Creative Operations Lead - Growth & Systems (London Studio)

Arena3 Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Arena3 is seeking a highly organized Creative Operations Manager to take ownership of day-to-day business operations in London, Bermondsey. This hands-on role oversees finance, HR, contracts, systems and compliance while enabling growth and profitability.

Working directly with the founders, you’ll build processes, dashboards and playbooks to scale the business. Immediate start on an initial 6-month fixed-term contract with potential extension.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in operations, ideally within a creative agency, production company or similar business.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and profitability experience.
• 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.

Skills

Operations management

Financial acumen

HR systems

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Process improvement

Automation & AI interest

Tools

QuickBooks

Xero

Google Workspace

BrightHR

Trello

Job description

Arena3 is seeking a highly organized Creative Operations Manager to take ownership of day-to-day business operations in London, Bermondsey. This hands-on role oversees finance, HR, contracts, systems and compliance while enabling growth and profitability.

Working directly with the founders, you’ll build processes, dashboards and playbooks to scale the business. Immediate start on an initial 6-month fixed-term contract with potential extension.