Head of Creative Studio

Talent Matters; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Product discounts

Onsite facilities

Onsite parking

Job summary

Talent Matters is seeking an experienced Creative Director to lead its in-house Creative Studio for a premium Australian design and lifestyle brand. This hands-on leadership role requires balancing creative direction with active involvement in the work, including shoots and craft.

You'll collaborate with the Founder, CMO and Head of Brand to translate vision into high-quality work across global markets and channels, and shape AI-enabled workflows while maintaining exceptional craft.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience across graphic design and/or art direction with leadership experience.
• A portfolio showing campaign-level thinking and premium brand execution.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite; experience in motion design and knowledge of Figma.

Responsibilities

• Lead creative direction and brand standards across global markets.
• Remain hands-on with design, layout, and final artwork when required.
• Direct major still photo shoots and art direction for campaigns.
• Shape AI and emerging tech adoption in the studio to boost speed and quality.
• Lead, mentor and develop the Creative Studio team.
• Manage workflow, capacity and stakeholder priorities to deliver on time.
• Translate creative vision into high-quality, global campaigns.

Skills

8+ years experience

Portfolio excellence

Adobe Creative Suite

Motion design

Figma

Still photography direction

Typography & brand systems

AI tools

Multinational markets

Creative leadership

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

Job description

• Highly successful Premium Global Design & lifestyle brand
• Head Office based in South Sydney and 1 day work from home
• Lead the creative vision and stay close to the craft

• Highly successful Premium Global Design & lifestyle brand
• Head Office based in South Sydney and 1 day work from home
• Lead the creative vision and stay close to the craft
• $130-160K plus Super

This is not a traditional creative leadership role where your focus is limited to reviewing work, attending meetings and presenting to stakeholders.

This is a hands-on creative leadership opportunity for an experienced Creative Director, Art Director or Head of Studio who still loves being in the work.

You’ll lead an established in-house Creative Studio for a highly regarded Australian design and lifestyle brand with a growing global presence. You’ll shape campaign concepts, establish visual direction, lead major photography shoots and ensure every piece of creative reflects an exceptional standard of design and craftsmanship.

Working closely with the Founder, CMO and Head of Brand, you’ll translate a strong creative vision into considered, high-quality work across multiple markets and channels.

Your eye for detail will be just as important as your ability to lead. You’ll direct photographers and stylists, challenge layouts, refine concepts and, when required, get back into the Adobe suite yourself to bring the work over the line.

You’ll also play a key role in shaping how the studio adopts and uses AI — embracing emerging technology to improve efficiency and accelerate creative output without compromising quality or craft.

What You'll Own

Creative Vision & Brand Direction
Partner closely with the Founder and senior leadership team to interpret and translate the creative vision into compelling, consistent work across multiple global markets.

Hands-On Creative Execution
Remain close to the craft, designing, retouching, developing layouts and producing finished artwork when required. This is a role where you’ll lead from the front rather than simply delegate.

Campaign Concepting & Art Direction
Lead the development of campaigns from initial brief through to final execution, including the art direction of major still photography shoots from pre-production through to delivery.

Creative Quality & Brand Standards
Own the quality of creative output across all channels and markets, ensuring a consistent and highly considered visual identity.

AI & Emerging Technology
Own the studio’s approach to AI and emerging creative technologies. Experiment with new tools, establish best practice, train the team and identify opportunities to improve speed and efficiency while maintaining creative excellence.

Team Leadership
Lead, mentor and develop a talented Creative Studio team, fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, accountability and continuous improvement.

Workflow & Delivery
Partner with key stakeholders to manage priorities, capacity and workflow, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently without compromising the quality of the work.

About You

You’re an experienced creative leader who combines exceptional creative judgement with genuine hands-on capability.

You may currently be working as a Creative Director, Art Director, Head of Studio or Senior Art Director within a premium lifestyle, interiors, furniture, fashion, retail or design-led environment.
You’ll bring:

• 8+ years’ experience across graphic design and/or art direction, including at least 3 years leading a creative team
• An exceptional portfolio demonstrating campaign-level thinking, strong art direction and premium brand execution
• Advanced, current skills across Adobe Creative Suite, with experience in motion design and working knowledge of Figma
• Proven experience directing still photography shoots, ideally within a premium lifestyle, interiors, furniture or retail environment
• Strong understanding of typography, colour, composition, brand systems and visual storytelling
• Experience adapting creative across multiple international markets
• Current experience using AI creative tools, with the curiosity to continually explore and evaluate emerging technology
• The ability to critically assess AI-generated work and ensure technology enhances rather than replaces creative craft
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate creative concepts to senior stakeholders
• A resilient and collaborative approach, comfortable with feedback, iteration and working at pace

Most importantly, you have an exceptional eye, strong creative instincts and the ability to move seamlessly between leading a team and getting hands-on with the work yourself.

Why This Opportunity?

Genuine Creative Authority
A senior position with significant influence over the creative direction of a globally recognised Australian design brand.

Hands-On Leadership
A rare opportunity to lead a studio while remaining genuinely connected to the creative process and execution.

Global Exposure
Your work will be seen across multiple international markets and channels, contributing to the evolution of a premium global brand.

AI-Forward Creative Environment
Take ownership of how AI and emerging technologies are incorporated into the studio, with the opportunity to shape new ways of working.

Premium Design & Lifestyle Sector
Work within a highly design-focused environment where creativity, quality and attention to detail are genuinely valued.

Collaborative Senior Leadership Team
Work closely with senior leaders across Brand, Marketing, Digital, Content, Product and other key functions.

Additional Benefits
Enjoy a range of employee benefits, including product discounts, onsite facilities and convenient onsite parking.