This list contains only the countries for which job offers have been published in the selected language (e.g., in the French version, only job offers written in French are displayed, and in the English version, only those in English).
We’re looking for a Senior Art Director to lead creative direction within our Sports Department. Someone who lives and breathes sport, and knows how to turn its energy, movement, and emotion into powerful visual storytelling. This role requires a strong creative vision paired with an understanding of how AI-driven tools and creative technologies can enhance ideation, design, and production workflows. You’ll shape together with the Creative Director the creative vision for sport brand campaigns, photo & film shoots and digital content across our sport and performance initiatives. You’ll translate strategy into ideas that connect emotionally, capturing the culture of movement, the mindset of athletes, and the aesthetics of modern sport. You’ll partner closely with Creative Directors, Producers, and cross-functional teams to set the creative bar, mentor junior and mid-creatives, and ensure every visual execution carries both strategic clarity and emotional strength.
Job Responsibility:
Lead the visual direction and creative execution for Zalando Sport campaigns and large-scale digital, film, and photography productions
Drive overall creative direction on key clients and projects, ensuring work is on-strategy, brand-appropriate, and aligned with marketing objectives
Collaborate closely with the Creative Director and cross-functional teams to develop, refine, and present strategic creative concepts, visual frameworks, seasonal narratives, and campaign ideas
Develop marketing strategies and apply conceptual strategy, design, and copywriting/editing across projects
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders
Direct, mentor, and guide junior and mid-level creatives as well as freelancers
Requirements:
6+ years of experience as a Senior Art Director or comparable creative role within a sports or lifestyle brand or a sport-focused creative agency
Strong understanding of sports culture, movement, performance aesthetics, and how these translate into global and local brand expression
Proven track record leading large-scale photo and film productions, translating strategic direction into impactful creative execution
Strong conceptual and visual thinking with a strategic mindset and hands-on executional excellence
Ability to craft compelling campaign narratives and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with strong organizational and time-management skills
Experience leveraging AI tools and creative technologies — including generative design, image development, and content automation — to enhance creative ideation, storytelling, and production workflows
Excellent presentation skills and the ability to articulate creative rationale, influence stakeholders at all levels, and foster cross-functional alignment
Strong trend awareness and passion for the intersection of sport, design, and culture
Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and deep familiarity with production workflows, digital platforms, and content creation processes
What we offer:
27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees
2 paid volunteering days a year
Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week
Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year
Employee shares program
40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners
Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)
Family services, including counseling and support
Health and wellbeing options (including Wellhub, formerly Gympass)
Mental health support and coaching available
Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review