Creative Lead
MANCHESTER, UK
Tangent is an exciting creative agency based in the centre of Manchester. Following a successful period of growth over the last few years, which saw us bring a number of new clients into the business, we are now looking for an experienced Creative Lead to join the team and work across an exciting and ever-growing global client portfolio.
As a small, entrepreneurial company, our culture is really important to us and we pride ourselves on creating a supportive, friendly environment for our people to thrive and grow in. We are looking for someone who is a team player, committed to delivering exceptional creative work for clients, and able to use their initiative and experience to creatively problem-solve.
About the Role
As Creative Lead at Tangent, your primary responsibilities fall into two parts: inspiring and guiding the creative team, managing the creative process from ideation to completion, as well as being a lead driver of creative ideation and execution.
You will report to the Creative Director and Executive Creative Director, working closely with them to uphold Tangent’s creative standards and vision across the agency. While you’ll receive direction and support from them, you’ll be trusted to lead the creative team day-to-day, taking ownership of projects and ensuring work is delivered to the highest level.
We are looking for a creative powerhouse who combines conceptual and strategic thinking with hands-on art direction - someone equally comfortable crafting big, original ideas as they are directing shoots, and guiding visual execution.
The successful candidate will bring strong experience across stills and motion campaigns, particularly within the sportswear, fashion, or lifestyle sectors. They will understand how to translate creative concepts into world-class on-set direction and have a strong working knowledge of production processes. You’ll work closely with producers, directors, photographers, and stylists to ensure every element of the creative is elevated, cohesive, and true to the original idea.
You’ll also lead a talented team of designers, art directors, and wider creatives, providing day-to-day direction, feedback, and mentorship. You’ll be responsible for managing their workloads, motivating them across multiple projects, and ensuring the team maintains high creative standards while developing individually within the agency.
You’ll be concept and storytelling focused, crafting never-seen-before ideas and bringing a fresh perspective to client briefs. You’ll think in a 360° way, ensuring storytelling consistency and creative excellence across all touchpoints and channels.
We’re looking for someone who immerses themselves in creativity and culture, who lives and breathes visual direction, creative trends, and brand storytelling. While you don’t need to be a strategist, understanding brand principles and how creative strategy informs the process is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the creative process from concept through to delivery — from ideation and treatment writing to pre-production knowledge and understanding, on-set direction, and post-production creative oversight.
- Take ownership of the creative output across multiple client accounts, ensuring work meets the brief, addresses business challenges, and pushes creative boundaries.
- Lead, manage, and mentor a team of designers, art directors, and creatives, providing clear feedback, direction, and support to help them deliver their best work.
- Collaborate closely with producers to plan, direct, and oversee shoots, ensuring creative integrity is maintained across all phases.
- Provide strong visual and art direction, guiding styling, casting, composition, lighting, and tone to deliver distinctive, elevated campaign work.
- Be a key creative lead on pitches and new business opportunities, bringing conceptual thinking and cultural relevance to the work.
- Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability within the team, ensuring high standards and effective communication across projects.
- Work collaboratively with the Creative Director and Executive Creative Director, keeping them updated on project progress and aligning on key creative decisions.
- Present creative ideas and work confidently to clients, articulating the thinking, storytelling, and cultural insight behind each concept.
- Stay on top of cultural and creative trends, especially within the sportswear, fashion, and lifestyle space, and integrate this awareness into Tangent’s creative output.
What we offer you:
- 24 days holiday plus all UK bank holidays
- Christmas shutdown (Christmas Eve until 2nd January)
- Training opportunities both within the company and via external courses
- Predominantly office-based role with one day a week work-from-home flexibility (additional flexibility available when needed)
- Annual bonus based on company performance
- Regular agency socials
- 6-monthly performance reviews
- Annual pay review
Those Who Succeed Will Be:
- Highly creative and experienced across multiple creative disciplines, with proven art direction and shoot leadership experience.
- Skilled at leading and motivating creative teams, balancing creative ambition with day-to-day management and mentorship.
- Comfortable working autonomously but also collaboratively with senior leadership (CD and ECD) to maintain and evolve Tangent’s creative standards.
- Confident leading the creative through pre-production, production, and post, working closely with producers and external partners.
- Strong conceptual thinkers with a natural storytelling instinct and understanding of brand building.
- Excellent communicators - confident at presenting and selling creative ideas, explaining what makes great work and how it meets brand needs.
- Knowledgeable and passionate about clients’ businesses, with a clear understanding of brand values and how creative drives success.
- Focused on developing others, giving constructive feedback, and motivating the team to deliver their best work.
- Tenacious, proactive, and resilient under pressure and against tight deadlines.
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to careers@tangentagency.com.
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