Associate Creative Director - Design Systems & Digital

MERGE; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401K

Lifestyle Spending Account

Flexible Time off

Job summary

MERGE is seeking an Associate Creative Director (Design) to shape digital and physical visual narratives for a fast-paced QSR account. You will lead design vision, implement design systems, and hands-on execute across digital touchpoints, retail environments, and integrated campaigns.

You will manage a team, collaborate with client teams and developers, and articulate the strategy behind design decisions to drive cohesive, premium experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Digital Design, UI/UX, or equivalent practical experience.
• 8+ years of design experience in an ad agency, digital shop, or creative studio with a strong digital, responsive, and cross‑channel portfolio.
• Proficiency in Figma (auto-layout, components, prototyping) and deep mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience designing digital and physical experiences using component-based design systems across digital and print retail environments.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and direct a team of designers while managing multiple fast-paced projects.
• Prior experience with QSR, fast-casual, or high-volume retail brands is a major plus.

Responsibilities

• Craft visually compelling designs with a premium presence across channels.
• Produce assets for digital menus, packaging, signage, apps, and web with pixel-perfect accuracy.
• Apply design systems to ensure cohesive execution across touchpoints.
• Lead quick comps and develop design systems while delivering polished solutions.
• Collaborate with client teams and developers to deliver best-in-class UX/UI experiences.
• Explain the strategic rationale behind design projects to stakeholders.
• Guide and inspire other designers and ensure alignment with goals.
• Oversee end-to-end lifecycles from objectives to post-launch success.

Skills

Design leadership

UI/UX thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design / Digital Design / UI/UX

Tools

Figma

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

MERGE is seeking an Associate Creative Director (Design) to shape digital and physical visual narratives for a fast-paced QSR account. You will lead design vision, implement design systems, and hands-on execute across digital touchpoints, retail environments, and integrated campaigns.

You will manage a team, collaborate with client teams and developers, and articulate the strategy behind design decisions to drive cohesive, premium experiences.