Creative lead job description.

What does a creative lead do?

 

A creative lead manages the development and execution of creative projects, often across multiple channels and disciplines. They combine hands-on design or copywriting work with creative direction and team coordination.

 

Responsibilities include concepting campaigns, overseeing production, maintaining brand consistency, and ensuring creative aligns with business goals. They collaborate with marketing, digital, and product teams to bring ideas to life.

 

In growing teams, they may act as both designer and manager. In larger companies or agencies, they focus more on idea generation, stakeholder management, and guiding the creative process end-to-end.

 

Key responsibilities of a creative lead.

 

Creative leads typically bridge creative execution with team and campaign leadership. Their responsibilities often include:

• Leading campaign ideation and concept development across mediums

• Managing designers, copywriters, and freelancers on creative output

• Translating briefs into compelling visual and narrative ideas

• Overseeing delivery of assets across digital, print, social, and brand

• Aligning creative work with business and marketing goals

• Working closely with marketing, product, and brand teams

• Presenting ideas internally and externally to senior stakeholders

• Managing workloads, timelines, and team collaboration

• Ensuring tone, style, and visual identity are applied consistently

• Keeping the team inspired and aligned with creative direction

This role blends creativity, team leadership, and strategic alignment.

 

Skills and requirements for a creative lead.

 

Creative leads guide concept development, quality oversight, and team management. Employers typically look for:

• 7–10 years of experience across brand, campaign, or visual content

• Proven leadership of design or creative teams

• Strong conceptual thinking and storytelling ability

• Skilled in campaign development across digital and traditional formats

• Experience presenting ideas to clients or internal stakeholders

• Comfortable managing multiple projects and creative workflows

• Ability to coach designers and improve creative processes

• Proficiency in design tools and collaboration platforms

• Strong attention to detail and understanding of brand consistency

Most creative leads bridge strategy and execution, supporting vision and delivery.

 

Average salary for a creative lead.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a creative lead typically ranges from £45,000 to £70,000, reflecting conceptual strength, leadership, and brand impact.

• Mid-level creative leads typically earn between £45,000 and £57,000

• Senior creatives driving brand vision and mentoring teams often earn between £58,000 and £70,000

• Roles in fast-growing digital or lifestyle brands often include performance-based incentives

London-based and remote-first creative roles offer top-tier salaries.

 

Career progression for a creative lead.

 

A creative lead drives ideation and delivery across campaigns, guiding design teams and ensuring high-impact work. It’s a leadership role with growth into directorial and strategic influence. A typical career path:

 

Graphic designer / content designer

 

Executes campaign visuals, social content, and branded assets.

 

Senior designer / art director

 

Owns project output and delivers design excellence across key touchpoints.

 

Creative lead

 

Manages campaign concepts, creative teams, and stakeholder relationships.

 

Creative director

 

Owns creative strategy across all platforms. Leads internal teams and agency partnerships.

 

Head of brand / VP creative

 

Drives brand storytelling at a global or enterprise level.