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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a creative agency.
- Company: Join a purpose-led agency tackling global challenges through creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, personal development, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing agency while supporting creative excellence.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in a senior commercial role within creative industries required.
- Other info: Early applications encouraged; contact Thais for more details.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially-minded leader with a strong financial strategy background, who understands the business mechanics behind great creative work? Do you know how to shape the financial future of a growing creative agency by crafting smart pricing models, negotiating robust contracts, and ensuring healthy margins, all while supporting outstanding creative delivery?
Our client is a purpose-led creative agency combining strategy, storytelling, and design to tackle global challenges. As they grow, they’re looking for a Finance and Operations Director to help scale the business with smart commercials, smooth delivery, and strong operations. This senior role reports directly to the MD and plays a key part in how the agency runs and grows. You’ll work closely with creative, delivery, and leadership teams to shape pricing, operations, and process - keeping things commercially focused without losing the creative focus.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead financial strategy, forecasting, and modelling to support smart, sustainable growth
- Own commercial planning, pricing, and client contract negotiation
- Monitor profitability and lead margin improvement initiatives across global projects
- Oversee scalable, compliant operational processes that enhance delivery
- Guide the agency through meaningful change, balancing established practices with future-focused thinking
- Collaborate with heads of department to manage supplier and freelancer relationships
- Provide leadership, clarity, and support to a small, capable commercial/ops team
- 10+ years in a senior commercial or operational role within a creative, digital, or design-led environment
- Comfortable leading commercial change and driving operational excellence
- Experienced working with global clients and navigating multi-currency projects
- Strong knowledge of contract law, IP rights, and compliance in creative industries
- Able to blend commercial acumen with a strong understanding of the creative process
- Naturally collaborative, with the confidence to challenge and the pragmatism to support
- Comfortable leading others through transformation — including Gen AI and new delivery models
- A background in project delivery or production would be a plus
- A competitive salary depending on experience
- Hybrid working in a creative, low-ego, high-performance culture
- A strong focus on personal development, team wellbeing, and work-life balance
- Comprehensive benefits package aligned with the agency’s people-first values
Early applications are encouraged. If you have the skills and experience for this opportunity and the ambition to take on this position, please contact Thais for further details or email your CV today.
-By email: Thais.Ferreira@james-chase.com
-By phone: +44 (0)1273 035 347
Contact Detail:
James Chase Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance And Operations (Brighton)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the creative and finance sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups in Brighton to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and the agency's culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the agency's recent projects and financial strategies. Understanding their approach to pricing models and client contracts will help you demonstrate your knowledge and alignment with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with commercial planning and operational excellence. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led financial strategy and improved margins in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in creative industries, especially regarding Gen AI and new delivery models. Showing that you're up-to-date with industry changes will highlight your proactive approach and readiness for transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance And Operations (Brighton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial strategy and operations, particularly within creative or digital environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead commercial change and drive operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the creative industry and how your background aligns with the agency's mission. Discuss your experience with pricing models, contract negotiations, and margin improvement initiatives, showcasing your understanding of the balance between commercial acumen and creativity.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on achievements that relate to the key responsibilities of the role. Mention any successful projects where you led financial strategy or improved operational processes, especially in a global context.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership experience, particularly in guiding teams through transformation. Provide examples of how you've collaborated with various departments and managed relationships with suppliers and freelancers to enhance delivery.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Chase
✨Understand the Creative Process
Make sure you have a solid grasp of how creative agencies operate. Be prepared to discuss how financial strategies can support and enhance creative delivery, showing that you can balance commercial acumen with an appreciation for creativity.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves negotiating contracts and pricing models, come equipped with examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight your ability to secure favourable terms while maintaining strong relationships with clients.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
This position requires leading a small team and guiding the agency through change. Share specific instances where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in a creative or operational context, to illustrate your leadership style and effectiveness.
✨Prepare for Financial Strategy Questions
Expect questions about financial forecasting, margin improvement, and commercial planning. Brush up on relevant metrics and be ready to discuss how you've implemented financial strategies that have driven growth in previous roles.
