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Associate Creative Director, Art Job at VML South Africa in new york

VML South Africa, New York, NY, USA

Pay: $75,000-$180,000/yr

Job type: Full Time


What You’ll Do

  • Lead the conceptualization and development of truly integrated, groundbreaking, and strategic \"big ideas\" that solve complex client challenges and achieve measurable results within the CPG landscape. Own concepts from genesis to final presentation.
  • Oversee and direct the development of compelling, multi‑channel creative campaigns across digital, social, video, print, OOH, and experiential, ensuring all elements align with the overarching creative vision and strategy.
  • Drive the creation of highly engaging, thumb‑stopping, and culturally relevant social‑first content and campaigns. Demonstrate a deep, nuanced understanding of platform best practices, emerging trends, and diverse consumer insights to connect with audiences authentically.
  • Provide visionary art direction and design leadership, ensuring all visual work embodies a clean, modern aesthetic and impeccable craft. Elevate visual storytelling, oversee photography, videography, and illustration, and ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints.
  • Consistently challenge creative norms, foster \"out-of-the-box\" thinking within the team, and push creative boundaries to develop innovative, distinctive, and effective solutions that differentiate our brands.
  • Present and sell creative ideas to senior clients and internal stakeholders, articulating creative rationale, anticipating feedback, and refining work strategically.
  • Mentor and inspire junior creatives, fostering a collaborative, positive, and high‑performing team environment. Provide constructive feedback and contribute to their professional growth.
  • Uphold the highest standards of craft and execution, consistently striving for and achieving award-winning potential in every project.

What You’ll Bring

  • Minimum of 6–8+ years of progressive professional experience as ACD or Art in a leading advertising agency or in-house creative department, with a significant focus on CPG.
  • A standout portfolio showcasing exceptional conceptual thinking, strategic CPG campaign leadership, and a history of generating impactful, award‑worthy work.
  • A portfolio rich with complex, integrated campaign concepts and proven ability to lead their development from initial brief through to client presentation and execution.
  • An outstanding portfolio demonstrating visionary art direction, impeccable clean design principles, sophisticated typography, layout, photography/video direction, and mastery of design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc.).
  • Proven expertise in leading the development and execution of highly effective, innovative social media strategies and content across diverse, evolving platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).
  • A deep understanding of current cultural trends, consumer insights, and an innate ability to translate them into relevant, inclusive, and modern creative work that resonates widely.
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a track record of successfully leading teams, fostering collaboration, and managing client relationships effectively.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, and consistently meet challenging deadlines without compromising quality.
  • Bachelor\'s degree in Advertising, Marketing, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Bonus Points

  • Direct experience leading work for Skin and Beauty brands within your CPG portfolio.
  • A portfolio featuring numerous industry awards (e.g., Clios, One Show, DAD, Cannes Lions, Effies).
  • Experience with emerging technologies, interactive experiences, or innovative media.

What We Offer

  • Competitive benefits: full‑time hires receive a comprehensive group health coverage portfolio, a 401k match (100% dollar‑for‑dollar up to 5% of salary), and generous paid time off.
  • Growth‑mindset opportunities: training, real‑time feedback, and professional development across VML and WPP.
  • Hybrid work arrangement: teams in the office an average of four days a week, with flexibility for accommodations.
  • Base salary range: $75,000—$180,000 USD, with compensation based on location, experience, and responsibilities.

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.

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