About the job

Do you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your leadership directly shapes a global brand's visual identity?

MAAP, a leader in performance cycling apparel, is on the hunt for a visionary to join our global HQ in Port Melbourne (with required travel for shoots/events).This is an exceptional opportunity to lead, mentor, and inspire a talented creative team, working under the guidance of our Global Creative Director to execute next-level visual communication across all touchpoints.

THE ROLE

Reporting to our Global Creative Director, you'll be instrumental in bringing MAAP's brand vision to life. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Creative Leadership: Lead the daily tasks and management of our dynamic team of designers (including Senior Designer, Graphic Designers, and Junior Designer), ensuring flawless and on-brand execution across all creative deliverables.
• Brand Guardian: Maintain absolute brand integrity, working with the GCD to develop and effectively execute design solutions for all global visual communication, from social and digital to e-commerce, retail, packaging, and major brand campaigns.
• Hands-On Creation: Be "on the tools" yourself, actively designing and executing solutions when needed, embodying the mindset of a restless creative.
• Team Development: Train, mentor, and direct creative staff daily, fostering an environment of growth and excellence.
• Project Management: Manage projects and staff efficiently through ASANA, ensuring all work is delivered on time, within budget, and consistent with the brand vision.
• Strategic Execution: Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to craft solid strategies for EDMs, social media, and all digital marketing to drive DTC sales and support our global retailers.
• External Coordination: Coordinate and brief freelance artists, photographers, and filmers as needed, and assist in planning photoshoots.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work proactively across Creative, Marketing, Product, and Sales teams, acting as a valued creative asset.
• Trend Savvy: Stay current on industry trends, technology, and the local and international art and design scene to keep MAAP at the forefront.

THE CANDIDATE

You're a natural leader with a minimum of 5 years experience within an in-house or agency environment, with at least 3 years managing a creative team and a proven track record of bringing brands to life. You're known for your:

• Team Leadership: Exceptional ability to organise, direct, and motivate creative professionals, articulating a clear vision and overseeing production.
• Creative Expertise: Extensive knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential).
• Brand Experience: Minimum three years working directly for a brand, understanding brand integrity and consistent visual execution.
• Communication Skills: Superb ability to listen, understand, and articulate creative ideas with regional and global management.
• Time Management: Highly effective at balancing competing priorities, managing multiple projects, and meeting strict deadlines.
• Passion for Cycling: A genuine enthusiasm to embrace and contribute to the cycling lifestyle.
• Artistic Appreciation: An understanding and appreciation for fine art, photography, painting, or illustration is a plus.

Nice-to-Haves: Experience with Adobe AfterEffects and/or Premiere Pro, motion graphics, animation, Figma, Asana, Slack, and Google Docs.

Why Join MAAP?

Beyond contributing to a brand that's propelling cycling forward, you'll enjoy a vibrant culture and fantastic perks, including:

• Work-Life Balance: Shorter workdays on Fridays (9-3 pm) and 1 day a week WFH.
• Industry Perks: Access to significant industry discounts.
• Team Fun: Monthly happy hours and staff rides on company time.
• Birthday Leave: Enjoy your birthday off, paid.
• Product Allowance: Biannual product allowance to kit you out in the latest MAAP gear.