Sr. CPG Creative Director

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands. We’re looking to hire a Senior Creative Director, CPG for a direct hire opportunity in Chicago. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to shape the creative vision for packaging design in the consumer packaged goods space, with a focus on food and beverage branding.

In this leadership role, you’ll drive innovative packaging design strategies that elevate brand presence and align with both consumer expectations and business goals. You'll lead and mentor creative teams, partner with strategy and operations, and serve as a key contact for client collaboration. This is a design-focused role (not copywriting), ideal for a candidate with deep experience in CPG branding and packaging—especially food packaging.

Relocation candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis if the match and experience are strong.

There is no application deadline for this role.

Senior Creative Director, CPG Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor creative teams specializing in CPG packaging design.

• Guide the development of packaging strategies that align with brand identity and resonate with consumers.

• Oversee creative execution across a wide range of packaging projects, ensuring brand consistency and innovation.

• Collaborate with account teams and clients to align creative direction with strategic goals.

• Serve as a key point of contact for clients on packaging and brand strategy discussions.

• Contribute to broader brand development by integrating packaging into comprehensive brand strategies.

• Partner with internal operations leadership to improve tools, processes, and creative workflows.

• Identify and pursue business growth opportunities through new client engagements and expanded packaging strategies.

• Ensure high standards in design quality, timelines, and budget adherence across all deliverables.
  

Senior Creative Director, CPG Qualifications:

• 12+ years of overall creative experience from CPG-heavy shops.

• 8+ years in titled senior creative leadership roles with a focus specifically on CPG packaging and branding, ideally for food/bev.

• Proven experience leading large creative teams and delivering innovative packaging design solutions.

• Strong understanding of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and market positioning.

• Expertise in design strategy, packaging materials, production processes, and creative software.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Visual Communications, or a related field; advanced degrees are a plus.

• Strong business acumen with a balance of creative vision and practical execution.

• Passion for CPG branding, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Perks & Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Life Insurance.

• 401(k) Program.

• Commuter Benefit.

• eLearning & Ongoing Training.

• Education Reimbursement.

*Eligibility requires working over 30 hours per week on an assignment lasting at least 10 weeks.

If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, apply today! Our team will connect with you to discuss next steps, support you through the interview process, and advocate for your success.

About Onward Search

Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing, and technology professionals. We work with our nationwide clients to continuously pipeline and fill specialized roles. As such, not all jobs contain an application deadline.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment.
EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

Inclusive Hiring Practices

We’re committed to making every part of our hiring process accessible and inclusive. If you need any accommodations or adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, please contact us at inclusivehiring@onwardsearch.com.

Employment Eligibility

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp / Independent Contractor arrangements. All freelancers will be hired as W2 employees.

Benefits

We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan to all eligible full-time temporary employees. Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.

Virtual Interview Process

To help streamline the hiring process and ensure a more flexible and accessible experience for all candidates, we’ve partnered with Apriora, a virtual interviewing platform. For select job openings, you may receive an invitation to interview with Alex, our virtual interviewer, via email at alex@onwardsearch.com.

Alex will guide you through a brief set of questions to help us better understand your background and interests. The virtual interview can be completed on your own time, and your responses will be reviewed by our recruiting team as part of the screening process.

To learn more about the platform, visit Apriora’s website.

Job Seeker Scam Alert

We’ve become aware of fraudulent recruiters impersonating Onward Search representatives to collect personal or financial information from potential job seekers. Please be vigilant and always protect your information. Learn more about potential threats and how to protect yourself by visiting our job seeker scam alert page.