Studio Director (Global Luxury client) in London

About WPP Production

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world‑class human craft with next‑generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi‑channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today’s always on, AI‑driven marketing world.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting‑edge media intelligence and data solutions, world‑class creativity, next‑generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.

A Hybrid Working Model

We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Reporting To

Global Print Lead (with dotted line to Client Leadership Team)

Job Summary

The Studio Director is responsible for the operational leadership and flawless execution of all print output from both onshore and offshore studio teams. This critical role ensures the consistent delivery of high‑quality, accurate, and timely print assets, encompassing creative mastering, high‑end retouching, precise artworking, and stringent quality control, specifically for a key luxury brand. Reporting directly to the Global Print Lead, the Studio Director will implement global standards within the studio environment, optimise workflows, foster team excellence, and ensure all deliverables meet the exacting requirements of the luxury sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Execution: Lead and manage the day‑to‑day operations of both onshore and offshore print production studio teams, ensuring consistent performance and output. Accountable for the overall quality, accuracy, and timely delivery of all print assets produced by the studio teams, with specific oversight of creative mastering, high‑end retouching, artworking and final quality control. Ensure all print output rigorously adheres to established brand guidelines, technical specifications, and the global quality assurance standards set by the Global Print Lead. Oversee the efficient allocation and management of resources across onshore and offshore teams to meet demanding production schedules and project requirements. Act as the ultimate point of escalation for operational and technical issues within the studio, implementing effective solutions and remedial actions promptly.
• Team Management & Development: Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and strategic guidance to all members of the onshore and offshore print studio teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Manage line reports, conducting regular 1‑2‑1s, quarterly reviews and annual appraisals, focusing on performance, career growth and skill development. Identify training needs and support the professional advancement of the studio teams, ensuring they possess the necessary skills. Foster a collaborative, high‑performance and solution‑oriented culture within the studio, promoting learning, respect, equality, diversity and inclusion. Collaborate with the Global Print Lead on resource planning, recruitment and talent retention strategies to ensure optimal studio staffing, especially during peak periods.
• Workflow Optimisation & Efficiency: Implement and continuously refine studio‑specific workflows and best practices to enhance efficiency, transparency and collaboration across mastering, retouching, artworking and quality control functions. Ensure the seamless integration of all production stages within the studio, from initial asset receipt to final delivery. Champion the adoption and effective utilisation of approved technologies, tools and processes (including AI and automation where applicable) within the studio to streamline operations and improve output quality. Contribute proactively to discussions on print workflow improvements and the adoption of new tools as guided by the Global Print Lead.
• Quality Assurance & Standards Enforcement: Rigorously enforce and oversee the implementation of global quality assurance standards and robust processes for all print assets produced within the studio, from initial mastering through final deployment. Manage and direct the quality control function, ensuring all proofs, colour management and final deliverables meet exacting specifications. Provide expert oversight for all print testing conducted within the studio, understanding different substrates and outcomes, and proactively troubleshooting any issues related to printability and fidelity. Maintain an impeccable standard of accuracy, colour consistency and attention to detail across all studio output.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication: Collaborate closely and effectively with internal stakeholders including creative teams, client services, project management and external vendors to ensure clear communication, smooth project execution and alignment on production requirements. Act as a key Subject Matter Expert (SME) for studio‑level print production processes and capabilities, providing expert advice and solutions. Provide regular and comprehensive updates to the Global Print Lead on studio performance, operational challenges and successes. Participate in relevant internal meetings to represent studio capabilities, discuss production requirements and contribute to problem‑solving.

Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive Print Production Studio Leadership: 8+ years of proven experience in a senior leadership role within a high‑volume, fast‑paced print production studio environment, with demonstrable success in managing complex projects and teams.
• Deep Technical Expertise: In‑depth, hands‑on understanding and practical experience across all facets of luxury print production, including creative mastering, high‑end retouching, complex artworking for diverse channels (advertising, collateral, OOH), expert colour management and pre‑press processes.
• Global Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop diverse production teams, including effective management of both onshore and offshore resources and workflows.
• Operational Excellence: Strong track record of managing and optimising studio production processes, with a keen focus on efficiency, quality and adherence to demanding timelines.
• Technical Proficiency: Expert understanding of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and other relevant print production software. Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, PPT, Excel). Advanced understanding of file preparation, resolution and colour profiles for various print methods.
• Quality & Detail Orientation: An exceptional eye for detail, unwavering commitment to delivering flawless, high‑quality output consistently, and a deep understanding of luxury brand quality expectations.
• Problem‑Solving & Risk Mitigation: Proven ability to proactively identify, analyse and effectively resolve operational production challenges, technical issues and mitigate risks within a dynamic environment.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical requirements and production challenges clearly and concisely to diverse internal stakeholders.
• Industry Knowledge: Up‑to‑date and in‑depth knowledge of current print technologies, trends and best practices relevant to studio operations.
• Sustainability Mindset: An active interest in supporting and implementing sustainable practices within studio production, aligning with company values.

Why Work Here

At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. We bring together world‑class talent, cutting‑edge studios and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged and AI and next‑generation tools are used to amplify not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment.

Inclusion and Impact

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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