Associate Creative Director

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Job Title: Associate Creative Director

Work Location: London, Farringdon (2-3 days in office)

Start Date: As soon as possible

Whalar is the leading, most awarded, independent Creator and Social agency.  We transform brands into cultural drivers by unlocking the full creative power of Creators.

We go beyond the conventional social and influencer strategy. We have the technology and methodology to tap into the beating pulse of communities, listen to nuances that move culture, and connect brands in ways that make them unforgettable.

With hubs in London, Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, our reach is global. In London, we proudly collaborate with clients such as Diageo, eBay, Nike, Oatly, Skyscanner, Twinings, Uber, Vodafone, and many more. Learn more: https://www.whalar.com/

About the role:

This role sits at the vanguard of our creative output across EMEA. As the Associate Creative Director, you are not just executing ideas; you are architecting and owning them from the initial brief through to final delivery. You will operate as the definitive creative authority on flagship projects, driving the creative ambition of our campaigns and challenging brands to think bigger, bolder, and more natively within the Creator Economy.

You are an established tastemaker and storyteller with a proven track record of leading high-stakes pitches, directing on set, and defining visual and narrative trends. Partnering closely with the Creative Strategy team, you will translate complex business problems into award-worthy, culturally explosive campaigns. You will own the room with clients, set the standard for content and scripting, and naturally elevate Whalar’s creative output.

Here’s what you’ll do day to day:

• Creative Leadership: When a flagship brief hits the desk, you’re the one who owns it - building thecreative vision, crafting master-level treatments, moodboards and manifestos that set the visual and narrative north star for the entire campaign.
• Owning the room: You’re the one who makes the client lean in, you can sell the vision and pitch a big idea to a senior stakeholder with total confidence. You can defend the ‘why’ to ensure ideas don’t get diluted and uphold creativity integrity across high stakes pitches.
• End-to-End Creative Direction: From day one until the final export, you are the definitive creative lead throughout the project lifecycle. Whether it’s directing creators or directors on-set or calling the shots in the edit suite, you ensure that the creative vision that was sold ends up on screen.
• Storytelling: You’re writing the scripts, storyboards and campaign narratives, but you’re also a platform native. You know that what works for a long form YouTube spot might not fly on TikTok, and you’re a master at translating a brand’s voice for both.
• Challenging the Status Quo: Don't just take the brief at face value - challenge it. You’ll work side by side with the Strategy and Community leads to interrogate the data, find original angles and new creative territories, and push brands beyond their comfort zones.
• Creative Excellence: You’re the agency’s cultural and creative barometer. You’re proactively and constantly sharing cool stuff you find - new directors, visual trends, fresh creator formats or new filmmaking techniques. You’re the mentor that people aspire to be like, you help the rest of the creatives in the team to sharpen their eye and level up their work.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 6–8+ years of experience in a creative leadership role within a top-tier advertising, social, or creator/influencer agency.
• A world-class portfolio demonstrating a history of winning big pitches, leading major brand campaigns, and executing high-craft video/social content.
• Deep, authoritative knowledge of the Creator Economy, social algorithms, and internet culture.
• Masterful presentation and client-handling skills; you are charismatic, persuasive, and unflappable under pressure.
• Proven experience leading sets, directing talent/creators, and overseeing complex post-production processes.
• Exceptional written and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex creative concepts simply and powerfully.

We are an office-based company located in Farringdon, London, with a flexible approach to in-office days. Employees are asked to work from the office three days a week, choosing the days that suit them best. However, we come together every Thursday as a team to collaborate, connect, and celebrate the vibrant and unique Whalar culture!

Our values:

At Whalar Group, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn't just a statement, it's our collective strength. Our people are our superpower. A diverse team and inclusive leadership have shaped Whalar Group since our inception in 2016, fueling a constant evolution of growth. We champion a culture of respect and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends demographics. We hire individuals of all backgrounds and empower them to thrive, challenge stereotypes, and actively break societal barriers. Learn more.

Our benefits and perks:

Whalar Group provides flexible benefits and collaborative work environments and experiences so employees can work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs.

• Private medical insurance
• Health cash plan
• 25 days of PTO + Sick days + winter break
• Private pension scheme
• Monthly phone/internet reimbursement
• Professional development stipend
• New joiner home office allowance
• Enhanced maternity (22 weeks)/paternity (16 weeks) leave
• Volunteer days
• Social programs
• Employee resource groups

Whalar Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring, promotions, training, working conditions, compensation, and benefits.