Overview of the Company

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is an ever‑evolving FMCG branded pet products manufacturer and supplier. As one of the fastest‑growing producers in the pet‑care industry, we’re committed to elevating our large, diverse portfolio of trusted brands, including Webbox, Bob Martin, Felight, Vets Kitchen, Hownd and Meatiful. Our products range from food, treats, toys, accessories, and healthcare, giving us a uniquely broad presence across the pet‑care landscape. We manufacture and supply into a wide range of channels including Grocery, Discounter, Wholesale, eCommerce, Pet Specialist, and Export markets, ensuring our brands reach pet owners across the UK and beyond.

Overview of the Role

This role is a unique opportunity to help build distinctive, loved brands while delivering commercial outcomes. As Creative and Studio Manager, you are the driving force behind our creative department. This is a leadership role designed for a creative leader who balances high-level creative guardianship with operational excellence. You don’t just manage tasks; you shape the team environment and lead them to deliver creative excellence. Leading a multidisciplinary team, you will oversee the full lifecycle of brand production from initial concept to final execution. By bridging the gap between strategic brand vision and tangible output, you will ensure every asset across channels meets the highest standards of quality, innovation, and efficiency. You will be part of a multi-functional marketing team based in Blackburn, with occasional travel to other company sites. You should be confident and comfortable around pets (cats, dogs, and small animals) and bring extensive creative experience, ideally including FMCG. Experience in food or pet care categories would be an advantage but is not essential. With ambitious company growth plans, this is a fantastic opportunity to lead and grow our creative and content team and make a meaningful impact on the business.

Main Responsibilities

• Strategic Creative Leadership: Partner with the Lead Designer and agency partners to translate strategic brand pillars into impactful visual assets. Act as final gatekeeper for all output. Stay at forefront of creative technology. Build and develop team to bring content production in-house.
• Production Management: Own full production lifecycle, from scamping and storyboarding to postproduction and delivery, including budget management. Lead live productions (photography, video). Final sign-off for technical specifications. Co-manage post-production.
• Operational Excellence: Design and refine end-to-end creative workflows. Oversee trafficking of jobs. Manage digital asset outputs.
• Resource Management: Manage distribution of internal resources. Scope project feasibility, source quotes, manage budgets. Lead negotiations with external suppliers. Oversee licensing of artistic material.
• PR, Events & Brand Experience: Lead creative direction for flagship events (Crufts, Interzoo, PATS). Oversee PR function and awards strategy.
• Team Management: Directly manage and mentor a team of four. Lead recruitment and selection. Conduct performance reviews. Build strong working relationships across the business.
• Other: Attend events and conferences. Perform other tasks as needed.

Skills and Experience

Essential: 7+ years senior creative leadership or studio management experience, expert knowledge of creative production across digital/print/motion, forward-thinking approach, strong negotiation and budget management skills, natural mentor, ability to translate complex ideas into compelling designs, self-starter, team player, excellent communication, ATL/BTL campaign management, comfortable around pets.
Desired: AI fluency, experience in FMCG brand campaigns, knowledge of packaging artwork design, experience with innovation stage gate process.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s/University Degree in design, marketing or production-related subject.

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