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

Role 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. Qualifications 6+ years of experiential Art Direction experience with global brands, ideally in a creative agency or studio. Exceptional portfolio demonstrating high-level spatial vision and executed physical environments across fashion, beauty, or sport. Proven track record translating complex multi-platform campaigns into immersive physical journeys and earned-media moments. Authoritative instinct and established network across culture and creative communities, knowing how to curate authentic talent. Deep expertise in spatial flow, materials, build feasibility, and lighting atmospheres that photograph and film effortlessly. Proven track record directing set designers and builders on complex builds, remaining decisive under live pressure. Compelling presenter who can articulate spatial concepts persuasively, inspire teams, and influence key stakeholders. Organized, calm under live event deadlines, and proactive in steering complex productions through unexpected challenges. Fluent in English. What We Offer Zalando provides a range of benefits: 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).