At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Brand Foundations team to define and unify On's tone of voice.
- Company: Join a premium global brand that values storytelling and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative freedom, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the voice of a leading brand and inspire teams worldwide.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in copywriting and brand strategy with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and emerging technologies.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
At On, we believe in the power of storytelling. Whether it’s celebrating the achievements of our athletes, the passions of our communities, or the innovation behind our products, our stories captivate and inspire. Key to this success is our Brand Foundations & Culture team, which is responsible for defining On's tone of voice. We’re seeking a highly strategic senior creative leader to steer this team and act as a central authority on our tone of voice. Reporting directly to the Head of Copy, you will define and codify the global tone of voice through strategy and systems, empowering writers across On to speak with one consistent, unified, and compelling voice. This is a role for a strategic copy leader with a strong background in brand strategy, eager to build the foundational tools that will enable our brand to scale globally while maintaining its premium, distinct identity. With your small, focused team, you’ll drive TOV strategy, deliver narratives for our most critical brand moments, and build toolkits and guidelines that enable all teams to sound like one united voice.
Responsibilities
- Steer the Brand Foundations & Culture team and act as a central authority on On's tone of voice.
- Define and codify the global tone of voice through strategy and systems.
- Empower writers across On to speak with one consistent, unified, and compelling voice.
- Drive tone of voice (TOV) strategy and deliver narratives for critical brand moments.
- Build toolkits and guidelines that enable all teams to sound like one united voice.
- Lead a small, focused team and collaborate with senior leaders across copy, creative, and marketing.
- Maintain a strong understanding of emerging technologies in copywriting, including Gen AI and LLMs, and integrate AI tools into workstreams where appropriate.
Qualifications
- You are a strategic copy leader with a minimum of 8+ years of experience in copywriting, brand strategy, and tone of voice development, ideally within a premium, global consumer brand.
- You have a proven track record (ideally from a leading branding agency or a senior in-house role) of defining, shaping, and scaling a brand's tone of voice and foundational identity across multiple categories and markets.
- You translate complex brand strategy into clear, inspiring, and actionable guidelines, toolkits, and presentations that brief and excite wider teams.
- While strategic, you maintain exceptional writing craft and can write high-impact, final-level copy for priority brand narratives.
- You possess a strong ability to build TOV systems that can adapt and scale consistently beyond single assets.
- You are a natural leader capable of guiding a small, specialist team while effectively collaborating with senior leaders across copy, creative, and marketing.
- You stay current with emerging technologies in copywriting (including Gen AI and LLMs) and have the strategic foresight to integrate AI tools into workflows where appropriate.
Head of Creative – Brand Foundations employer: ON RUNNING
Contact Detail:
ON RUNNING Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Creative – Brand Foundations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its tone of voice. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their brand narrative. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently – it’s all about making a strong impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! Bring a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that demonstrate your ability to define and shape a brand's tone of voice. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Creative – Brand Foundations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Storytelling Skills: Since storytelling is at the heart of what we do, make sure your application reflects your ability to craft compelling narratives. Use examples from your past work that showcase how you've defined and shaped a brand's tone of voice.
Be Strategic and Specific: We want to see your strategic thinking in action! When discussing your experience, be specific about how you've developed tone of voice strategies and the impact they had on the brand. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: As a senior creative leader, your ability to guide and inspire a team is crucial. Share examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in developing brand narratives or tone of voice guidelines.
Keep It Consistent and Unified: Just like we aim for a unified voice across our brand, ensure your application is consistent in style and tone. This is your chance to demonstrate your writing craft, so make every word count. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at ON RUNNING
✨Know Your Brand Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into On's brand story and tone of voice. Familiarise yourself with their past campaigns and how they communicate with their audience. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past where you've successfully defined or evolved a brand's tone of voice. Be ready to explain your thought process and the strategies you implemented. This will demonstrate your capability as a strategic leader in the creative space.
✨Bring Your Writing Samples
Since this role is heavily focused on copywriting, have a portfolio of your best work ready to share. Choose pieces that highlight your ability to craft compelling narratives and maintain a consistent tone. This will give the interviewers a clear sense of your writing style and expertise.
✨Stay Ahead of the Curve
Discuss your knowledge of emerging technologies in copywriting, like Gen AI and LLMs. Share how you've integrated these tools into your work before, and be prepared to suggest innovative ways they could enhance On's brand storytelling. This shows you're not just a follower but a forward-thinker in the industry.