Associate Director – Creative & Cross Sector Innovation

We are seeking an exceptional Associate Director to join our leadership team. This is a pivotal role for a highly creative thinker who thrives on variety, brings cross‑sector insight, and enjoys shaping ideas, teams, and client relationships. You will help drive design quality, strategic thinking, and innovation across projects of different scales and industries.

If this role is of interest please send CV & portfolio to: recruitment@mcm-uk.com indicating salary expectations and availability.

 

What You’ll Do

• Lead projects with creative ambition, strategic clarity, and design excellence.
• Bring fresh perspectives informed by experience across multiple sectors – helping us challenge norms and unlock new possibilities for clients.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop accounts, nurture client relationships, and contribute to business growth.
• Guide, mentor, and inspire designers and consultants across disciplines.
• Champion new ideas, ways of working, and approaches that enhance our culture of creativity and continuous improvement.

About You

• A proven design or creative leader at Associate Director level (or ready to step into the role).
• Deep experience working across different sectors – such as workplace, hospitality, retail, brand experience, cultural sectors, or innovation consulting.
• A natural storyteller who can articulate ideas with clarity, energy, and conviction.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance bold creative thinking with practical delivery.
• A collaborator who values relationship‑building and thrives in environments where creativity and curiosity drive outcomes.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, supports individuality, and encourages you to experiment and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We offer the autonomy to lead, the platform to influence, and the opportunity to shape work that has real human and organisational impact.

 

MCM Values

One Team – All Strong, All Different, All Supportive – The Same Goal

• Encourage freedom of individual expression
• Work together to achieve team goals
• We are accountable for our individual responsibilities first
• Put special effort into supporting each other to maximize potential
• Identify problems and resolve conflicts within the team
• Employ the power of positive peer relationship

Passionate and Inspiring – Delivering with Compelling Enthusiasm and Creativity

• Don’t just say, do: lead by example
• Demonstrate lateral thinking to solve challenges
• Experiment and be prepared to fail; we will support you
• Objectively listen to other people’s point of view; challenge and suggest something different
• Debate and explore potential
• Discuss ideas and share what excites us

Honesty & Integrity – Doing What’s Right, Not What’s Easy

• Openness in all our dealings
• We do what we say and when we say we’ll do it
• We treat all fairly
• We listen carefully to understand and address the real needs of our clients within the framework of the contract
• We do not shy away from commercial discussions with clients when needed

Pushing the Boundaries – An Entrepreneurial Spirit

• ‘Can do’ attitude
• Be adventurous and learn from mistakes
• Be passionate and inquisitive about what you do
• Challenge what’s possible and be optimistic about the possible
• Empowered to challenge one and all
• Stretch ourselves in the pursuit of excellence

Nurturing – Releasing the Potential of Our People

• Give honest and constructive feedback
• Support each other to achieve aspirational goals
• Recognise when colleagues are under pressure and offer support
• Actively encourage each other to push the boundaries
• Listen, hear and understand