Associate Creative Director

WPP Unite Overview

There’s never been a more exciting time in marketing, as media and commerce continue to merge to drive meaningful consumer experiences. As one of the most innovative CPG companies in the world, Unilever, the maker of iconic brands such as Dove, Hellmann’s, TRESemmé, Degree and many others, is adapting to this rapidly changing landscape with the help of WPP and its unparalleled network of agencies. 

The newly-created unit, WPP Unite, will be the pioneering force at this intersection, led by two of WPP’s most dynamic agencies: GroupM and Barrows, operating as ONE end to end strategy, design, and execution powerhouse.

GroupM will bring their media thought-leadership and performance expertise, combined with the retail and commercial expertise of Barrows to deliver integrated, end-to-end programs for the entire Unilever portfolio of iconic, household brands. True to its name, the team operates with a unified vision, from initial strategy to final execution, leveraging our collective expertise in design, engineering, and media integration to craft world-class brand programming. 

WPP Unite, comprised of the best talent in the industry, will pioneer a truly integrated agency model and drive unprecedented growth for Unilever in the years to come.

Barrows

Barrows brings 40 years of expertise in retail design and marketing, and excels in leveraging insights and cutting-edge digital strategies to create engaging omni-channel experiences.



As a key part of WPP Unite, Barrows will  help shape the future of commerce marketing across renowned brand categories and retailers, and drive meaningful results for one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies.

Within the WPP Unite structure Barrows is seeking a dynamic Associate Creative Director responsible for leading and inspiring the creative team to develop innovative marketing campaigns that drive sales and brand engagement. The creative team works to develop commerce marketing concepts and designs for integrated marketing programs and experiential retail designs at mass retail across the US. They collaborate with clients to understand their vision, translating it into compelling visual and strategic concepts, and ensuring all creative output aligns with brand identity. They unlock big ideas that engage US and global audiences and produce compelling content that supports our clients' stories across digital and physical retail.

In addition to bringing a killer attitude and energy, this individual must be able to:

• Lead the creation of shopper marketing programs from concept development to design and execution
• Serve as a leader, creative mind, and project manager in one
• Drive creative process from conceptual thinking through to execution to develop experience-driven, connected shopper marketing solutions
• Ensure the team delivers creative excellence through structured guidance, mentorship, and inspiration; take lead role in infusing team with digital and shopper knowledge through ongoing training
• Proactively drive the process to generate and brief creative, actionable, and unique projects rooted in a clear idea and insight, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of client’s business and the audience
• Develop creative briefs for ideation sessions and lead creative brainstorm sessions for client opportunities
• Accurately deliver design against the required brief and revert
• Work collaboratively with the strategy and client service teams to identify key insights to help drive creative programming and ensure all concepts are on brief
• Work with the client service team to identify growth opportunities with current and prospective clients
• Craft the design associated with the client’s brand/project
• Provide a strong design point of view regarding messaging hierarchy, typography, layout, and color
• Create strategically sound designs and concepts for in-store communication
• Develop and implement processes and structures to achieve creative vision
• Generate exploratory mood boards by gathering literature and internet references
• Be an effective leader with strong communication and interpersonal skills in order to cultivate beneficial relationships both internally and externally
• Work quickly, independently, and with a can-do attitude

• 8+ years of agency and/or design experience, brand, trade or shopper marketing is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in product design, graphic design, or related field
• Portfolio of prior professional work 
• Shopper experience preferred
• Solid understanding of CPG shopper marketing
• Team leadership experience preferred
• Creative strategy and copywriting experience strongly preferred
• Elevated understanding of the retail trade environment, including omnichannel and physical/digital retail integrations
• Experience presenting and successfully selling creative concepts
• Proven experience in creating standout creative work
• Ability to lead and drive client solutions through ambiguity
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to work in the office 3 days a week

The salary range for this role is $110,000 to $155,000*

*exact compensation will be determined based on individual experience

Benefits include:

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision (with an option for free medical care!)
• 401K with a % match
• Various maternity/paternity leave options
• Fully funded disability and life insurance options
• Headspace subscription
• Wellness Stipend
• and more....