Creative Lead

JR United Kingdom; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency in Manchester is searching for a Creative Lead or Director with a strong passion for football. This role focuses on leading high-profile campaigns that connect sports culture with diverse audiences, demanding a strategic thinker and creative visionary.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in creative roles, preferably at leading agencies.
• Strong portfolio with global sport and football work.
• Experience leading talent-driven shoots.

Responsibilities

• Leading creative ideation and execution for football-centered campaigns.
• Collaborating with athletes and brand teams for content.
• Directing teams through concept development and storytelling.

Skills

Leadership

Storytelling

Collaboration

Design Eye

Job description

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On behalf of a world-class creative agency, we’re searching for a Creative Lead or Creative Director with football running through their veins. This agency partners with some of the biggest global brands across sport, lifestyle, and culture—delivering bold, insight-led, and talent-driven campaigns that live across every platform.

Job Title: Creative Lead / Creative Director – Football Focused

Location: Manchester / Hybrid

Creative Agency - Permanent - Competitive Package

We're looking for a true creative leader - someone who not only brings exceptional craft and strategic thinking but also a genuine passion for football and its culture. You should thrive working with high-profile talent, directing shoots, and shaping powerful global campaigns that connect sport to a wider cultural audience.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading the creative ideation and execution of standout campaigns where football is the heartbeat.
• Working with top-tier athletes, talent, and influencers on content and production across global markets.
• Collaborating closely with strategists, producers, and brand teams to turn insights into culturally resonant creative.
• Directing multidisciplinary teams through concept development, storytelling, and design—across film, digital, social, and experiential.
• Pitching big ideas and presenting creative with conviction, clarity, and passion.
• Pushing creative boundaries while staying authentic to football’s global and grassroots culture

What We’re Looking For:

• 7+ years in creative roles, ideally within leading agencies or brand studios - Creative Lead, ACD, or CD level.
• A strong portfolio showcasing global sport and football-specific work, especially across multi-channel campaigns.
• Experience leading talent-driven shoots, branded content, and high-production-value creative.
• A deep-rooted love for football - its history, its present, its culture.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills, capable of inspiring internal teams and clients alike.
• Excellent storytelling instincts and a sharp design eye.
• A collaborative mindset and comfort working in fast-moving, creatively ambitious environments.

Nice to Have:

• Experience across other lifestyle or culture-led categories (e.g., fashion, music, youth culture).
• Connections within the football and talent space.
• Experience working on integrated campaigns across brand, product, and purpose.