At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative projects across retail, live events, and digital content.
- Company: Join a dynamic agency known for bold ideas and cultural connections.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and the chance to shape innovative campaigns.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values creativity and pushes industry boundaries.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in creative agencies with a strong portfolio in integrated campaigns.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on high-visibility projects in a regulated market.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a bold, idea-led Lead Creative to take the reins on conceptually ambitious, brand-building work in a highly regulated category — with the freedom to break new ground and reshape the creative norms of the industry. This is a hands-on role for a conceptual thinker and experienced Art Director who thrives on creating powerful ideas that come to life across retail, live experience, sponsorship, and digital content. The opportunity sits within a creative team working on high-visibility projects for major consumer-facing brands — including a regulated sector client with a significant innovation agenda. While your core focus will be on restricted market projects, you’ll also contribute to work across a wider portfolio of lifestyle, sport, and culture brands.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the development of ambitious, channel-spanning ideas across retail activations, live events, digital, and content.
- Take creative ownership of high-profile projects in a regulated category, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within the space.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including strategists, producers, designers, and writers.
- Develop and deliver compelling creative proposals to senior stakeholders and clients.
- Apply hands-on craft — from art direction to visual mock-ups and storyboarding.
- Help shape a creative culture built on originality, experimentation, and strategic thinking.
About You
- 6+ years’ experience in creative agencies, ideally with a focus on integrated campaigns and brand experiences.
- A portfolio that demonstrates standout retail activations, sponsorship ideas, experiential campaigns, and content-driven creative.
- Conceptually strong — you thrive on big ideas and can work them through every stage of delivery.
- Visually driven with excellent hands-on art direction and executional craft.
- Comfortable working in regulated or complex brand environments (experience in categories like alcohol, pharma, or finance is a bonus).
- A confident presenter with the ability to bring others along with your vision.
- Ambitious, proactive, and excited by the chance to do category-defining work.
Why This Role?
This is an opportunity to work on big, strategically important projects with the creative freedom to set a new standard in a typically limited space. You’ll be part of a creatively ambitious team, backed by an agency environment that values brave ideas, real collaboration, and work that connects with culture.
Lead Creative (restricted market) employer: OWL
Contact Detail:
OWL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Creative (restricted market)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the creative industry, especially those who have experience in regulated markets. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in this niche.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio effectively by highlighting projects that demonstrate your ability to work within regulated environments. Make sure to include case studies that illustrate your thought process and the impact of your creative ideas.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by familiarising yourself with the specific challenges faced in the regulated market. Be ready to discuss how your previous experiences can translate into innovative solutions for these unique constraints.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your presentation skills, as being a confident presenter is crucial for this role. Consider rehearsing your pitch for a creative project, focusing on how you can engage stakeholders and convey your vision clearly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Creative (restricted market)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio showcases standout retail activations, sponsorship ideas, and experiential campaigns. Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to work in regulated environments, as this role requires a strong understanding of complex brand categories.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for bold, idea-led creative work. Discuss your experience in leading high-profile projects and how you can push the boundaries of creativity within regulated markets.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your 6+ years of experience in creative agencies, focusing on integrated campaigns and brand experiences. Be sure to mention any specific experience you have in sectors like alcohol, pharma, or finance.
Showcase Your Presentation Skills: Prepare to discuss your vision and ideas confidently. Since the role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and presenting to senior stakeholders, include examples of past presentations or pitches that illustrate your ability to engage and inspire others.
How to prepare for a job interview at OWL
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-curated portfolio that highlights your standout retail activations, sponsorship ideas, and experiential campaigns. Be prepared to discuss the thought process behind each piece and how it aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Demonstrate Conceptual Thinking
During the interview, emphasise your ability to generate bold, idea-led concepts. Share examples of how you've pushed creative boundaries in previous roles, especially in regulated environments, to showcase your innovative thinking.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Highlight your experience working within multidisciplinary teams. Discuss specific instances where collaboration led to successful project outcomes, as this role requires working closely with strategists, producers, and designers.
✨Prepare for Creative Ownership
Be ready to talk about your approach to taking creative ownership of high-profile projects. Share how you manage the creative process from concept to execution, and be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback from senior stakeholders.