Creative Development Manager

Nexus Studios is seeking a highly motivated and creatively driven Creative Development Manager to join our expanding Branded Content team. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate individual with a deep understanding of the animation landscape to play a pivotal role in shaping our creative output and securing exciting new projects with the world's leading brands.

As Creative Development Manager, you will be instrumental in identifying and engaging with top-tier creative talent across the animation, film and design industry. You will work closely with our pitch team and directors, leveraging your extensive network and creative acumen to develop compelling and visually stunning treatments that win new business. Working into the Lead Executive Producer, and connected to the Chief Creative Officer, this role demands a proactive individual with a keen eye for emerging visual and design trends, a strong understanding of diverse animation and illustration styles, and exceptional communication and collaboration skills.

Creative Talent Sourcing and Relationship Building:

• Proactively research, identify, and cultivate relationships with a diverse range of creative talent across the animation industry, including illustrators, character designers, storyboard artists, 2D and 3D animators, motion graphics designers, and visual development artists.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive and organised library of contacts, showcasing their portfolios, specialisations, and availability.
• Attend industry events, portfolio reviews, and online platforms to scout for emerging and established talent.
• Serve as a key point of contact for freelance creative talent, fostering positive and collaborative relationships.
• Negotiate and manage freelance agreements in collaboration with the production and resourcing teams.

Pitch Treatment Development and Support:

• Collaborate closely with directors and the pitch team to understand client briefs and develop innovative and effective creative concepts.
• Contribute to the strategic and creative direction of pitch treatments, ensuring they are visually engaging, conceptually strong, and aligned with the studio and director's creative vision.
• Provide crucial support in the creation of compelling pitch treatments through in-depth image research, sourcing relevant visual references, and developing mood boards and style guides.
• Contribute to the copywriting and narrative development of treatments, ensuring clear, concise, and persuasive communication of creative ideas.
• Assist in the design and layout of treatment documents, ensuring a beautifully designed and impactful presentation.

Animation Industry Expertise and Trend Awareness:

• Bring a deep and demonstrable knowledge and appreciation of the diverse world of animation and design, encompassing independent animated films, cutting-edge music videos, innovative commercials, and emerging animation techniques.
• Maintain a strong understanding of historical and contemporary animation, film and design styles, directors, and studios.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in animation technology, software, and creative approaches.
• Continuously expand your knowledge of the animation landscape through research, attending screenings, and engaging with industry publications and communities.

Wider Cultural Awareness:

• Demonstrate a broad appreciation of contemporary culture and trends across music, cinema, sports, art, and design, understanding how these influences can inform and enrich animation concepts.
• Identify and leverage relevant cultural references and trends to enhance the originality and impact of pitch treatments.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Operate as a proactive and collaborative member of the Branded Content team, fostering a positive and supportive working environment.
• Effectively communicate creative ideas and feedback to directors, producers, and other team members.
• Work closely with the production team to ensure the feasibility and execution of proposed creative concepts.
• Contribute to a culture of creative excellence and continuous improvement within the studio.

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience working within the animation industry, ideally in a creative development, production, or talent management role.
• A strong visual eye and a deep understanding of animation principles, techniques, and aesthetics.
• Proven ability to research, analyze, and synthesize information to support creative development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Comfortable presenting to clients, remotely and in-person
• Proficiency in image research and a strong understanding of visual communication.
• Experience with design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Google Suite) is advantageous.
• A proactive, organized, and detail-oriented approach to work.
• Exceptional networking and relationship-building skills.
• A strong team player with a positive attitude, high energy levels, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional animation.
• A strong desire to contribute to the studio's success by helping to secure exciting and challenging new projects.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly creative and visually literate.
• Passionate about animation in all its forms.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• Resilient and adaptable to a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative and positive team player.
• Driven by a desire to make the best work with the best people.

• Hybrid working model (3+ days in our office in Shoreditch)
• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with each year's service by 1 day up to 28 days
• Additional gifted days off between Christmas and New Year
• Option to purchase 5 extra holiday days per year
• Work from anywhere in the world for 2 weeks
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave and pay
• Training and Development Allocation
• 10 dedicated hours per annum to participate in D&I efforts
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• Season travel ticket loan
• Family Worldwide Travel Insurance
• Eyecare contributions
• Sabbatical
• Employee Assistance Programme for counselling & financial support
• Perkbox & BHN Extras, including discounts on Gym memberships, food, retailers, wellness hub and more
• Monthly socials 

Nexus Studios is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive workplace. We offer flexible working practices and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries. Your application will be treated in strict confidence.