Creative Lead

At INCEPTION, we specialise in creating branded environments and experiences that captivate and connect audiences worldwide. Driven by a deep understanding of our client's needs and audience insights, we deliver unique multi-sensory brand experiences across tradeshows, exhibitions, experience centres, marketing suites, and retail spaces, driving measurable results and ROI.

Our mission is to harness the power of physical spaces in a digital world, transforming brands through immersive, face-to-face interactions that deeply engage and inspire decision-makers. Driven by deep insights and understanding we craft creative, impactful, and sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impression.

About the Role

This newly created role sits within the newly formed Senior Leadership Team and reports directly to the founder, playing a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s creative vision and output. As Creative Lead, you’ll craft immersive and impactful exhibition experiences, drive innovation, inspire teams, and push the boundaries of exhibition design.

You’ll own the creative process end-to-end—from generating bold conceptual ideas to overseeing development and ensuring the highest quality execution. Every project will tell a compelling story, captivate audiences, and set new standards for excellence.

In addition to leading design direction, you’ll play a key role in shaping and mentoring our internal design team, coordinating resources, and fostering a collaborative environment where creativity thrives. With deep expertise across the entire design process—including strategic insights, conceptual development, and execution—you’ll work closely with cross-functional teams and clients to deliver exceptional spaces that seamlessly align with brand identity and project goals.

You will play a key role in shaping the agency’s creative output by:

Producing compelling presentations that bring concepts to life, including high-quality 3D renderings, to showcase ideas to clients.

Assist in the preparation of detailed construction documents, including plans, elevations, specifications, and technical details.

Facilitate seamless communication and support team and client interactions to ensure clarity, alignment, and smooth project management.

Working closely with freelancers, contractors, fabricators, and vendors to achieve outstanding project outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Ensure design consistency and quality by guiding team members throughout the creative process, from initial concept to final delivery, constantly looking to elevate our creative offering above and beyond our competitors.
• Create presentations for external proposals, pitches, and tenders and present concepts and finalised ideas to senior management, clients, and project teams.
• Champion best-in-class design practices while collaborating seamlessly with other departments to foster clear, consistent communication.
• Provide expert guidance, feedback, and mentoring to creative team members from concept to completion fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and accountability.
• Support with the coordination of resources and manage schedules and deadlines.
• Oversee and manage the quality and accuracy of the design documentation, visual communication, and creative methodology and deliverables.
• Manage and collaborate with in-house and freelance 2D & 3D creatives to develop, evolve and execute creative solutions.
• Provide on-site support for large more complex projects, which are often overseas.
• You’ll work closely with the Operations Director to optimise workflows and exceed client expectations through efficient and effective project management.
• You’ll develop and implement creative strategies that align with Inception’s vision and growth objectives.
• Contribute to the agency’s growth by supporting the Operations Director in strategic creative talent acquisition, ensuring we attract and retain top talent.
• You'll contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence, empowering teams to thrive and deliver exceptional results.
• Collaborate with leadership, clients, and industry partners to drive creative initiatives and position the agency competitively on a global scale.
• Keep up to date with the latest trends in design, materials, innovation and sustainability.
• Champion sustainability by embedding eco-friendly practices into operations, from material sourcing to logistics and production.
• You’ll build and nurture relationships with suppliers and contractors to deliver cost-effective, high-quality services that align with business goals.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks, ensuring flawless execution even in high-pressure, complex scenarios with tight deadlines.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior design role, within exhibitions, events, or experiential design.
• Proven experience in managing complex, multi-phase projects from ideation through to delivery.
• Proven experience in setting and executing creative direction with a supporting portfolio.
• Ability to discover and articulate design objectives and apply design solutions to the project at hand.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other industry-standard design software. Knowledge of 3D rendering software Cinema 4D is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and leading a creative team, with a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive studio culture and regular, clear and structured feedback and reviews for all direct reports.
• Have a strong track record of building and nurturing client relationships, with a proactive approach to sourcing and developing new business.
• Have a passion for sustainability, with experience embedding eco-friendly practices into designs.
• Have a forward-thinking, strategic mindset with a structured, creative approach to problem-solving.
• Have strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills and the ability to conceptualise creative briefs.
• Ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to articulate and advocate for design concepts to engage and influence leadership, clients, and industry partners.
• Experience delivering projects in global markets, ideally the US, UAE and ASIA.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace and Monday.com is a bonus.

If you're passionate about delivering exceptional creative work, leading with innovation, and setting new standards for creative excellence, join us in crafting unforgettable brand experiences.