Commercial and Operations Director

James Chase; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative creative agency is seeking a dynamic Commercial & Operations Director to drive financial strategy and operational excellence. This pivotal role involves crafting pricing models, negotiating contracts, and ensuring profitability while fostering a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have over a decade of experience in commercial roles within creative or design-led sectors, with a knack for navigating complex projects and leading teams through transformation. Join a purpose-driven agency that values personal development and work-life balance, and help shape the future of creative delivery.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Comprehensive benefits package

Focus on personal development

Team wellbeing initiatives

Work-life balance support

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior commercial roles within creative environments.
• Strong knowledge of contract law and compliance in creative industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy and commercial planning for sustainable growth.
• Oversee operational processes and guide the agency through meaningful change.

Skills

Commercial Strategy

Financial Modelling

Contract Negotiation

Operational Excellence

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

10+ years in commercial or operational roles

Job description

Are you a commercially-minded leader with a strong financial strategy background, who understands the business mechanics behind great creative work?

Do you know how to shape the financial future of a growing creative agency by crafting smart pricing models, negotiating robust contracts, and ensuring healthy margins, all while supporting outstanding creative delivery?

Our client is a purpose-led creative agency combining strategy, storytelling, and design to tackle global challenges. As they grow, they’re looking for a Commercial & Operations Director to help scale the business with smart commercials, smooth delivery, and strong operations.

This senior role reports directly to the MD and plays a key part in how the agency runs and grows. You’ll work closely with creative, delivery, and leadership teams to shape pricing, operations, and process - keeping things commercially focused without losing the creative focus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead financial strategy, forecasting, and modelling to support smart, sustainable growth
• Own commercial planning, pricing, and client contract negotiation
• Monitor profitability and lead margin improvement initiatives across global projects
• Oversee scalable, compliant operational processes that enhance delivery
• Guide the agency through meaningful change, balancing established practices with future-focused thinking
• Collaborate with heads of department to manage supplier and freelancer relationships
• Provide leadership, clarity, and support to a small, capable commercial/ops team

About You:

• 10+ years in a senior commercial or operational role within a creative, digital, or design-led environment
• Comfortable leading commercial change and driving operational excellence
• Experienced working with global clients and navigating multi-currency projects
• Strong knowledge of contract law, IP rights, and compliance in creative industries
• Able to blend commercial acumen with a strong understanding of the creative process
• Naturally collaborative, with the confidence to challenge and the pragmatism to support
• Comfortable leading others through transformation - including Gen AI and new delivery models
• A background in project delivery or production would be a plus

What’s on Offer:

• A competitive salary depending on experience
• Hybrid working in a creative, low-ego, high-performance culture
• A strong focus on personal development, team wellbeing, and work-life balance
• Comprehensive benefits package aligned with the agency’s people-first values

Early applications are encouraged.

If you have the skills and experience for this opportunity and the ambition to take on this position, please contact Thais for further details or email your CV today.

-By email: [e-mail]

-By phone: [phone]