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.
Day‑to‑day responsibilities
Creative Leadership: When a flagship brief hits the desk, you own it – building the creative vision, crafting master‑level treatments, mood‑boards and manifestos that set the visual and narrative north star for the entire campaign.
Owning the room: You sell the vision and pitch a big idea to senior stakeholders with confidence, defending the ‘why’ to ensure ideas aren’t diluted and upholding creative 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 directing creators or directors on‑set or calling the shots in the edit suite, you ensure that the creative vision ends up on screen.
Storytelling: You write scripts, storyboards and campaign narratives, and you are platform‑native. You know what works for a long‑form YouTube spot might not fly on TikTok, and you masterfully translate a brand’s voice for both.
Challenging the Status Quo: You interrogate the data, find original angles and new creative territories, and push brands beyond their comfort zones.
Creative Excellence: You are the agency's cultural and creative barometer. You proactively share insights – new directors, visual trends, fresh creator formats or filmmaking techniques – and mentor teammates to sharpen their eye and level up their work.
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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr