Art Director/Studio Manager

Are you a creative leader who thrives on bringing bold ideas to life while keeping projects, people, and processes running seamlessly?

E pā ana ki a SkyCity | About SkyCity

At SkyCity, creativity, collaboration, and innovation are at the heart of what we do. You'll join a team that values diverse thinking, supports each other's success, and encourages continuous improvement while delivering exceptional experiences for our customers.

This is your chance to take ownership of a high-performing creative studio and make a significant impact on how the SkyCity brand is experienced across New Zealand.

We have an exciting opportunity for this newly created role of Art Director / Studio Manager to lead the creative output and day-to-day operations of our in-house Creative Studio. This is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on creative excellence with studio management, shaping the visual expression of one of New Zealand's most recognised entertainment and hospitality brands.

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Brand & Creative, you'll be responsible for delivering high-quality creative solutions across advertising, promotions, campaigns, digital channels, print, and production collateral. You'll act as the vital link between our business units and Creative Studio, ensuring projects are delivered on brief, on time, and within budget.

You'll not only create and art direct standout work but also manage studio workflow, supplier relationships, production processes, and quality control, ensuring every piece of creative reflects the SkyCity brand.

• Lead the creative development and execution of marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
• Deliver exceptional art direction, design, and brand storytelling.
• Manage the studio briefing process from concept through to final delivery.
• Prioritise and allocate work across studio resources to meet deadlines and business needs.
• Ensure all creative output aligns with brand guidelines and quality standards.
• Oversee print production, suppliers, freelancers, and external creative partners.
• Drive improvements in studio processes, efficiencies, and ways of working.
• Provide creative leadership, coaching, and guidance to designers and stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships across the wider Marketing team and business units

Mōu | About You

We're looking for someone who combines outstanding creative talent with exceptional organisational and stakeholder management skills.

• A qualification in Graphic Design, Advertising, or equivalent industry experience.
• At least 5 years' experience in an advertising agency, design agency, or in-house creative studio environment.
• Strong expertise in conceptual design, art direction, branding, typography, and creative execution.
• Advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills.
• Experience managing multiple projects, workflows, budgets, and suppliers.
• Knowledge of print production, prepress processes, digital design, and online advertising.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities.
• The confidence to challenge briefs, provide creative direction, and maintain high brand standards.

Bonus Points If You Have

• Copywriting experience.
• Motion graphics, animation, or video editing skills.
• Production or account management experience.
• Experience mentoring or developing creative talent.

Ngā painga | Benefits

• A supportive, diverse company culture
• Work with a fun and hardworking team
• $2.50 cooked meals in our staff cafeteria (there's some healthy salads as well)
• Staff convenience store (discounted milk, bread, eggs, butter etc)
• Heavily discounted staff car parking
• Career progression
• Medical insurance
• Discounts at our outlets
• Free trips for you plus one as many times as you like up the Sky Tower (if you like heights and not too busy!)

At SkyCity, our career opportunities are as diverse as our workforce. We don't just embrace differences; we value and support them. Our hiring is centred on capability and performance, regardless of gender, gender identity, race, origin, age, educational background, disability, or religious beliefs. We're here to empower you to shine. Our willingness to adapt ensures you can chart your path with us! Join us at SkyCity and be extraordinary by being you.

SkyCity takes its commitment to Host Responsibility seriously. Every member of our team, no matter their role, contributes towards SkyCity's culture of customer care.