Art Director

The Home Agency; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative agency is looking for a fearless Art Director to join the Retail team. This role involves leading motion, photography, and audio direction for projects, collaborating closely with various teams, and shaping content from the idea to final output. Candidates should have over 3 years of experience, a strong portfolio, and be proficient in directing live-action and stills shoots. This position offers a people-first environment, encouraging creative exploration and growth.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Recognition in a values-led culture

Supportive collaborative team

Variety and ownership from day one

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as an Art Director or equivalent.
• Experience directing live-action shoots, stills shoots, and voiceover direction.
• A portfolio showing excellent execution and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape motion, photography, and audio direction for projects.
• Direct live-action and stills shoots, building relationships with talent.
• Collaborate with production, design, and strategy teams.

Skills

Video production

Photography direction

Audio direction

Collaboration

Creative storytelling

Job description

IMA is a creative agency that builds brands people want to be part of. We’re looking for a fearless and craft-driven Art Director to join our Retail team. Operating at the intersection of performance, lifestyle, and fashion, you’ll help shape content and campaign direction for some of the world’s most iconic global brands.

If you are endlessly curious, culturally sharp, and possess a commitment to world-class craft, we want to hear from you.

What you’ll get from us

• A chance to develop your career within an award-winning, people-first creative agency.
• A values-led culture where your contribution is recognised and supported.
• Ownership and variety from day one, with the support of a collaborative team.
• A collaborative environment where you will work alongside production, motion, and digital specialists.
• A people-first environment where we challenge, grow, and deliver together.

The role

As an Art Director, you will report to the Creative Director. You will be a key member of our creative team, responsible for shaping content from the first idea to the final output. You will act as a creative guardian for brand stories, embodying a global creative voice while tailoring storytelling to evolving audiences.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and shaping motion, photography, and audio direction specifically for adidas projects.
• Directing or co-directing live-action and stills shoots while building strong relationships with talent and crew.
• Collaborating closely with creative production, design, and strategy teams to craft standout work across 2D/3D motion and VFX.
• Creating compelling presentations, mood boards, and production treatments for internal and client reviews.
• Driving the post-production process alongside editors and motion designers to deliver polished final outputs.
• Advising on the best deployment of moving and static content across retail, digital, and social channels.
• Pushing creative boundaries by testing new techniques and elevating craft at every stage.
• Staying ahead of trends in sport, culture, design, and fashion to bring fresh inspiration to the work.

What we’re looking for

• 3+ years of experience as an Art Director or equivalent, focusing on video, photography, and audio.
• Proven experience directing live-action shoots, stills shoots, and voiceover direction.
• A portfolio of directed work demonstrating excellent execution and attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of production processes, techniques, and visual styles.
• Solid industry awareness, ideally with exposure to sport, fashion, or lifestyle brands.

Our values at IMA

We’re curious. We challenge. We commit. These principles shape how we work — with each other, with clients, and with the world.

Apply now

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. If this Art Director role sounds like a fit, we’d love to hear from you.