Creative Director, Art (Beauty/Luxury)

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking a brilliant Creative Director, Art Director with strong and proven conceptual ideas to join our world class creative team on a client in the Beauty/Luxury category. You should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively – owning a project without any handholding needed. You should be able to work and lead, owning an array of client projects. Excellent client relationship and presentation skills are expected.

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 CD AD leader who enjoys selling their ideas as much as they love crafting them.

While experience in the Beauty category is highly valued, we may have flexibility to consider candidates whose work demonstrates big ideas and strong conceptual thinking for other transferrable projects. Equally key for this role is someone who has a passion for - and commitment to - creating work that is truly inclusive, reflecting the full spectrum of Beauty that walks the planet.

NOTE: VML observes a hybrid work schedule. Eligible candidates for this role will be able to join the current cadence for this client of working on-site in NYC on at least Wednesdays and Thursdays.

What you’ll do:

• Concept and collaborate on integrated campaign ideas and digital tactics for a client in the Beauty space with a creative team, while working on multiple projects.
• 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 culturally impactful.
• Craft original concepts, execute art based on established voice/tone, and collaborate with mid- and junior-level creatives from concept to execution.
• Partner with the Group Creative Director to concept, create, present, and defend work while addressing client needs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the agency to ensure timely deliverables.
• Anticipate team and client needs, project risks, and participate in driving resolution.
• Inspire clients and co-workers through good work, good spirit, and excellent communication.

What you’ll need:

• Current credibility as either an ACD or Creative Director, with a targeted minimum of 9 years of experience as an Art Director at gradually more senior levels in advertising.
• The ability to bring original thinking and concepts to life in this space; not just beautiful images or styling that are solely aesthetically pleasing.
• A passion for - and commitment to - creating work that is truly inclusive, reflecting the full spectrum of Beauty that walks the planet.
• Experience in the Beauty category is highly valued, though we may have flexibility to consider candidates whose work demonstrates strong conceptual thinking for other transferrable projects.
• Portfolio with successfully launched client projects and concepts across broadcast work, digital, social, and everything in between.
• Solid understanding of creative development—from drafting briefs to executing deliverables.
• Well-versed in the scriptwriting process and in crafting contributions to both short and long-form content.
• Ability to direct and mentor junior team members.
• Ability to handle a high-volume environment with rapid turnaround times and manage multiple tasks and project details.
• Practiced time management skills and a strong work ethic.

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.

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

_$100,000—$230,000 USD

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This 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.