Creative Director

About the Role

Leo Burnett Worldwide, founded in Chicago in 1935, is among the world’s largest agency networks, with 96 offices and close to 10,000 people across the business. In the Middle East, the agency works across Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan through teams known for delivering strong impact. The agency has earned major recognition for creative effectiveness, innovation, and performance across the MENA region and globally.

The role is rooted in the agency’s Humankind philosophy, which places human behaviour and purpose at the centre of creativity. The focus is on using creative thinking to influence people meaningfully, rather than treating advertising as the end goal.

Role Summary

The Creative Director leads the creative function and oversees a team that may include art directors, copywriters, and designers. The position requires ownership of ideas from initial concept through final production, while also maintaining a hands-on presence in the creative process. A key part of the job is building strong client partnerships and helping shape campaigns that balance client goals with the agency’s creative standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full creative journey from early concept development through to final delivery.
• Guide, mentor, and support the growth of team members across the creative department.
• Work with clients to understand their creative objectives and translate them into actionable direction for the team.
• Share client expectations and feedback clearly with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the creative team to develop original campaign ideas and communication approaches.
• Refine concepts and negotiate with clients so the final output aligns with both the client’s vision and the agency’s standards.
• Present and defend the team’s ideas in a persuasive and confident manner.
• Kick off projects once proposals have been approved.
• Stay involved in every stage of production and ensure the work remains on track.
• Partner with brand teams to shape business branding, campaigns, and communication ideas.
• Track market changes, emerging data, and current marketing methods to inform creative strategy.
• Help clients solve business challenges through timely, structured creative responses.
• Build and execute customised marketing plans based on specific client needs.
• Run brainstorming meetings and creative working sessions with clients.
• Define brand standards and processes so output remains consistent and brand-appropriate.
• Supervise everyday department operations, including workload distribution, deadlines, and budgets.

Requirements

• Strong command of design principles and the software commonly used in creative production.
• Working familiarity with filmmaking methods, terminology, and current industry trends.
• Ability to handle video editing and copywriting tasks.
• Strong awareness of shifts and trends in advertising.
• Leadership ability with a collaborative approach to team development and cross-functional work.
• Clear, confident communication skills with the ability to present ideas persuasively.
• Comfort working with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams in a structured environment.
• Ability to manage priorities, deadlines, budgets, and creative workflows effectively.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to prepare contingency plans when needed.
• Growth-oriented attitude, openness to feedback, and willingness to challenge assumptions constructively.
• Resilience, integrity, curiosity, and flexibility in a fast-moving creative environment.

Company Context

Leo Burnett is a long-established global agency network with a strong presence across the Middle East. The organization is known for creative impact, effectiveness, innovation, and brand-purpose-driven work.