Senior Lead Motion Art Director

Senior Lead Motion Art Director

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
DEPT®

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead creative projects, shaping art direction across motion and static outputs.
  • Company: Join DEPT®, a pioneering agency at the intersection of technology and marketing.
  • Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, competitive salary, private healthcare, and social events.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages curiosity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact with innovative clients like eBay and Pepsico.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership in design, motion skills, and a passion for AI tools.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

This position sits in our Marketing & Technology service based in London. We combine data, technology, creative and paid media to crack brands’ business problems & drive revenue through a variety of digital marketing solutions like social, influencer, TTL ad campaigns, augmented reality, AI and innovation. Our clients include eBay, easyJet, Just Eat Takeaway and Pepsico.

Job Purpose

We are looking for a Lead Senior Motion Art Director for an exciting AI Platform client of ours. The work we produce for them is varied and can range drastically from simple BAU creative responses, to in‑person creative sprints and even full productions across multiple global markets. As a Lead Senior Motion Art Director on the client, you will be responsible for ensuring creative excellence across all campaigns and projects. You will work with a wider team of creatives, producers, etc., providing clear, decisive feedback, guidance and inspiration to support members of the team across these disciplines. As well as building, delegating and empowering the team to confidently take on work, you will be a hands‑on creative with a willingness to ‘get your hands dirty’ to help the team. You will shape art direction through ideas, motion, and design systems across both moving and static outputs. You bring strong art direction thinking and high‑level craft together to develop concepts from early thinking to final execution. Communication & presentation skills are critical due to frequent touchpoints with internal and external senior stakeholders located across the UK and US. You’ll be expected to work fast and nimble, getting work organised and ready to present to client. You will also attend and contribute to in‑person creative sprints & workshops with the wider creative teams as well as the client’s internal creative teams.

What You’ll Do

  • Shape the art direction across motion and static outputs from concept to delivery
  • Work with the Design Director to develop processes, structures and raise the quality of design
  • Work with management/resource to operationally set the client team up for success
  • Lead, develop, motivate and inspire DEPT’s design teams and encourage collaboration
  • Deliver and inspire innovative and high‑quality work across all deliverables from the team
  • Develop strong creative ideas rooted in narrative, pacing, composition, and visual structure
  • Create and direct high‑quality motion and design work across campaigns and formats
  • Be aware of and respond to current advertising and media trends and pop culture
  • Use experience and ideas to contribute to the development of our creative process
  • Present work internally and externally to an excellent standard
  • Stay up‑to‑date with industry developments
  • Initiate and facilitate creative team collaboration and sharing, and team cohesion through social and team‑building initiatives
  • Guide execution across motion and static deliverables to keep work aligned with the original creative intent

What You Bring

  • Strong experience leading on a client with a consultative approach
  • Experience leading and guiding designers / creatives in a client team or department
  • Strong visual judgement and confidence contributing to concepts and creative direction
  • Art direction experience showing how you’ve helped craft the visual story of your work
  • Solid motion design skills with a good sense of timing, composition, framing, and storytelling
  • Experience creating styleframes, visual systems, and narrative‑driven motion
  • Curiosity around AI tools and interest in learning how they can support creative work
  • A strong portfolio or showreel showing concept, craft, and high‑quality motion and design work, with examples of tech or AI‑led campaigns

We Offer

  • A flexible, hybrid working policy (2 days from the office, depending on location).
  • An excellent salary based on experience and equal pay policies
  • Pension, free private healthcare, mental health support, and company sick pay scheme.
  • Refreshments are provided in the office all week, as well as drinks at 4 pm on a Thursday.
  • Help getting you to work with a season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme.
  • Enhanced family‑friendly policies to support new parents.
  • Social and Cultural Events, plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues through organised activities and celebrations.
  • Inspirational Talks, bringing the outside in with regular guest speakers and events.
  • Learning and Development, supporting your growth with continuous opportunities to learn and advance.
  • Buddy Programme: You will be paired with a ‘Buddy’ to help you through your first weeks’ at DEPT®.
  • A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021 and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.

We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA. We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter. At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine. We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Senior Lead Motion Art Director employer: DEPT®

At DEPT®, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. With a flexible hybrid working policy, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and enhanced family-friendly policies, we are committed to supporting our employees' growth and well-being. Our focus on continuous learning, social events, and a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion makes DEPT® a truly inspiring place to work, where you can make a meaningful impact while being part of a forward-thinking team.

DEPT®

Contact Details:

DEPT® Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Lead Motion Art Director

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 DEPT® 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 DEPT® 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 DEPT® 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 DEPT®. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lead Motion Art Director

Art Direction
Motion Design
Visual Storytelling
Creative Concept Development
Team Leadership
Client Management
Presentation Skills

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 DEPT®. 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 DEPT®:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about DEPT®’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 DEPT®

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 DEPT® 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 DEPT®, 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.