At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative projects and inspire teams to deliver award-winning campaigns.
- Company: Join Cherry, an award-winning healthcare creative agency with a friendly culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and a wellbeing allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare communications while mentoring the next generation of creatives.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in art direction with strong conceptual and design skills.
- Other info: Be part of a motivated team that values innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid – 3 days in the office)
We’re looking for an Associate Creative Director (ACD) to help shape bold, impactful, and award‑winning work that drives measurable impact for clients and inspires our teams. We’ve cultivated a friendly and open culture and are looking for a candidate who can drive us forward – influencing our process, culture, and reputation within the agency and across our networked offices worldwide. We’re looking for candidates with passion and ambition.
Role
The ACD will support the Executive Creative Director (ECD) in delivering a world‑leading creative product that is recognised through client satisfaction and awards. In addition, they will balance hands‑on creative projects with leadership tasks, mentoring and driving innovation, and ensuring every piece of work is not only compliant and patient‑first, but also unexpected, ambitious, and industry‑leading. The Associate Creative Director is a creative mind with strong conceptual and design skills as well as a leader and mentor.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead concepting, art direction, and creative oversight on a range of client brands.
- Champion creative excellence across campaigns, pitches, and projects – owning key accounts with autonomy while collaborating closely with the ECD.
- Inspire and mentor junior and mid‑level creatives, setting clear standards and fostering growth.
- Present and sell creative concepts with authority to clients and in new business pitches.
- Spot opportunities for award‑winning work and proactively support award submissions.
- Drive creative processes that boost efficiency, innovation, and cross‑team collaboration.
- Partner with strategy, medical writing and client services teams to deliver integrated, standout campaigns.
Skills Required
- 8+ years of art direction experience in healthcare agencies.
- Strong conceptual ability with a proven track record in marketing/advertising campaigns.
- Experience delivering integrated content across digital, social, paid media, mobile, print and offline.
- A solid grounding in design practices including brand development, user‑centred design and digital design.
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of AI and other emerging industry trends and ability to articulate their impact.
- Demonstrated ability to guide, mentor and inspire junior creatives.
- Outstanding creative presentation skills, with the confidence to represent the agency internally and externally.
What Success Looks Like
- Deliver creative campaigns that not only meet but exceed client expectations.
- Elevate the creative product across the agency – raising the bar for what "great" looks like.
- Build a motivated, inspired team that thrives on innovation and collaboration.
- Help secure new business through bold creative ideas and compelling presentations.
- Drive a culture of inclusivity, respect and creative ambition.
About Cherry
Cherry is an award‑winning healthcare creative communication agency. We work with a number of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies, delivering creative and digital work across a wide variety of therapy areas. We take an integrated, multi‑channel and consultative approach to client engagements. We have been recognised as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years (2021‑2025).
What We Offer
- 25 days holiday per year (which increases with tenure)
- Flexible/hybrid working
- Work From Anywhere Policy – for 20 days per year you can work from anywhere abroad
- Annual Wellbeing Allowance, to spend on whatever that makes you happy
- 2 x volunteer days per year – to support a cause close to you!
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Private health/free travel insurance for you and your family
- Enhanced family‑friendly & women’s health policies
- Enhanced employer pension contribution
- Summer Fridays – finish early from June to August
- Mobility programme – opportunity to work from one of our global offices (US, Canada, Europe, UAE) for short/mid/long‑term secondments
Associate Creative Director in City of London employer: Cherry
Contact Detail:
Cherry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Creative Director in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, be ready to discuss your projects and the impact they had – this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's for an interview or a casual chat, being able to confidently present your ideas and experiences is key. Think about how you can relate your skills to what Cherry is looking for in an Associate Creative Director.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team at Cherry.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Creative Director in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Spark: When you're crafting your application, let your creativity shine through! Use engaging language and showcase your unique style. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead, so don’t hold back on demonstrating your passion for creative excellence.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in healthcare agencies and your strong conceptual skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Associate Creative Director, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your personal journey and what drives you creatively. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level, so don’t shy away from sharing your ambitions and vision for the future.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your submission and get you into the process. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our friendly and open culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cherry
✨Know Your Creative Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you can discuss your past projects in detail. Highlight your role in each project, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of experience and your ability to lead creative initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Creative Director, you'll be expected to mentor and inspire others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering creativity and collaboration among junior creatives.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Cherry values innovation, so demonstrate your knowledge of current trends in healthcare marketing and design. Be prepared to discuss how emerging technologies, like AI, can impact creative processes and client campaigns. This shows you're forward-thinking and aligned with their vision.
✨Prepare for Client Presentations
Since presenting ideas to clients is a key part of the role, practice articulating your creative concepts clearly and confidently. Use storytelling techniques to engage your audience and make your ideas memorable. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate who can represent the agency effectively.