Creative Manager

Do you bring bold, creative vision to life while keeping brands aligned, consistent, and unforgettable? Are you a Creative Manager who leads and grows designers while pairing senior-level design expertise with strong project management and organization? Can you deliver clear, detail-driven feedback that pushes creative boundaries and turns concepts into polished visual stories? We’re looking for a Creative Manager who leads with vision, stays hands-on with design, and drives creative forward through clarity, structure, and strong direction.

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then we need you as our Creative Manager! See the details of the position below.

The Pond Guy / Airmax, Inc. is the leading manufacturer and distributor of pond, lake, and water garden products including aeration systems, fountains, and water treatments to a nationwide network of end-users and Airmax dealers. Watch now to learn more about The Pond Guy: https://qrcodes.pro/sIkmTV.

Job Description

We’re looking for a creative powerhouse who blends strong design expertise with a passion for growth, collaboration, and elevating others. This role is 50% hands-on design and 50% leadership, so an exceptional eye for detail and a strong creative point of view are essential. You’ll partner directly with the Marketing Director and collaborate across departments to bring ideas to life through digital and print materials.

Here are some of your job duties:

• Responsible for overseeing all creative projects from concept and design to production, including, but not limited to, print, digital, videography, photography, illustration, and copywriting
• Lead creative team project management, priorities, coordination, and delegation
• Contribute as a hands-on designer, actively delivering high-quality design work alongside managing the team
• Create/Develop/Maintain brand manual and ensure consistency by working with marketing team and upper management to build and maintain brand integrity throughout all digital/printed material, as well as vehicle graphics and tradeshow displays
• Perform frontline review on all design work, safeguarding clarity, accuracy, and brand integrity while contributing thoughtful, constructive design critique to elevate overall creative quality
• Develop and sustain a collaborative, high-performing design culture by conducting regular one-on-ones and annual/quarterly performance reviews while overseeing recruitment and training as needed
• Remain open and receptive to design critique while confidently representing your own and your team’s work, advocating for strong design decisions
• Conduct vendor management by working with printers from bidding to the final product; Press checks and travel may be required
• Ensure management of digital assets is completed through file organization and/or DAM software

Don’t know much about ponds? That’s ok! You’ll be trained to be proficient in your job. We utilize an interactive combination of hands-on and visual training to ensure everyone has a complete understanding of TPG, Inc.’s proactive approach to pond management.

Job Requirements

To be successful in this role, you need to have a certain amount of knowledge and skills:

• 5+ years of experience in a professional design department, supported by a BFA or related degree
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership position within a design department; or equivalent project management experience
• Versatile creative thinker with strong capabilities in digital and print design, branding, packaging, typography, catalog production, and retail graphics
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (current CS) and confident working in a Mac environment
• Sharp attention to detail with exceptional proofreading and editing accuracy
• Highly organized and efficient, able to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively by managing capacity for the team to achieve aggressive deadlines
• Experience utilizing project/task management software such as Asana
• Confident communicator and presenter who collaborates well with teams, provides and receives feedback constructively, and can advocate for strong design decisions
• Resourceful problem-solver who delivers creative solutions within tight parameters or budget constraints
• Proactive, self-driven, and genuinely passionate about design, consistently bringing energy, initiative, and pride to the work
• Comfortable working with external vendors and printers, ensuring high-quality production across all deliverables

This position requires manual dexterity for typing, sitting at a desk, and looking at a computer screen for long periods of time. In addition, portions of the position may require physical activity, including lifting 25-35 pounds, standing for long periods of time, and traveling to outdoor locations working with various weather conditions.

We’re looking for a Creative Manager who brings positivity, resilience, and a “there’s always a way” mindset to every project. If problem-solving fuels you and obstacles only spark your creativity, you’ll thrive here. You’ll learn fast, grow with us, and play a key role in shaping our brand’s visual identity. We’re seeking someone who doesn’t just complete tasks but consistently elevates the team, the work, and the organization through fresh ideas and meaningful contributions beyond the day-to-day.

Availability You must be available to work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday – Friday, with the occasional evening or Saturday for projects that must be done outside of regular business hours.

Hybrid Position (Local Candidates Only) This Creative Manager role operates primarily in a remote/work-from-home setting; however, it is a hybrid position that requires regular onsite presence for collaboration, training, team meetings, and employer-sponsored events both during and outside regular work hours. Hybrid employees must meet all standards of The Pond Guy’s telecommuting policy, including required internet speeds and an appropriate home workspace, and they must live within a reasonable distance to commute to onsite activities.

Compensation

This is a full-time salaried position with benefits. Benefits include:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare  
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Insurance  
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Vision Insurance  
• Short-term Disability Insurance  
• Long-term Disability Insurance  
• Accident Insurance  
• Critical Illness Insurance  
• Life Insurance  
• Paid Time Off  
• Holiday pay effective immediately (8 holidays recognized)  
• 401 (k) with employer 4% match and revenue sharing
• Employee referral program
• Additional Training Programs: Career Development and Department Shadows  

Company Overview

TPG, Inc. is a growing company with over 160 employees. We are a manufacturing company for pond, lake, and water garden supplies with customers in all 50 states, servicing both wholesale and end-users. We have customers with large ponds used for swimming, fishing, and ice skating, as well as customers with decorative water gardens containing Koi, waterfalls, and plants. Our mission is to help the world enjoy ponds by being passionate, knowledgeable, and providing innovative solutions.

TPG, Inc. is not just a team we’re a tribe that is ongoing and more like a family. We have fun, pursue our goals, and help each other grow. Becoming part of TPG, Inc. means more than getting a job; it’s a career move. We will give you the support you need to grow with us.

Company Divisions

TPG, Inc. encompasses a family of businesses to support customers in all pond aspects. Airmax, Inc. – business-to-business and manufacturing. airmaxeco.com The Pond Guy, Inc. – direct-to-consumer. thepondguy.com The Pond Guy, Inc. – local services division. weknowponds.com

How To Apply For This Position

Step 1: Submit Your Resume.

Step 2: If selected for further review, you will receive a request to take a ten-minute survey. Please complete the survey within three days of receipt.

Step 3: If selected for further review, you will be contacted for an interview.

The Pond Guy, Inc. prides itself on the quality of its employees and as such, candidates who receive a job offer will be required to successfully pass a drug/toxins test and background check.