Senior Art Director - Experiential & Live Activations (limited contract) (all genders) / Zalando Fashion Studios

WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)

• Lead the experiential vision, visual identities, and guest journeys for major live events and integrated campaign extensions.
• Steer how brand storytelling and campaign mechanics translate into ambitious 3D ideas that maximize cultural impact and earned media.
• Connect with contemporary culture and creative communities, identifying relevant tastemakers and talent for activations.
• Set the aesthetic standard through bold ideas, moodboards, spatial treatments, and pitch decks that merge strategic client goals with progressive aesthetics.
• Direct and guide 3D visualizers, scenographers, and prop stylists, pushing the craft to translate 2D concepts into high-end 3D environments.
• Lead on-site creative direction for large-scale activations and VIP events, overseeing final styling, lighting, and social-first content capture.
• Present creative concepts and spatial narratives confidently to senior clients and stakeholders, building trust and guiding creative direction.
• Partner closely with cross-functional leads, aligning experiential producers, set designers, AV teams, and strategists around a shared spatial vision.

WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF

• You bring 6+ years of experiential Art Direction experience with global brands, ideally in a creative agency or studio.
• You have an exceptional portfolio demonstrating high-level spatial vision and executed physical environments across fashion, beauty, or sport.
• You have a proven track record translating complex multi-platform campaigns into immersive physical journeys and earned-media moments.
• You bring an authoritative instinct and established network across culture and creative communities, knowing how to curate authentic talent.
• You have deep expertise in spatial flow, materials, build feasibility, and lighting atmospheres that photograph and film effortlessly.
• You have a proven track record directing set designers and builders on complex builds, remaining decisive under live pressure.
• You are a compelling presenter who can articulate spatial concepts persuasively, inspire teams, and influence key stakeholders.
• You are organized, calm under live event deadlines, and proactive in steering complex productions through unexpected challenges.
• You are fluent in English.

OUR OFFER

Zalando provides a range of benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer.

• 27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees (+1 day for every calendar year up to 30 days)
• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners
• Family support, including counselling and dedicated services for parents and carers
• Company pension scheme
• Employee shares programme
• Health and wellbeing options, including Wellhub
• Mental health support and coaching
• Development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Relocation assistance (subject to prior agreement)

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

If you think you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

At Zalando, our vision is to be the leading European technology platform for fashion and lifestyle – one that thrives on diversity and is truly inclusive by design. We believe that diverse teams fuel innovation and creativity, and we actively seek out talent from all backgrounds.

We actively seek to reduce bias in our hiring and employment processes, focusing on your qualifications, skills, and contributions. To support this, we kindly ask that you refrain from including personal details such as your photo, age, or marital status in your CV, ensuring a fair and equitable evaluation based solely on your abilities and potential.

We are committed to providing an exceptional and accessible candidate experience for everyone. If you require any accommodations to support you throughout the hiring process, please let us know – we are here to assist you.

Discover more about our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/our-culture/diversity-and-inclusion