Expert Senior Art Director

THE ROLE & THE TEAM
We are looking for an experienced and highly skilled Expert Senior Art Director (all genders) to join our editorial team. In this role, you will oversee the creative direction of key projects, mentor and guide other art directors, and take on responsibilities akin to a creative director on selected projects. You will collaborate closely with senior team members across Art Direction, Styling, and Strategy to evaluate the department’s direction and join daily review sessions, ensuring all content aligns with Zalando’s brand guidelines, marketing tone of voice (TOV), and visual language. While this role currently does not include direct reports, it may evolve into a formal leadership position, so prior experience leading in a corporate or agency setting is a plus.
WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)
Lead the creative direction for high-impact editorial content, guiding projects from concept through execution.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior and mid-level art directors, fostering creative growth and excellence across the team.
Manage freelance collaborators and external creative partners, ensuring quality and alignment with Zalando standards.
Act as a creative director on select projects, overseeing vision, execution, and final delivery.
Participate in daily reviews with other senior team members to evaluate the department’s creative direction and output.
Ensure all content adheres to Zalando’s marketing and creative tone of voice (TOV) and visual language.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver content that aligns with business goals and editorial strategy.
Stay ahead of trends in fashion, editorial, and culture, bringing innovative ideas and perspectives to the team.
Oversee project timelines, manage resources, and ensure smooth execution across multiple projects.
Contribute to shaping the creative strategy and long-term vision of the Stories on Zalando department. WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF
You have 7+ years of experience in Art Direction or a related creative role, with a strong editorial background.
You have proven experience mentoring and guiding other creative professionals.
You have demonstrated ability to act as a creative director, leading projects and delivering high-quality editorial content.
You have experience managing freelancers and external creative partners.
You have a deep understanding of Zalando’s brand guidelines, marketing tone of voice (TOV), and visual language.
You have strong leadership experience or exposure in a corporate or agency setting; potential to evolve into a formal leadership role.
You have expertise in photography and video direction
You have strong communication and collaboration skills, both in presenting creative concepts and in cross-functional teamwork.
You have excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
You have passion for editorial content, and cultural trends.
You have English proficiency at a native level, with clear and confident communication both on and off script.
OUR OFFER
Zalando provides a range of benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer.
Employee shares program
40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Zalando Lounge, discounts from external partners
2 paid volunteering days a year
Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week, actual practice is up to each team to best support their collaboration
Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year
27 days of vacation a year to start
Family services, including counseling and support
Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass)
Mental health support and coaching available
Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review
INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN