External Resourcing Manager - ICHI

At ICHI, our work is only as strong as the people behind it. We are looking for a proactive, high‑energy External Resourcing Manager to be the definitive bridge between our studio and the world’s best creative and production talent. Working from either our London or Brighton offices, this is not just a "booking" role. As the External Resourcing Manager, you are the face of ICHI to the external market. You’ll be responsible for curating an elite bench of freelancers, contractors, and partners, ensuring we have the right skills available the moment a project kicks off. You’ll blend sharp intuition with operational rigour to ensure every external hire is a "best‑in‑class" fit for our culture and our clients. You will have significant reach across the agency, working directly with senior leadership to shape how we work. We value those who take ownership and bring a "people‑first" energy to everything they do. At ICHI (part of Keywords Studios), we know a diverse workforce only elevates the great work we do. As such, we are an equal opportunities employer and we take diversity and inclusion seriously.

Impact You’ll Make

• Talent Scouting & Curation: Proactively identify, connect with, and qualify top‑tier creative and production freelancers. You don’t just wait for a need; you build the pipeline in advance.
• The "Human Database": Maintain an encyclopaedic knowledge of our external network: skills, software proficiency, tech setups, day rates, and real‑time availability.
• Strategic Matchmaking: Work closely with Producers and Creatives to proactively suggest the best talent matches based on specific project DNA, not just availability.
• Negotiation & Contracting: Lead the charge on fee/rate and contract negotiations. You’ll ensure all engagements are commercially viable and compliant.
• Partnership Oversight: Beyond individuals, you will qualify external partners and suppliers, discerning when they add value versus pose a competitive risk.
• Process Evolution: Collaborate with Senior Leadership and Operations to refine our onboarding tools, freelance workflows, and talent management systems.
• Bridging the gap: Work with Operations to build a seamless workflow between the UK and North American teams, strategically sharing resources before going fully external.
• Collaboration: Work in lockstep with the Resourcing Manager to provide seamless coverage of capacity and pipeline of the creative department, stepping in to support internal scheduling during high‑volume periods and holiday gaps.

What You Will Bring to ICHI

• Deep Industry Knowledge: You know the difference between a good portfolio and a great one. You understand the nuances of creative roles and the tech/tools they use.
• Compliance Savvy: You have a solid grasp of IR35 and employment legislation to ensure our freelance engagements are always above board.
• The "Proactive" Mindset: You go above and beyond "filling a seat." You anticipate production bottlenecks before they happen.
• Exceptional Communication: You are friendly, passionate, and persuasive. You can represent ICHI’s values to high‑level talent and negotiate firmly but fairly.
• Business Intuition: You understand the big picture, identifying partners who align with our goals while protecting ICHI’s USP and competitive edge.

Technical & Professional Requirements

• Proven experience in a talent management, traffic management, resource management, or high‑volume creative recruitment role within a medium‑large sized agency.
• Confidence in working with production teams to draft and execute contracts.
• Ability to manage complex data (availability, rates, skills) with precision.
• Experience with resource management software or CRM tools.

Benefits

• Flexible Working – hybrid home and office working, Working Abroad Policy, and Summer Hours
• Company Pension Scheme
• BUPA Private Healthcare
• Income Protection Cover
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Team Social Events
• Employee Schemes – Tech Scheme, Electric Car Scheme, Cycle Scheme
• Training

Role Information:

• EN Studio: ICHI
• Location: Europe, United Kingdom, London
• Area of Work: Marketing
• Service: Engage
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full Time, Hybrid