Creative Director Art SkinBeauty CPG

About VML

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human-first award-winning work for blue-chip client partners, including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendys.

The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave Reports as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services, and most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VMLs specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the worlds largest and most awarded health agencies.

VMLs global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55 markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney. VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP).

Who We Are

VML is seeking a Creative Director, Art, with a passion for storytelling, super-conceptual thinking, and craft-obsessed with a deep understanding of the skin and beauty category.

Job Description

In this role, you will be responsible for driving the artistic vision and execution of campaigns that are not only visually stunning but also strategically sound. You will lead a team of talented art directors, designers, and visual storytellers to craft innovative, award-winning work that sets new standards in the industry.

You will lead a team of talented art directors and designers and collaborate with copywriters, strategists, and clients to craft world-class campaigns that elevate brands and resonate with consumers. You should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively and bring excellent skills in client relationship building.

We are looking for someone who can do the job and then surprise us with something weve never thought of. A one-two punch of confidence and inspiration. Someone who possesses a talent for transforming great ideas into award-winning creative and has a passion for visual storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Innovative Visionary: Oversee the translation of the clients vision into a roadmap that guides our agency to achieve client goals and generate work that is creatively brilliant, measurable, and impactful.
• Lead Creative Excellence: Develop and execute breakthrough creative concepts for skin and beauty campaigns, ensuring all work meets the highest standards of craft, innovation, and strategic alignment.
• Storytelling: Lead the visual storytelling for integrated campaigns across all touchpoints, including digital, social, experiential, print, and video.
• Craft: Maintain an obsessive focus on craft, ensuring every piece of work is executed to the highest standard.
• Conceptual Leadership: Develop bold, breakthrough ideas that push creative boundaries while staying true to the brands voice and objectives.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Partner with copywriters, strategists, and account teams to create cohesive, integrated campaigns that deliver results.
• Mentor and Inspire: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of art directors, designers, and other creative talent, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence that encourages experimentation and high standards of craft.
• Award-Winning Work: Develop campaigns that not only meet client objectives but also earn recognition on national and international stages.
• Client Engagement: Serve as a trusted creative partner to clients, presenting ideas with confidence and passion while building strong relationships.
• Trend Leadership: Stay ahead of trends in the beauty and CPG industries, ensuring creative work is culturally relevant and resonates with target audiences.

About You

• A Builder: Process-oriented innovator with an ability and appetite to create and bring people together.
• Innate ability to marshal people, team, and client, and create gravity around ideas.
• Open and Collaborative: Our team is close-knit and supportive, and were working with a lot of unknowns - you must be a champion of team environments that are comfortable and encouraging, especially working cross-discipline.
• Optimistic and Resilient: Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Provide a balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity.
• Ego-less: We all wear the hats that need wearing - its a mentality that makes the team successful.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a major creative agency, preferably in advertising or a related industry, with a strong focus on skin, beauty, and CPG brands.
• A portfolio that demonstrates strong conceptual thinking, exceptional craft, and innovation across multiple platforms.
• Mastery of design, typography, photography, and art direction with a passion for creating visually stunning work.
• Ability to think big and inspire teams to push boundaries while delivering work that drives measurable results.
• A proven track record of creating campaigns that have earned recognition at major industry awards, such as Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, and Clio.
• Experience working on national and international brands, navigating global campaigns, and delivering culturally resonant work.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to translate brand strategy into compelling creative ideas that drive business results.
• Deep knowledge of the skin and beauty category with a pulse on emerging trends, consumer behavior, and industry innovation.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to inspire both clients and internal teams.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to sell ideas to clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and work collaboratively as part of a larger team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing and mentoring creative teams, fostering collaboration, and elevating the work.
• Practiced time management skills and a strong work ethic.
• CPG experience is a plus.

What We Offer

• Passionate, driven people: We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
• Consciously cultivated culture: We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace.
• Competitive benefits: We offer full-time hires a range of group health coverage options, medical, dental, vision, a generous 401k match (100% match up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
• Growth-minded opportunities: We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.
• Base salary range: $100,000 - $230,000 USD (individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications).

Work Environment

We believe the best work happens when were together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. Thats why weve adopted a hybrid approach with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

About VML and WPP

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

When you click Submit Application, this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think its a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice, which explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us and how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.