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