Senior Associate Creative Director, Brand & Design Systems

Starbucks; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 217,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) match

Bean Stock

Job summary

Starbucks is seeking a Senior Associate Creative Director, Brand & Design Systems to shape the brand globally. This onsite Seattle role blends creative leadership with rigorous brand stewardship to keep work on-brand, timely, and impactful.

You'll lead teams, mentor creatives, and contribute craft—from strategy-driven presentations to evolving brand systems across packaging, signage, and experiences—driving cohesive, omnichannel storytelling.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of creative experience in design, branding, or advertising (

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct a team of creatives, including mentoring, overseeing day-to-day workload, and supporting professional growth.
• Guide problem solving, concepting, execution, and consultation across brand design, design systems (including packaging and signage), brand experiences, and related work.
• Provide clear, constructive creative direction and feedback to strengthen outcomes.
• Serve as both an architect and an active contributor by delivering presentations that reflect strong strategic foundations for the creative vision.
• Maintain on-brand consistency while keeping the brand expression fresh and engaging.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, agency partners, creative production, and project managers to ensure alignment and timely delivery.
• Help evolve how Starbucks shows up visually, emotionally, and experientially by continuously seeking opportunities to enhance the brand.
• Apply expertise in graphic design, brand identity, typography, layout, retail experience, art direction, storytelling, and presentation craft.

Skills

Creative leadership

Brand strategy

Presentation skills

Portfolio review

Team mentorship

Strategic thinking

Industry trend awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in design

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

Job description

Starbucks is building from within its Global Creative Studio, bringing in a Senior Associate Creative Director, Brand & Design Systems to shape how the brand looks, feels, and shows up across the world. This onsite role in Seattle pairs creative leadership with rigorous brand system stewardship, with the goal of keeping work on-brand, on-time, and consistently strong.

As a senior creative partner, you will lead teams, mentor creatives, and guide brand and design efforts across systems, packaging and signage, and brand experiences. You will also contribute your own craft, including delivering presentations grounded in strategy that support the creative vision.

What you’ll do

• Lead and direct a team of creatives, including mentoring, overseeing day-to-day workload, and supporting professional growth.
• Guide problem solving, concepting, execution, and consultation across brand design, design systems (including packaging and signage), brand experiences, and related work.
• Provide clear, constructive creative direction and feedback to strengthen outcomes.
• Serve as both an architect and an active contributor by delivering presentations that reflect strong strategic foundations for the creative vision.
• Maintain on-brand consistency while keeping the brand expression fresh and engaging.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, agency partners, creative production, and project managers to ensure alignment and timely delivery.
• Help evolve how Starbucks shows up visually, emotionally, and experientially by continuously seeking opportunities to enhance the brand.
• Apply expertise in graphic design, brand identity, typography, layout, retail experience, art direction, storytelling, and presentation craft.

Role details

• Location: Seattle, WA (onsite)
• Salary: USD 130,300 - 217,400 per year
• Experience: 10+ years
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in design, fine arts, advertising, or equivalent job-related experience

What you bring

• 10+ years of creative experience in design, branding, advertising, or marketing.
• Agency or in-house experience, with a history of leading teams and producing strong creative work.
• Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, supported by a portfolio.
• Proven ability to present creative work with clear rationale and strategic thinking, with just enough flair.
• Strong detail orientation paired with the ability to keep sight of the broader picture.
• A sixth sense for design and what moves people emotionally.
• Natural mentoring ability, strategic thinking, and comfort jumping in to get things done.
• Progressive experience in design/marketing/advertising within an agency or in-house studio.
• A multi-faceted portfolio showcasing high quality expertise across multiple mediums and channels, including branding, advertising, problem solving/concepting, product/collection curation, packaging, and social media.
• Comprehensive understanding of omnichannel marketing and cultural/industry trends.
• Proven experience leading creative teams and managing direct reports.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and time management skills.
• Advanced working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Figma

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Other voluntary insurance benefits
• Access to short-term and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave
• Family expansion reimbursement
• Paid vacation from date of hire
• Sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked)
• Eight paid holidays
• Two personal days per year
• Participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Discounted company stock program (S.I.P.)
• Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock)
• Incentivized emergency savings
• Financial well-being tools
• 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan
• Student loan management resources
• Access to other educational opportunities
• Access to backup care
• DACA reimbursement

A few things to know: This role is based in Seattle with an in-office work style. You’ll be part of a team redefining what in-house creative can be, and Starbucks emphasizes respect, kindness, and a shared commitment to doing great work.