship and team leadership than entry-level managerial roles.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a significant breadth of responsibility due to its strategic and leadership demands, unlike more narrowly focused creative positions.

📝 Sample Projects

• Development of a multi-country marketing campaign for a Fortune 100 client.
• Coordination of a cross-departmental creative solution for a new product launch.
• Implementation of digital transformation strategies for a legacy client.

ASSUMPTION: The projects undertaken might involve significant collaboration and creativity, highlighting the company's focus on innovative solutions.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most pressing challenges currently facing the creative solutions team?
• How does the company measure success for this managerial role?
• What are some recent examples of successful client engagements?
• How are creative solutions integrated with other departments at RR Donnelley?
• What growth opportunities exist within the organization for this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions will demonstrate the candidate's genuine interest and strategic thinking capacity essential for this role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link (or the company's career portal)
• Prepare your resume with relevant keywords and highlight strategic achievements
• Gather a portfolio that showcases your most impactful projects
• Be ready for a multi-stage interview involving HR, technical skills, and team-fit assessments
• Follow up post-interview to express continued interest and gratitude

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