Creative Research Consultant (12 Month FTC)
Job Introduction
Are you looking for a new challenge that gives you the chance to get creative and use your knowledge of Creative Research to take our Creative Direction at Selfridges to the next level? Looking for a company that wants to help further your career as well as provide you with an exciting, inspiring and fun place to work?
If the answer to all of these questions is ‘yes’ then you’re just the kind of person we’re looking for!
Role Responsibility
As a Creative Research Consultant, you will research unique creative concepts that position Selfridges at the forefront of innovation and creativity. You will identify trends and provide insight (creative, cultural, social, business) that informs and inspires Selfridges’ Creative Direction team and wider business. You will consult us on external influences that will affect our business practice and future.
The Creative Direction team operates as Selfridges’ in-house creative agency. We provide the business with creative concepts and future-thinking research material spanning creative schemes, advertising campaigns, architecture and retail spaces, customer experience, brand guardianship, customer behaviour, business culture, alternative business models, and future opportunities and risks. Our key objective is to provide exceptional creative direction that pushes the brand and business forward in a way that is consistent with our brand’s values and identity.
You will play a pivotal role in developing creative concepts as well as brand strategy and futurology work, backing your ideas up with rigorous research findings. You will be responsible for promoting, upholding and evolving the brand vision and purpose. You will be required to work independently, using your own initiative, as well as collaborating with team members. As a Creative Research Consultant you will:
- Research strategy – Own and plan the Creative Direction teams research outputs and build a system for communicating to the team and wider business.
- Undertake extensive research – both online and in-house as well as out in the field; visiting relevant competitors, benchmarks, seminars, exhibitions, events in the UK and abroad.
- Research and reporting of current creative, cultural, social and business movements relevant to Selfridges.
- Develop and implement a talks and internship program to grow and nurture talent.
- Building powerful and innovative research decks, which will be presented by yourself or with a team, to senior leadership and executive board.
- Drive the quantity and quality of research produced by Creative Direction, maintaining a high taste level creative and visual literacy.
- Build decks in a way that is logical and precise. As well as confidence to present pitches to senior leaders, experience in leading small teams and workshops, and a sound understanding of retail and ecomm landscapes also required
- Build a network of industry connections for research and relationships.
- Attend or organise and running creative workshops, brainstorm sessions, enabling maximum value to be drawn from all parties, on-brief and with clear actions and learnings.
- Ensure the department maintains high standards in regards to professionalism, organisation, and operating in an environmentally sustainable and ethical manner.
The Ideal Candidate
- BA /MA graduate in art, design, fashion, journalism or related creative field.
- At least 5 years professional experience within a creative agency or similar.
- Ability to work in a high-paced environment to tight deadlines, as well as manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- A creatively driven and passionate person with a professional and confident manner
- Ability to present to senior leaders including executive board, in a confident and appropriate manner.
- Ability to influence teams and individuals at a high level within the organisation with an intuitive, strategic approach.
- Confident to express opinion and provide direction and guidance within meetings and other teams.
- Excellent computer presentation skills on Mac, using Powerpoint and Adobe Creative Suite. Web and digitally savvy.
- Confidential and discreet
- Highly organised with an ability to develop and work to processes and deadlines
- Outgoing and sociable
- Flexible, team player
- Keen interest in creative and popular culture, the arts and social anthropology.
About the Company
Our Creative Spirit
We are more than a shop. We are a social space where culture and commerce collide to release an energy that we call the Selfridges spirit. We are here to make our world brighter, and everyone is welcome.
Our Awards Cabinet
We’re not ones to brag, but since you asked...Selfridges has won the award for The World’s Best Department Store an unprecedented four times at the IGDS awards, with an additional award for the Best Sustainability Campaign.
Our Future
Since 1909 we have been at the forefront of retail and today our stores in London, Manchester and Birmingham – alongside selfridges.com and the Selfridges App – continue to redefine the way we shop and socialise. As a Selfridges team member, you will learn what it takes to consistently drive innovation, success and amazing customer experiences.
Everyone is welcome
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive working culture, and we see this as key to our success and our working culture. Here at Selfridges, everyone is welcome - irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or disability, we stand by equal opportunities for all. We are diverse, we are inclusive, we are Selfridges.
The Fun Stuff
There are lots of reasons to be excited about joining Team Selfridges – from our fantastic team member communities to volunteer days and behind-the-scenes Selfridges experiences throughout the year.
Other benefits and rewards include:
- Generous bonus and/or commission scheme
- Discounted gym memberships
- Pension contributions
- Annual travel pass and cycle to work schemes
- A volunteer day for all team members
- Access to a wide range of training programmes to help your career development
Selfridges