With over 50 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an unsurpassed selection of exclusive and premium-quality goods for the kitchen and table – and the culinary expertise and inspiration to go along with it. Whether the job entails interacting with our customers, driving digital growth, or providing vital behind-the-scenes support, we’re all here for the same reason – to roll up our sleeves and create happiness through cooking and sharing good food.  The Associate Art Director, Photography, contributes to the success of Sur La Table by art directing the monthly content execution of photography stills and video for use across all channels of the business. This content usage includes the Sur La Table website, email, private label packaging, in-store signage, marketing collateral, and social media channels.  This role is challenging – above and beyond the day-to-day responsibilities, you’ll have a big role within a fast-paced team.  This position will report into the Associate Creative DirectorWhat you get to do every day:
Work closely with the Associate Creative Director, Photography, to support quarterly and monthly art direction guidelines to create photo and video content that meets the needs of Sur La Table’s brand vision, style guide, and marketing strategy.Work closely with photo studio vendors, freelance photographers, videographers and stylists on daily photography work both in person and remotely.[SS1] [SH2] Recruit new freelance talent as needed. Work collaboratively with Associate Creative Director, Photography, on quarterly and monthly content plans and build out monthly shot list plans based on content needs. Art direct product launches within seasonal concepts and photography guidelines. Assist Associate Creative Director, Photography, by pulling inspiration swipe and assist with building photography decks. Oversee the photo editing of all photo shoots and ensure that any postproduction color and retouching work is executed. Ensure that merchandise collection content has consistent color across all assets and troubleshoot as needed with freelance photo editor and/or photographers to meet this goal. [SS3] [SH4] [SH5] Work closely with the digital content manager to ensure that new images are appropriately managed and accessible once in house. Assist Associate Creative Director, Photography, as need on quarterly photo shoots Partner effectively with design team and e-commerce team to ensure that photography solutions accurately communicate product selling points and usage needs. Work within budgetary guidelines and keep project management team up to date on scope of work changes. In partnership with the ATW project manager and photo studio vendor, make sure that ATW images are on brand and in-line with the ATW style guide standards. Keep current with photography and video trends, technologies and standards including AI content creation.Ensure that all photography meets brand standards and channel needs for production, productivity, and quality.Research and plan for the potential building of an in-house or Seattle-based photo studio.  What you bring to the role: Residency in the Seattle area is preferred. 5+ years of experience in the photography industry or related experience. On-set experience required.Comprehensive understanding of the creative production and delivery for photography, video, and marketing channels.Proven track record of partnering with photographers, stylists, producers, agencies, and vendors.Organized, self-starter who excels at prioritizing and planning multi-stakeholder initiatives and competing priorities.Proven ability to thrive while managing multiple competing projects in a fast-paced environment. Ability to create effective relationships, influence, and collaborate at all organizational levels.Strong verbal and written communication skills to lead, facilitate, and present to large groups and senior leadership.Examples of proactive problem-solving, both technically and creatively.Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience in project management tools; Experience in Wrike, a plus.What our interview process looks like:Depending on the position, our application and interview process may vary, but here are some of the ways we get to know you better: