Job Description

About VML

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit   www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram,  LinkedIn, and  X

Senior Art Director with extensive BTL experience wanted to join our growing client in the Tabaco industry.
We are on the hunt for Senior Art Director with extensive experience in the advertising agency, with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse creative campaigns.

The opportunity:

As a Senior Art Director you will be one of the members of our creative team, and you will work in tandem with a Copywriter to develop original and impactful creative concepts that accurately answer the needs of a client brief and influence the behavior of their target audiences. This is a unique opportunity to shape the visual identity and creative execution for a leading global client in the tobacco industry, operating within a complex and evolving market.

You will be instrumental in developing innovative and compliant creative solutions that resonate with target audiences, while navigating the nuances of a highly regulated sector. This role offers the chance to push creative boundaries, contribute to strategic brand evolution, and collaborate with a diverse, talented team. A strong background in Below-The-Line (BTL) marketing and experiential design is essential.

What you’ll be doing:

Conceptualization & Creative Leadership:

• Lead the development of innovative and impactful visual concepts for campaigns across various channels with a strong emphasis on Below-The-Line (BTL) activations, experiential marketing, retail environments, and trade marketing materials.
• Translate strategic and creative briefs into visually stunning and effective art direction, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

Regulatory Compliance & Brand Guardianship:

• Expertly navigate and apply strict regulatory and compliance guidelines specific to the tobacco industry in all creative outputs.
• Ensure all visual assets maintain the highest standards of brand integrity, consistency, and legal adherence across all markets.
• Proactively identify potential compliance risks in visual concepts and propose creative, compliant solutions.

Execution & Production Oversight:

• Oversee the end-to-end visual production process, from concept sketches and mood boards to final asset delivery, including detailed specifications for BTL elements like POS materials, event branding, merchandising, and experiential setups.
• Collaborate closely with copywriters, designers, photographers, videographers, and external production partners to ensure flawless execution.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback and art direction during all stages of production.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Presentation:

• Work seamlessly with Account Management, Strategy teams to integrate visual concepts into holistic campaign strategies.
• Confidently present and articulate creative concepts and rationale to clients and internal stakeholders, effectively managing feedback and expectations.
• Build strong relationships with client creative leads and decision-makers.

Market Adaptation & Innovation:

• Adapt global creative assets for local market relevance, ensuring cultural sensitivity and effectiveness in Romania and potentially other regional markets with a focus on optimizing BTL activations for local consumer touchpoints
• Stay abreast of emerging visual trends, design technologies, and best practices in the advertising and tobacco industries, integrating fresh approaches where appropriate and compliant.

What we want from you:

• Extensive experience as an Art Director in an advertising agency, with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse creative campaigns.
• Demonstrable expertise and a robust portfolio in Below-The-Line (BTL) marketing, including Point-of-Sale (POS) materials, retail design, experiential activations, events, and trade marketing.
• Experience driving creative processes from initial concept and ideation through to final delivery across multiple channels
• Proven experience working with highly regulated industries (e.g., tobacco, pharma, alcohol) is highly preferred.
• You possess exceptional conceptual skills and the ability to translate a brief into a compelling visual narrative that captivates audiences.
• You are a natural conceptual thinker, skilled in generating a wealth of innovative ideas that are not only visually stunning but adhere to brand guidelines and strict regulations.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.). Experience with motion graphics or 3D rendering is a plus.
• Strong understanding of brand positioning, identity, and integrated campaign development across traditional and digital channels (including social media, CRM, experiential).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to articulate creative vision clearly and persuasively.
• High attention to detail and a meticulous approach to design and compliance.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating a proactive mindset, adaptability, and an impeccable eye for detail from concept to completion.
• Proactive, resilient, and adaptable, with a problem-solving mindset.

What we can offer you:

At VML Romania, we believe in empowering our people. Alongside the opportunity to work with one of the most exciting global brands in the FMCG industry (specifically tobacco), we prioritize your career development and help you grow your skills. We empower you to make a difference, allow you to be yourself, and respect who you are.

We offer a great benefits package including a discretionary bonus scheme, training opportunities, competitive pension, medical insurance, life assurance, social events, opportunities to buy and sell holidays, family friendly policies, discounts with hundreds of retailers and much more.

About VML Romania:

• What We Do: VML is a leading global marketing agency that creates connected brands. We deliver marketing solutions that are innovative, effective, and drive growth for our clients.
• How We Do It: We combine creativity, technology, data, and culture to build brands that truly connect with people. Our integrated approach ensures seamless experiences across all touchpoints.
• What Makes Us Different: We are a vibrant, collaborative team passionate about pushing boundaries and delivering impactful work. We empower our people, foster a culture of continuous learning, and celebrate diversity.

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We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are 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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