Overview

We are seeking an Associate Creative Director who will step in as a creative lead on our employee experience portfolio—a client list of global businesses including LEGO, Coca-Cola and IHG Hotels & Resorts. We are looking for someone who challenges the ordinary, raises standards in our people, and creates exciting work. You will be responsible for developing exceptional ideas, building strong client relationships, and guiding the next generation of kreative talent. The role is prominent, client-facing and influential in building our reputation in employee experience and internal communications. As an experienced art director, you will lead with creative authority, inspire the team with your ideas, and guide clients with a collaborative leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate expert creative thinking in employee experience, inspiring our people and exciting our clients
• Oversee design, copywriting and art direction across all media channels including video, digital, print, experiential, and social
• Line manage 2–3 designers/art directors, conduct regular 1:1s, set and monitor performance objectives
• Help establish our reputation in employee experience through our marketing and brand, and raise your profile online and at events
• Support the Executive Creative Director in inspiring the team with our creative ethos of "never ordinary", develop creative processes and recruit top talent
• Collaborate with the wider agency team to sharpen our approach to employee experience
• Develop integrated campaign ideas that work across multiple platforms and audiences
• Break new creative ground while maintaining strategic relevance and commercial viability
• Work closely with strategists to craft thinking that drives change
• Create compelling visual narratives for employee experience campaigns
• Present creative concepts to clients and senior stakeholders with confidence and strategic rationale
• Ensure brand consistency and creative excellence across all touchpoints
• Be hands-on when needed to bring concepts to life

Experience and background

• 10+ years in creative roles with significant art direction and employee engagement experience
• Proven track record developing integrated campaigns across multiple platforms
• In-depth experience working in internal communications and employee experience
• Portfolio demonstrating range across multi-channel experiences
• Agency background essential

Creative and technical skills

• Strong conceptual thinking with ability to translate strategy into compelling creative ideas
• Exceptional visual storytelling abilities
• Experience directing photography, film, and digital content creation
• Understanding of current creative trends and emerging technologies
• Proficiency in Creative Suite (especially Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
• Understanding of digital platforms and social media creative requirements

Team leadership

• Proven ability to lead creative teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Mentoring and line management experience of junior to senior creatives

Mr B & Friends is an independent agency with a global perspective. Our clients range from entrepreneurial startups to global brands such as LEGO and Coca-Cola. We work frequently with clients in the USA and Asia. Our expertise lies in brand strategy & identity, brand communications and employee experience. We are sector agnostic, working across B2B and B2C, with particular strength in tech, leisure, manufacturing, property and sport. With a full-time staff of around 30, we handle complex strategic projects in-house while maintaining a energized, supportive culture. Our ethos is "Never Ordinary" and we look after our people; many have been with us for five or more years. We win awards, including The Drum and Transform Awards, but our focus is building strong relationships with clients who value exciting, effective work. We offer a comprehensive Employee Benefits scheme called The Friends Pact, including flexible hours, a hybrid work policy and a 4.5-day work week with half days on Fridays. Full details will be shared during the recruitment process. If you don’t have a traditional creative education, you won’t be alone here—we value aptitude and experience over certificates and welcome untypical perspectives.

Location and package

• Location: Based in our central Bristol office, with a hybrid option of 2–3 days WFH
• Package: Salary £65k p.a. + Workplace pension + 24 days annual leave + Flexible hours + Full employee benefits package detailed in 'The Friends Pact'. Full details will be shared during the recruitment process.