Art Director, Design - Ninja

Art Director, Design – Ninja

Location: Needham, MA (Hybrid: 2–3 days in-office)

Overview

We’re looking for a highly executional, design-driven Art Director to lead creative development across Ninja’s categories. This role is a permanent, full-time position and a critical contributor to new product development—owning design execution while partnering closely with the Creative Director and Associate Creative Director to bring bold stories to life.

This Art Director will be deeply hands-on and play a key role in shaping how Ninja products show up in the world—from early concept through launch. You’ll lead design for major programs, translate product innovation into compelling visual narratives, and ensure excellence across packaging, digital, retail, social, and experiential touchpoints.

You’ll also be a mentor and people leader, responsible for guiding Senior Designers and Designers, and collaborating closely with senior copywriters to deliver cohesive, high-impact storytelling. This role is ideal for a seasoned designer who thrives in fast-moving environments, values craft, and knows how to elevate both the work and the team around them.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Execution

• Lead design execution for major new product development programs from concept through launch.

• Translate product insights, innovation, and strategy into clear, compelling visual systems and storytelling.

• Own end-to-end design delivery across packaging, retail, Amazon, digital, social, and print.

• Set and uphold a high bar for craft, clarity, and consistency across all creative outputs.

• Ensure design intent is carried through every touchpoint with precision and care.

Storytelling & Creative Partnership

• Partner closely with the Creative Director and Associate Creative Director to bring category stories to life through design.

• Collaborate with senior copywriters to develop integrated visual and verbal narratives.

• Contribute meaningfully to concept development, helping evolve story frameworks into tangible, consumer-ready executions.

• Identify opportunities to elevate storytelling through design systems, hierarchy, and visual pacing.

Hands-On Design

• Deliver original design work yourself—this is a true maker role.

• Create packaging systems, visual identities, toolkits, and scalable design frameworks.

• Demonstrate mastery of typography, layout, composition, and imagery direction.

• Stay current on DTC packaging trends, consumer goods design, and retail innovation, applying insights to the work.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Manage, mentor, and develop Senior Designers and Designers, supporting growth in craft, confidence, and ownership.

• Provide clear, actionable feedback that strengthens execution and storytelling.

• Foster a collaborative, respectful environment rooted in high standards and shared accountability.

• Support healthy workflows and team rhythm in a fast-paced, high-output environment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Brand, Product, Consumer Insights, Marketing, and Imagery teams throughout the development process.

• Collaborate with production, CGI, and photography teams to ensure design excellence from concept to final output.

• Communicate design rationale clearly and confidently to stakeholders

• Respond to consumer insights and performance data with thoughtful creative adjustments.

Operational Excellence

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and intent.

• Anticipate challenges, flag risks early, and help problem-solve to keep work moving.

• Balance speed with craft, making smart decisions in service of both brand and business goals.

Social & Platform-Native Design

• Contribute to platform-specific creative across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Amazon, and emerging channels.

• Partner with creative, social, and brand teams to develop scroll-stopping, design-led content.

• Ensure social executions feel cohesive with broader brand and product storytelling.

What We’re Looking For

• 8–10+ years of experience in design or creative roles, with proven ownership of large-scale consumer programs.

• Experience leading design execution for packaging-led product launches.

• Demonstrated mentorship or people-management experience with Senior Designers and Designers.

• Strong portfolio showcasing packaging, brand systems, and consumer goods design, alongside digital and retail work.

• Deep understanding of modern DTC packaging, retail environments, and visual storytelling.

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; strong working knowledge of Figma; comfort with PowerPoint.

• Clear, confident communicator who collaborates well with creative partners and cross-functional teams.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable navigating ambiguity.