Creative Services Manager in London

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.

The role will report to the Head of Production and Operations with a dotted line into M&S.

The Creative Services Manager is the internal Production Factory representative executing M&S’s creative vision. They will work closely with client creatives to execute the studio’s creative output, ensuring every shoot delivers imagery that hits M&S briefs, brand standards, and the highest creative quality. Acting as an extension of the M&S creative team, they balance strong creative vision with a production-minded approach, making sure the studio runs smoothly and delivers consistently excellent work. Please note: This is not an on-set role; it is office-based (5 days per week), within a studio environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the creative team, including the Senior Stylist, two Still Life Photographers, and two Art Directors.
• Work closely with M&S, specifically the Creative Lead and Head of Creative Styling, to execute M&S’s creative vision. Acting as an extension of their creative eye and making sure all studio output aligns with briefs, expectations, and brand standards. This role would not set the creative tone but rather help deliver it.
• Oversee digital shoot output, ensuring model, still life, and flat lay shoots are executed creatively and to the highest standard.
• Work closely with the Senior Producer to represent the creative needs of our department and balance these against process, budget and production constraints.
• Provide feedback on styling and art direction execution. Reviewing contact sheets, making edits and communicating with retouch.
• Drive creative workflows, processes, and team organisation, keeping the department running smoothly and delivering on time.
• Mentor and develop the creative team, supporting growth and progression.
• Continuously look for ways to improve output, efficiency, and collaboration across the creative department.
• Act as the bridge between client vision and studio execution, ensuring everything leaving the studio is on brief, on brand, and of the highest standard.

SKILLS

• Strong understanding of brand visual identity, particularly within retail environments.
• Team leadership, mentoring, and performance development.
• Stakeholder management and client collaboration (including senior creative leadership).
• Ability to interpret and deliver against external creative vision and briefs.
• High attention to detail with a strong eye for styling, composition, and art direction.
• Experience reviewing contact sheets, selecting imagery, and directing retouching.
• Workflow optimisation and process improvement within fast-paced studio environments.
• Production awareness, balancing creative ambition with budget and time constraints.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Clear and effective communication across creative, production, and client teams.
• Problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to improving output and efficiency.

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.