Commercial & Operations Director

You’ll be trusted to own the detail. Understand the big picture. And keep a close eye on the bits in between. Reporting directly to the MD, you’ll work hand-in-hand with our project, creative, and leadership teams to ensure we’re financially sharp, operationally smooth, and always ready for what’s next.

It takes a certain kind of person to do all this. You know your way around complex, global clients. You get that creativity and process can live happily together. You understand the creative production process. And you have a sixth sense for spotting risk and turning it into reward. Submit your CV or read on for more info.

A little about us

A thinking and doing creative agency taking on challenges that matter and move people.

From using digital design, film and psychology to help reduce global drink driving rates alongside the UN, to transforming learning culture for one of the world’s largest organisations, or explaining complex ideas in fun, bite-sized chunks for the BBC.

If you’re happy selling sugar water at McGinty, Buttock & Smith, this probably isn’t the role for you. But if you want the freedom to flex your commercial and financial powers in pursuit of something better, read on.

You:

• Know how to tell the story while retaining the detail.
• Think in motion. Ideas come fast, and you’re not afraid to chase them.
• Have determination. You’re in it, and on it. Day in, day out.
• Play well with others, but you don’t wait around to be told what to do.
• Care deeply about the tiny details, because that’s often where the magic lives.

You’re not:

• A passenger. We want drivers.
• A peacock. Ego doesn’t get you far here.
• A template. If you’re a bit weird, brilliant.

You’ll need:

• At least 10 years of experience in a commercial & ops management capacity within the creative industries.
• A strong background in financial strategy.
• A solid understanding of contract law, intellectual property rights, and compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Experience working with global clients, across complex projects.
• Able to navigate different currencies, exchange rates, and international financial considerations.

You’ll get:

• A competitive salary. Based on experience the conversation starts at £75K.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Personal development budgets and learning lunches.
• F45 gym membership and monthly wellbeing therapist.
• Pension and corporate healthcare schemes.
• Enhanced maternity / paternity leave
• Charity fundraising donation matching.
• Access to annual IFA review.
• Cycle to work and tech schemes.

Curious? Here’s the details.

Commercial Management and Financial Strategy

• Oversee the agency’s financial strategy, ensuring optimal profitability and sustainable growth.
• Lead the creation and execution of commercial plans that align with business goals, client expectations, and market trends.
• Develop pricing strategies, cost controls, and financial models to maximise project profitability within the ever changing landscape of a creative agency.
• Provide financial forecasts, reports, insights, and recommendations to the leadership team, supporting smart, data-driven decision-making.
• Lead on client contract and rate card negotiations to ensure commercial viability and risk mitigation. Ensure vital information is crystalised and distilled down across teams.
• Monitor profit margins and recommend actions to improve financial performance when needed.
• Manage the development of year end figures in preparation for our accountants to prepare year-end audited financial statements.
• Oversee payroll and pensions management.

Operational Leadership & Scalability

• Take ownership of the agency’s operations, ensuring processes are efficient, cost-effective, and scalable.
• Work closely with internal teams, including project management, creative, and finance, to ensure smooth project delivery and high-quality output.
• Implement and continuously improve policies and procedures to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and support our fast-paced environment.
• Ensure that operational practices comply with industry standards, client contractual obligations, and relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with the leadership team to align commercial goals with operational capacity.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of commercial and operationally minded colleagues, ensuring they are equipped to meet both client and business objectives.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Policy & Procedure Development

• Lead the development and updating of internal policies and procedures, including those related to third-party intellectual property rights and client contracts.
• Ensure all internal guidelines are aligned with the agency’s commercial goals and industry best practices, adapting to the evolving digital landscape.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by reviewing and refining operational processes, tools, and technologies to support growth.

Client & Supplier Relationship Management

• Manage key commercial relationships with clients and colleagues ensuring alignment on project expectations, timelines, and costs.
• Work with Heads of Department to build strong relationships with suppliers and freelancers to support cost effective commercial terms.
• Navigate complex global projects, accounting for different currencies, exchange rate fluctuations, and the impact on project margins.
• Provide guidance on best practices for quoting, invoicing, and managing contracts with international clients.

And… breathe

Ok, so that’s a lot to take onboard, but hey – that’s the gig. So if you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for operations, financial management, and commercial growth established within creative services, we’d love to hear from you.

Submit your CV and cover letter, outlining why you are the right person for the role and want to work with our merry band of misfits, makers, thinkers and innovators.

This is a full time position, with hybrid working, with at least 2 days per week in the Brighton studio.

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We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.

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