Art Director (Haircare/Color) [AQ-14397]

Aquent is partnering with a globally recognized leader in the beauty industry, built on decades of professional authority and a commitment to science-backed innovation. This organization shapes visual trends and delivers exceptional experiences across all consumer touchpoints, driving creativity and excellence.

About the role

We’re seeking an exceptional individual to drive the visual identity of a leading professional beauty brand. This role is a chance to shape major global campaigns, groundbreaking product launches, and the entire omnichannel experience. You will translate complex science and professional authority into sharp, elevated visual narratives, bringing the brand’s high-energy heritage to life through world-class storytelling. Ideal for a visionary creative who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and excels at directing captivating photo and video shoots.

Responsibilities

• Simultaneously guide visual development across product launch dossiers, global ambassador campaigns, e-commerce, retail merchandising, and paid media initiatives.
• Translate product and marketing briefs into clear, compelling visual narratives for multi-product launches across beauty portfolios.
• Direct photo and video shoots from pre-production through casting, styling, lighting, and composition, overseeing the vision through post-production, retouching, and final delivery.
• Adapt core campaign ideas into platform-native executions across social, e-commerce, in-salon, and retail environments while maintaining brand coherence.
• Present and defend creative concepts to senior leadership, effectively incorporating feedback while safeguarding the integrity of the creative direction.
• 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 professional credibility and science-forward positioning.
• Concept and execute elevated assets across print, digital, social, e-commerce, paid media, and retail environments.
• Optimize creative outputs for platform performance, engagement, and channel specificities.
• 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.
• Keep a pulse on beauty, fashion, salon, and digital culture trends to ensure the brand remains fresh, competitive, and culturally resonant.
• Leverage modern creative workflows and AI-powered tools to push visual exploration, mood boarding, and rapid ideation.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience as an Art Director or Senior Designer in an omnichannel environment.
• A visually stunning portfolio demonstrating excellence in social, e-commerce, retail merchandising, typography, and print.
• Proven track record of art directing photo and video shoots end-to-end.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and modern creative workflows.
• Working knowledge of AI-powered creative tools to assist in ideation and visual concepts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Beauty or haircare experience is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of hair texture, shade systems, and professional stylist dynamics.

Benefits

Eligible talent get access to:

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Retirement plans with a company match.
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.