Creative Lead

JR United Kingdom; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A world-class creative agency is seeking a Creative Lead or Director with a passion for football. The role involves leading innovative campaigns, collaborating with top talent, and pushing creative boundaries to connect sport with culture. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in creative roles, a strong portfolio, and a love for football.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in creative roles, ideally within leading agencies or brand studios.
• Strong portfolio showcasing global sport and football-specific work.

Responsibilities

• Leading the creative ideation and execution of standout campaigns focused on football.
• Collaborating closely with strategists and producers to turn insights into creative.

Skills

Leadership

Storytelling

Creativity

Collaboration

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.