Associate Creative Director - Maverick Studios

COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

OUR TEAM

Maverick Studios is where creativity meets impact. As the in-house agency for Inspire Brands, we craft award-winning work that spans design, video, photography, print, and beyond. Serving six iconic brands—Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and Sonic—our team is a powerhouse of collaboration and passion. We’re all about delivering best-in-class creativity, innovation, and solutions that resonate across every project.

OUR CULTURE

At Inspire Brands, we’re not just dreamers; we’re doers. We thrive on innovation and welcome bold ideas at every level, from the kitchen to the boardroom. Here, taking risks and thinking differently aren’t just encouraged—they’re celebrated. It’s how we started, and it’s how we succeed.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Are you a dynamic creative leader who thrives on storytelling, innovation, and collaboration? As an Associate Creative Director at Maverick Studios, you will play a key role in shaping the creative direction for two iconic brands. You’ll lead the development of compelling brand stories in close collaboration with the Creative Directors, while mentoring a team of designers and copywriters. If you’re passionate about crafting impactful campaigns and elevating creative excellence, this role is for you.

WHAT YOU’LL OWN

• Creative Development & Execution: Lead the development and execution of innovative brand campaigns—across digital, social, video, print, and in-location experiences—with guidance from and in collaboration with the Creative Directors and support from the broader creative team.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Inspire, guide, and mentor a team of designers and writers, fostering a collaborative and high-energy creative environment.
• Client Collaboration: Partner with brand teams and stakeholders to ensure creative solutions align with business objectives and resonate with target audiences.
• Quality & Brand Consistency: Ensure all creative work adheres to brand guidelines, meets high-quality standards, and delivers a consistent voice and aesthetic.
• Project Oversight: Assist in managing creative workflows, allocating resources effectively, and balancing workloads to meet deadlines without sacrificing creativity.
• Strategic Thinking: Contribute to the strategic development of brand storytelling, offering creative solutions that support marketing and business goals.
• Presentation & Communication: Confidently present creative concepts to internal teams, clients, and senior leadership, articulating the rationale behind design and messaging choices.
• Industry Awareness: Stay informed on industry trends, competitor strategies, and emerging technologies to drive fresh, relevant creative solutions.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Experience: 8+ years in a creative role, with at least 3 years in a leadership position, preferably in the restaurant or hospitality industry.
• Leadership Skills: A strong ability to lead, inspire, and develop a team while fostering a positive, collaborative culture.
• Creative Expertise: A strong portfolio showcasing creative work across multiple platforms, including digital, print, and video.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to balance creativity with business needs, ensuring that creative solutions align with broader brand strategies.
• Excellent Communication: Strong presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate creative concepts effectively.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Adaptability and experience navigating challenges while delivering high-impact creative solutions.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE

• Creative Growth: Work in an environment that values innovation, bold ideas, and pushing creative boundaries.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a passionate, high-energy team that thrives on collaboration and fresh perspectives.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning, training, and career advancement in a fast-paced creative environment.
• Fun Perks: Enjoy team outings, creative brainstorming sessions, and a workplace culture that fuels inspiration.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 4 years - Bachelor’s Degree

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent Graphic Design/Strategy/Art/Advertising degree combined with a promising portfolio of work, appropriate for the level of experience and opportunity one has had to date in this field.

EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION

• 8+ years of experience in a creative role, with leadership experience preferred.

DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

• This role will have internal approval authority over all routine, day to day creative of Maverick Studios
• Works with business partners to gain alignment and final approval over creative work product.
• Works directly with the Executive Creative Director to execute the vision of the Design and Creative team.

DIRECT REPORTS

Full-time, Contract and Freelance

• People Managers including Art Directors.
• Designers, Motion Graphics Artists and Production Artists of all levels.
• Specialists in the various fields required to complete assignments and deliver the creative.

READY TO SHAPE BRAND STORIES?
If you’re a passionate creative leader eager to elevate brands and inspire teams, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us craft what’s next!

 

Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.

We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.