At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative team in producing innovative video and motion content.
- Company: Join Autotrader, the UK's trusted automotive marketplace and tech innovator.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, 28 days holiday, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid working model with opportunities for remote work.
- Why this job: Shape the future of creative storytelling in a vibrant and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in video production and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
About us
You've probably heard of Autotrader, but do you know what we're all about? We're the most trusted, most visited automotive marketplace in the UK. A heritage brand and a tech innovator. We bring together vehicle buyers and sellers to give them real choices. Cars may be what we're best known for but we’re also the place for pretty much everything else on wheels, from e-bikes to caravans. In the automotive world, change is a constant, that’s why we take our job of untangling the complex car-buying journey very seriously. At our core, we’re all about people. We go our own way while embracing diversity and celebrating our differences. We dedicate ourselves to the idea that we work better together. Autotrader is a beautiful, surprising and vibrant place to work. We might not be for everyone, but we could be perfect for you.
About the job
Help shape the next chapter of Autotrader's in-house creative studio. We're moving from a production-led team to an in-house creative agency, with the ambition to stand alongside the best in-house teams in the industry. As our Video & Motion Lead, you'll lead four people across two film and two motion roles, combining creative direction, people development and hands-on craft. Your background might be in film or motion graphics; what matters is that you can confidently lead both, give each discipline room to grow and bring them together to make better work whilst demonstrating your hands-on creative and technical skills. You'll set the creative and technical standard for video and motion, from early ideas through filming, animation and post-production. Alongside directing and supporting others, you'll stay hands-on: picking up a camera, editing footage or animating when the work needs you. Your work will span consumer, customer, and employee branding, as well as various forms of internal and external communications, from brand campaigns and retailer stories to internal films and business events.
You'll line-manage and develop the team, giving clear feedback, strengthening technical skills, and finding opportunities for people to stretch through their work. You'll also help shape the studio's direction, making sure film and motion are part of the conversation about its future capabilities and creative opportunities. Working with our producers, you'll prioritise work, plan resources and decide where to invest time and craft. Producers support briefing, workflow and shoot administration, giving you space to focus on the team and the work. You'll build relationships with senior stakeholders, challenge briefs constructively and guide feedback and decisions through to delivery, including during high-pressure business events. You'll explore and apply AI and emerging production tools thoughtfully, improving workflows while knowing where human craft and judgement matter most.
What we're looking for
- Significant hands-on creative and technical experience in video, motion graphics, and post-production.
- Extensive experience leading high-performing teams by helping people grow, developing confidence and progress in their careers.
- Experience managing production schedules, resources, budgets, and external suppliers.
- Experience developing and implementing production standards and systems, creative processes, documentation and governance to improve consistency and efficiency.
- Extensive experience translating and supporting the team through complex briefs into clear, effective video solutions.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and senior stakeholder management skills, with the ability to balance creative ambition with strategic business objectives.
- Experience identifying and implementing emerging trends, creative technology and automation, and AI to improve how the team works.
- You excel at setting and managing expectations by having honest performance, development, and wellbeing conversations with your team.
- You lead by example, acting as a role model for our values and ways of working, ensuring your decisions balance both people's needs and business outcomes.
During our application process, you will be asked two questions to help us learn more about you and how you align with our values. We’ll also ask you to share one video that showcases your strengths, your style and the kind of creative thinking you’d bring to the role. These will be used as part of our selection criteria to determine if we progress your application further.
Benefits
We’re offering a salary of 65,000 – 80,000, plus an additional 10% of your salary awarded to you in shares each year. These awarded shares will become yours in yearly instalments over the next three years, and you can choose to either sell them or keep them as shares. You'll have 28 days holiday per year, and that's in addition to bank holidays and half day closures on Christmas and New Year's Eve. That’s not all. You'll be enrolled in our pension scheme, where our standard contributions are 7% and employee contributions are 5%. We also have comprehensive private medical cover, enhanced family leave provisions, a car salary sacrifice scheme, share-save options, and much more. We always want to give you the support you need and help prioritise your wellbeing, that’s why we provide access to a Digital GP service, as well as specialist support for assisted fertility, gender dysphoria, menopause, period care plans and lots more.
On top of all that, our hybrid model, Connected Working, combines the best of both worlds – office and home working. You'll spend a minimum of 3 days a week in the office with your team, focused on collaboration and connection. Additionally, we have our remote-first periods at set times during summer and winter. During these periods, you can work remotely anywhere in the UK and from certain locations abroad. Alongside a wide range of benefits, we'll help you settle in with confidence from day one. If you're successful, one of the first things you'll experience is our tailored new-starter induction programme, Great Start, designed to help you feel welcome, connected, and set up for success.
Video & Motion Lead employer: AutoTrader UK
At Autotrader, we pride ourselves on being a leading automotive marketplace that values innovation and diversity. Our collaborative tech community fosters an environment where Senior Software Engineers can thrive, with ample opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. With a hybrid working model, generous benefits including 28 days of holiday, private medical cover, and unique support for employee wellbeing, we ensure our team members feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Video & Motion Lead
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for AutoTrader UK and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like AutoTrader UK are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with AutoTrader UK on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at AutoTrader UK. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Video & Motion Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit AutoTrader UK. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of AutoTrader UK:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about AutoTrader UK’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AutoTrader UK
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at AutoTrader UK will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At AutoTrader UK, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
