At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative design projects for iconic beauty brands and develop compelling campaign ideas.
- Company: Join The B-Hive, an innovative in-house agency at Boots.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous discounts, retirement savings, and 24/7 support.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on growth, inclusion, and creativity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of beauty with your creativity and strategic vision.
- Qualifications: Experience in design leadership and a strong portfolio in integrated campaigns.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Creative Design Lead, The B-Hive
Location
Nottingham or London
Contract
Permanent
Recruitment Partner
Olivia Wilson
About the role
The B-Hive is an in-house creative agency bringing to life the creative needs of some of the most recognisable brands in the beauty industry, including No7, Soap & Glory, Liz Earle and Boots own brand.
We combine the capabilities of an external creative and production agency with the speed, flexibility and in-depth brand knowledge of an in-house team, underpinned by years of experience dedicated to Boots and No7 Beauty Company.
We are looking for an experienced and talented Creative Design Lead to join our creative team.
The ideal candidate will have exceptional conceptual and visual design skills, a strong understanding of brand identity and the ability to develop compelling campaign ideas that work across multiple platforms.
This role requires someone who is both strategic and imaginative, with the design expertise to translate marketing objectives and customer insight into distinctive creative concepts, visual worlds and beautifully crafted executions.
- What you’ll be doing
- Develop big creative ideas that can scale across channels and live beyond an individual execution.
- Lead the early conceptual development of priority briefs, working closely with the Copy Lead, Strategy and other creative specialists to turn strategic thinking and customer insight into distinctive campaign ideas.
- Interrogate and strengthen briefs, identifying the core creative problem and establishing a clear proposition before moving into design development.
- Create compelling campaign concepts, visual worlds and design executions that can scale across digital advertising, film, print, social media, CRM, retail and other customer touchpoints.
- Ensure ideas are channel-neutral at their core, with the potential to translate effectively across different platforms, formats and customer experiences.
- Collaborate with copywriters, designers, strategists and other creative specialists to deliver cohesive and impactful campaigns.
- Lead and evaluate the visual direction of multiple projects, ensuring consistently high standards of design, craft and brand expression.
- Provide clear art direction and constructive feedback to designers and other creative team members.
- Present and sell creative thinking to senior clients and stakeholders, responding constructively to feedback while protecting the strength and integrity of the idea.
- Stay informed about developments in design, culture, technology and competitor activity to ensure the work remains relevant, distinctive and fresh.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver high-quality work within deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Participate actively in creative reviews and feedback sessions, championing the quality and effectiveness of the work.
- What you’ll need to have (our must-haves)
- A bachelor’s degree in design or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Proven experience as a senior designer, design lead or art director within an advertising, marketing or creative environment, either agency-side or in-house.
- A strong integrated campaign portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, visual storytelling and high-quality design across a range of brands, audiences and platforms.
- Excellent understanding of typography, layout, colour, imagery, brand identity and art direction.
- Proven experience leading, motivating and developing a large and diverse multidisciplinary creative team.
- Strong line management experience, including setting objectives, providing constructive feedback, supporting career development and managing performance.
- The ability to interrogate briefs, understand the underlying strategic or customer challenge and turn it into a clear creative proposition.
- A keen eye for detail, supported by strong visual research and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to adapt creative and visual approaches for different brands, audiences, channels and formats.
- Strong storytelling and presentation skills, with the confidence to communicate and advocate for creative ideas with senior stakeholders.
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- The creativity and curiosity to explore unexpected ideas and turn them into effective design solutions.
- The ability to establish and craft the design direction and strategic foundations for briefs managed through B-Hive.
- The confidence to act as a source of inspiration, guidance and creative leadership for B-Hive teams.
- The ability to lead alongside as a creative voice for B-Hive, actively presenting, championing and advocating for the team’s work.
- Experience contributing to the strategic planning and creative development of projects.
- It would be great if you also have
- Experience working in the beauty industry or a similar brand-led sector.
- Experience developing and presenting strategic creative pitches.
- An understanding of AI and how it can be used appropriately and responsibly within the creative and design process.
- Experience working in an agency environment and managing multiple briefs, brands and stakeholders.
- Where your brilliance can take you
At Boots, we are committed to your growth and development. You will have the opportunity to learn something new every day and shape your career path within our dynamic team.
About No7 Beauty Company
No7 Beauty Company is made up of five iconic brands – No7, Liz Earle, Soap & Glory, Botanics and Sleek Make UP.
We believe in creating the best in beauty for everyone – we’re innovators with a passion for challenging perceptions with ground-breaking products, proven results and positive impact.
We have built a reputation on scientific innovation, whilst being environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
We are an equal opportunity employer, empowering our team members to be their authentic selves as we share a culture where diversity, equity and inclusion are at the centre of everything we do.
Why Boots?
We offer a range of benefits designed for you, including
- Boots Retirement Savings Plan (up to 12% company contribution)
- Generous employee discounts for you and a family member
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay
- Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.
What’s next?
If this sounds like the role for you, we'd love to hear from you!
If you apply, our team will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application or to arrange next steps.
We are open to discussing part-time and job share options.
Join us at Boots and be part of a team that champions inclusion and values individuality.
Together, we can create a welcoming culture where everyone can thrive!
- Keywords
- Creative Design Lead, The B-Hive, Agency, Marketing, No7
Creative Design Lead, The B-Hive in Nottingham employer: BOOTS
Boots is an exceptional employer, especially for those looking to make a meaningful impact during the festive season. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and customer service, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that fosters personal growth and offers industry-recognised training. Additionally, the generous employee discounts and wellbeing support ensure that staff feel valued and motivated throughout their time with us in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Creative Design Lead, The B-Hive in Nottingham
✨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 BOOTS 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 BOOTS 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 BOOTS 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 BOOTS. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Creative Design Lead, The B-Hive in Nottingham
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 BOOTS. 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 BOOTS:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about BOOTS’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 BOOTS
✨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 BOOTS 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 BOOTS, 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.
