Creative Operations Lead for Growth & Efficiency

Critical Playground LLC; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Arena3 is seeking an experienced Creative Operations Manager to shape the next stage of our growth in London. You will own day-to-day operations, from finance and HR to systems and compliance, with autonomy to implement scalable improvements.

Working closely with the founders, you’ll build playbooks, dashboards and processes that drive profitability, efficiency and creative excellence across the business.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in operations within a creative agency, production company or similar business.
• Strong financial and commercial understanding, including budgeting, forecasting and profitability.
• Experience with QuickBooks, Xero or similar financial software.
• Experience managing HR, business systems, contracts and operational processes.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Confident working independently and directly with senior stakeholders.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with exceptional attention to detail.
• An interest in technology, automation and AI.

Responsibilities

• Oversee invoicing, payments, expenses and financial administration through QuickBooks.
• Develop financial dashboards covering revenue, costs, profitability, cash flow and forecasting.
• Monitor project profitability, time tracking and resource utilisation.
• Own and optimise Arena3's internal systems, software and operational workflows.
• Develop an Arena3 Operations Playbook, documenting key processes and best practices.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, file management, subscriptions and access permissions.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation, AI and better processes.
• Manage employee contracts, onboarding, off-boarding, holidays and sickness.
• Oversee HR systems, policies, training and employee documentation.
• Support recruitment and workforce planning.
• Coordinate with external HR advisers to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Manage client contracts, supplier agreements, NDAs and business terms.
• Oversee business insurance, GDPR and health and safety requirements.
• Maintain compliance records and coordinate external legal and specialist support.
• Take ownership of general business administration and office operations.
• Develop operational reporting and business performance KPIs.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement practical improvements.
• Support the founders with forecasting, resource planning and long-term business development.
• Help build an efficient, professional and scalable business.

Job description

Arena3 is seeking an experienced Creative Operations Manager to shape the next stage of our growth in London. You will own day-to-day operations, from finance and HR to systems and compliance, with autonomy to implement scalable improvements.

Working closely with the founders, you’ll build playbooks, dashboards and processes that drive profitability, efficiency and creative excellence across the business.