Art Director (Haircare/Color) [AQ-12870]

About the Role

Join a globally recognized leader in the beauty industry, built on decades of professional authority and a commitment to science-backed innovation. This organization is at the forefront of shaping visual trends and delivering exceptional experiences across all consumer touchpoints, driving creativity and excellence in every endeavor.

Rooted in New York City and built on over 60 years of professional authority, this brand is a global leader in science-backed, salon-trusted haircare, operating at the intersection of science, style, and professional expertise. As we continue to scale, we are looking for a visionary Art Director to own and evolve our visual identity across every consumer touchpoint, bringing our high-energy NYC heritage to life through world-class visual storytelling.

Reporting to the AVP Creative Director, the Art Director is at the heart of our visual engine. You will lead creative execution across major global campaigns, product launches, e-commerce, and evergreen initiatives. Working alongside marketing, product, and cross-functional teams, you’ll translate complex product science and salon authority into sharp, elevated visual narratives. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume omnichannel environment, excels on photo/video sets, and possesses a distinct visual point of view.

Responsibilities

• Multi-Project Agility: Simultaneously guide visual development across product launch dossiers, global ambassador campaigns, e-commerce, retail merchandising, and paid media.
• Complex Storytelling: Translate product and marketing briefs into clear visual narratives for multi-SKU launches across haircare and haircolor portfolios.
• End-To-End Shoot Direction: Direct photo and video shoots from pre-production through casting, styling, lighting, and composition, continuing your vision through post-production, retouching, and delivery.
• Omnichannel Craft: Adapt core campaign ideas into platform-native executions across social, e-commerce, in-salon, and retail environments without losing brand coherence.
• Strategic Collaboration: Present and defend creative concepts to senior leadership, seamlessly incorporating feedback while protecting the integrity of the creative direction.
• Creative Direction & Brand Stewardship: Own, elevate, and evolve the brand's visual identity, maintaining high standards for typography, color, layout, and imagery. Translate brand strategy into visual narratives that reflect NYC energy, professional credibility, and science-forward positioning.
• Creative Execution & Production: Concept and execute elevated assets across print, digital, social, e-commerce, paid media, and retail environments. Lead end-to-end photo and video direction—building storyboards, directing sets, making real-time calls on style and lighting, and partnering with editors/retouchers through final asset delivery. Optimize creative outputs for platform performance, engagement, and channel specificities.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Partner daily with copywriters, video teams, marketers, and project managers to craft integrated, multi-channel campaigns. Direct and manage external partners, including photographers, stylists, freelancers, and production crews. Pitch creative concepts clearly and confidently to internal leadership and cross-functional partners. Provide direction, feedback, and mentorship to junior creatives.
• Cultural Awareness & Innovation: Keep a pulse on beauty, fashion, salon, and digital culture trends to keep the brand fresh, competitive, and culturally resonant. Leverage modern creative workflows and AI-powered tools to push visual exploration, mood boarding, and rapid ideation.

Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of experience as an Art Director or Senior Designer in an omnichannel environment.
• Portfolio: A visually stunning portfolio demonstrating excellence in social, e-commerce, retail merchandising, typography, and print.
• Production Expertise: Proven track record of art directing photo and video shoots end-to-end.
• Technical Mastery: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and modern creative workflows.
• Next-Gen Tools: Working knowledge of AI-powered creative tools to assist in ideation and visual concepts.
• Industry Focus: Beauty or haircare experience is strongly preferred, alongside an understanding of hair texture, shade systems, and professional stylist dynamics.

About the Company

This global beauty company specializes in cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance, operating with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and diversity. It offers opportunities to work with leading brands, cutting-edge research, and a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The company values creativity, entrepreneurship, and professional growth, making it an exciting place for those passionate about beauty, marketing, science, and digital transformation.