Visionary Art-Driven Creative Director

M+C Saatchi UK; New York (NY); On-site; USD 220,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

M+C Saatchi UK is seeking an experienced Creative Director (Art Focus) to lead visual identity and design excellence across client work. This role suits a visionary art director who has grown into leadership yet can still hands-on-concept, design and execute campaign assets when needed.

You’ll drive look, feel, and craft of campaigns, partnering with writers, strategists, and producers to create breakthrough work that’s strategically grounded and visually iconic.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of agency experience in art direction, design, and visual storytelling.
• At least 3+ years in a Creative Director, Associate Creative Director, or senior art leadership role.
• Strong portfolio showcasing award-winning design and integrated campaigns.
• Hands-on mastery of design tools; familiarity with motion, UX/UI, and emerging tech is a plus.
• Strong presentation and communication skills — able to sell creative ideas with clarity and passion.
• Proven experience leading and growing creative teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and elevate the agency’s design and visual standards across all channels, from broadcast to digital, social, experiential, and OOH.
• Set the visual direction for campaigns and guide teams in developing striking, brand-right creative.
• Balance oversight with execution — ensuring flawless design delivery while stepping in to concept or execute when needed.
• Oversee concept development, mood boards, style frames, layouts, and final design delivery.
• Personally contribute to design, typography, photography direction, illustration, and motion/UX design as needed.
• Push for visual innovation while maintaining brand integrity and consistency across all touchpoints.
• Confidently present creative and design concepts, articulating the rationale behind visual choices.
• Build trust with clients by listening to their needs and showing how strong design solutions can meet business objectives.
• Partner with copywriters to develop holistic, visually driven ideas.
• Work closely with strategy to ensure design solutions are rooted in insights and consumer truths.
• Collaborate with production partners, photographers, illustrators, animators, and developers to bring ideas to life with craft and polish.
• Mentor art directors, designers, and junior talent — pushing them creatively and professionally.
• Foster a design-driven culture that prizes craft, curiosity, and collaboration.

Skills

Art direction

Creative leadership

Brand storytelling

Presentations

Team leadership

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

M+C Saatchi UK is seeking an experienced Creative Director (Art Focus) to lead visual identity and design excellence across client work. This role suits a visionary art director who has grown into leadership yet can still hands-on-concept, design and execute campaign assets when needed.

You’ll drive look, feel, and craft of campaigns, partnering with writers, strategists, and producers to create breakthrough work that’s strategically grounded and visually iconic.