Full-Time
Photo Art Director
Kohl's
10,001+ employees
Apparel, home goods retailer
No salary listed
Milwaukee, WI, USA
In Person
 Art, Graphics & Animation (1) |
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- 2-3 years of related work experience with a focus on on-set art direction
- Experience with digital photography and editing software
- Direct on-set photo, motion and video shoots, ensuring that lighting, styling, hair and makeup, set design and perspective aligns with established creative direction
- Create detailed style guides and inspirational mood boards for assigned shoots, providing clear reference for lighting, background, wardrobe and casting needs
- Partner with producers, photographers, videographers, stylists, and editors to manage daily shoot flow and maintain shoot timelines
- Oversee image and footage capture in real-time, making immediate decisions on adjustments needed for framing, composition or styling
- Review, select and work with the retouching and editing teams to ensure all assets meet Kohl’s visual and quality standards with minimal rounds of feedback
- Research styling trends, photography inspiration, and industry benchmarks to inform and evolve Kohl’s branded photo and video content
- Stay ahead of industry trends by regularly conducting competitive and market research, keeping a pulse on emerging aesthetics, consumer behavior and creative technology to ensure Kohl’s visual content remains fresh, relevant and forward-thinking
- Develop and present visual concepts for seasonal shoots and marketing initiatives, supporting creative leadership in achieving the brand vision
- Utilize emerging AI technologies to enhance creative exploration, concept ideation, and execution
- Contribute ideas during creative planning sessions and adapt direction based on feedback from creative managers and partners
- Partner with project managers, creative team members and merchant stakeholders to gather context and understand the product stories being told
- Act as a key contact on-set for executing creative objectives, adjusting and collaborating in real-time with producers and cross-functional teams
- Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, clearly articulating visual concepts and delivering updates on shoot progress and outcomes
- Champion operational excellence by looking for tools, templates, and workflows that drive efficiency, reduce manual revisions, and create consistency across projects, especially for recurring or high-volume content
- Additional tasks may be assigned
- 2–3 years of experience in photo art direction, ideally within a creative, retail or agency environment
- BFA in Design, Photography, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Proficiency on a Mac platform with skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat
- Proficiency with digital editing software, including Capture One
Kohl's is a major U.S. retailer offering clothing, shoes, home goods, toys, electronics, and more through online and physical stores. It supports omnichannel shopping with options like buy online, pick up in-store and frequent promotions, including free shipping on many items. Revenue comes from merchandise sales and partnerships, with additional income from its Kohl's Cash loyalty program and credit card partnerships. The goal is to provide value and convenience to families and budget-conscious shoppers by blending a wide product mix, easy returns, and a simple, rewards-enhanced shopping experience across channels.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Founded
1962
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Over 90% of 1,150 stores profitable, no 2026 closures planned.
- Free cash flow surges to $1B in 2025 from $182M in 2024.
- Oil prices drop 17% post-Iran ceasefire, cutting freight costs.
What critics are saying
- Comparable sales decline 2.8-3.1% in Q4 2025 persists.
- Jefferies cuts price target to $15 from $22 in March 2026.
- Digital sales grow only low single digits versus competitors.
What makes Kohl's unique
- Expands Sephora to 850 locations, growing 2% in Q4 2025.
- Introduces Deal Bar with items under $10 for price-sensitive shoppers.
- Promotes proprietary brands like Jumping Beans, FLX, Tek Gear.
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Your Connections
People at Kohl's who can refer or advise you
Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Company News
American Eagle and Kohl's shares jumped 4.5% following President Trump's announcement of a two-week suspension of attacks on Iran, which triggered a 17% drop in crude oil prices. The decline in oil prices eases inflationary pressures on retailers by reducing freight costs and fuel surcharges. Lower shipping expenses allow retailers to maintain better margins whilst potentially passing savings to customers. Reduced risks in the Strait of Hormuz also diminish inventory shortage concerns for goods sourced from the region. Delta's record quarterly sales further bolstered optimism, suggesting discretionary spending remains strong despite geopolitical headwinds. The combination of falling oil prices and robust consumer spending signals a potential turning point for consumer confidence and relief from recent inflationary pressures weighing on the retail sector.
Kohl's does not plan to close additional stores in 2026, despite shuttering 27 locations in early 2025. CEO Michael Bender said roughly 1,150 stores are "well over 90%" profitable during the company's 10 March earnings call. The retailer will focus on optimising existing locations rather than expanding or contracting its footprint. Kohl's plans to address consumer price sensitivity by offering more competitive pricing and expanding proprietary brands including Jumping Beans, FLX and Tek Gear. The company reported $125 million profit for the quarter, up from $48 million year-over-year, though overall sales declined 3.9%. Annual profit reached $272 million, surpassing the previous year's $109 million. Management expects sales to remain flat but anticipates stabilisation throughout the year.
Kohl's does not plan to close additional stores after shuttering 27 locations in early 2025, leaving it with 1,150 stores. CEO Michael Bender said over 90% of current stores are profitable, and the company will focus on optimising existing locations rather than opening or closing stores. The retailer is implementing strategies to boost sales amid consumer financial pressures, including introducing a "deal bar" with items under $10, expanding MAC Cosmetics to 850 Sephora locations, and increasing budget children's clothing options. Kohl's reported $125 million profit for the quarter ending 31 January 2026, up from $48 million the previous year. However, sales declined 3.9% for the quarter and 4% for the full year, continuing a multi-year downward trend. The company evaluates its store portfolio annually.
Kohl's is considering opening new stores in 2026 after improving its financial performance, CEO Michael Bender said. The department store chain, which operates over 1,100 locations with more than 90% profitable, closed 27 underperforming stores in early 2025 but is now focused on optimising existing locations rather than major expansions or closures. The Wisconsin-based retailer reported $272 million in profit for 2025, up from $186 million in 2024, with operating cash flow rising to $1.4 billion from $648 million. However, net sales fell 3.9% and comparable store sales dropped 2.8% in the latest quarter. To attract customers, Kohl's is emphasising value through initiatives like a new Deal Bar featuring items under $10 and simplified store layouts.
Kohl's Corporation released results for the quarter and year ended 31st January 2026, with quarterly net sales declining 3.9% year-on-year to $5.0 billion. Comparable sales fell 2.8% in Q4 2025, with severe weather conditions accounting for approximately 70 basis points of the decline after winter storms forced roughly half its stores to close in January. Store sales declined mid-single digits in both Q4 and FY 2025, primarily due to decreased transactions. For FY 2026, Kohl's expects net sales and comparable sales between a 2% decline and flat, operating margins of 2.8%–3.4%, and earnings per share of $1.00–$1.60. Following the results, Jefferies reduced its price target to $15 from $22 whilst maintaining a hold rating.