Agency Operations Manager

Agency Operations Manager

Location: London / Hybrid
Salary: £75k per year plus benefits
Permanent

Start date asap, notice periods are Ok too- this is a growth hire, not an emergency hire

I’m working with a growing creative agency that is looking for an Agency Operations Manager to become a key part of the leadership team and help build the operational structure needed for its next stage of growth.

The agency has grown quickly, and this role is being created at an important point in that journey. You’ll work closely with the agency leadership team as a genuine right hand, taking ownership of the operational side of the business and making sure the company has the processes, systems and infrastructure to scale successfully.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys building things, improving ways of working and bringing structure to a fast-moving environment.

What you’ll be doing:

Priority one – Onboarding & people operations

One of the biggest priorities initially will be to take ownership of the agency’s onboarding experience. The agncy is expected to grow by ten heads very soon, and double its head count in the next 12 months.

You’ll:

Review and improve the existing onboarding process
Build a consistent, seamless onboarding journey for new starters
Ensure new employees have the right equipment, documentation and system access from day one
Create clear onboarding materials and processes
Make sure new starters meet the right people and understand how the agency works
Develop an onboarding process that can work effectively as the agency continues to grow

This isn’t simply an administrative role – you’ll be expected to look at what’s currently in place, identify what’s missing and build a best-in-class process that works for this particular business.

The second main priority is Agency operations

You’ll also take ownership of improving the way the agency operates day to day.

Working closely with Client Services and other teams, you’ll help establish the processes and systems that allow everyone to work effectively as the business grows.

This could include:

Reviewing and improving operational processes
Ensuring the right tools and systems are being used effectively
Improving how work is reviewed and shared internally
Supporting and improving client onboarding processes
Creating clearer ways of working between teams
Identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical solutions
Making sure new employees can integrate quickly and effectively
Building processes that are scalable rather than creating unnecessary bureaucracy

The third main pillar is Office & workplace

As the business continues to grow, you’ll become the key operational point of contact for the agency’s workplace and office.

This could include:

Managing day-to-day office operations
Supporting future office moves or expansion
Project managing workplace-related projects
Working with suppliers and external partners
Helping create an office environment that supports the agency’s culture and growth

HR & people

The agency already works with an external HR partner, but this role will increasingly act as the internal operational link between the business and HR.

You’ll support with:

Rolling out company-wide HR processes and initiatives
Making sure new starters understand relevant policies and processes
Coordinating wider people initiatives
Working with the external HR partner on business-wide projects
Helping develop the people infrastructure as the agency grows

About you

We’re looking for someone who is hands-on, proactive and highly organised, with the ability to see the bigger picture while also being happy getting stuck into the detail.

You’ll ideally have experience in:

Agency Operations
Business Operations
Creative Operations
Studio Operations
Agency Management
People & Operations
Operations / Project Management within a creative or similar fast-paced business

We’re particularly interested in people who have worked in a growing agency or entrepreneurial environment and have experience introducing structure and processes as a business scales.

You’ll need to be someone who:

Can build processes from scratch rather than simply manage existing ones
Is comfortable working with ambiguity
Naturally spots things that could work better
Can take ownership without needing everything spelled out
Is confident working with senior stakeholders
Has excellent organisational and project management skills
Can balance people, process and commercial priorities
Is practical and solutions-focused rather than overly corporate
Enjoys being the person who makes things happen

The opportunity

This is a genuinely broad role with plenty of scope to make your mark.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape how a growing agency operates, working closely with leadership and taking ownership of areas that will become increasingly important as the business scales.

It’s not an Office Manager role with a fancy title, and it’s not purely administrative. We’re looking for someone who can build the operational foundations of a growing creative business and evolve the role as the company grows.

If you’re an Operations Manager who loves creating order from chaos, improving the way people work and building things that didn’t previously exist, I’d love to hear from you.

You must have the full right to work in the UK to apply for this role.

Sphere Digital Recruitment currently have a variety of job opportunities across digital so feel free to get in touch with us to find out how we can help you. Please take a look at our website.

Sphere is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications regardless of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation, and any other protected status as required by applicable law.

If you require any adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process for any reason whatsoever, please let us know.