At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve operations in a dynamic creative studio environment.
- Company: Join Engage XD, a unique communications group focused on inspiring change.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days' leave, private medical insurance, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values empowerment, collaboration, and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of creativity while integrating cutting-edge technology and AI.
- Qualifications: Experience in studio operations and a knack for designing effective workflows.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Studio Operations Director to lead, redesign and evolve how our creative studio operates across a fast-moving, multi-disciplinary agency environment. This is an important role at the intersection of creativity, operations and business performance. You'll partner with our Executive Creative Director and Creative Directors to ensure our teams are set up to deliver outstanding work across live, film, digital, learning and immersive experiences. This role is not about directing creative output. It's about building the conditions for great work to happen through smart systems, clear workflows, resourcing and a forward-thinking approach to tools, technology and AI. This role goes beyond optimisation. It requires someone who can establish clear, scalable ways of working that allow the studio to operate with greater visibility, consistency and efficiency as the business continues to grow. You’ll report into the Director of Operations.
What will you do...
- Lead the daily operations of a diverse creative studio
- Create clarity and visibility across how work flows from early concept through to delivery
- Design and implement new workflows and operating models that allow seamless collaboration across studio, client engagement, production and delivery teams
- Promote a proactive, data-informed approach to resourcing, forecasting and utilisation
- Line manage a team of studio/operations managers
- Reduce friction across the creative process by improving tools, systems and ways of working
- Embed clear briefing, planning and handoff practices across the business
- Help teams understand how to engage the studio — and define what “good” looks like at every stage
- Be an important operational partner to creative leadership, balancing the needs of creative teams with commercial priorities
- Play a central role in shaping the future of our creative capability — including how AI and emerging technologies are integrated into day-to-day studio practice
What do you need to have...
- Experience leading studio or creative operations in an integrated agency or similarly complex environment
- Understanding of how multidisciplinary creative teams operate across different formats and outputs
- Commercial experience, including experience with utilisation, forecasting and resource planning
- Experience designing and implementing new workflows, systems and operating models — not just improving existing ones
- Confidence partnering with senior creative leaders and influencing at leadership level
Just a few of our benefits...
- 25 days' annual leave plus public holidays, company closure over Christmas plus a personal day
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Pension Scheme
- Group Income Protection
A bit about us...
Engage XD is an unusually shaped communications group that creates experiences that inspire lasting change. We partner with clients to provide employee engagement, learning and training solutions, scientific engagement and capability building, all underpinned by applied behavioural science. We engage internal and external audiences through the creation and delivery of live and virtual experiences, film, digital, and immersive content. We believe in our values: We empower everyone | We rise to the challenge | We work as one | We ask what if | We do the right thing and we will ask you how your personal values align to our values.
Studio Operations Director in Manchester employer: Inizio Engage XD
At Engage XD, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Studio Operations Director, you'll benefit from a supportive environment that encourages innovation and collaboration, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and generous annual leave, reflects our commitment to the well-being of our employees, making us an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in a fast-paced creative agency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Studio Operations Director in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you showcase why you're the perfect fit for the Studio Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in leading studio operations can drive efficiency and creativity. Highlight specific examples of how you've improved workflows or implemented new systems in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our creative capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Studio Operations Director in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Operations:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading studio or creative operations. We want to see how you can bring clarity and visibility to workflows, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Emphasise Collaboration Skills:This role is all about building conditions for great work, so don’t forget to mention your ability to collaborate with creative teams and senior leaders. Tell us how you've successfully partnered with others to improve processes and achieve outstanding results.
Be Data-Informed:We love a proactive approach! In your application, showcase how you've used data to inform resourcing, forecasting, and utilisation. This will demonstrate your ability to make informed decisions that benefit the studio's operations.
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inizio Engage XD
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Studio Operations Director. Familiarise yourself with how creative studios operate and the importance of workflows, resourcing, and technology integration. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Systems and Workflows
Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past where you've designed or implemented new workflows or operating models. Highlight how these changes improved efficiency and collaboration within teams. This is crucial as the role focuses on building conditions for great work to happen.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As you'll be managing a team of studio/operations managers, it's essential to convey your leadership style. Share experiences where you've successfully balanced creative needs with commercial priorities, and how you've influenced senior leaders in previous roles.
✨Align with Company Values
Engage XD values are key to their culture. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs, such as empowerment, collaboration, and ethical practices. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
