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- Tasks: Lead production operations and manage budgets for creative video projects.
- Company: Dynamic creative agency focused on authentic brand storytelling.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and shape the future of engaging video content.
- Qualifications: Experience in production management and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on high-quality storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As the Production Operations Manager, you will become the operational backbone of the business. Work closely with the founder and creative lead to oversee delivery, budgets, and production operations. A passion for YouTube is highly desirable.
THE COMPANY
Our client is a modern creative agency specialising in internal communications and brand storytelling for major global organisations. They create high-quality, series-led video content designed for modern platforms, focused on authenticity, entertainment, and long-term audience engagement rather than traditional advertising or trend-driven formats. Their work is built around thoughtful, human-centred storytelling that resonates with an adult audience, helping brands communicate in a way that feels engaging, relevant, and genuinely watchable. Working with leading brands across technology, finance, and enterprise, the studio has built a strong reputation for consistently high production values and long-term client relationships. Now at an exciting stage of growth, the studio is looking for a Head of Production to help shape its operational foundations and support the next phase of the business.
THE ROLE
This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who enjoys being a trusted right hand in a small, entrepreneurial team. You will balance client management, studio operations, and production leadership, while helping turn creative ideas into smoothly delivered, profitable projects. This includes:
- Owning end-to-end production management across all projects, from brief through to final delivery
- Building and managing budgets, tracking burn against estimates, and protecting project profitability
- Creating and maintaining project timelines, milestones, and resource plans
- Leading production logistics, including locations, permits, crew, equipment, schedules, and call sheets
- Hiring, vetting, and managing freelance talent, maintaining a trusted studio roster
- Chairing status meetings, managing expectations, and translating client requests into actionable briefs
- Leading delivery oversight and quality control, ensuring all outputs meet technical specs and brand guidelines
- Being present on set or in studio when required to ensure smooth execution
- Improving production workflows, systems, and documentation as the business scales
- Identifying scope creep early and reporting on project performance and delivery
- Supporting the commercial growth of the studio, with performance bonus tied to project success
THE PERSON
You are a senior production and operations professional from an advertising or creative agency, production company, or content studio background, ideally spanning brand work, corporate film, or internal communications. Highly organised and commercially minded, you will have strong experience managing budgets, logistics, delivery, and freelance talent. You bring a deep, trusted network of freelance crew and specialists and are confident sourcing, vetting, and managing external partners. Practical and proactive by nature, you enjoy building structure and improving workflows. You are comfortable acting as the main point of contact for senior clients and stakeholders during the production phase, staying calm under pressure and keeping projects running smoothly. With excellent creative judgement and an understanding of what resonates with more mature audiences on YouTube, you take pride in supporting thoughtful, high-quality storytelling rather than trend-driven or short-term formats.
NEXT STEP
If your skills & experience fit the above requirements and you would like to talk to us about this role, please apply online attaching your CV in WORD format.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Searchlight only advertises active roles. Your details will be sent directly to the Consultant who is handling this role. We aim to respond to candidates within 14 days. If this role isn’t quite right, but you would like us to have your CV on file, please send it to sroffice@searchlight.global. Searchlight strives to promote equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
Production Operations Manager– [R5236] employer: SEARCHLIGHT
Contact Detail:
SEARCHLIGHT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Operations Manager– [R5236]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in creative agencies or production companies. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for YouTube! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on what makes great content. This will show them you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Prepare examples of how you’ve managed budgets and logistics successfully. This will help you demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Operations Manager– [R5236]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing budgets, logistics, and production workflows. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Show Your Passion: Since a passion for YouTube is highly desirable, don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or experiences that showcase your love for the platform. We’re all about authenticity and storytelling, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your points are easy to understand. This will help us see your potential as a trusted right hand in our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive, which we love!
How to prepare for a job interview at SEARCHLIGHT
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the company’s focus on high-quality, series-led video content. Familiarise yourself with their past projects and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their storytelling approach.
✨Budget Savvy
Since managing budgets is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully built and managed budgets in previous positions. Be ready to discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your connections within the freelance community. Be prepared to talk about how you source, vet, and manage talent, as well as any successful collaborations that demonstrate your ability to build a trusted roster.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
This role requires someone who can keep projects running smoothly, even when things get hectic. Think of specific instances where you’ve managed client expectations or resolved issues on set, and share those stories during your interview.
