Art Director in Manchester

Art Director in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
T

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 builds brands people love.
  • Benefits: Career development in an award-winning agency with a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Make your mark on global campaigns and push creative boundaries every day.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years as an Art Director with a strong portfolio in video and photography.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to grow and innovate.

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

IMA is a creative agency that builds brands people want to be part of. We’re looking for a fearless and craft-driven Art Director to join our Retail team. Operating at the intersection of performance, lifestyle, and fashion, you’ll 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. These principles shape how we work — with each other, with clients, and with the world.

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: The Home Agency

At IMA, we pride ourselves on being a people-first creative agency that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As an Art Director, you'll have the opportunity to develop your career while collaborating with talented professionals in a dynamic environment that values creativity and innovation. With a commitment to recognising and supporting your contributions, you'll enjoy ownership of your projects from day one, all while working on exciting campaigns for some of the world's most iconic brands.
T

Contact Detail:

The Home Agency 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 industry contacts, attend events, and engage with creative communities online. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Art Director gig.

✨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 answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and the role. We want to see your passion for creativity and collaboration!

✨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 candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team at IMA.

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

Art Direction
Motion Direction
Photography Direction
Audio Direction
Live-Action Shoot Direction
Stills Shoot Direction
Creative Collaboration
Presentation Creation
Mood Board Development
Post-Production Management
Content Deployment Strategy
Trend Awareness in Sport and Fashion
Attention to Detail
Production Process Understanding
Visual Style Knowledge

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! Whether it’s in your writing or the way you present your portfolio, make it memorable.

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 The Home Agency

✨Showcase Your Portfolio

Make sure to bring a well-curated portfolio that highlights your best work. Focus on projects that align with the role, especially those involving video, photography, and audio direction. Be ready to discuss your creative process and the impact of your work.

✨Research the Brand

Dive deep into IMA's past campaigns and the brands they work with, like adidas. Understanding their style and values will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your cultural sharpness during the interview.

✨Prepare for Creative Challenges

Expect to be asked about how you push creative boundaries. Think of examples where you've tested new techniques or elevated craft in your previous roles. This shows your commitment to world-class creativity and your ability to adapt.

✨Collaborative Mindset

Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaboration. Share specific examples of how you've successfully worked with production, design, and strategy teams to create standout work.

Art Director in Manchester
The Home Agency
Location: Manchester

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

T
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>