Creative Director

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking the next brilliant Creative Director (Copy) with a passion for storytelling, a flair for high-concept thinking and a deep understanding of the skin and beauty category. You’ll lead a team of talented writers and collaborate with art directors, 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 you must bring excellent skills in client relationship building.

We’re looking for someone who can do the job and then surprise us with something we’ve 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. We are looking for a Creative Leader who has passion and enjoys selling their ideas as much as they love crafting them.

What you’ll do: 

• Innovative Visionary | Oversee the translation of the client’s vision into a roadmap that guides our agency, not only to achieve client goals but also to generate work that is creatively brilliant, measurable and impactful.
• Lead Creative Excellence | Drive the creative vision for skin and beauty campaigns, ensuring all work meets the highest standards of craft, innovation and strategic alignment.
• Conceptual Leadership | Develop bold, breakthrough ideas that push creative boundaries while staying true to the brand’s voice and objectives.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines | Partner with art directors, designers, strategists and account teams to create cohesive, integrated campaigns that deliver results.
• Mentor and Inspire | Lead, mentor and inspire a team of copywriters, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration and excellence.
• 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.

Who you are:

• 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 we’re 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, it’s a mentality that makes the team successful.

What you’ll need: 

• 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, a sharp voice and successfully launched client projects on broadcast work, social and everything in between.
• A proven track record of creating campaigns that have earned recognition at major industry awards (Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clio, etc.).
• Experience working on national and international brands, with an understanding of cultural nuances and global campaign development.
• Exceptional conceptual and writing skills, with a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for high craft.
• 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.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to sell ideas to clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, manage multiple projects simultaneously and to 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 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 as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
• Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar 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.