Creative Director

Komatsu • Milwaukee, WI, US • 1w ago

Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!

Job Overview

As the Creative Director, you will spearhead the global content and creative strategy that shapes and elevates our brand’s presence across diverse markets and platforms. This leadership role demands a visionary approach to brand storytelling, encompassing the entire creative lifecycle—from the initial strategic concept to the final production and distribution of compelling brand assets.

Your primary mission is to craft and implement a cohesive, insight-driven brand narrative that resonates on a global scale while flexibly adapting to regional nuances. Central to this role is the integration of content and creative functions into a synergized, high-impact team, driving a campaign-focused methodology that amplifies business outcomes through elevated brand awareness and deepened audience engagement.

In collaboration with senior brand leaders, regional partners, and agency collaborators, you will lead the development of innovative, human-centered brand expressions that are not only creative and distinctive but also thoroughly aligned with Komatsu’s evolving market positioning. The role also requires a keen focus on process efficiency, talent cultivation, and data-informed optimization to maintain a continuous trajectory of creative excellence and measurable impact.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of integrated global brand content and creative, ensuring all outputs are strategically aligned, insight-driven and designed to increase brand awareness, engagement and perception.

• Own the end-to-end creative and content pipeline — from narrative development and campaign ideation through production and asset creation — delivering a consistent, high-quality stream of brand storytelling across formats and channels.

• Unify content and creative into a single, high-performing team, fostering close collaboration, shared ownership and a campaign-led approach to brand building rather than siloed execution.

• Set and uphold the creative vision and quality bar for all brand outputs, ensuring work is distinctive, human-centered and reflective of Komatsu’s evolving brand positioning.

• Partner with Global Brand leadership, regional stakeholders and agency partners to shape strategic initiatives, ensuring creative solutions are grounded in business objectives and effectively activated across markets.

• Build scalable systems for content and asset development, enabling the creation of reusable, modular creative that supports global consistency while allowing for regional flexibility.

• Lead integrated campaign development, aligning content, design, video and motion into cohesive brand storytelling initiatives that can scale globally.

• Define and drive the global brand narrative, ensuring consistency in messaging, tone and storytelling approach across all outputs.

• Oversee creative and content planning, balancing long-term brand building initiatives with near-term business needs.

• Direct and review creative work across all formats, providing clear, actionable feedback and ensuring outputs meet a high standard of strategic and creative excellence.

• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team (writers, designers, video, motion), setting clear expectations, fostering growth and driving accountability for performance and output.

• Partner closely with the Senior Manager, Global Brand Activations, to align priorities, manage capacity and ensure efficient workflow across the content and creative pipeline.

• Collaborate with external agencies on major brand initiatives (campaigns, films, etc.), providing clear direction, ensuring alignment and maintaining quality control.

• Drive the development of a global asset library, ensuring content and creative outputs are modular, reusable and easily activated across regions.

• Engage with regional marketing and internal communications teams to ensure content and creative outputs are relevant, adaptable and effectively utilized.

• Continuously assess performance of content and creative outputs, using insights and data to refine approach and improve impact.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, design or related field required.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in brand, content and/or creative roles, with demonstrated experience leading integrated teams.
• Proven ability to develop and execute brand campaigns and content programs that drive engagement and brand impact.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in storytelling across formats (written, visual, video).
• Experience managing multidisciplinary creative teams and developing talent.
• Experience working with external agencies and managing creative production processes.
• Strong understanding of global marketing dynamics and experience working across regions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate creative rationale and influence stakeholders.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a high degree of autonomy and accountability.

Additional Information

Company Benefits

Komatsu provides an extensive and robust employee benefits package that is designed to enhance the well-being of our employees and family members. We embrace a positive and empowering employee experience with a culture that prides itself on a diverse and inclusive environment.

Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs, etc.
401k and/or employee savings programs
Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
Employee and family assistance programs
Disability benefits
Life insurance
Employee learning and development programs

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At Komatsu, we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions.  We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. Connected by our core values of ambition, perseverance, collaboration and authenticity, we are committed to continually advancing in our support of diversity and inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together. 

Company Information

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu employs more than 64,000 people worldwide, operating in more than 140 countries. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Since the company’s founding in 1921, Komatsu has been committed to supporting individuals and communities through job training, skills development and giving back. As a Komatsu employee, you will be encouraged to grow alongside our global company, contributing to a more sustainable future for all. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, join Komatsu to be a part of something big and help advance modern society. Learn more at www.komatsu.com.

EEO Statement

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.