Manager - Copy

Manager - CopyThe Manager - Copy is a conceptual leader and brand steward responsible for leading the copy team in the development of persuasive, strategic, innovative, customer-centric copy for all marketing channels. Under the general supervision of the Copy Director, the Copy Manager is a creator and guardian of the brand voice and works closely with partners in design, brand and life cycle marketing, paid media, merchandising, e-commerce and store environment to achieve the Michaels brand objectives through effective brand voice and message strategies. Using proven talent and consistent conceptual thinking, the Copy Manager is responsible for the integrity and evolution of the distinctive Michaels voice and ensuring copywriters are using the brand voice to fuel joy as they communicate brand strengths in a uniquely fresh, memorable and persuasive way.Major ActivitiesTeam LeadershipLead, inspire, motivate and manage team of staff and freelance copywriters as a visible, engaged leader that communicates easily and frequentlyDemonstrate resilience and flexibility in the face of change; model strong core competencies; maintain high moraleIdentify and address barriers to success, escalate appropriately, adjust workload and assignments to meet productivity standards and accommodate changing business needsLead team to stay current in researching creative trends in competitive markets and apply that knowledge and learning to development of new marketing and signage projectsResearch retail copy trends in competitive markets and apply that knowledge and learning to development of new marketing projectsRecruit talented, high-performing copywriters that consistently deliver brand-right solutionsDevelop talent and leadership succession planPrioritize work effectively to meet team deadlinesGive constructive feedback to enhance performance and build skills within departmentCreative Concept DevelopmentGuide message development through the entire creative process, from ideation to release.Translate business and marketing strategic objectives into clear, compelling, on-brand customer-facing copyLead concept, toolkit and sourcebook development as requested by creative leadership and brand marketingWork closely with design partners to architect and implement the overall look and language of customer-facing materials.Collaborate with design and marketing partners to create synergy and integration, from concept to executionCopy DirectionOversee all copy team efforts to support digital and print marketing, including online video, social media and digital display ads, email, website marketing, direct mail, brand collateral and signageEnsure marketing objectives have been met within creative guidelinesEffectively interpret and adapt information for marketing initiatives based on briefs, merchant input, internal reports and other supporting documentsEdit copy team's work to ensure consistency across channelsMaster and continue development and evolution of Michaels brand voiceDevelop hard-hitting, promotional value messaging for the Michaels brand for all business categoriesContribute creative input and ideas to creative kick-off and brainstorm meetingsWrite, manage and own high-priority projects as assigned by Copy DirectorCommunication/PresentationEffectively present work to leadership, conveys copy strategy and demonstrates alignment to creative briefAlign with and act on feedbackModel strong communication and presentation skills to direct reports, teaching and coaching through modeling, feedback and practice sessionsCommunicate clearly and effectively; address challenges and issues in a timely mannerFoster strong partnerships with peer managers in Creative Service, Store Environment and Marketing, as well as cross-functional partnersPrepare for and actively participate in department meetingsPresent work to senior leadership, effectively communicating creative strategyOther duties as assignedMinimum EducationBachelor's degree or equivalentMinimum Special Certifications or technical skillsExpert working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative SuiteMinimum Type of experience the job requires5+ year managing / leading copywriters7+ years copywriting experienceExperience at large in-house creative team or agencyRetail copywriting experience, preferred samples requirePortfolio demonstrating creative and strategic strengthOtherDigital, social media, video and print expertiseStrategic, conceptual thinking, strong organizational skills, accuracy and deadline focused with a bias for action when it comes to problem analysis, decision making and issue resolutionDetail orientedAble to juggle multiple projects while meeting demanding deadlines, producing high quality work and projecting a positive attitudeStrong self-manager with ability to work at high level of independence