Creative Development Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Development Manager

🔹 Company: Nexus Studios

🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Animation and Post-production

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-23

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3+ days in office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Identifying and engaging with top-tier creative talent in the animation industry
• Collaborating with the pitch team to develop compelling treatments for new projects
• Staying updated with animation trends and styles
• Fostering relationships with creative talent and supporting the production team

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive approach to sourcing talent, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the animation industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Proactively research, identify, and cultivate relationships with creative talent across the animation industry

✅ Develop and maintain a comprehensive library of contacts showcasing their portfolios, specializations, and availability

✅ Attend industry events, portfolio reviews, and online platforms to scout for emerging and established talent

✅ 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

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of proactive talent sourcing, creative collaboration, and administrative tasks to support the pitch process.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Animation, Film Studies, Fine Arts) or equivalent industry experience

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience working within the animation industry, ideally in a creative development, production, or talent management role

Required Skills:

• 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
• Proficiency in image research and a strong understanding of visual communication
• Experience with design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Google Suite) is advantageous
• Proactive, organized, and detail-oriented approach to work
• Exceptional networking and relationship-building skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with brands and understanding their creative needs
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their creative skills and understanding of the animation industry.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a mid-level role in London)

Benefits:

• 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

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible working hours and a hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level role in London. Benefits are subject to change and may be confirmed during the interview process.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Animation and Post-production

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: Not specified

Company Description:

• Nexus Studios is a multi-BAFTA and Emmy-winning, Oscar and Grammy-nominated global studio in film and experience design
• They create groundbreaking works for entertainment, music, sports, and brands across every platform
• Their world-class directors, producers, artists, and technologists bring stories to life that touch hearts and shape culture

Company Specialties:

• Film
• Interactive Experiences
• Augmented Reality
• Virtual Reality
• Animation
• Live Action
• Moving image content
• Design
• Digital
• Production

Company Website: http://www.nexusstudios.com

ASSUMPTION: Nexus Studios is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the animation industry, known for its creative excellence and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and development

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Executive Producer and works closely with the Chief Creative Officer

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3+ days in office)

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior role within the creative development team
• Expanding responsibilities and leadership opportunities as the team grows
• Potential to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with renowned talent

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within a dynamic and creative environment.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Creative and collaborative office space in Shoreditch, London

Office Location(s): 25, Chart Street, London, London N1 6FA, GB

Geographic Context:

• Shoreditch is a vibrant and creative neighborhood in East London, known for its art galleries, street art, and diverse food scene
• Easy access to public transportation, with nearby tube stations and bus routes
• Close proximity to other creative industries and hubs, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, with flexible working hours and the option to work from home for up to 2 days per week

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call interview with the HR team
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Chief Creative Officer
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creative problem-solving skills and ability to generate innovative ideas
• Understanding of the animation industry and trends
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant industry experience and creative achievements in your resume
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative skills and understanding of the animation industry
• Research Nexus Studios and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values
• Practice presenting your ideas clearly and persuasively, as this is a crucial aspect of the role

ATS Keywords: Animation, Creative Development, Talent Sourcing, Pitch Treatments, Industry Trends, Networking, Relationship Building, Collaboration, Communication, Research, Visual Communication, Design Software

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's creative skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on communication and presentation abilities.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)
• Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)

ASSUMPTION: The role may require proficiency in specific design software and project management tools, which can be learned or improved upon with relevant training and experience.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Creativity and innovation
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Diversity and inclusion
• Excellence and quality
• Integrity and respect

Work Style:

• Creative and dynamic
• Collaborative and supportive
• Fast-paced and adaptable
• Results-driven and passionate

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you approach generating innovative and original ideas?
• Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or work environment?
• How do you foster relationships with diverse talent and ensure their voices are heard and valued?

ASSUMPTION: Nexus Studios values creativity, collaboration, and diversity, seeking candidates who align with these principles and can contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a large network of creative talent and maintaining strong relationships with each individual
• Balancing the demands of client projects and internal creative development
• Adapting to the fast-paced and ever-evolving animation industry
• Working with diverse teams and stakeholders, each with their own creative vision and expectations

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Creative Development Manager vs. Production Manager: The former focuses more on creative concept development and talent sourcing, while the latter oversees project execution and resource allocation
• Animation industry-specific context: The role requires a deep understanding of animation trends, styles, and techniques, as well as familiarity with industry events and platforms
• Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth into senior creative development positions, production management, or even directing

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on creative development and talent sourcing, requiring a specific skill set and industry knowledge.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a pitch treatment for a high-profile brand, showcasing a range of creative concepts and visual styles
• Identifying and engaging with emerging talent at industry events and online platforms, expanding the studio's network and pipeline of creative resources
• Collaborating with directors and the pitch team to refine and elevate a treatment, ensuring it aligns with the studio's creative vision and the client's brief

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for the role, from creative concept development to talent sourcing and collaboration.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the creative development process for a recent project and how my role would contribute to its success?
• How does the studio support the professional development and growth of its creative development team members?
• Can you provide examples of how the studio fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion, both internally and in its creative output?
• How does the studio balance the need for creative innovation with the demands of client projects and commercial viability?
• What opportunities exist for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other departments and teams within the studio?

ASSUMPTION: These questions aim to assess the company's commitment to creative development, professional growth, diversity and inclusion, and collaboration, as well as the candidate's fit within the team and the studio's broader mission.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative skills and understanding of the animation industry
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant industry experience and creative achievements
• Research Nexus Studios and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values
• Practice presenting your ideas clearly and persuasively, as this is a crucial aspect of the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.