Job Description
Aesop Creativity endeavors to develop an unrivaled design that challenges and excites through concepts that resonate with local communities and honor our environment. Aesop Creative does not concede to the mass approach; we create distinctive campaigns and installations that are executed with formidable artistry. We are storytellers, delivering an authentic, timeless, and unique approach. The Senior Art Director will play an intrinsic role in the ideation of concepts, experiences, and assets while being hands-on in creative development, art direction, and execution of content across all channels. They will be an integrated thinker and a digital native, with a strong proven track record in the delivery of digital campaigns together with exceptional conceptual abilities and an acute understanding of design methodologies and processes. The role requires a collegial and diplomatic nature that builds strong relationships. The role sits within the Creative team and reports to the Head of Creative and will work collaboratively with Marketing, Digital, Copy, and Visual Merchandising to drive campaigns and projects through from conception to completion while honoring our Brand Guidelines. The Senior Art Director will manage multiple projects simultaneously and is expected to endorse and advocate for initiatives that will enhance our brand image and advocate the Aesop standards ensuring meticulous detail, quality, and consistency are observed across all channels. Working closely with the Head of Creative and Project Managers, they will ensure projects are delivered in a timely manner and within budget. The role is an ambassador of Aesop values both within the company and externally with our partners and should display a high level of professionalism and camaraderie with fellow Aesop employees.
Responsibilities
- Contribute exceptional conceptual thinking and execution for campaigns from conception to completion
- Develop an impeccable brand, product, and editorial content and experience ensuring it meets KPI’s
- Assist the Head of Creative to honor our aesthetic heritage while driving innovation across projects and products, nurturing partners and prospects that align with the creative strategy
- Encourage collaboration, ownership, and continued learning and development, inspiring the continued quality of expression of the Aesop brand
- Nurture and mentor art directors | and graphic designers
- Collaborate with the digital team in Melbourne across content and eCommerce initiatives to drive aligned outcomes, including UX, module design and development, and asset creation (films, photography, and illustrations) across digital and social customer ecosystem
- Work closely with the Product Team to ensure packaging and product design is viable and consistent across all communications
- File preparation and management - ensure all work is filed and easily accessible as archives when required
- Templates and Guidelines: Assist in the creation of digital templates, guidelines, and specification documents, recommending enhancements and efficiencies
- Work closely with UX and Front-end Development to enhance Aesop.com's e-commerce experience, focusing on mobile and responsive design, with future module and template creation
- Assist with the onboarding of new team members as required
- Advocate, endorse and implement the Creative Strategy
- Foster a positive work environment for your colleagues to flourish and remain engaged
- Work closely with immediate managers and ensure they are kept informed of relevant developments
- Develop and endorse Aesop’s culture and values
- Develop a good understanding of the business and support annual objectives
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree (and preferably postgraduate studies or qualifications) with a major in one or more of the following fields: liberal arts, literary studies, creative writing, journalism, cultural studies, media studies, copywriting, graphic design, or equivalent experience
- In-depth experience in a senior role (ACD, Head of art / Head of digital or Design Director) preferably in a setting that has strong ties with the cultural sphere
- Concept, design, and implementation include, but are not limited to responsive experiences, eCommerce, email, CRM, social, and digital in-store experiences, across all touchpoints of the retail ecosystem
- Must have a strong understanding of UX and UI design. and a strong understanding of SEO & SEM principles, and accessibility requirements and standards (WCAG 2.0)
- The ability to tailor communications to meet the needs of various audiences, across print and digital platforms, without compromising Aesop’s voice or spirit
- An awareness of cultural sensitivities in the territories in which Aesop operates
- The ability to collaborate effectively with designers and other creatives, and a collaborative mindset in general
- Conceptual, innovative, adventurous – while having an acute eye for detail and desire for quality
- Ability to use insights to inspire digital products, services, and solutions. Ability to adapt and implement quickly
- Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (CC) with an understanding of HTML/CSS, CMS systems, eCommerce & tech infrastructure capabilities
- Passion for digital design, and innovative technologies
- Excellent organization and project management skills and the ability to deliver a project on time and within budget
- Exceptional visual, written, and verbal communication
About the Company
Aesop has carefully cultivated a work environment in which our employees are constantly challenged to do their best. Our company is determinedly creative, intelligent, and progressive, and nurtures these qualities by employing people who share our passionate interest in design, innovation, and incisive inquiry across all fields. Our organizational culture is entirely unique, distinguished by an uncommon blend of courtesy, cordiality, and intellectual energy. We seek those who can bring a wealth of life experience and inspired ideas to our table. In return, we provide comprehensive induction and training programs and encourage an inclusive culture that nurtures enduring professional relationships. We also appreciate the benefits that flow from our employees’ external pursuits. We raise our bar high at Aesop and never lower it; this is one of the keys to our success and one of the many reasons why people wish to work here. If you would like to join Aesop, we invite you to peruse our current career opportunities.