Creative Operations Manager - Waste Creative

Keywords Studios is the ultimate hub for talent in the AAA game development industry. We're a major player in gaming, with a global network of over 70+ studios across 26 countries, each with its own unique culture and expertise. Our collaborative approach sets us apart as the top choice for technical and creative services for renowned console and mobile game developers worldwide. We offer industry-leading solutions such as game development, art services, marketing, globalization, quality assurance, player support and more.

Now, we extend a warm invitation for you to explore new career opportunities with us.

About Waste

Waste is a fan-first creative agency, specialising in the gaming industry. We put fans & communities at the heart of everything we do. Our clients range from mobile gaming giants like Supercell to companies like EA, Nintendo, Riot Games, Ubisoft, Sega, and Zynga. We excel in player acquisition and retention, community-focused content creation, and marketing campaigns across different mediums. Our global team of 85+ specialists covers a broad spectrum of services, from strategy & creative to production, with physical offices in London and Tokyo. 

Our company is guided by 'The Waste Way'—our core values—and an entrepreneurial spirit. Our innovative approach has earned us over 100 awards and recognitions, like Art Director’s Club, Clio, D&AD, and The Webby Awards. In addition to our work, we produce our own craft beer, Waste Pale Ale, run an animation production company, This Thing of Ours, and support UK-based gaming charity, SpecialEffect. 
 
The Waste Way 
Our culture is built on four pillars: 

1. Be Brave: We seek innovative solutions and embrace diverse thinking. 
2. Own Your Shit: We value action and empower our team to make things happen. 
3. Make it Better: We continuously strive for improvement in our work, agency, and ourselves. 
4. Be Kind: We believe in teamwork—we win, lose, and learn together. 

www.waste-creative.com 

Role Overview

The Creative Operations Manager at Waste is responsible for the day-to-day resource management of a busy Creative Studio. They will have oversight of every job going through each team, and work with the Client Service team and Producers to ensure projects' are on track. They will liaise with each Head of Department to ensure each week Waste has sufficient resources to cover the workload. Support in making decisions on priorities and freelance needs for each department based on project needs and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Hosting resource meetings for all clients to book new projects into the Studio
• Managing overall resource across Strategy, Creative, Design and Motion
• Booking in resource for the entirety of projects and ensuring all the right resource is in place
• Managing resource bookings around holidays and sickness
• Working with the HOD’s and Project Leads to assist on casting.
• Ensuring the teams’ skillsets are tracked and up to date
• Running weekly resource meetings with the HOD’s, updating them on upcoming jobs.
• Weekly reporting (including timesheet governance) and tracking of freelance spend.
• Managing external talent for the Studio including search, bookings and contracts
• Connecting with internal teams to effectively on and off boarding of freelance workers
• Flag any Freelance overspend
• Building a roster of freelancers for a variety of disciplines, adding to our supplier database
• Attending daily stand-ups and solving any resource issues that might arise
• Working with Senior Leads on forward planning
• Liaising with Project Leads to ensure briefs are running on track.
• Understand how cost estimates are put together

Requirements

Knowledge and skills: 

• 5+ years’ experience in resourcing multiple teams in a creative agency setting
• Solid understanding of the Creative delivery process
• Knowledge of strategy, creative, design & motion resourcing and processes 
• Understanding of contractor management and basic understanding of employment law
• Understanding of resourcing software
• Strong ability to communicate confidently with team members of all levels
• Ability to manage freelance talent
• Strong organisational skills, able to handle multiple moving tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong admin skills with attention to detail
• Previous experience in studio administration, Raising PO and creating freelancer contracts

Benefits

• Waste shuts during the Christmas period ranging between 1 and 2 weeks with that time not being taken out of your regular holiday entitlement 

• Early-finish/late start Fridays in August & February 

• Christmas and summer parties you'll want to post about 

• Regular team outings and social events 

• Workplace pension 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Birthdays off 

• Volunteer days 

• Access to Employee Assistant Programme (EAP) 

• Flexible start times 

• Group Life Assurance 

• Group Income Protection 

• Private Medical Insurance effective from July 2023 

• A shiny new office, with a gaming area, plus regular events  

Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Commitment:Keywords Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. If you require any adjustments during the process please let us know in your application. We are committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation. We especially welcome applications from candidates of underrepresented groups in the industry.

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY

By providing your information in this application, you understand that we will collect and process your information in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice. For more information, please see our Applicant Privacy Notice at https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice.

Role Information: EN

Studio: Waste Creative

Location: England, United Kingdom, Europe

Area of Work: Marketing Services

Service: Engage

Employment Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Hybrid, On-site