Associate Creative Director (Art)

About the Position

Associate Creative Director (Art)

Toronto, Canada

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About the Company

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions, and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

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Responsibilities

• Lead the translation of strategic direction into award-winning visual concepts and campaigns across broadcast, digital, social, and owned properties.
• Partner seamlessly with an ACD of Copy, as well as strategy and account leads, to develop, refine, and elevate cohesive creative concepts.
• Direct campaign asset creation from a visual perspective, overseeing art direction, design, photography, illustration, and video shoot production.
• Champion the client's brand identity and visual guidelines, ensuring all creative output drives business impact and resonates with the target audience.
• Collaborate closely with production, technology, and account teams to manage the seamless delivery of online and offline assets.
• Present visual narratives and design concepts confidently in client pitches, building trusted relationships with key stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous innovation, leading by example through the quality of your work and your approach to problem-solving.

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Requirements

• 8+ years of experience as an Art Director or visual creative lead within an advertising agency or similar environment, with a proven track record of leading high-profile campaigns.
• A stellar portfolio showcasing conceptual thinking, strategic problem-solving, and beautifully crafted art direction across traditional and digital spaces.
• Deep expertise in visual storytelling, design principles, typography, and adapting visual systems for different brands and audiences.
• High proficiency in industry-standard design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and a strong understanding of emerging digital technologies and social media trends.
• Outstanding presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex visual ideas clearly, persuasively, and succinctly to senior-level clients.
• A mature, reasoned approach to client and internal feedback, using it collaboratively to push the work further.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, successfully directing multiple projects simultaneously without sacrificing craft.

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We Offer

• Competitive Salary: $90,000-$140,000 CAD
• Hybrid Work Environment: Teams in the office an average of four days a week.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: WPP (VML) is committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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About the Company

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions, and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.