Production Director

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful  ideas, products and services. We exist to create the future together with our clients. 

The Production Director (Communications) is responsible for leading and delivering high-quality brand and communication projects across film, content, digital campaigns, events, and integrated experiences.

As the senior owner of production, this role oversees the entire delivery lifecycle—from concept feasibility and production planning through execution, launch, and post-delivery evaluation—ensuring creative excellence, operational rigor, and commercial success.

Working closely with Creative, Strategy, Client Services, and external production partners, the Production Director ensures that ideas are produced to the highest standard, delivered on time and within budget, while building strong and trusted client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Production Leadership & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end delivery of communication and brand projects, including film, digital content, integrated campaigns, events, and experiential executions.
• Own production planning, schedules, budgets, resourcing, and risk management.
• Ensure delivery quality, creative integrity, and consistency across all outputs.　
• Proactively identify, mitigate, and resolve production risks and issues.

Creative Collaboration

• Partner closely with Creative Directors and creative teams to assess feasibility and translate ideas into executable production plans. 
• Provide production guidance during ideation to balance creativity, quality, timeline, and budget. 
• Protect and elevate creative intent throughout the entire production process.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a senior point of contact for clients on all production-related matters.
• Lead production discussions, align expectations, and manage changes in scope or direction. 
• Communicate clearly and transparently on timelines, costs, risks, and trade-offs.

Partner & Vendor Management

• Select, brief, and manage external production partners including film production companies, post-production houses, and event vendors.
• Negotiate contracts, manage costs, and ensure compliance with legal, brand, and safety standards. 
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with trusted production partners.

Operational Excellence

• Own production budgets, cost estimates, and financial tracking.
• Ensure projects are delivered within approved scope and commercial targets.
• Contribute to proposal development, including production approach, timelines, and cost estimates.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, mentor, and develop Producers, Senior Producers, and Production Managers.
• Establish production best practices, standards, and scalable delivery processes.
• Support hiring and team growth as the communications production capability expands.

QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS 

• 8+ years of experience in production leadership roles within advertising agencies, creative agencies, or production companies.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale brand, communication, or campaign projects.
• Strong experience in film production, content production, and integrated campaigns.
• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Deep understanding of production workflows, budgeting, and vendor management.
• Business-level English proficiency and native-level Japanese communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working in global or multi-market environments.
• Strong understanding of digital, social, and integrated campaign production.
• Experience collaborating with international creative and production teams.