VP/Creative Director, Art - Shopper Marketing

Publicis Groupe • Chicago, IL

308d • $173,040 - $198,975 • Hybrid

About The Position

Arc is the leading creative engine within Publicis's group of commerce agencies. In an era of unprecedented change, where shopping happens anywhere and everywhere, we believe that brands not present at the moment of desire will be resisted. Which is why everything we do is in service of creating Irresistible Commerce — breakthrough creative solutions fueled by data-driven insights. It's a proven approach that's earned us recognition as WARC's #1 Specialty Retail Agency, along with accolades from Adweek, ANA Reggie Awards, and Effies. And we do it all in an irresistible culture that's put Arc on the AdAge Best Places to Work list. Arc is looking for a VP/Creative Director with a design background to join our team! A transformational creative leader, the VP/CD sets the standard for a high-performing agency team, delivering breakthrough work that fuels business growth while elevating the art and design craft. The role requires a balance of creative excellence and business acumen, fostering a culture of innovation, adaptability, and storytelling, while attracting and retaining top talent. As the creative lead for a new CPG client, this VP/CD will be responsible for developing and producing award-worthy, commerce-driving campaigns that push creative boundaries and elevate brands at retail and through ecommerce. A champion of innovation, this leader will explore emerging technology, AI and digital trends to unlock new creative possibilities and shape the future of commerce marketing.

Requirements

• 12+ years of progressively responsible creative leadership experience in an advertising agency environment with a specific focus on strategic and hands-on commerce, retail, or shopper marketing campaigns.
• Proven expertise in elevating conceptual ideas and art/design craft across multiple creative disciplines with a track record of driving business results.
• Exceptional storytelling ability, adapting narratives for different audiences.
• Proven ability to influence and inspire at all levels—internally and externally.
• Experience building and nurturing high-performance, collaborative creative teams.
• Passion for tech, AI and innovation to enhance creative and business impact.
• Outstanding presentation skills with the ability to command a room.

Responsibilities

• Set the creative vision for the client, ensuring work aligns with business goals and cultural trends.
• Lead the development of groundbreaking commerce/shopper campaigns that build brands and drive retailer and consumer engagement.
• Build strong client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and championing impactful ideas.
• Confidently present work, articulating creative rationale with clarity and persuasion.
• Be an integral voice for commerce creative on an Integrated Agency Team.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities by recognizing emerging trends and client needs.
• Leverage technology and digital advancements to push creative boundaries and enhance engagement.
• Lead tough conversations with poise, ensuring creative integrity while addressing business realities.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop top creative talent, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Cultivate an environment that embraces bold thinking, constructive debate, and risk-taking.
• Align creative efforts with the agency priorities, driving high standards for innovation, quality and impact.
• Oversee multiple projects and resources, ensuring seamless execution and best-in-class output.
• Streamline workflows to enhance efficiency without compromising creative excellence.
• Drive accountability by setting clear expectations and holding teams to high-performance standards.

Benefits

• Paid Family Care for parents and caregivers for 12 weeks or more
• Monetary assistance and support for Adoption, Surrogacy and Fertility
• Monetary assistance and support for pet adoption
• Employee Assistance Programs and Health/Wellness/Comfort reimbursements to help you invest in your future and work/life balance
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid time off that includes Flexible Time off Vacation, Annual Sick Days, Volunteer Days, Holiday and Identity days, and more
• Matching Gifts programs
• Flexible working arrangements
• 'Work Your World' Program encouraging employees to work from anywhere Publicis Groupe has an office for up to 6 weeks a year (based upon eligibility)
• Business Resource Groups that support multiple affinities and alliances

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree