Creative Services Manager

Creative Services Manager – Advertising Agency – Up to £45k + benefits + hybrid working (3 days in London office, 2 days WFH per week) Our client, a highly successful independent creative agency, is looking for an experienced Creative Services Manager to oversee studio operations, resource planning and project delivery across integrated campaigns, with creativity at the heart of all they do! This is a pivotal role at the heart of the agency, ensuring creative work is delivered smoothly, efficiently and to the highest standard. Working closely with Creative, Account Management, Finance and New Business teams, you will manage studio workflow, creative resource allocation, project timelines, budgets and external supplier relationships. The successful candidate will be highly organised, commercially aware and confident managing multiple priorities within a busy agency environment. You will play a key role in maintaining visibility across all projects, identifying risks early, improving studio efficiencies and ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget and to scope. Key Responsibilities Manage day-to-day creative resource planning and studio workflow. Allocate work effectively based on skills, capacity, deadlines and budgets. Monitor project progress, identifying resource conflicts, risks and delivery challenges. Work closely with account teams to ensure briefs are complete and projects are set up for success. Manage project scope, timings, budgets and profitability. Source and oversee freelance resource when required. Build and manage relationships with external production and creative suppliers. Maintain accurate project and resource information within agency systems. Review and improve studio processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. Ensure creative work is delivered to required quality standards and deadlines. Experience Required Previous experience in a Creative Services, Studio, Traffic or Resource Management role within a creative, advertising or design agency. Strong creative resource allocation and trafficking experience. Print production and supply experience across OOH and press. Knowledge of digital and HTML5 production processes. Experience coordinating voiceover, licensing and usage processes. TV production knowledge, including Clearcast and Peach. Experience using Paprika for project management and invoicing. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud. Knowledge of website and social content management. Strong Microsoft 365 and Excel skills. Experience managing agency fee estimates, production costs and project profitability. Knowledge of Vimeo. As Creative Services Manager, you will be are an exceptionally organised and detail-oriented professional with strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships across internal teams and external suppliers. Commercially minded and highly aware of agency operations and profitability, you take a proactive, solution-focused approach, anticipating challenges before they arise and finding practical ways to overcome them. Managing multiple priorities simultaneously, you remain calm, adaptable and collaborative, with a hands-on approach that ensures projects are delivered efficiently and to the highest standards. Our client offers a hybrid working environment (3 days in the London office), 25 days + BH, pension and a supportive and creative culture and the opportunity to join an award-winning creative team delivering outstanding work for a portfolio of high-profile clients. Please share your CV for immediate consideration. To ensure that your application is reviewed quickly by the right Consultant, please apply directly via the LinkedIn advert. Due to the volume of response that we receive, we may not be able to respond individually to every applicant but will contact you within 5 working days if your application has been successful. Spotlight Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Our focus is to ensure we're inclusive every day, helping our clients to recruit and build organisations that reflect modern society and celebrate diversity in all its forms. We want our candidates to feel that they belong and can be their best, regardless of background, identity or culture and we especially welcome applications from under-represented groups. If you need any adjustments to support your application, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements for accessibility, please contact us and we’ll do everything we can to help. We are committed to supporting candidates who may need alternative arrangements. 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