Art Director

Business Overview

WPP Unite Overview

There’s never been a more exciting time in marketing, as media and commerce continue to merge to drive meaningful consumer experiences. As one of the most innovative CPG companies in the world, Unilever, the maker of iconic brands such as Dove, Hellmann’s, TRESemmé, Degree and many others, is adapting to this rapidly changing landscape with the help of WPP and its unparalleled network of agencies.

The newly-created unit, WPP Unite, will be the pioneering force at this intersection, led by two of WPP’s most dynamic agencies: GroupM and Barrows, operating as ONE end to end strategy, design, and execution powerhouse.

GroupM will bring their media thought-leadership and performance expertise, combined with the retail and commercial expertise of Barrows to deliver integrated, end-to-end programs for the entire Unilever portfolio of iconic, household brands. True to its name, the team operates with a unified vision, from initial strategy to final execution, leveraging our collective expertise in design, engineering, and media integration to craft world-class brand programming.

WPP Unite, comprised of the best talent in the industry, will pioneer a truly integrated agency model and drive unprecedented growth for Unilever in the years to come.

Barrows

Barrows brings 40 years of expertise in retail design and marketing, and excels in leveraging insights and cutting-edge digital strategies to create engaging omni-channel experiences.

As a key part of WPP Unite, Barrows will help shape the future of commerce marketing across renowned brand categories and retailers, and drive meaningful results for one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies.

Role & Responsibilities

Within the WPP Unite structure, Barrows is seeking a passionate and innovative Art Director to join their growing team, with a focus on delivering impactful shopper marketing experiences. This individual will play a key role in leading the creative ideation process, from concept development through to final production. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working across multiple platforms, with a deep understanding of the retail and shopper marketing landscape.

The Art Director will collaborate closely with the strategy team and other members of the creative team to craft compelling visual narratives that resonate with shoppers. In this role, the individual will be expected to not only develop unique, engaging ideas but also oversee the entire design process, ensuring all outputs are aligned with both client expectations and Barrows' strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Own creative projects from concept to completion with minimal oversight, ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Develop and execute creative concepts for shopper marketing programs and experiential retail designs.
• Generate mood boards and reference materials by researching literature and digital resources to inspire the creative direction.
• Lead creative ideation sessions and team brainstorms, translating strategy into compelling design solutions.
• Partner with client teams and internal stakeholders, ensuring the smooth handover of projects from concept through production.
• Present creative ideas in client-ready formats (PowerPoint) and participate in pitches to articulate and sell the creative vision.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure designs are feasible for execution, including print and digital integration.
• Stay updated on the latest trends in retail and shopper marketing, ensuring all creative concepts are relevant and impactful.
• Mentor and guide junior creative team members, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

In addition to bringing a creative mindset and leadership capabilities, this individual must be able to:

• Take ownership of the design aesthetic for projects, ensuring consistency and excellence in execution.
• Understand the convergence of physical and digital retail spaces and develop creative solutions that reflect this understanding.
• Work independently with a proactive, can-do attitude, adapting to tight timelines and evolving project scopes.
• Balance creative ambition with practical production considerations, ensuring projects stay on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field
• 6-8 years of professional experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in shopper marketing
• Experience working in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail environments, with a focus on omnichannel and physical/digital integrations
• Proven ability to lead creative projects, manage multiple stakeholders, and present creative solutions to clients
• Strong understanding of Barrows ways of working, and the ability to adapt designs to meet execution and pricing needs
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
• Copywriting skills preferred, but not required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a positive and respectful attitude
• Ability to work in office 3-4 days a week at 3 World Trade Center (minimum requirement is 3 days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $94,000 to $110,000*

*exact compensation will be determined based on individual experience

Benefits include:

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision (with an option for free medical care!)
• 401K with a % match
• Various maternity/paternity leave options
• Fully funded disability and life insurance options
• Headspace subscription
• Wellness Stipend
• and more....