Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML's specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world's largest and most awarded health agencies. VML's global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

Role Description

The Senior Art Director is responsible for designing and producing outstanding artwork for both the Client and the Agency. The primary focus of this position is concept and design development pushing for new and innovative solutions. The incumbent will create unique, cost‐effective, quality artwork in a timely manner.

What will you be expected to do in this role

Lead and establish the art direction for all experience design projects or pitches
Provide guidance and review on the work done by designers and/or freelancers
Define and drive new design processes that can benefit the team and the organization
Perform regular check-ins with designers to upkeep team's motivation
Provide project updates and team's progress to head of department when required
Produce video or motion graphics to help sell a creative idea
Present team's work to internal stakeholders and clients
Co-chair or lead brainstorming sessions and team meetings
Lead ideation with fellow designers to create idea boards and comps
Proven ability to develop client relationships in order to push the client in accepting the correct creative answer to their business problem, not the safe answer
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other departments

You Should Possess The Following

Minimally 5 years of experience in agency (global or local)
Understand the importance of the big idea and how well the work reflects it within the framework of the clients brand
Strong portfolio that demonstrates art direction and visual design for multiple touchpoints driven by creative ideas is a must-have
Understand the marketing objectives and demonstrate an ability to deliver the message through design
Possess strong design aesthetics with expertise in one or more of the following areas - Storytelling, Digital Imaging, User Interface Design, Infographics, Typography, Illustration, Animation, or Motion Graphics
Mastery of modern design software like Photoshop & Illustrator, Figma & Blender will be an added bonus
Working knowledge of animation tools like AfterEffects to create micro-animation, interactive prototypes, and showcase videos to help bring to life the creative vision
Working knowledge of productivity tools like Apple Keynote, Microsoft Powerpoint or Google Slides
Passionate in providing mentorship to young designers and help them be better in their design careers
Ability to lead and facilitate discussions / brainstorms amongst team members, and/or clients
Clear communicator to present your team's work to internal stakeholders and clients alike
Ability to defend the work created by your team with a strong design point of view and thoughtful creative rationale
Proactive and self-motivated learner

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit  www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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Senior Art Director (FMCG)