Art Director Full Time

Are you a seasoned Art Director with a passion for pushing creative boundaries and a deep appreciation for the cycling lifestyle? Do you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your leadership directly shapes a global brand’s visual identity?

MAAP, a leader in performance cycling apparel, is on the hunt for a visionary to join our global HQ in Port Melbourne (with required travel for shoots/events).This is an exceptional opportunity to lead, mentor, and inspire a talented creative team, working under the guidance of our Global Creative Director to execute next-level visual communication across all touchpoints.

We are open to applications from candidates worldwide who are willing to relocate for the role.

THE ROLE

Reporting to our Global Creative Director, you’ll be instrumental in bringing MAAP’s brand vision to life. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Creative Leadership: Lead the daily tasks and management of our dynamic team of designers (including Senior Designer, Graphic Designers, and Junior Designer), ensuring flawless and on-brand execution across all creative deliverables.
• Brand Guardian: Maintain absolute brand integrity, working with the GCD to develop and effectively execute design solutions for all global visual communication, from social and digital to e-commerce, retail, packaging, and major brand campaigns.
• Hands-On Creation: Be “on the tools” yourself, actively designing and executing solutions when needed, embodying the mindset of a restless creative.
• Team Development: Train, mentor, and direct creative staff daily, fostering an environment of growth and excellence.
• Project Management: Manage projects and staff efficiently through ASANA, ensuring all work is delivered on time, within budget, and consistent with the brand vision.
• Strategic Execution: Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to craft solid strategies for EDMs, social media, and all digital marketing to drive DTC sales and support our global retailers.
• External Coordination: Coordinate and brief freelance artists, photographers, and filmers as needed, and assist in planning photoshoots.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work proactively across Creative, Marketing, Product, and Sales teams, acting as a valued creative asset.
• Trend Savvy: Stay current on industry trends, technology, and the local and international art and design scene to keep MAAP at the forefront.

THE CANDIDATE

You’re a natural leader with a minimum of 5 years experience within an in-house or agency environment, with at least 3 years managing a creative team and a proven track record of bringing brands to life. You’re known for your:

• Team Leadership: Exceptional ability to organise, direct, and motivate creative professionals, articulating a clear vision and overseeing production.
• Creative Expertise: Extensive knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential).
• Brand Experience: Minimum three years working directly for a brand, understanding brand integrity and consistent visual execution.
• Communication Skills: Superb ability to listen, understand, and articulate creative ideas with regional and global management.
• Time Management: Highly effective at balancing competing priorities, managing multiple projects, and meeting strict deadlines.
• Passion for Cycling: A genuine enthusiasm to embrace and contribute to the cycling lifestyle.
• Artistic Appreciation: An understanding and appreciation for fine art, photography, painting, or illustration is a plus.

Nice-to-Haves: Experience with Adobe AfterEffects and/or Premiere Pro, motion graphics, animation, Figma, Asana, Slack, and Google Docs.

Why Join MAAP?

Beyond contributing to a brand that’s propelling cycling forward, you’ll enjoy a vibrant culture and fantastic perks, including:

• Work-Life Balance: Shorter workdays on Fridays (9-3 pm) and 1 day a week WFH.
• Industry Perks: Access to significant industry discounts.
• Team Fun: Monthly happy hours and staff rides on company time.
• Birthday Leave: Enjoy your birthday off, paid.
• Product Allowance: Biannual product allowance to kit you out in the latest MAAP gear.

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