Creative Operations Manager

Role Overview

The Creative Operations Manager is accountable for organizing and overseeing the timely execution of creative projects within the in-house Creative team. This role serves as the communication hub connecting the Marketing, Commercial, and Creative departments to ensure appropriate prioritization, allocation of resources, and on-time delivery of creative tasks. Collaborating closely with the Head of Creative & Brand, the manager forecasts workload demand, refines workflows, and drives high-quality creative outputs aligned with business goals. Additionally, the position includes direct supervision of the Creative Producer who plans and executes photography shoots, content creation, and campaign assets.

Work Arrangement

This is a permanent full-time role requiring 37.5 hours per week. The position operates on a hybrid basis with a fixed schedule of three days onsite at the Gloucester headquarters and two days working remotely per week.

Principal Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end creative workflow from initial briefing through to delivery.
• Review incoming project requests and prioritize them based on strategic priorities, deadlines, and team bandwidth.
• Maintain detailed project timelines, schedules, and delivery plans.
• Ensure transparent visibility of project progress, priorities, and deadlines for all stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and mitigate potential workflow bottlenecks.
• Lead project kick-off meetings, status updates, and review sessions.
• Oversee management of briefs, approvals, and feedback throughout project lifecycles.
• Allocate creative resources across Design, Copywriting, Photography, Packaging, and Production teams.
• Balance team workloads and maximize project efficiency.
• Support campaign and business initiative planning.
• Track team capacity and escalate any resource shortages or challenges.
• Coordinate engagement of freelance contributors when necessary.
• Manage access to shared studio spaces.
• Continuously review and enhance creative processes, systems, and workflows.
• Ensure consistent use and maintenance of project management tools.
• Develop documentation, templates, and best practices to boost operational efficiency.
• Implement new tools and operational adjustments as needed.
• Monitor team delivery performance and seek continual improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Marketing to anticipate upcoming campaign and content needs.
• Support workload forecasting and seasonal planning efforts.
• Refine and challenge briefing documents to clarify objectives, deliverables, and timelines.
• Align creative priorities with overall company objectives.
• Promote communication and synergy among Creative, Marketing, and Commercial teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across Marketing, Commercial, Product, and Ecommerce areas.
• Serve as the primary contact for daily creative project management.
• Communicate project updates, changes, and status clearly and proactively.
• Manage expectations related to schedule, prioritization, and resource availability.
• Advocate for efficient planning and briefing practices company-wide.
• Supervise the Creative Producer, supporting campaign productions and content initiatives.
• Promote a collaborative, organized, and accountable team environment.
• Assist with the onboarding and integration of new tools, systems, and workflows.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• More than 8 years of experience in project management, traffic or studio management, or creative operations within creative, marketing, retail, or agency settings.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.
• Experienced in overseeing workflows, schedules, and resource deployment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Track record of enhancing operational processes and team working methods.
• Solid knowledge of creative, design, and content production workflows.
• Proficiency with project management software such as Monday.com, Asana, Wrike, or Jira.
• Experience in managing or mentoring team members.
• Keen problem-solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail.

Preferred Skills

• Background in in-house creative studios or retail brand environments.
• Familiarity with photography, content production, or studio operations.
• Experience supporting integrated marketing campaigns.
• Formal certification in project management.
• Previous work with homeware, lifestyle, or consumer product brands.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range between £40,000 and £45,000 annually, depending on experience and skills.
• Employee perks valued at more than £3,000 per year, including on-site free parking and gym access.
• Unlimited coffee and tea, daily fresh fruit and cake.
• Subsidised breakfast and lunch.
• Hybrid work schedule with three days at the office and two remote days.
• Generous employee discount (40% personal, 30% for friends/family).
• Two paid volunteering days annually.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for electric car leasing and cycling to work, subject to policy.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave benefits.
• Referral program for friends and family.
• 33 days of annual leave including bank holidays.
• Discretionary bonus scheme up to 10%.
• Company certified as a B Corp with commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
• Recognized as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years.
• Disability Confident Leader status.

Inclusion Statement

The company is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applicants of all abilities to apply. Reasonable adjustments during recruitment will be made to accommodate individual needs, underscoring an accessible and inclusive hiring process.

Sustainability Commitment

As a certified B Corporation, the organization embeds sustainability into its business model, emphasizing waste reduction and ethical conduct, enabling employees to positively impact environmental and social outcomes.