Chief Operating Officer – Creative Agency

Competitive Base (based on experience) + bonus and stock

My client is a leading independent digital marketing and creative agency which has an impressive roster of blue-chip client. Due to expansion and the business reaching a level of maturity in terms of employee numbers we are seeking to recruit a Chief Operating Officer reporting to the CEO.

The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for the strategic operational health, well-being and rolling out systems, services and automation that drive efficiencies and cost savings at scale across the whole of the group.

The Chief Operating Officer would be responsible for overseeing and managing various aspects of the company’s operations to ensure smooth functioning and optimal performance. Your role would involve a diverse range of duties and responsibilities, including:

1. Strategic Planning: Collaborating with the executive team to develop and implement strategic plans that align with the company’s goals and objectives. This may involve analysing market trends, identifying areas around cost savings, growth opportunities, and formulating strategies to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
2. Operational Management: Leading and supervising the HR, IT, operations and Facilities functions to ensure the effective execution of day-to-day activities across different departments and offices. This includes establishing clear workflows, setting performance targets, and monitoring key metrics to ensure operational excellence.
3. Resource Allocation: Managing and optimizing resources, including personnel, budgets, and equipment, to support various projects and initiatives. This involves determining staffing needs, allocating financial resources, and overseeing procurement processes to ensure the company operates efficiently within budgetary constraints.
4. Process Improvement: Identifying opportunities for process improvement and implementing streamlined workflows and standardized procedures to enhance productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. You would collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyse existing processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to optimize operations.
5. Global Coordination: Facilitating effective communication and coordination among global offices to foster collaboration and maximize synergies. This includes ensuring alignment of objectives, sharing best practices, and implementing consistent operational standards across different locations.
6. Performance Evaluation: Establishing performance metrics and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of various operational functions. You would analyse performance data, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective measures to enhance overall performance.
7. Risk Management: Developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies to address operational challenges and minimize potential disruptions. This involves identifying and evaluating operational risks, implementing appropriate controls, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
8. Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure smooth collaboration and delivery of services. This includes contract negotiations, vendor selection, and ongoing performance management to meet operational requirements and drive cost-effective solutions.
9. Technology, Tools and Innovation: Staying ahead of emerging technologies and industry trends such as personal services automation to leverage innovative solutions that enhance operational capabilities and efficiency. You should evaluate and implement relevant tools, apps, software, systems, and technologies to streamline operations and support the company’s growth objectives.
10. Leadership and Team Development: Providing strong leadership and guidance to the operations team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, and promoting professional development and growth opportunities for employees. You would set clear expectations, mentor team members, and promote a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
11. As the Chief Operating Officer your primary objective would be to optimize the company’s operational performance, drive efficiency, and support the overall growth and success of the media company or creative agency.

The role reports into the CEO and would have HR, IT, Operations and Facilities all reporting into them so the ability to delegate, communicate effectively and efficiently is paramount.

Key KPIs: profitability, financial cost savings and time savings whilst driving higher efficiencies, and greater productivity across the global business.