Christopher Stenger Email & Phone Number

Hebron, Kentucky, United States

Manage the in-house design, photo studio, and samples departments in the development of seasonal and everyday candy gift products, overseeing project workflow for both U.S. and Mexico based teams. Provide creative direction for consumer packaging, e-commerce, social media graphics, presentations, and trade show signage.• Provide cross-functional leadership with product development, sales, licensing, innovation, and operations in the conception and production of all creative materials.• Ensure adherence to both Galerie and licensor brand standards, and the proper routing and documentation of all creative projects through the company’s project management system.• Work closely with vendors to maintain quality and accuracy of final produced goods.

Norwalk, California, United States

Spearheaded all creative operations, assigning projects, tracking timelines, and managing budgets. Oversaw a team of six direct subordinates while recruiting and supervising external contractors. Collaborated with clients from eleven accounts, showcasing completed projects and presenting novel creative approaches and campaigns.• Conducted comprehensive reviews of all creative materials to enhance quality and precision, expediting client approvals and elevating satisfaction levels.• Formulated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline workflows of creative team, ensuring consistent and accurate implementations.

Lexington, Kentucky Area

Directed a team of three graphic designers, propelling strategic initiatives and managing day-to-day operations encompassing workflow optimization, personnel growth, backup protocols, and equipment upgrades. Cultivated vendor partnerships, ensuring budget-conscious pricing, accurate file preparation, and precise copy translations.• Revitalized and elevated DecoArt brand identity into a well-defined parent brand, amplifying recognition and credibility across all subsidiary brands.• Conceptualized and integrated branding strategies for five annual product launches across printed collateral, POS displays, packaging websites, social media platforms, and advertising campaigns.

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

Administered LM Restaurant's brand standards across all touchpoints, encompassing three lines of packaged food products and eight restaurant concepts. Nurtured productive collaborations with external creative agencies. Managed daily operations of a dynamic team of two in-house designers. Initiated process of sourcing and maintained relationships with print vendors.• Achieved 30% expansion of flagship restaurant chain, establishing a brand identity for novel solo concept.• Led an upsurge in customer footfall by the conception and execution of captivating seasonal campaigns comprised of printed menus and fliers, websites, and advertisements across online, outdoor, print, and broadcast media.• Secured two prestigious VIBE Vista awards for exceptional drink menu designs and clinched a Telly Award for out-performing excellence in TV advertising.

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

• Devised and implemented brand identity and design concepts for marketing collateral, advertising campaigns, newsletters, and communication materials catering to diverse agency clientele.• Engaged with clients to define project scope, establish clear timelines, set achievable milestones, and ensure timely execution of projects.• Conceptualized wireframes, designed layouts, and provided strategic programming and navigational guidance for client websites.

Greater Los Angeles Area

• Worked directly with creative agencies and print vendors in planning and execution of Nestle PowerBar packaging, displays, and point-of-sales communication materials.• Designed new packaging designs across a global product portfolio, unifying aesthetic of eight product lines to better resonate with target consumers.• Initiated successful launch of packaging strategies for four novel products, aligning with PowerBar brand identity and showcasing unique merits of each offering.• Collaborated with marketing, sales, and retail partners to formulate and implement compelling in-store promotional campaigns.• Administered dual budgets dedicated to packaging enhancements and promotional initiatives.• Assessed and granted approval to potential vendors seeking inclusion in Nestle's preferred vendor roster, leveraging active participation within Nestle Design Council.

Greater Los Angeles Area

• Led expansion of creative services division within retirement services marketing department, elevating team from a two-person design unit to a dynamic workforce comprising five full-time professionals and one contracted expert.• Guided and supervised creative team in conceiving and crafting impactful marketing communications tailored to three distinct target audiences.• Pioneered formulation of design and messaging benchmarks integral to newly evolved corporate identity of retirement services division.• Modified sales proposal into a customer-centric document aligned with updated brand directives.• Implemented new workflow aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency throughout the review process.

Greater Los Angeles Area

• Managed a team of up to three designers, met with and advised clients, and ensured overall style and consistency of projects.• Conceived and created graphic aids for courtroom presentations in both electronic and board formats.• Assisted the workflow coordinator, organized job schedules, updated the workflow database and posted and maintained proofs on the company website for client review.• Worked on-site as a design consultant serving as a local point-of-contact and support to clients.• Plotted and output to large format printers and oversaw production of multi-faceted boards.

Greater Los Angeles Area

• Served as part of a two-person design team responsible for all printed materials for Transamerica Retirement Services’ Marketing Department.• Worked directly with all levels of management, writers, web team and vendors.• Managed all production aspects of projects, including pricing, prepress file prep, and press checking. • Created marketing campaigns consistent and distinct to various products and audiences.• Designed style and layout for several monthly and quarterly newsletters.• Created and updated Sales Kits; including presentation binders, brochures, and presentation slides.