Associate Creative Director

Are you a visionary creative leader ready to shape the future of brand communication? Join a dynamic, independent agency at the forefront of integrated communications, with a strong digital core. As a partner with Aquent, this agency is seeking a trailblazer to elevate their creative output and drive significant impact for a diverse portfolio of clients across various sectors. This is a pivotal opportunity to not only lead award-winning campaigns but also to play a key role in the agency’s exciting growth trajectory, directly influencing strategic direction and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

About the Agency:

We are partnering with an independent integrated communications agency renowned for its digital-first approach and a passion for delivering outstanding creative work. This collaborative and hardworking environment thrives on producing brilliant solutions for a diverse range of clients. The agency values a fun culture, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

About the Role:

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced creative professional to step into a leadership position, driving the conceptual and artistic direction of integrated campaigns. You will be instrumental in originating groundbreaking creative concepts and developing them into comprehensive solutions, overseeing projects from initial ideation through to final asset delivery. This role offers significant influence within the wider leadership team, contributing directly to the agency’s strategic growth and fostering a culture of creative excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

* Collaborate closely with the Creative Director on the development of compelling campaign concepts, strategic approaches, and impactful client presentations.
* Lead conceptual copywriting, crafting engaging campaign headlines, and providing expert conceptual art direction.
* Generate original and highly effective creative concepts, both independently and in collaboration with senior creative talent.
* Assess and provide clear direction on concepts developed by freelance senior creative teams.
* Provide comprehensive design art direction, guiding projects from initial concept through to final delivery.
* Manage and supervise multiple integrated projects, coordinating effectively with both internal and external teams.
* Take ownership of the agency’s overall creative product, ensuring consistent quality and innovation.
* Lead the growth and development of the design department, fostering talent and best practices.
* Ensure brand identity and message consistency across all client brands and campaigns.
* Engage with existing clients, ensuring their objectives, values, budgets, and deadlines are met.
* Present creative work to clients with confidence, skillfully incorporating feedback and problem-solving.
* Lead and actively participate in dynamic brainstorming sessions.
* Oversee creative resourcing strategies, including the hiring of freelance talent.
* Play a crucial role in new business pitches, contributing innovative ideas and strategic insights.
* Champion training, knowledge sharing, and continuous adherence to industry best practices.

Required Skills & Experience:

* Relevant agency experience at a senior creative level.
* Proven experience working as part of a creative concept team, contributing to idea generation and execution.
* Extensive art direction experience.
* Strong conceptual copywriting experience.
* Demonstrated track record of successful concept ideation and strategy development.
* In-depth knowledge of integrated marketing, with a particular emphasis on digital and social media.
* Excellent presentation skills and a confident communication style with a strong, articulate opinion.
* Experience leading and managing creative teams.
* A proactive ‘can-do’ approach and a willingness to be hands-on.
* A natural problem-solver.
* Ability to establish and nurture strong relationships with new and existing clients at all levels.
* A commercial and strategic thinker who balances business objectives with creative vision.
* Proficiency in industry-standard creative software.
* An advertising degree or equivalent professional qualification.