Creative Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role

The Creative Operations Manager (COM) is the operational backbone of Hartmann Studios’ creative engine—owning workflow, production logistics, and executional precision from intake through final delivery. This role ensures creative ideas move seamlessly from concept to physical reality by aligning people, process, and production across a fast‑paced, high‑stakes environment.

Equal parts systems thinker and production‑minded leader, the COM brings a deep understanding of print production, large‑format signage, and physical deliverables, enabling the creative team to design boldly while trusting that timelines, specs, and execution are rock‑solid. They optimize creative workflows, anticipate operational friction, and ensure every deliverable—especially those that leave the screen and enter the world—is produced with accuracy, efficiency, and quality.

As the single source of truth for workflow health, schedules, and production readiness, the Creative Operations Manager empowers Creative Directors and Art Directors to focus on vision and craft—while ensuring operational discipline turns great ideas into flawless execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Own creative operations from intake through final delivery, ensuring all work meets Hartmann Studios’ creative, brand, and quality standards.
• Translate incoming requests into clear scopes, timelines, and production‑ready plans, anticipating downstream print and physical production needs.
• Manage timelines, milestones, and operational checkpoints for both small‑scale and production‑heavy projects (print, large‑format signage, presentations, experiential assets).
• Oversee creative production execution, including file readiness, specs, proofing, approvals, version control, and final release.
• Serve as the final operational checkpoint before delivery—confirming accuracy, alignment, and production readiness.
• Balance workloads and resources across designers and production partners, adjusting quickly as scope, timing, or priorities shift.
• Act as the primary point of contact for workflow, job status, risks, and deadlines—providing clear, proactive communication to Creative leadership and partners.
• Identify and resolve operational friction, championing efficient, scalable workflows that support creative excellence.
• Document, evolve, and uphold best practices for creative operations, production handoffs, and asset management.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in creative operations, creative production, or project management within an agency, experiential, or design‑driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or overseeing print production, large‑format signage, or physical creative deliverables.
• Strong understanding of creative workflows from concept through production and execution.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams, shifting priorities, and production‑driven timelines.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Workfront, and production workflows is a plus.
• Detail‑driven, proactive, and collaborative—comfortable serving as the connective tissue between creative vision and operational reality.