Creative Lead

Yas Mall; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A Manchester-based footwear brand is seeking a creative individual to lead the production of visuals and content that captivate sneaker enthusiasts. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in content creation and a profound understanding of UK street and creative culture. Responsibilities include generating content for social media channels and collaborating closely with the GM and Creative Director to shape content strategy. This role offers a hybrid working environment with opportunities for growth in the sneaker and streetwear scene.

Benefits

Access to exclusive sneaker drops

Opportunities to attend streetwear events

Hands-on learning in design and content

Qualifications

• Deep connection with UK / London street & creative culture.
• Min. 5 years in content creation, preferably in streetwear, sneakers, or fashion.
• Proven experience of creating impactful content that helped grow brands.

Responsibilities

• Generate and edit daily/weekly content across social channels.
• Collaborate with GM and Creative Director on seasonal content.
• Identify and connect with micro-influencers and stylists.

Skills

Content creation

Visual storytelling

Editing skills

Copywriting skills

Trend awareness

Tools

Adobe Suite

CapCut

Lightroom

TikTok/IG editing tools

Job description

About SOL3MATES

SOL3MATES is a Manchester-based footwear brand. We’re rooted in Manchester’s vibrant scene, living for sneakers, creativity, and the hustle of sneaker culture. Join our team to create visuals, content, and social media moments that make sneakerheads worldwide stop scrolling.

Mission

Own the creation of scroll-stopping visuals, content, and social media for SOL3MATES, delivering high-impact assets at the pace of our growth. Translate the Creative Director’s vision into designs and content that fuel our sneaker-obsessed brand while driving engagement and community love.

What you will be doing

Content Ownership

• Generate concept, facilitate shoot and edit daily/weekly content across social channels (IG, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Pinterest)

• Build short-form and long form narratives that connect the brand’s design philosophy with UK streetwear culture

• Keep a live pulse on trends in music, subcultures and streetwear, and translate them into stories that feel “in sync with the moment”

Creative Direction

• Collaborate with GM, Creative Director & performance marketing agency to shape the seasonal content calendar

• Direct UGC creators, photographers, stylists, and editors to align under one strong creative direction

• Craft “drop” storytelling: launch teasers, behind-the-scenes, lifestyle reels, on-foot edits, and campaign moments

Community & Influence

• Identify and connect with micro-influencers, stylists, and creative collectives that move the Soho scene

• Host content sessions, pop-ups, or studio shoots that blend authenticity with aspiration

• Be the cultural bridge between our audience/community and the brand

Performance & Innovation

• Track performance metrics and iterate based on engagement & conversion

• Experiment with new formats (i.e. AI visuals, mixed-media storytelling, lo-fi + hi-fi contrasts)

• Push creative boundaries while keeping brand integrity intact

Requirements

• Deep connection with UK / London street & creative culture, with strong understanding of trends

• Min. 5 years in content creation, preferably in streetwear, sneakers, or fashion/lifestyle brands

• Proven experience of creating impactful content that helped grow brands

• Strong visual storytelling, editing and copywriting skills

• Proven ability to turn creative ideas into polished, high-performing content

• Fluency in tools: Adobe Suite, CapCut, Lightroom, TikTok/IG editing tools, etc.

• Natural ability to spot cultural cues before they go mainstream

• Bonus: Experience in styling, creative direction, or working with photographers

Mindset

• You care about taste, not trends.

• You are proactive and move fast, but think deeply.

• You believe creative work should make people feel something.

• You understand that great brands are built at the intersection of craft and culture.

• You want to make a difference and are looking for a mission that’s bigger than “just a job”.

What Success Looks Like

• You turn our products into on-brand stories people talk about.

• Our audience starts referencing the SOL3MATES brand in the same sentence as Soho icons.

• You help define what “evolving taste” looks like for the next generation.

Logistics

• Location: UK based (hybrid; some in-person at HQ for shoots or collabs).

• Schedule: Full-time, with occasional evenings/weekends for launches or events.

• Travel: As needed for sneaker events, factory visits, or partner activations.

• Reporting to the GM

Why Join SOL3MATES?

• Create with a Manchester-based crew that’s obsessed with sneakers and design.

• Hybrid work in Manchester’s buzzing streetwear scene, with flexibility to keep you inspired.

• Grow your skills in design, content, and social media with hands-on learning.

• Score exclusive sneaker drops, access to Manchester’s streetwear events, and collabs with sneaker culture icons.

How to Apply

Ready to design the future of sneaker culture with SOL3MATES? Apply withyour CV, a cover letter, and a portfolio showcasing your content creation, graphic design (show multiple visuals that have been created by yourself in illustrator etc), photography, and video work (Tiktok reels and something more polished that has been edited, cinematic) (extra points for sneaker/streetwear content). In your cover letter, tell us your favorite sneaker and why it’s a legend.