Manager Product Visualization

Klein Tools; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 97,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Vacations & Holidays

Profit Sharing & Matching 401(k)

Health Insurance (Medical, Vision, & N

Discounts on Klein Tools products

Education and Professional Development

Job summary

Klein Tools is seeking a Manager of Product Visualization to lead visual development through CGI, 3D animation, and motion graphics. You will guide the team to deliver high-quality visual content aligned with brand strategy and marketing goals.

You will manage cross-functional projects, mentor talent, and stay hands-on with production to safeguard brand integrity while driving innovative visuals for product launches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or related field.
• 5–7 years in progressive creative leadership such as Art Director or Senior Designer.
• Strong portfolio in 3D modeling, texturing, rendering, VFX, and animation.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple sales support projects from concept to final execution, collaborating with Product Marketing, Product Management, Sales, and Marketing channel owners.
• Ensure all VFX projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Establish visual standards and guidelines for CGI, 3D animation, and motion graphics.
• Lead rollout and adoption of standards with external 3D/CG studio partners.
• Build and mentor creative talent, fostering growth and collaboration.
• Remain hands-on with production while elevating Klein Tools' brand.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Attention to detail

Adobe Creative Suite

3D tools

Communication

Agency management

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Cinema 4D

3DS Max

Houdini

Maya

Render engines

Job description

At Klein Tools, curiosity powers discovery, ownership inspires excellence, and urgency means we run towards opportunities. We deliver quality and innovation in everything we do, designing and launching hundreds of groundbreaking products each year. Join us and be part of a legacy built to last.

Perks for you include:

• Paid Vacations & Holidays
• Profit Sharing & Matching 401(k)
• Health Insurance (Medical, Vision, & Dental)
• Discounts on Klein Tools products
• Education and Professional Development Assistance

As the Manager of Product Visualization at Klein Tools, you will be responsible for leading the visual development and execution of projects centered on developing product content through CGI, 3D animation, and motion graphics. This role requires a balance of strategic, concept-driven thinking and hands-on visual communication expertise, ensuring creative solutions effectively deliver against the brief. You will influence peers and lead by example, guiding the team to produce high-quality, impactful visual content.

In this role, you will lead the 3D and VFX function to deliver photo-realistic product and environmental renders, establish and maintain 3D visual guidelines and standards, and collaborate cross-functionally to enhance design execution. In addition to consumer-facing product visualization, you bring a strong executional understanding of 3D animation, visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing.

You will ensure that all content aligns with Klein Tools' brand identity and strategic marketing goals across a broad product portfolio - supporting both existing products and new product launches.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage multiple concurrent sales support projects, overseeing the end-to-end creative process from initial concept through final execution. Collaborate closely with Product Marketing, Product Management, Sales, and Marketing channel owners to understand project goals, target audiences, key tensions, and timelines.
• Ensure all VFX projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Effectively manage workloads, set priorities, maintain consistency, and drive timely delivery in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Bring both analytical and creative thinking to the role, with a strong problem-solving mindset at the core. Value diverse perspectives and know how to leverage them to elevate creative outputs.
• Present creative concepts to stakeholders and provide clear, consumer-focused, constructive, and actionable feedback to creative teams to ensure deliverables align with brand standards and communication objectives.
• Establish and define visual standards and guidelines for CGI, 3D animation, and motion graphics at Klein Tools. Develop a cohesive visual system that supports the broader creative and marketing strategy while remaining flexible to the unique needs of individual briefs. Lead the rollout and adoption of these standards with external 3D/CG studio partners.
• Build and maintain a centralized CGI materials, textures, and lighting library to drive consistency, quality, and efficiency across external partners and contractors. Partner closely with the Industrial Design team to ensure alignment.
• Lead and mentor creative talent, fostering professional growth and upward mobility within the team. Cultivate a collaborative, proactive, and creatively driven environment focused on strategic intent and excellence in execution.
• Remain hands-on with production and execution, championing innovative visual communication while safeguarding and elevating the Klein Tools brand.

Job Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience, most recently in a creative leadership role such as Art Director or Senior Designer, preferably in an agency or in house environment.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a deep understanding of 3D modeling, texturing, environmental rendering, visual effects, compositing and animation.

Skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects under tight, concurrent deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail with organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other design tools.
• Proficiency in 3D design and visual effects tools (C4D, 3DS Max, Houdini, Maya) and render engines

(Redshift, V-Ray, Octane).

• Executional and hands-on expertise in 3D modeling + texturing, motion graphics, and visual effects. The

ability to communicate complex and technical feedback articulately and succinctly to maintain momentum in asset development.

• A fundamental understanding of interactive and mixed/augmented reality mediums.
• Familiarity with Project Management (Monday.com or similar), Interface Design/Collaboration (Figma) and

Digital Asset Management (Bynder or similar) tools

• Exceptional leadership and team management, cultivation skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, with the capacity to articulate and sell creative concepts effectively.

• Experience managing agencies, vendors and maintaining budgets

Salary

This role has an annual salary range of $97,000 - $122,000. In addition to salary, you're eligible for competitive benefits that support you and your family as part of your total rewards package at Klein Tools Inc. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors, including, but not limited to, skills, experience, and location.

Your main focus

• Quality
• Customer Obsession
• Innovation
• Ownership
• Teamwork

Klein Tools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For candidates with disabilities and needing assistance, please email us at [e-mail].