Creative Director | Brand Strategist | Storyteller

With nearly a decade of experience in the creative industry, I bring a deep passion for building brands that resonate. I pride myself on working end-to-end—from initial concept through to final execution - crafting meaningful, engaging experiences that connect with audiences across platforms. Whether leading campaign strategy, visual identity, or content creation, I thrive on bringing bold ideas to life and elevating brand presence through purposeful, audience-driven creative.

EXPERIENCE

2023 – Present

Head of Creative

  • Leading the overall creative direction for JD Sports across digital, retail, and campaign platforms.

  • Working with our agency partners to deliver the new Forever Forward brand platform and rebrand globally.

  • Managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary creative & social content creation team.

  • Driving brand consistency and innovation across global markets, with key focuses on APAC.

 

2020 – 2023

Creative Lead

  • Building JD Sports’ first internal creative team. Turning an ecom studio into a mini creative agency.

  • Delivering the concept to creation of major seasonal campaigns and product launches.

  • Collaborated closely with marketing and e-commerce teams to align visual content with brand goals.

  • Working with Partner brands to ignite their product in the world of JD by finding the middle ground of the brand’s identity & JD’s identity.

  • Played a key role in evolving the creative presence of the JD brand.

 

2018 – 2020

Digital Designer

  • Delivered high-impact digital assets across social, web, and email platforms

  • Supported the rollout of online product campaigns and promotions

  • Maintained consistent design standards aligned with brand guidelines

 

2016 – 2018

Junior Digital Designer

  • Assisted in the creation of digital marketing content

  • Contributed to the design of assets for web, mobile, and in-store displays

  • Developed foundational design and technical skills within a dynamic team

EDUCATION

Manchester School of Art (Manchester Metropolitan University)

2013 – 2016

BA (Hons) Graphic Design – First Class Honours

CONTACT

Connor McManus

Phone: +44 7971 333242

Email: connor.mcmanus1993@gmail.com

Website: connormcmanus.co.uk

LINKS

AWARDS

JD SPORTS | FOREVER FORWARD:

ARROWS GOLD | FASHION & APPAREL
ARROWS GOLD | RETAILERS
ARROWS SILVER | BEST OVER 60 & UP TO & INCLUDING 90 SECOND COMMERCIAL
ARROWS SILVER | SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS

JD SPORTS | FAMILY:

ARROWS BRONZE | FASHION & APPAREL