📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Creative Lead (COPY)
🔹 Company: Dentsu
🔹 Location: Helsinki, Finland
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 6+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Guiding the creative journey from ideation to execution
- Writing narratives, scripts, and storyboards
- Presenting ideas with clarity and persuasiveness
- Mentoring junior team members and encouraging continuous learning
- Collaborating with an Art Director to execute creative concepts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong conceptual thinker with a proven track record in leading and delivering multichannel campaigns. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in copywriting and be fluent in both Finnish and English.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Write narratives, scripts, storyboards, annotations, and treatments
✅ Present ideas with clarity, on brand, on message, and targeted to the audience
✅ Comprehend and understand brand continuity, brand guidelines, and brand positioning
✅ Execute creative concepts in collaboration with an Art Director
✅ Develop language and copy in short form and long form to establish the tonality of ideas
✅ Support the effective use of technology in solving business problems
✅ Participate in pitch work and identify opportunities for creative client projects
✅ Drive, define, and give feedback on briefs, regular reviews, feedback channels, creative quality, and collaboration
✅ Mentor junior team members and encourage continuous learning across the team
ASSUMPTION: The Creative Lead will be expected to work closely with clients and team members, balancing creative vision with strategic execution and commercial acumen.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Not specified
Experience: +6 years of experience in an agency or in-house setting
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of leading and delivering multichannel campaigns
- Extensive experience with copywriting and ability to write across mediums
- Experience as a mentor with the ability to guide creative teams and grow talent
- Experience with pitching; communicates strategy and creative rationale clearly and persuasively
- Fluency in Finnish and English
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with brand positioning and brand guidelines
- Ability to craft big campaign platforms and sharp headlines
- Understanding of technology and its role in solving business problems
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing sharp conceptual thinking and impactful execution, especially in copy-led ideas, will be highly sought after.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €45,000 - €65,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for a Creative Lead role in Helsinki)
Benefits:
- Sports, culture, lunch, and wellbeing benefits
- Mental health support programs
- Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Creative Lead role in Helsinki. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising & Marketing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global)
Founded: 1901 (Global)
Company Description:
- Dentsu is a global marketing communications company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan
- Offers a wide range of services in advertising, marketing, communication, and digital media
- Works with some of the sharpest minds in Finland and an unbeatable collection of Finland’s largest advertisers
Company Specialties:
- Marketing communications
- Advertising
- Media planning
- Media buying
- People-Based Marketing
- Creative
- Innovation
- Data and Technology
Company Website: dentsu.com
ASSUMPTION: Dentsu is a well-established global company with a strong presence in Finland, offering excellent opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Creative Director
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site per week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to work with a diverse range of clients and industries
- Opportunities to mentor junior team members and grow talent
- Chance to work in an international network with great development opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers excellent growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborate with talented team members.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, vibrant workplace in the heart of Hakaniemi, Helsinki
Office Location(s): Helsinki, Finland
Geographic Context:
- Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland, with a population of over 650,000
- Known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful architecture
- Offers a high quality of life with excellent education, healthcare, and recreational opportunities
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement)
ASSUMPTION: Helsinki offers a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty, with a strong focus on work-life balance and employee well-being.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- Creative test or case study presentation
- Final interview with the Creative Director and/or other team members
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative portfolio and writing samples
- Problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and team dynamics
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, with a focus on copy-led ideas
- Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you approach briefs
ATS Keywords: Creative Lead, Copywriter, Conceptual Thinking, Multichannel Campaigns, Brand Positioning, Mentoring, Pitching, Commercial Acumen, Technology Utilization
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve a creative test or case study presentation, allowing candidates to demonstrate their skills and thought process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard creative software and project management tools is essential for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Courage
- Excellence
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and accountable
- Adaptable and open to feedback
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a creative and collaborative environment?
- Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of clients and industries?
- Can you balance creative vision with strategic execution and commercial acumen?
ASSUMPTION: Dentsu values creativity, collaboration, and excellence, seeking candidates who can thrive in a dynamic and innovative work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with diverse clients and industries, each with their unique brand guidelines and expectations
- Balancing creative vision with strategic execution and commercial acumen
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining productivity
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Creative Director: Responsible for the overall creative vision and output of the agency, while the Creative Lead focuses on guiding the creative journey for specific projects
- Copywriter: Focuses on writing copy for various mediums, while the Creative Lead oversees the creative process and mentors junior team members
- Account Director/Manager: Responsible for client relationships and project management, while the Creative Lead focuses on creative strategy and execution
ASSUMPTION: The Creative Lead role is distinct from other creative positions, requiring a unique blend of creative, strategic, and leadership skills.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand positioning and tone of voice for a new product launch
- Creating a multichannel campaign for an established brand, including TV, digital, and social media components
- Pitching for a new client, demonstrating a deep understanding of their business challenges and presenting creative solutions
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the breadth and depth of responsibilities for the Creative Lead role, requiring strong conceptual thinking, strategic planning, and creative execution.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the creative department?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the creative team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Dentsu support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Dentsu approach work-life balance and employee well-being?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates a proactive and engaged approach to the role, showing that you are serious about understanding the company and team dynamics.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, with a focus on copy-led ideas
- Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you approach briefs during the interview
- Follow up with Tine Moe, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, via email: tine.moe@merkle.com one week after submitting your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
