Job Description

Deputy Head of Creative (AI & Innovation)Location: Manchester (Hybrid Working)Salary: Up to £75,000Contract: 6-Month Temporary ContractTeam Management: 5 Direct ReportsStart Date: ASAPReady to Shape the Future of Creative?We're partnering with a leading organisation operating within a highly regulated sector to appoint an exceptional Deputy Head of Creative. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and established creative leader with a strong AI specialism to drive innovation, inspire high-performing teams and help redefine modern creative delivery.

Reporting directly to the Head of Creative, you will play a key role in shaping the future of the organisation's in-house creative capability. Combining strategic creative leadership with hands-on innovation, you'll lead the adoption of AI-powered tools, technologies and workflows that enhance creativity, efficiency and commercial impact.This role would suit a Creative Director, Associate Creative Director or Creative Innovation Leader who thrives on driving change, embracing emerging technologies and delivering exceptional creative work within a complex environment.The RoleAs Deputy Head of Creative, you will work closely with the Head of Creative to evolve creative capability, champion innovation and lead a talented team of five creative professionals.You will be responsible for embedding AI into creative processes, testing and implementing emerging technologies, developing future-ready creative capabilities and ensuring the highest standards of creative excellence across all outputs.Acting as a trusted senior leader, you will work closely with stakeholders across the business, translating commercial objectives into impactful creative solutions while supporting the ongoing transformation of the creative function.Key ResponsibilitiesPartner with the Head of Creative to shape and evolve the creative vision and capability.Lead the development and delivery of integrated creative campaigns and communications.Manage, coach and develop a team of five creative professionals.Provide creative direction, feedback and quality assurance across all creative output.Champion creative excellence while ensuring work delivers against commercial and strategic objectives.Lead the strategic adoption of AI tools and emerging technologies across the creative function.Develop and implement AI-enabled workflows that enhance creativity, efficiency and effectiveness.Evaluate, test and scale innovative creative technologies and processes.Build AI confidence and capability through coaching, mentoring and knowledge-sharing.Drive continuous improvement across creative operations, workflows and production processes.Partner with stakeholders to maximise the impact and effectiveness of creative solutions.Act as a subject-matter expert on creative innovation and AI adoption.About YouYou will be an accomplished creative leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and leading teams within an agency, in-house or integrated creative environments.Essential ExperienceSignificant experience in a senior creative leadership position.Proven success implementing AI-driven creative workflows and technologies.Strong experience managing and developing creative teams.Outstanding portfolio demonstrating creative excellence across multiple channels.Experience introducing innovative technologies, processes and ways of working.Strong understanding of AI applications across creative development, content production and design operations.Excellent stakeholder management, presentation and communication skills.Strong understanding of branding, design systems and integrated campaign development.Experience working within a complex, highly regulated or matrix organisation.Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma and AI-powered creative tools.Desirable ExperienceExperience leading creative transformation or change programmes.Understanding of responsible AI governance and adoption frameworks.Experience measuring the impact of AI and innovation initiatives.Knowledge of emerging technologies across content creation, personalisation and digital experiences.Why Apply?This is a rare opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation at a pivotal point in its creative evolution. You'll have the chance to influence creative strategy, shape innovation programmes, lead AI adoption and develop a talented team, all while working closely with senior leadership.If you're a commercially minded creative leader who is passionate about innovation, technology and creative excellence, we'd love to hear from you.Additional InformationAs this position operates within a highly regulated environment, the successful candidate will be required to undergo enhanced pre-employment screening and background checks. Any offer of employment will be subject to the satisfactory completion of all required checks.

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