Creative Director

Job Introduction

When you join Saga we welcome you with open arms and we fuel your career possibilities. We support. We encourage. We champion you to reach your full potential.

This role is an important part of the Creative Campaign team who strive to facilitate, to help and support the Publishing function of the business.

A key leadership role within the new Creative Services team, the Creative Director will be responsible for setting and maintaining the highest standards of creative execution across Saga’s Insurance and Travel marketing programmes.  

Reporting to, and working closely with the Head of Creative Services, this role will focus on driving change and improvement, both in terms of day to day systems and processes but also a cultural shift towards a more innovative, multi-channel approach facilitated by the new Adobe tool kit.

The role requires high energy, a hands-on, practical approach, and ability to challenge the status quo, while working within the strategic parameters of the Saga brand.

A key focus will be to lead and inspire a team of writers and designers working across Saga’s Travel and Insurance products to create a centre of excellence for commercial design and production, presenting the Saga brand in ways which will successfully engage with both existing and potential customers.

And in return, you can look forward to all of the responsibility and involvement of an integral role, providing you with a rewarding and fast paced career with an excellent benefits package including life assurance, pension, high street and online discounts, and concessions for holidays and travel.

Role Responsibility

The key responsibility of this role is to set the creative direction and agenda for the Creative Services team.  This will be achieved by leading the writers and designers to produce creative executions which are on brand, meet marketing and commercial objectives, with a focus on innovation and creativity.  Specific responsibilities are detailed below:

Key tasks are to:

• Audit and optimise the existing creative process/workflows to create a more efficient and effective operating model which minimises hand offs, satisfies the commercial and marketing objectives of the businesses, and creates clear ownership for each stage of the process
• Review all marketing briefs, challenging and co-authoring as necessary to ensure that they are fit for purpose and will allow the creatives to execute to the best of their ability
• Give clear direction to the Designers and Copywriters so that all creative output complies with brand guidelines, and also fulfils the marketer’s brief
• Quality control creative output before it is presented to the internal client, and be present in all major briefs/presentations to give immediate strategic input/problem solving
• Pro-actively work with all stakeholder departments to optimise their input to the creative process (right time/right place), while retaining executive control for the look and feel of every piece of marketing collateral
• Working with the Head of Brand, ensure that the brand guidelines are easily accessible to, and understood by all writers and designers, and are consistently applied across all channels
• Where applicable, work closely alongside external agencies on strategic projects (e.g. new advertising campaigns) to ensure close alignment of the Saga and agency teams and promote internal buy in particularly at the executional stage
• Lead regular creative workshops to critique recent internal and competitor work, share recent learnings/successes, and identify opportunities for innovation
• Generate a team-based, ‘safe to fail’ and ‘safe to risk’ environment which encourages staff to push creative boundaries
• Art direct photo shoots (still and video) as and when required
• Write clear and challenging objectives for all team members, and provide regular feedback, guidance and support to direct reports to ensure the team’s objectives are achieved
• Provide coaching, support and day to day line management to the team, including regular one to one meetings and bi-annual PDRs
• Work collaboratively with all members of the Creative Services and Marketing leadership team to create a ‘one team’ approach
• Deputise for the Head of Creative Services as necessary in any internal/external meetings
• Take on additional project work as and when necessary

The Ideal Candidate

Capability, Knowledge and Experience

• Track record of successful delivery in a similar role, ideally in the Travel or Insurance industries
• Creative flair – able to create winning concepts for others to work on, and embrace new and emerging advertising platforms
• Proven ability to build and develop successful creative teams, working across all channels

Education and Qualifications:

• Ideally a degree or equivalent in a design/marketing related subject

Personal characteristics:

• Outstanding communication and people skills – able to work with, and influence colleagues at all levels of the business
• Clear and logical thinker who can make well-reasoned, timely decisions
• Proven leader – able to challenge, inspire and develop teams to reach their potential
• Excellent graphic design skills, including digital: Extensive knowledge of graphic design and relevant software is vital. Familiarity with film-making techniques, picture editing, copywriting and an understanding of HTML skills would be advantageous
• Desire to challenge the status quo, spot opportunities and act on them
• High integrity, capable of selling ideas and implementing change
• A flexible, hands-on approach - ensuring creative concepts are successfully carried through to execution

Package Description

The standard benefits when you join Saga include:

• Option to purchase a further 5 days annual leave per year
• Free private medical insurance after 1 years service
• Pension
• AXA Be Supported
• Apples Nursery (Folkestone only and on a waiting list basis)
• Free fruit 
• Give as you earn
• Free eye tests
• Honeymoon benefit
• Sharebuy
• Salary finance
• Discounts on Saga holidays and insurance products
• A range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies
• Long service awards

About the Company

When you join Saga you will see that we are committed to treating all employees fairly and to offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement. 

We value diversity not just because it is the right thing to do, but because diverse teams perform better. Creating a culture in which everyone feels welcome and offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement is incredibly important to us. Fair consideration is given to applications from all applicants, including those with disabilities. If you need support at any point with your application please let us know as we will be happy to help.

Learn more about the Saga business by watching our Saga plc Interim results for the six months ended 31st July 2018

To all recruitment agencies: Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the HR Recruitment Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.

Saga Group