Job Description

We are the UK's leading premium publisher, home to iconic and influential media brands including Esquire, Men's & Women's Health, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Harper's Bazaar, Digital Spy, Cosmopolitan, Red and more. At Hearst UK, we don't just create content – we shape culture.

Our workplace is driven by passion, shaped by authenticity and powered by creativity. We back bold ideas, act with an entrepreneurial mindset and continually evolve to meet the moment - while respecting the legacy that's brought us here. We believe in each other's potential and push boundaries together to create meaningful impact, both across the media landscape and in people's lives.

We're proud of our heritage - but even more excited about making history.

Hearst UK operates an in office policy with flexible Friday's. Our office is based at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, St James's, London, SW1Y 4AJ, where teams collaborate in person and connect across brands and functions.

Salary - Circa £50,000 - Salary is dependent on experience and will be assessed in line with the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and relevant expertise.

The Role…

As Commercial Art Director, you will be responsible for leading the visual execution and creative delivery of branded content campaigns across Hearst Made, ensuring content quality and maintaining standards of excellence throughout.

Reporting to the Commercial Creative Director, you will play a key leadership role within the Hearst Made creative team, translating creative strategy into compelling visual solutions across print, digital, social and video platforms. You will oversee the workflow and development of the art function, while contributing to the growth, mentoring and creative development of the wider team.

In addition to commercial campaigns, you will oversee the art direction of marketing and brand communications across Hearst, ensuring a consistent and high-quality visual identity across departments and platforms.

A key part of the role is developing creative talent through mentoring, coaching and hands-on leadership. You will champion a culture of collaboration, innovation and creative excellence while supporting the Commercial Creative Director in delivering outstanding work that drives audience engagement and commercial results.

The Commercial Art Director will combine strong creative instincts with excellent organisational and people-management skills, balancing creative ambition with efficient delivery across multiple projects and stakeholders.

Main Duties…

• Lead visual execution and creative excellence across Hearst Made commercial campaigns, translating creative strategy and client briefs into compelling visual concepts and solutions while ensuring all output meets Hearst Made’s creative vision, quality standards and best practice across print, digital, social and video.
• Art direct and design across Hearst brands and communications, ensuring content reflects each brand’s unique visual identity and editorial standards, while overseeing marketing and brand communications across Hearst to maintain creative excellence and a consistent visual identity across departments and platforms.
• Lead commercial shoots and communicate creative vision, managing the creative development and delivery of stills and video shoots from concept through final execution; creating treatments, moodboards and visual frameworks; collaborating with Creative Strategists on visual references and creative mock-ups; and representing Hearst Made in client meetings, presentations and on-set environments.
• Manage creative delivery, resources and external talent, partnering with Producers, Project Managers and delivery teams to deliver projects on time, on budget and to the highest standard; overseeing workflow, resource allocation and project prioritisation across the art function; commissioning and managing photographers, illustrators, stylists and other contributors; and building and maintaining a creative talent network aligned with Hearst’s visual standards and brand aesthetics.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and protect creative integrity, handling client feedback and amends while maintaining the creative vision, and fostering strong relationships with editorial teams to ensure commercial content remains authentic to each Hearst brand.
• Lead, mentor and develop creative talent and team capability, providing regular coaching, feedback and development opportunities to the Art Editor; mentoring the wider Hearst Made creative team and identifying and nurturing emerging talent; supporting recruitment, onboarding and training; and partnering with the Commercial Creative Director to strengthen team capability and long-term creative development.
• Shape creative culture, processes and standards, establishing and evolving creative processes, standards and ways of working; driving innovation, collaboration and creative excellence across Hearst Made; championing Hearst values; and contributing positively to the culture and success of Hearst Made.

What We Are Looking For…

• Proven experience in art direction across editorial, branded content and commercial environments.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative excellence from concept to delivery.
• Experience leading stills and video shoots from pre-production through to final execution.
• Strong understanding of print, digital, social and video production.
• Experience mentoring, developing and inspiring creative talent.
• Ability to provide clear creative direction and constructive feedback.
• Experience overseeing workflow, resource planning and project prioritisation.
• Strong understanding of brand identity and visual storytelling.
• Excellent presentation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Confident working directly with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Commercially minded, balancing creative ambition with business objectives.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills and creative judgement.
• Collaborative, adaptable and solutions-focused.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and relevant creative tools.
• Understanding of the Hearst portfolio and the ability to create work that feels authentic to each brand.

Benefits…

(Your benefits at Hearst UK are more than just extras—they are tools to help you thrive in every part of life.)

Hearst Exclusives - Only for You!

• Get adventurous with Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels - yes, you could be trying the next big thing in beauty, food & drink.
• Snag luxe beauty steals at our legendary office sample sales - score big on top brands without breaking the bank!

Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing: Feel Your Best

• Stay healthy with Specsavers eye care, a company-funded Health Cash Plan, and access to mental health support.
• Get active and stress-free with discounted gym memberships and the Cycle to Work scheme.
• Embrace flexibility with a Location Flex and Holiday Exchange to take time when you need it.
• Take time to give back with a Charity Day and access wellbeing resources whenever you need them.
• Join one of our Hearst ERG Groups.

Financial Wellness - Boost Your Budget

• Plan ahead with a generous Workplace Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Season Ticket Loan for easier commuting.
• Make smarter money moves using Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions, and Home Tech benefits to spread costs.
• Treat yourself with major discounts across London plus everyday savings via the HAPI at Hearst app

Hearst UK is deeply committed to using our influential brands to reflect the world we want to live in – one that respects, protects, represents and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people. As a business, we recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that comes with diverse teams. Not only is diversifying the voices in our organization the right thing to do, but it also helps us to make powerful and exciting content that can be enjoyed by many more people. This is why we’re working to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.