Job Description

Job Summary: VML Malaysia seeks an exceptional and visionary Executive Creative Director (Art-Based) to lead and inspire our creative department. This pivotal leadership role requires a seasoned creative with profound art direction and visual storytelling expertise, and a proven track record of delivering groundbreaking, award-winning work. You will set the creative vision, elevate agency output, foster innovation, and drive business growth through compelling visual solutions.
Key Responsibilities:

• Creative Vision & Leadership: Define and champion VML Malaysia's creative vision and aesthetic standards. Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary creative team, ensuring exceptional visual craft and innovative execution across all integrated campaigns.
• Client & Business Growth: Serve as a senior creative partner to key clients. Lead and win new business pitches with compelling creative strategies. Identify growth opportunities within existing accounts.
• Strategic & Conceptual Oversight: Collaborate with Strategy and Account Management to translate client objectives into powerful, visually-driven creative strategies. Guide the team in developing original, impactful concepts.
• Quality & Operations: Act as the ultimate arbiter of creative quality. Manage creative resources and workflow efficiently. Recruit, develop, and retain top creative talent.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.
• Experience:
• Minimum 15+ years in creative roles, with 5-7+ years in senior creative leadership (e.g., ECD, CD) within a reputable advertising or digital agency.
• Proven track record of leading award-winning, integrated campaigns with a strong emphasis on visual excellence, art direction, and design craft.
• Extensive experience managing and mentoring large creative teams.
• Demonstrated success in new business acquisition and client relationship growth.
• Technical Skills:
• Mastery of design principles, typography, photography, film, and digital aesthetics.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and understanding of digital platforms/emerging technologies.
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and team-building capabilities.
• Visionary and strategic thinker with ability to inspire and articulate clear creative direction.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong business acumen, resilience, and adaptability in a fast-paced agency environment.
• Fluent in English; Bahasa Malaysia proficiency is a significant advantage.

Skills Required