art direction lead

at wagamama, we’re an eating house for the soul. with over 160 uk restaurants and growing, our purpose is to nourish the world from bowl to soul. inspired by fast-paced, japanese ramen bars since 1992. a celebration of asian food brought wagamama to life

we’re looking for an art direction lead to join us on our continuous journey of true nourishment

the role |

as the Art Direction lead at wagamama, you will be the driving force behind the conceptualisation, production, and execution of our creative output as well as being able to incorporate graphic design within this, ensuring that each project reflects our brand’s vision and meets the highest quality standards

you will collaborate closely with marketing teams, providing clear and inspired direction alongside the Creative Director. Your role will be pivotal in creating a cohesive visual narrative that threads through all brand channels, including emails, OOH, events and social media.

leveraging your extensive experience in both video and photography, you will help expand our visual style guide, defining detailed directions for imagery, video, lighting, set design, and more. You will manage the production process from start to finish with our in-house and external partner producers, working with a network of stylists, photographers, and set designers to bring innovative concepts to life. Your ability to manage multiple projects—whether large-scale strategic initiatives or detailed on-set productions—will be key to your success.

key accountabilities

creativity: Ensuing a high level of creativity throughout all work and bringing fresh ideas and thoughts

leadership: Ability to lead workstreams and teams associated with those workstreams – This could encompass shoots (video and stills), events, print collateral, product

developing concepts: Collaborating with the team and other creatives to develop ideas, concepts, and campaigns

managing projects: Overseeing creative projects alongside the producer, ensuring they meet the brief and budget, and working to a timeline

presenting : Presenting creative ideas and designs to internal and external teams and other relevant parties for approval and buy-in

reviewing work: Reviewing and approving designs, artwork, and photography developed by external agencies.

maintaining consistency: Ensuring graphic and creative consistency across all deliverables within the brand for that given year

multi-tasking: Having the ability to manage multiple projects at once and still meet deadlines to a high standard

what we look for |

• Innovative Mindset: A creative leader with a proven track record in ideation and pushing the boundaries of briefs.
• excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills to build and maintain relationships with internal teams, agencies, and freelancers
• excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to challenges and find creative solutions
• Video and photography expertise: A strong portfolio of video content for social and editorial use, complemented by a solid understanding of photography.
• team leadership: Experience working with both small and large shoot teams, assembling the right talent for each project. Alongside stakeholder management.
• technical expertise: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and experience in concepting, producing, and managing content shoots.
• In-House/Agency Experience: Experience in either in-house or agency environments, with a knack for commissioning and managing creative briefs with contractors.
• Network and Relationships: A well-established network of stylists, photographers, set designers, and other creative professionals.

our perks + quirks |

• a competitive annual salary
• discretionary 20% bonus opportunity per year
• wagamama food allowance
• private healthcare
• pension contribution
• 25 days holiday + all bank holidays
• various discount across retail, hospitality + leisure
• internal progression opportunities | fully funded apprenticeship programmes to support your growth
• kintsugi wellness | access to councillors, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym + leisure 
• family friendly policy | any expectant person or anyone adopting a child will receive 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay
• financial wellbeing support | access to loans repaid through your salary for those ‘strapped for cash’ moments in life

the wagamama way |

kaizen, meaning ‘good change’, is the philosophy that sits at the core of who we are. it shapes every dish we create and pushes us to find better ways in all we do. our food, how we think, how we work, it has to be fresh. committed to championing change in both our communities + the impact on the planet

three whole decades of acting different, we don’t conform, we celebrate difference. appreciating personality over perfection. welcoming everyone and their unique story to our benches. we promise to have your back. working together to build close bonds of trust + support. creating safe spaces where we can have real conversations with open hearts + open minds

all we ask is for you to dish up what makes you different 

be you, be wagamama

wagamama is proudly part of disability confident