Creative Director jobs and careers

A career in creative direction is typically an agency role, but you can also work directly for one business. A Creative Director is responsible for defining the creative direction across a range of channels as well as being a crucial part of the senior or exec team. A Creative Director could work across a wide variety including advertising campaigns, branding, digital (web, social, direct marketing, user interface, app). They could be above the line, below the line or fully integrated in delivery. As a managerial position, the Creative Director will usually head up a multi-disciplinary team of Artworkers, Copywriters, Designers and Art Directors.

Why consider a career as a Creative Director?

Creative direction gives you the opportunity to lead, hire and manage creative teams, define concepts, pitch for new business and contribute to strategy.

What a career or job as a Creative Director may entail…

The Creative Director will often be the most senior creative position within a studio. They will lead a varied team that may include Graphic Designers, Digital Designers, Copywriters, Art Directors, Artworkers, Motion Graphics Designers and film and video professionals.

Every Creative Director role is different, but will typically focus on concept creation, business development, management and leadership. They will be the mind behind the ‘big idea’ and use their team to implement their vision.

Typical role titles include

Creative Director
Associate Creative Director
Executive Creative Director

Career progression example

Senior Art Director
Associate Creative Director
Creative Director
Exec Creative Director

Salary Benchmarks

We’ve outlined the latest salary benchmarks for Creative Director roles in the guides below:

Design Salary Guide South West

Is it right for me? The skills it takes…

Conceptual ability is key, you should have a wide understanding and knowledge of design, marketing and writing to be able to effectively lead and direct the creative process. You will typically need to be client-facing and confident in business development. You’ll need to be comfortable managing others, handling budgets and contributing to a senior agency team.

What qualifications does it take?

You will usually need a foundation degree or diploma within a relevant subject. For example, these could include graphic design, graphic communication, illustration, art, creative writing, marketing or branding.

Our User Experience & Design recruitment team

  • Contract Delivery Manager

    Technology, Marketing & Agency, User Experience & Design

    View profile

    Ben Halligan

  • Head of Design Recruitment

    User Experience & Design Recruitment

    View profile

    Sam Firth

  • Recruiter

    User Experience & Design

    View profile

    Chris Nasrawi

JOB
SEARCH

Our latest User Experience & Design jobs

We connect ambitious organisations with their greatest assets, equally ambitious talent.

UX/UI Designer – Self-Service Web Portal

  • Bristol
  • Contract
  • Up to £500 p/day "Outside IR35"

Full details

3 Months Initial - Remote Work

Potential to extend.

Remote work (from the UK).

Full details

05th Mar

UX Designer (Part-time)

Purpose Driven

  • London (Hybrid)
  • Permanent
  • Up to £32k

Full details

Independent global education client

Lead user experience on an essential product for the education sector.

Join a welcoming team passionate about designing for good.

Full details

05th Mar

Mid/Senior Copywriter

  • Bristol
  • Permanent
  • TBC

Full details

Strategic Branding Agency

Join a top Bristol agency.

Work on projects backed with great strategic thinking.

Full details

05th Feb

LOAD MORE JOBS

Salary guides:

  • -
    Design Perm Salary Guide

    The purpose of this guide is to provide a snapshot of Design salary bandings across different skillsets and industries.