Lead Creative Producer

Be part of a bold new chapter in content creation through a ground-breaking collaboration between M&S and The Production Factory. Together, we’re launching a dynamic new creative hub at the iconic Big Sky Studios – a purpose-built space to spark imagination, foster creativity and deliver excellence. This is more than a job; it’s a rare opportunity to help shape the visual identity of one of Britain’s best-loved brands.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As a Lead Creative Producer at Production Factory, you will be a key member of the production team, reporting to the Senior Creative Producer. You will play an essential role in producing world-class brand content for M&S digital platforms and e-commerce. You will have a good understanding of the nuances of creative across photography, video and post-production. You will be responsible for ensuring that all teams are scheduled for weekly shoots and content is aligned with the brand’s creative vision/guidelines and delivered on time and within budget. This role combines creative project management with production oversight, requiring a deep understanding of the workflows and timelines involved in producing high-quality brand assets, from concept to final delivery, including art direction, photography, video, retouching, editing, audio, animation, and grading. You will be expected to manage weekly planning, collaborate with internal and external teams, and ensure that all creative elements come together seamlessly. Please note: due to the nature of our business, this role is studio-based 5 days per week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with M&S, internal teams and freelancers (art directors, stylists, photographers, DOPs, HMUA, retouchers, editors, etc.) to ensure content is delivered efficiently and meets brand and business goals across all platforms.
• With support from the Senior Creative Producer, manage end-to-end planning for weekly shoots, ensuring alignment with M&S sample delivery and creative direction from the brand's creative & styling teams.
• Direct Line management of PA team.
• Meticulously manage the full life-cycle of the content creation process for your shoots; from delivery of samples > product shoots > colour matching in retouch > model shoots > post-production > final delivery of assets.
• Ensure the smooth handover of assets from post-production to M&S team before closing a project and reconciling.
• Receive shoot forecast from M&S and keep studio teams and freelancers updated.
• Create and manage project plans, production schedules, call sheets, coordinating the full creative shoot process from initial brief to final delivery.
• Work closely with Creative Services Manager on styling support for digital shoots.
• Work closely with the casting manager, stylists and art directors, along with the M&S team to ensure appropriate models are available and booked for shoots.
• Lead weekly planning and status meetings with clients.
• Support Senior Creative Producer with special projects.
• Ensure shoots are correctly resourced, teams are on-set when required and looked after during shoots.
• Co-ordinate bookings for freelancers; models, stylists, photographers and hair & make-up artists, along with their travel, accommodation (if necessary) and catering arrangements.
• Always maintain financial control while ensuring best-in-class output.
• Support Senior Creative Producer with tracking spend, negotiate supplier and model rates in line with approved rate card to ensure shoots remain within budget for M&S.
• Oversee administrative tasks related to shoots for PA’s and Creative Producers, including processing invoices, issuing POs, updating the financial tracker, and ensuring all necessary documents (e.g., booking forms/contracts/call sheets/travel) are in place for freelancers and models.
• Manage shoot day logistics on-site, providing on-set coordination to keep production running smoothly and on schedule to ensure shoot targets are met.
• Run shoot status reports to ensure projects are on track and all information is up to date and easily accessible by relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure the studio environment is kept tidy, safe, and well-managed, supporting the Senior Creative Producer, Ops & HR teams to manage health and safety policies during shoots.
• Stay up-to-date on trends and best practices in creative production, bringing fresh ideas to the team to stay ahead of the curve.
• Be available to work for blocks of days associated with the scheduled shoots to deliver the seasonal collection in time for product launch.

SKILLS

• You are the Senior Creative Producer’s right-hand person. A trusted Lead for the Production team to learn from. Setting the example for excellent production and client management.
• You are an experienced Lead Creative Producer with a background in fashion and home retail. Beauty, food and jewellery a plus!
• Have 2 years management experience and history supporting growth within a business.
• Multi-skilled, with a strong understanding of the end-to-end creative process within a content studio setting working across still life and model content; including photography, video production and post-production (retouching, editing, audio, animation, grading), and the ability to manage all aspects of creative content creation.
• Skilled at creating complex project plans that integrate various creative processes, with a focus on managing timelines and coordinating teams across different production stages.
• A strong communicator, capable of supporting cross-functional teams and aligning them on creative briefs, production timelines, and goals.
• A proficient negotiator, able to manage budgets effectively and secure the best talent, suppliers, and creative resources without compromising on quality.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• An industry-savvy problem solver, capable of adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and finding solutions that support the successful execution of creative projects.

As an equal opportunities employer, The Production Factory is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.