Creative Development Leader Job

Primary location:San Rafael,California
Relocation offered:No
Employment status:Full-Time
Travel:11%-25%
Non-compete:No

The estimated base salary range for this role is $165,000 to $195,000 per year, plus an annual incentive.
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors

What does it mean to work at BK Modern, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

It means being immersed in a supportive culture that recognizes you as a key player in Armstrong's future. We are a large company with a local feel, where you will get to know and collaborate with leadership and your colleagues across the company.

By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to make the most of your potential. Alongside a competitive remuneration package, you will receive:

Standard benefit package offerings: medical, dental, prescription drugs, life insurance
Vacation and sick time

Reporting to the General Manager, the Creative Development Leader sets and drives the creative vision and strategic direction for the brand within the exterior metal industry. This role leads the artistic and conceptual development of all design initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and brand identity. Working closely with architects, designers, contractors, and installers, the Creative Development Leader delivers compelling visual narratives and client experiences. The position also provides hands-on leadership and mentorship to studio teams across estimating, design, and project management, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

What's In It for You

• Defining and leading the creative vision for a growing brand in the architectural and exterior metal space.
• Impacting cross functional collaboration with architects, designers, engineers, and clients to bring bold ideas to life.
• Influencing product development, design strategy, and brand identity in a dynamic, design-forward environment.
• Representing the brand at industry events, client meetings, and design forums.

What You'll Do

• Lead the creative strategy and visual direction of the brand, ensuring alignment with business goals and market positioning.
• Oversee the design and development of exterior metal structures, facades, and architectural elements.
• Guide studio teams through design challenges, reviews, and on-site problem-solving.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams-including estimating, engineering, and production-to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
• Translate market trends and client needs into innovative design concepts and product offerings.
• Represent the company in client presentations, industry events, and strategic design discussions.

What Will Make You Successful

• Strong conceptual and visual storytelling skills with a passion for brand-driven design.
• Ability to lead and mentor creative teams in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Strategic thinking paired with hands-on design execution and problem-solving.
• Deep understanding of exterior construction, metalworking techniques, and architectural aesthetics.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with clients, architects, and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Architecture, Marketing, Fine Arts, or a related field required.
• 10+ years of experience in creative direction, brand strategy, or design leadership within a design-focused or construction-related environment.
• Proven success in developing and executing creative strategies across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience as an architect with built commercial or multi-residential projects and a strong understanding of exterior metal products.
• Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Rhino, SketchUp) and rendering tools (Photoshop, etc.)

What Makes You Stand Out

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in creative strategy, brand development, or design leadership preferred.
• Proficiency in hand-sketching is highly valued, as it enhances the ability to quickly communicate design concepts, support collaborative ideation sessions, and bring creative visions to life in real time.
• A portfolio that showcases innovative, functional, and visually compelling exterior design work.
• Experience leading design and co-creation sessions with architects and contractors.
• Strong grasp of emerging materials, fabrication techniques, and design trends.
• Demonstrated ability to influence brand identity and elevate customer experience through design.
• Existing relationships within the architecture and engineering (A&E) industry.

Why should you join BK Modern., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

BK Modern is an architectural metal systems company based in San Rafael, operated by architects and industrial/product designers. We specialize in ultra-modern architectural metal systems for balcony guardrails, stair guardrails, wall screens, canopies and fencing among multiple other solutions. You will be participating in a wide variety of national and international landmark projects. Our projects are primarily for the multi-residential, educational, and commercial construction industries.

Our products are contemporary and cutting edge. We are looking for someone who is interested in being part of a fast-growing company that is set to become a leader in the architectural metal industry. Our clients are architects, interior designers, and major construction companies nationwide.

For more than 160 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.

We are committed to developing new and sustainable ceiling solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.

Our Sustainability Ambition

"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow.
We are committed to:
* Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce;
* Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet;
* Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
* Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
* Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact.

About the location (San Rafael, CA)

San Rafael is a city located in the North Bay region of San Francisco Bay Area. San Rafael is at the center of things. The oldest, largest, and most culturally diverse city in Marin also enjoys the best weather. San Rafael is a lively business cultural center located in an area of natural beauty. It is a lively blend of Victorian buildings, restaurants, coffee shops, unique retailers-from books and furniture to clothing, art, jewelry, and collectibles. Downtown features year-round Art films and festivals. San Rafael is a place where culture, business, and fun coexist, and thanks to its central setting, natural beauty is never far away.

BK Modern, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries, is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination and harassment on the applicable prohibited grounds under applicable human rights legislation, where individuals are treated with respect, have equal opportunities in accordance with applicable human rights legislation, and can contribute meaningfully in the workplace once employed.

Come and build your future with us and apply today!