Lead Art Director (Brand & Creative)

We Elevate. Digitally. SQLI is a European player and market leader in customer experience and digital transformation, helping major international brands create value through technology and digital innovation. From strategy to the effective implementation of technological solutions, we design and build robust, high-performance architectures and engaging digital experiences, combining advanced technologies, proven methodologies, and deep expertise. To strengthen our teams (2,200 employees across 12 countries), we are looking for driven talent who share our values: Creativity, Engagement, and a Future-minded approach. SQLI Ghent creative agency; that’s us: 50+ digital specialists working every day on projects that truly matter. For brands like Colruyt Group, Brustor, Pierre Fabre, and Jules Destrooper, we build digital strategies, campaigns, and platforms that make a real impact. As part of an international group, we have the scale and expertise of a large agency, while operating with the commitment and agility of a local team. At SQLI, we work with digital leaders and CMOs who expect clarity, challenges, and results. Our mission is simple: outperform industry standards by uniting strategy, marketing, and design. Great ideas are only great if they work. At SQLI, we combine strategy, marketing, and design to create brand experiences that perform - across campaigns, platforms, and ecommerce. We’re looking for a Lead Art Director who not only elevates creative work, but also elevates the people creating it. You bring ideas to life -> visually, conceptually, and through people. Support the Creative Director in developing brand and campaign concepts Translate strategy into strong visual directions and creative ideas Create and oversee execution across digital, social, and ecommerce touchpoints Ensure consistency and quality across all deliverables Team & coaching responsibilities Act as a day-to-day lead for designers and copywriters within the content team Provide ongoing feedback and hands-on creative guidance Elevate the quality of output by coaching the team toward stronger craft and thinking Support team members in their personal growth and career development Help define growth paths together with the Creative Director Follow up on performance, motivation, and development needs Collaboration & impact Collaborate with strategists, marketers, and performance teams Contribute to pitches and new business with compelling creative Help build scalable brand systems that work across channels You don’t just make things look good you make teams and ideas perform better. Perfect English speaking is a must, Dutch (and French) are a plus, big one Proven experience as an Art Director in an agency or similar environment (5 years) Strong portfolio showing brand, campaign, and digital work Experience leading or mentoring designers and/or copywriters Ability to move from idea to concept and from concept to execution Experience with digital-first and ecommerce environments Eye for detail and strong sense of visual consistency And just as important: You enjoy helping others grow and get the best out of a team You give clear, constructive feedback and know how to motivate people You balance creative ambition with pragmatism You take ownership not just of the work, but of the people behind it You’ll join a welcoming, driven team where collaboration and team spirit matter. We make time to (de)connect, regular drinks and events are part of the culture. Our Sint-Martens-Latem office was recently redesigned, with more outdoor space, informal meeting spots, and comfortable areas to recharge. We support flexible working, while encouraging time together with the team because the best ideas don’t happen in isolation. You’ll work with leading brands across industries (Nestlé, Colruyt, Pierre Fabre, Jaguar Land Rover), making your work varied and impactful. You’ll play a key role in the company and be recognized for it. Your package includes an Apple laptop, company car, phone subscription, and everything you need to do your job well. We invest in continuous growth through R&D time, training, events, seminars, mentoring, and regular knowledge sharing. You’ll shape your own path, supported by regular feedback and development conversations. As part of SQLI Group, you’ll connect with colleagues across the globe and learn from an international network. Ownership of high-impact, cross-disciplinary projects Exposure to international clients and teams The opportunity to shape how delivery works at SQLI A culture that values honesty, ownership, and collaboration We keep things simpleand focused on what works. Interested? If you’re someone who brings structure, clarity, and momentum we should talk