VP, Agency Operations

UnitedMasters•Brooklyn, NY

59d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are a well-established independent agency and thriving music business, built to help ambitious brands harness the power of culture to solve their biggest challenges. As a unique mix of experts in culture, technology, and storytelling, we are united by a passion to grow brands in ways that advertising alone can never do. We are an entrepreneurial business - not a traditional "ad agency." That means we value resourcefulness and tenacity just as much as we value creativity and intelligence. In 2022, Translation was awarded the number three spot in Ad Age's Agency A-List and AdWeek's Multicultural Agency of the Year. One year before, Translation was awarded Ad Age's Small Agency of the Year. We're unapologetically ambitious, but we're also a tight-knit crew. We are looking for a VP, Agency Operations to join Translation! The VP, Agency Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for the overall operational efficiency, financial health, and scalability of the agency. This leader will bridge the gap between creative vision and business execution, ensuring that our systems, processes, and resources enable our teams to deliver exceptional, impactful creative work on time and on budget.This position requires a strategic thinker who can design and implement operational frameworks that support a high-growth, fast-paced, and highly creative environment. Please note that this role is a Hybrid role: four days in office and one day remote.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in Operations Management within a creative agency, advertising, or marketing environment, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.
Deep understanding of the strategy, creative and production processes across various media (digital, video, print, social).
Proven track record in designing, implementing, and optimizing complex business processes that balance speed, quality, and cost.
Exceptional financial acumen, including experience with agency budgeting, forecasting, and resource management.
Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Proficiency with modern agency project management and financial software
Exceptional interpersonal skills with ability to influence without authority across creative, account, and strategy teams
Strategic thinking capability to translate business objectives into operational frameworks and processes
Financial modeling and forecasting skills, including scope development and pricing strategies
Change management expertise with proven ability to implement new processes in fast-paced environments
Systems thinking approach to problem-solving and process optimization
Ability to balance operational rigor with creative flexibility and agency culture

Nice To Haves

Fluent in Google Suite, with emphasis on Sheets and Slides
Monday.com or SmartSheets proficiency

Responsibilities

Design & Implement Processes: Establish, document, and continuously optimize agency-wide Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the entire project lifecycle, from client brief and scope definition through creative execution, production, delivery, and post-project review.
Creative Operations Management: Work closely with Creative, Account, and Program Management teams to streamline creative workflows, production processes, and asset management to maximize creative output and quality.
Technology & Tools: Evaluate, select, and manage the agency's operational technology stack (e.g., project management software, resource planning tools, etc.) to drive efficiency and transparency.
Onboarding & Training: Partner with the People team and agency leadership to assess training and action training needs including agency specific new hire onboarding & integration.
Budgeting & Forecasting: Collaborate with Finance and Senior Leadership on annual budget planning, operational forecasts, and monitoring agency profitability.
Resource Allocation & Capacity Planning: Oversee agency resource management, including staffing, freelance utilization, and project assignments, to ensure optimal utilization rates and prevent bottlenecks or burnout.
Scope & Pricing: Partner with Account Leadership to develop accurate project scopes, estimates, and pricing models that ensure profitability and value for the client.
Vendor/Partner Management: Negotiate and manage contracts and relationships with key operational vendors, technology providers, and external consultants.
Lead Operations Team: Direct and mentor the Program Management and Resourcing teams, setting performance goals and promoting professional development.
Cross-Functional Alignment: Serve as the primary operational liaison between all departments (Creative, Account, Strategy, Finance, HR) to ensure cohesive collaboration and communication.
Culture & Performance: Champion a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement while protecting the creative environment.
Strategic Planning: Contribute to the agency's long-term business strategy, identifying operational capabilities needed to support growth and new service offerings.
RFP/Pitch Support: Oversee the operational and staffing components of new business proposals, ensuring the agency's delivery approach is sound, efficient, and compelling.
Operational Reporting: Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting dashboards (e.g., utilization, profitability, on-time delivery) for the leadership team to drive data-informed decisions.