Director Studio Operations

WPP Unite Overview

There’s never been a more exciting time in marketing, as media and commerce continue to merge to drive meaningful consumer experiences. As one of the most innovative CPG companies in the world, Unilever, the maker of iconic brands such as Dove, Hellmann’s, TRESemmé, Degree and many others, is adapting to this rapidly changing landscape with the help of WPP and its unparalleled network of agencies. 

The newly-created unit, WPP Unite, will be the pioneering force at this intersection, led by two of WPP’s most dynamic agencies: GroupM and Barrows, operating as ONE end to end strategy, design, and execution powerhouse.

GroupM will bring their media thought-leadership and performance expertise, combined with the retail and commercial expertise of Barrows to deliver integrated, end-to-end programs for the entire Unilever portfolio of iconic, household brands. True to its name, the team operates with a unified vision, from initial strategy to final execution, leveraging our collective expertise in design, engineering, and media integration to craft world-class brand programming. 

WPP Unite, comprised of the best talent in the industry, will pioneer a truly integrated agency model and drive unprecedented growth for Unilever in the years to come.

Barrows

Barrows brings 40 years of expertise in retail design and marketing, and excels in leveraging insights and cutting-edge digital strategies to create engaging omni-channel experiences.



As a key part of WPP Unite, Barrows will  help shape the future of commerce marketing across renowned brand categories and retailers, and drive meaningful results for one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies.

Within the WPP Unite structure Barrows is seeking a dynamic Director Studio Operations who is passionate about delivering operational excellence. The operations team plays a critical role in ensuring seamless execution of shopper marketing campaigns and studio operations. They are responsible for coordinating logistics, managing timelines, and optimizing workflows to ensure that shopper executions are delivered on time and within budget. This team collaborates closely with creative, strategy, and client services teams to align resources and streamline processes, enhancing the overall efficiency of project delivery. Additionally, they oversee studio operations, ensuring that all necessary tools and environments are in place for creative teams to thrive. The team not only supports the execution of effective marketing strategies but also fosters an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration.

In addition to bringing a killer attitude and energy, this individual must be able to:

• Oversee all internal processes, ensuring efficient resource management, project workflows, and alignment across cross-functional teams.
• Manage and optimize the end-to-end operational process, including project intake, team assignments, and resource allocation, ensuring that all internal teams operate efficiently and deliver high-quality output.
• Coordinate and collaborate with internal teams (creative, account management, production, etc.) to streamline operations and improve project delivery timelines.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking project progress, resource utilization, and overall studio performance, ensuring visibility and accountability at all stages of the project lifecycle.
• Oversee the offshore team responsible for processing invoices, purchase orders, and other financial tasks, ensuring timely and accurate completion of these functions.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency, project delivery, and team performance, providing regular updates and insights to senior leadership.
• Implement and refine processes to enhance communication and collaboration across teams, ensuring smooth hand-offs between departments and optimizing resource sharing.
• Lead efforts to improve operational workflows, leveraging technology and process improvements to increase overall productivity and efficiency within the studio.
• Serve as the point of contact for any internal operational issues, proactively resolving bottlenecks and ensuring continuous improvement across all studio functions.
• Mentor and lead the Studio Operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.

• 8+ years of experience in operations management, resource management, or studio management, preferably within a creative agency or similar environment.
• Proven ability to oversee and optimize internal agency processes, including resource management, team coordination, and project workflows.
• Experience managing offshore teams and handling operational functions such as invoicing and purchase order processing.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a focus on improving efficiency and fostering cross-functional teamwork.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or a related field.
• Ability to work in the office 3 days a week.

The salary range for this role is $95,000 to $120,000*

*exact compensation will be determined based on individual experience

Benefits include:

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision (with an option for free medical care!)
• 401K with a % match
• Various maternity/paternity leave options
• Fully funded disability and life insurance options
• Headspace subscription
• Wellness Stipend
• and more....