Associate Producer

We all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That's waiting for you at Sainsbury's. We're one of the biggest supermarkets in the UK, with one of the largest retail websites. So marketing here happens at scale. We move faster than you might expect too, across Brand Planning, Brand Comms and Creative, Digital Marketing, CRM and Loyalty, Nectar 360 and Insights. With more people shopping with us every week, there are more interactions, more moments to connect. And thanks to data and insight, we understand our customers in a way few others can. We work alongside incredible brand partners and some of the best agencies in the industry. So if you're passionate about learning, growing and experiencing new teams, come and explore it all with us.

As a Production Assistant for Zest Creative Agency, you will play a crucial role in supporting the smooth execution of our Marcom production operations, ensuring creative excellence and operational efficiency. Working closely with Shoot Producers, Studio Teams, and Stakeholders, you will provide critical support in organising samples, coordinating shoots, and facilitating production processes for our brands Sainsbury's, Argos, Tu, and Habitat.

You will be responsible for assisting the Shoot Producer team by managing pre-production logistics, sample organisation, and communication with internal and external teams. Reporting directly to the Senior Shoot Producer, your role will contribute to the delivery of high-quality content that aligns with Zest Studios vision for sustained success and growth.

What you need to do

• Sample Coordination: Manage the organisation, tracking, and preparation of all samples required for photo and video shoots. Ensure samples are delivered on time, in excellent condition, and aligned with production requirements. Proactively communicate with teams to resolve sample-related issues, escalate delays, and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Shoot Planning and Coordination: Work closely with Shoot Producers to assist in the planning and execution of shoots, including location bookings, schedules, and resource management. Liaise with the production team and other stakeholders to ensure all elements of the shoot are accounted for, and provide on-site support as required.
• Production Administration: Handle administrative tasks such as creating call sheets, booking couriers, and organising travel or accommodation for crew and talent. Ensure all production documents and schedules are up to date and accessible to relevant teams.
• Stakeholder Communication: Support clear and professional communication with internal teams and external vendors, such as stylists, photographers, and Zest clients. Build and maintain strong relationships with Key Zest stakeholders, ensuring that all requirements are understood and met.
• Budget and Expense Tracking: Assist Shoot Producers in tracking costs, reconciling budgets, and maintaining accurate records for production expenses. Help identify potential cost-saving opportunities and ensure financial processes are followed.
• Troubleshooting and Problem Solving: Act as a key point of contact to troubleshoot logistical or operational issues that arise during production. Escalate significant challenges to the Shoot Producers or Senior Executive Producer while taking proactive steps to resolve minor issues.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure all shoots adhere to health and safety protocols, including risk assessments and compliance checks. Be vigilant on-set to identify and address potential hazards and ensure a safe working environment for all team members.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with Shoot Producers, Post-Production Teams, and Creative Teams to ensure seamless delivery of content. Actively participate in team meetings and contribute to brainstorming and planning sessions.
• Brief Management: Owning smaller briefs as part of progression, taking end-to-end responsibility with support from Shoot Producers. Plan, organise and implement complex Zest creative agency production briefs. Ensuring all aspects of the shoot are covered, including everything from shoot flow and timings, assessment of studio space, locations, models, equipment, resource and content supply.

What you need to know

• Essential: Familiarity with creative agency or studio production processes, including pre-production and on-set workflows.
• Technical Knowledge: Awareness of basic production tools and software, such as Excel, project management platforms, or inventory systems.
• Creative Industry Background: Previous experience in a production environment, working with photographers, stylists, or creative teams.
• Process Improvement: Understanding of how to enhance and streamline workflows to improve efficiency in production operations.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with creative agency or studio production processes, including pre-production and on-set workflows.
• Awareness of basic production tools and software, such as Excel, project management platforms, or inventory systems.
• Previous experience in a production environment, working with photographers, stylists, or creative teams.
• Understanding of how to enhance and streamline workflows to improve efficiency in production operations.

What you need to show

• Own it: Take responsibility for organising and tracking samples, ensuring smooth coordination of shoots from preparation to completion. Be proactive in identifying and resolving any issues that arise during the production process, ensuring tasks are completed to a high standard.
• Make it better: Look for ways to streamline sample management and shoot coordination processes, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and enhance the team's workflow. Bring fresh ideas and constructive solutions to the team to deliver better outcomes for our productions.
• Be human: Build positive and respectful relationships with colleagues, vendors, and stakeholders. Approach every interaction with care and professionalism, ensuring everyone feels supported and valued. Collaborate effectively to ensure the success of every shoot and contribute to a positive working environment.

What decisions I can make:

• Prioritise and manage sample logistics to meet shoot schedules.
• Escalate and resolve issues like missing samples or delays.
• Suggest improvements to streamline workflows.
• Coordinate with teams and vendors for smooth shoot prep.

Support we will provide:

• Support and training in managing budgets.
• Support & development opportunities.
• Cross-training and upskilling.

We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you'll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there's always the chance to try something new whether that's as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working.

When you join our team, we'll also offer you an amazing range of benefits. Here are some of them: Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to save 10% on your shopping online and in-store at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat, and we regularly increase the discount to 15% at points during the year. We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 5% of salary, depending on how we perform.

Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance and you can buy up to an additional week's holiday. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, salary advance (where you can access some of your pay before payday) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. And if you ever need it there is also an employee assistance programme.

Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks pay for paternity leave.