Retouch Manager

We're a global brand made up of a very diverse mix of talented people in a huge variety of roles. Our products are designed in house and made by a small number of suppliers and artisans around the world to sustainable standards. We are a brand embarking on a very exciting plan and we are seeking new members of the team who want to contribute to this.

The Retouch Manager will play a pivotal role in overseeing the post production workflow in the photostudio and managing the in-house and freelance retouch teams. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure the seamless delivery of all retouched assets, while achieving key performance indicators maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Reporting to the Studio Manager you will lead the retouch team and manage the image upload workflow of a fast paced studio delivering all Ecommerce assets for AllSaints.com, John Varvatos and our Global Wholesale and Digital Concession Partners.

What will I be doing?

• Leadership and Team Management: Manage the Retouch Team, set priorities and ensure alignment with brand Creative Production (CP) objectives. Foster team growth and professional development. Mentoring and supporting direct reports with development, roles and responsibilities, and training. Manage relationships with external retouch vendors.
• Post Production Workflow Optimization: Oversee the effective operation of end to end image process and identify opportunities for workflow improvements. Collaborate with the wider studio team to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with Production, Styling, and Photography departments to ensure all image requirements are met to service all outputs. Work with retouch teams to ensure workload is prioritised according to launch dates and that the team are meeting their roles expectations and hitting KPIs. Hold weekly status meetings with the Concessions, Digital and Trade teams to communicate image delivery status and percentages to ensure the wider business is kept informed on progress for seasonal launch dates.
• Uphold Exemplary Retouch Quality and Image Output: Digital Retouching/Production of high-quality work that exemplifies the AllSaints and John Varvatos standards. Ownership of QC process - taking accountability for image standards. Propriety and ownership of all image uploads to service AllSaints ecom, Press, Buy, Lookbook, John Varvatos, Buscemi. Oversee image coordinator and ensure images are reformatted, sequenced and handed over for our many digital concession partners on a weekly basis.
• Budget: Collaborate with the Studio Manager to track expenditures and manage freelance retouch costs.
• Reporting and Documentation: Log and track retouch image uploads and digital concession image handovers. Ensure accurate and timely image upload reporting for all outputs. Keep the Studio Manager updated on image handover/upload percentages each week.
• Bookings: Management, prioritization, and forecasting peak periods/workload for retouch team, scheduling in freelance retouch where needed.

What skills do I need?

• Excellent organisational skills, able to respond and be proactive, a real problem solver and a great communicator.
• Strong background and experience in Retouching/post-production across model, stills & jewellery.
• Solid understanding of setting up and running retouch actions to streamline workflow and retouch process.
• Knowledge and experience of booking and sourcing freelance retouch support (A repertoire of freelance retouch contacts would be advantageous).
• Computer literate - able to use Google Drive application, Bridge, Capture one.
• Experience in balancing creative needs with business strategy and financial responsibility.
• Great communication skills, with the ability to manage relationships effectively across several stakeholders in a global organisation.
• Able to provide guidance and feedback to in house and freelance retouch teams, striving to get the best out of the team, working to elevate our imagery.
• Any eye for colour with a strong understanding of digital colour management to ensure consistency from sample to image.
• Collaborative and positive in your approach with ability to manage multiple projects.
• Experienced understanding of the studio process from beginning to end.

About the location

Based in our East London Studios in vibrant Shoreditch with perks and benefits offered from local businesses including discounts on food, shopping and health & beauty. Studio Location: Approximately a 10 minute walk from Liverpool Street Station and a 5 minute walk from Shoreditch High Street.

What we stand for

• The Customer is the Boss: We work as one proud team to get the best for our customers.
• One Team: We are joined up and encourage others to share their ideas.
• We Do What We Say We Will: We know our goals, and we work with clear outcomes in mind.
• We Are Responsible: We are self-aware, understand the impact we have on others and are positive about the future.

A generous wardrobe allowance so that you can wear our beautiful clothes to work each day. We are a disability committed certified employer. Employee discount for you to spend with family and friends. 25 days holiday increasing to 28 days after 2 years continuous service. Bank holidays, birthdays and volunteering days off. Access to dental cash plan & free virtual GP appointments through Aviva. UNUM employee assistance helpline. Life assurance cover. Access to discounted gym membership and corporate discounts. Hybrid working in our historic East London studios, working hours are 9-5.30pm. Free, confidential, wellbeing and lifestyle support with Retail Trust. Enhanced family leave benefits (neonatal, fertility, maternity, paternity, adoption, menopause). Health days for you to use either for physical or mental wellness. Dedicated mental health support from our mental health first aiders. Eye care vouchers, season ticket loans and much more!

Our aim is to develop truly diverse teams and create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and able to give of their best whilst contributing to the success of our brand. We recognise the importance and strength of diversity and commit to providing equal opportunities to everyone in our employment and recruitment processes. We safeguard against any form of discrimination irrespective of gender, gender reassignment, marital status, race, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status or age. Even if you feel you don’t tick all the boxes, we’d still very much like to hear from you. We want you to know that finding people who have a passion for our brand and are open to learning is incredibly important to us. If you need any support or adjustments during your application, please get in touch with us and we are happy to help.