Associate Creative Director, Social

Dept; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative digital agency is on the lookout for a passionate Associate Creative Director to lead their dynamic social team. This role is all about crafting standout social-first ideas that resonate with audiences and drive engagement. You will be at the forefront of developing creative strategies, managing a talented team, and ensuring that the content produced is not only high-quality but also culturally relevant. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a knack for social media, this is your chance to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking company that values creativity and collaboration.

Benefits

Flexible working policy

Choice of healthcare providers

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Ride to Work scheme

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Buddy Program for new joiners

Opportunities for professional development

Global DEPT Cares Month

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading creative teams in social media.
• Strong understanding of social media trends and platform specifics.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative social-first ideas to inspire clients.
• Lead and motivate the social team to ensure high-quality content.

Skills

Social Media Strategy

Creative Team Leadership

Digital Marketing Expertise

Editorial Skills

Presentation Skills

Attention to Detail

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Social-First Thinking

Community Engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing or Related Field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

This position is based in our Marketing & Technology service in London. We combine data, technology, creative content, and paid media to solve brands' business problems & drive revenue through digital marketing solutions such as ad campaigns, augmented reality, and chatbots. Our clients include ASOS, Just Eat Takeaway, Twitch, TikTok, and The White Company.

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking an exceptional, social-obsessed Associate Creative Director (ACD) to join DEPT’s creative team. The role involves leading social teams to be happy, healthy, and high-performing, focusing on organic social and digital content. The ideal candidate will have experience in team resourcing, task allocation, and pastoral care, reporting to an Editorial Director.

The ACD should have a comprehensive understanding of creative, strategy, insights, and reporting, translating these into clear directions for a team producing high-volume content across brand channels, ensuring cultural relevance and community engagement.

The candidate must have extensive experience leading large social teams, either in-house or at an agency, to maintain creative excellence and efficient processes. Deep knowledge of social media trends, platform specifics, social listening, cultural insights, creator programmes, media, and data-driven creative decisions is essential.

Familiarity with best practices in platform strategy, creative content, social strategy, production, and reporting is key. The candidate should uphold high standards of excellence in process implementation and innovative workflows.

Strong presentation skills are required, as the person will represent the agency to key clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop standout social-first ideas that capture attention and inspire clients and creatives alike.
2. Identify opportunities for account growth through innovative campaigns rooted in community and culture.
3. Provide strategic leadership to ensure client success through high-quality content.
4. Lead, develop, motivate, and inspire DEPT’s social team, fostering collaboration.
5. Coordinate with the accounts team to ensure smooth monthly content production.
6. Plan short-term and long-term content strategies for clients.
7. Set objectives and performance goals for the team.
8. Propose effective workflows and pursue new opportunities aggressively.
9. Balance hands-on involvement with oversight to ensure quality and efficiency.
10. Deliver innovative, high-quality work across all team outputs.
11. Stay informed of current advertising, media trends, and pop culture.
12. Contribute to the evolution of our creative processes with experience and ideas.
13. Present work internally and externally to high standards.
14. Keep up-to-date with industry developments.
15. Foster team collaboration, sharing, and cohesion through social and team-building activities.
16. Manage recruitment and pastoral care of a large creative team.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

• Social-first thinking at the core of ideas and concepts.
• A passion for social media, especially organic social.
• Strategically minded with the ability to sell larger ideas.
• Proven experience in editorial roles, in-house or agency.
• Expertise in social media and digital marketing.
• Experience in building and leading creative teams.
• Outstanding portfolio demonstrating successful work.
• Ability to meet deadlines, collaborate effectively with teams and clients.
• High attention to visual and copywriting details.
• Ability to focus under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Enthusiasm for learning and exploring new media.

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.

WE OFFER

• Flexible, hybrid working policy.
• Choice of healthcare providers (Bupa or Medicash).
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and your birthday off.
• Company pension scheme.
• Ride to Work scheme.
• Enhanced family-friendly policies.
• Buddy Program for new joiners.
• Recognition as a Certified B Corp since 2021, and awards like ‘Agency of the Year’ at The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Work with diverse clients of all sizes and industries.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Global DEPT Cares Month to support local charities.

WHO ARE WE?

We are digital pioneers, always looking ahead to create what doesn’t exist today. Born digital, with expertise in tech and marketing, we hire curious, talented, and self-driven individuals committed to innovation.

Our culture combines global reach with a caring, supportive environment. With teams across 30+ countries, we provide tools, opportunities, and autonomy to solve client challenges worldwide.

DEPT is committed to positive impact, being Climate Neutral and B Corporation certified since 2021.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

We pride ourselves on an inclusive workplace where everyone has equal opportunities. We actively recruit, develop, and retain diverse talent and encourage applications from underrepresented groups. If you need reasonable adjustments during recruitment or employment, please reach out. Learn more about our DEI efforts here.