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Strategic Principal Creative
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Principal Creative
Are you an experienced Principal Creative with the strategic vision to shape outstanding campaigns, inspire multidisciplinary teams, and transform complex ideas into compelling stories?
This is an exciting opportunity to influence the creative direction of a global in-house agency, lead high-profile national and international projects, and help develop innovative creative solutions that deliver meaningful engagement and measurable business outcomes.
Your new company
AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear organisation, connecting people, data, and technology to transform infrastructure and energy systems.
You will join Creative Design, AtkinsRéalis' in-house creative and digital agency. Its global multidisciplinary team of more than 80 professionals includes creatives, UX/UI designers, animators, visualisers, real-time specialists, and web developers. Together, the team combines creative, digital, and technical expertise to bring ideas to life and change how clients communicate, connect, and engage with their projects.
Your new role
As Principal Creative, you will provide strategic and creative leadership across a growing portfolio of high-profile national and global accounts. You will develop compelling narratives, impactful campaigns, and strong conceptual design solutions that support client objectives and deliver tangible business value.
Working closely with fellow Principals and the wider leadership team, you will help define creative direction, drive innovation, and identify opportunities for business growth. You will confidently lead client conversations, pitches, and presentations, translating complex ideas into clear, engaging, and memorable creative experiences.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading complex creative projects and multidisciplinary teams
- Developing creative strategies, campaign concepts, and project briefs
- Meeting clients to understand their goals and bring their ideas to life
- Pitching creative solutions to clients, senior stakeholders, and project teams
- Identifying opportunities to strengthen client relationships and develop the future work pipeline
- Challenging established thinking and improving creative processes, quality, and delivery
- Tracking campaign performance and adapting strategies where required
- Mentoring and developing creative talent at every level
- Encouraging ownership, autonomy, accountability, and knowledge sharing
- Contributing to business development, digital innovation, and the future direction of Creative Design
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What you'll need to succeed
You will be an experienced, results-driven creative leader who can balance long-term strategic vision with immediate client and business needs. You will be comfortable taking the initiative, challenging ideas constructively, and inspiring others to deliver their best work.
You will bring:
- An original portfolio demonstrating strong design skills across varied projects
- Experience developing compelling narratives, campaign concepts, and creative strategies
- The confidence to pitch ideas and solutions to clients and senior stakeholders
- Proven experience leading and motivating multidisciplinary creative teams
- Strong mentoring skills and a commitment to developing creative talent
- Commercial awareness, including experience quoting and scoping multidisciplinary projects
- Strong knowledge of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
- Excellent layout and typography skills
- Awareness of emerging technologies and market trends
- Strong knowledge of AI tools and how they can enhance creative delivery
- Excellent organisation, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving skills
- A collaborative, approachable style, and a genuine passion for design
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Please attach your portfolio and CV when applying. Applications submitted without a portfolio will not be considered.
What you'll get in return
You will have the opportunity to shape and elevate the creative offering of a growing global team while working on innovative, high-profile projects. You will also benefit from:
- A competitive salary of up to £55,000
- Flexible holiday allowances, with the option to buy and sell annual leave
- Medical and dental insurance
- Workplace and wellbeing benefits
- Eyecare vouchers
- Cycle to work scheme
- Gymflex
- Season ticket load
- Discounts on a range of products and services
This position may require security clearance, with any offer dependent on obtaining the relevant level. Where applicable, this will be discussed during the interview process. Candidates should not include details of current or previously held security clearance in their CV, application, or conversations relating to the role.
Ready to shape creative strategy, inspire talented teams, and deliver work with lasting impact?
Apply today with your CV and portfolio to take the next step in your career as a Principal Creative.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV to Jessica Dando.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Desired Skills and Experience
Design
UI
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