Art Director in Manchester

Art Director in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead creative projects for iconic brands, shaping content from concept to final output.
  • Company: Join IMA, a people-first creative agency that values your contributions.
  • Benefits: Career development in an award-winning environment with collaborative support.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in fashion and lifestyle while pushing creative boundaries.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years as an Art Director with strong video and photography skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture that encourages curiosity and growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

IMA is a creative agency that builds brands people want to be part of. We are looking for a fearless and craft‐driven Art Director to join our Retail team. Operating at the intersection of performance, lifestyle, and fashion, you will help shape content and campaign direction for some of the world’s most iconic global brands. If you are endlessly curious, culturally sharp, and possess a commitment to world‐class craft, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Get From Us

  • A chance to develop your career within an award‐winning, people‐first creative agency.
  • A values‐led culture where your contribution is recognised and supported.
  • Ownership and variety from day one, with the support of a collaborative team.
  • A collaborative environment where you will work alongside production, motion, and digital specialists.
  • A people‐first environment where we challenge, grow, and deliver together.

The role

As an Art Director, you will report to the Creative Director. You will be a key member of our creative team, responsible for shaping content from the first idea to the final output. You will act as a creative guardian for brand stories, embodying a global creative voice while tailoring storytelling to evolving audiences.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leading and shaping motion, photography, and audio direction specifically for adidas projects.
  • Directing or co‐directing live‐action and stills shoots while building strong relationships with talent and crew.
  • Collaborating closely with creative production, design, and strategy teams to craft standout work across 2D/3D motion and VFX.
  • Creating compelling presentations, mood boards, and production treatments for internal and client reviews.
  • Driving the post‐production process alongside editors and motion designers to deliver polished final outputs.
  • Advising on the best deployment of moving and static content across retail, digital, and social channels.
  • Pushing creative boundaries by testing new techniques and elevating craft at every stage.
  • Staying ahead of trends in sport, culture, design, and fashion to bring fresh inspiration to the work.

What We’re Looking For

  • 3+ years of experience as an Art Director or equivalent, focusing on video, photography, and audio.
  • Proven experience directing live‐action shoots, stills shoots, and voiceover direction.
  • A portfolio of directed work demonstrating excellent execution and attention to detail.
  • Strong understanding of production processes, techniques, and visual styles.
  • Solid industry awareness, ideally with exposure to sport, fashion, or lifestyle brands.

Our values at IMA

We’re curious. We challenge. We commit.

Apply now

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. If this Art Director role sounds like a fit, we’d love to hear from you.

Art Director in Manchester employer: IMA

At IMA, we pride ourselves on being a people-first creative agency that champions innovation and collaboration. As an Art Director in our vibrant Retail team, you'll enjoy a dynamic work culture that values your contributions and fosters professional growth, all while working on exciting projects for iconic global brands. With a commitment to world-class craft and a supportive environment, IMA offers you the opportunity to push creative boundaries and develop your career in a truly inspiring setting.
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Contact Detail:

IMA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Art Director in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow creatives. 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 potential employers, be ready to discuss your projects and the creative process behind them.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their needs, especially in areas like motion, photography, and audio direction.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates who are eager to join our creative team.

We think you need these skills to ace Art Director in Manchester

Creative Direction
Motion Design
Photography Direction
Audio Direction
Live-Action Shoot Direction
Stills Shoot Direction
Collaboration
Presentation Skills
Mood Board Creation
Post-Production Management
Content Deployment Strategy
Trend Awareness
Attention to Detail
Understanding of Production Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Craft: As an Art Director, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure to showcase your best work that highlights your skills in video, photography, and audio. We want to see your unique style and how you’ve pushed creative boundaries in your projects.

Tailor Your Application: When applying, don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your cover letter and CV to reflect how your experience aligns with our values and the specific role. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in what we do!

Be Bold and Creative: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone fearless and culturally sharp, so show us your creative flair in your writing and presentation. Think outside the box!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at IMA!

How to prepare for a job interview at IMA

✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio

Make sure to bring a well-curated portfolio that highlights your best work as an Art Director. Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to shape content and tell compelling brand stories, especially in the realms of video, photography, and audio.

✨Research the Brand and Trends

Before the interview, dive deep into IMA's recent projects and the brands they work with, like adidas. Understanding their style and current trends in sport, culture, and fashion will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their creative vision.

✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions

Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully directed shoots or crafted presentations while working alongside production, design, and strategy teams.

✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity and Passion

During the interview, express your endless curiosity and commitment to world-class craft. Talk about how you stay ahead of trends and push creative boundaries, as this aligns perfectly with IMA's values of being curious, challenging norms, and committing to excellence.

Art Director in Manchester
IMA
Location: Manchester

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