At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead art direction for athlete storytelling and commercial editorial projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at On, shaping visual identity and storytelling.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative freedom, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on innovation and creativity.
- Why this job: Make an impact by crafting compelling visuals that connect performance with culture.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in art direction with a strong portfolio in sport and lifestyle.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
In short
We’re looking for a highly experienced and hands‑on Senior Lead in Art Direction to shape On’s athlete storytelling and commercial editorial imagery within our Brand Assets team.
Sitting within the group that powers On’s visual identity, you’ll create and define imagery that moves the brand forward—translating performance and lifestyle into compelling visual stories.
From athlete campaigns to commercial editorial moments, you’ll lead high-impact projects that connect emotionally while serving clear brand and business needs.
This role is about setting the standard through the work itself.
You’ll own projects end-to-end, guiding visual direction across photography, film and emerging formats—ensuring every output is distinctive, elevated and unmistakably On.
- Your Mission
- Lead art direction across athlete storytelling and commercial editorial projects.
- Translate strategy into strong, clear visual outputs across film, photography and motion.
- Create athlete-first narratives that connect performance with culture and lifestyle.
- Establish and apply visual and casting standards across all projects.
- Own projects end-to-end—from concept and casting through shoot and final delivery.
- Partner with production and external creatives to deliver work at the highest level.
- Identify, brief and collaborate with external creative partners who align with On’s evolving visual aesthetic.
- Contribute to the evolution of On’s identity through bold, thoughtful image‑making.
- Bring clarity, craft and consistency across all assigned touchpoints.
- Your Story
- 8+ years of experience in art direction within a global brand or agency.
- A strong, unique portfolio spanning sport, lifestyle, fashion and culture with a clear eye for storytelling and craft.
- Confident leading shoots end to end from casting and location to visual tone and final output.
- Deep knowledge of digital storytelling, ecommerce content and omnichannel creative ecosystems.
- Comfortable working across motion, film, CGI and new media formats and guiding teams through each.
- Experienced in building and managing creative teams from hiring to feedback, career growth and performance development.
- Adept at resource planning, workflow optimization and managing multiple projects at once.
- Clear communicator and natural collaborator who knows how to balance creative ambition with business needs.
- Comfortable leading through ambiguity, energized by pace and skilled at problem-solving with optimism.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
- About the team
You’ll be part of the Brand Assets team within the Brand Voice and Creative Studio.
Our mission is to power On’s visual identity by creating, defining and elevating the imagery that moves the brand forward.
We lead athlete, trade and e-commerce storytelling through clear visual and casting standards—delivering the assets, systems and guidance that ensure every expression of On is consistent, distinctive and unmistakably ours.
Within this, your focus will be on athlete storytelling and commercial editorial image‑making—capturing the intersection of performance and culture in a way that feels both authentic and aspirational.
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Senior Lead - Art Director (Brand Assets – Athlete & Editorial) employer: onrunning
On is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the fast-paced world of retail marketing. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to take ownership of their projects while benefiting from a collaborative environment that values creativity and strategic thinking. Located in a vibrant region, employees enjoy unique advantages such as diverse cultural experiences and opportunities to engage with a wide range of markets across Europe, the GCC, and Africa.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lead - Art Director (Brand Assets – Athlete & Editorial)
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.
✨Get Involved in Design Meetups
Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like onrunning.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like onrunning, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in landing your dream design job! Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with accounts from your desired companies—this could put you on their radar before they start hiring.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lead - Art Director (Brand Assets – Athlete & Editorial)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work onrunning does, so they can see you in action.
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at onrunning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at onrunning. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at onrunning.
How to prepare for a job interview at onrunning
✨Get Your Portfolio Ready
Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.
✨Passion Counts
For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to onrunning. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
