Head of Production

JR United Kingdom; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Production to lead their dynamic production team. In this pivotal role, you will ensure every project, from nimble shoots to large-scale campaigns, is delivered with creative ambition and operational excellence. You'll oversee the production function, mentor your team, and maintain strong client relationships while driving process improvements. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity where your strategic vision will shape the agency's production capabilities. If you are passionate about storytelling and thrive in a collaborative environment, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

31 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Regular company-wide social activities

Blended working option

Cycle to Work scheme

On-site bike parking

Kitchen stocked with healthy snacks

Development and training programmes

Volunteering opportunities

Industry discounts

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading high-quality commercial production.
• Experience in commercial agency environments preferred.
• Strong network of crew and suppliers in the production industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee successful delivery of projects across the agency.
• Manage and mentor the internal production team.
• Collaborate with finance to manage production budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Client Communication

Budget Management

Problem Solving

Production Knowledge

Team Development

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Film/Media Production

Master's Degree in Business Management

Tools

ClickUp

Trello

Job description

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As Head of Production at Cut Media, you’ll lead the production function across the business, ensuring that every project – from nimble shoots to large-scale global campaigns – is delivered with creative ambition, operational excellence and financial control.

You’ll oversee our internal production team and freelance network, working closely with the Client, Creative and Post Production to shape how we make great work happen – on time, on budget and to the highest standard.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll line manage and mentor producers, drive production process improvements and maintain visibility across all live and upcoming work. You’ll be a calm, collaborative presence – confident in making decisions, solving problems and guiding teams through complexity.

As a senior leader within the agency, you’ll also contribute to broader business strategy and planning, helping to scale our production capabilities as we grow, while upholding the creative and human-first values that define Cut Media.

JOB ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Oversight & Operational Leadership

• Lead and oversee the successful delivery of all projects across the agency, ensuring high standards of creativity, quality and production value are upheld.
• Own scheduling and resourcing across multiple concurrent productions, from short-form social to major campaigns.
• Act as the senior point of contact for production-related client communication, ensuring a clear, collaborative and solutions-focused relationship throughout. Support and empower the wider team to lead client comms confidently and effectively, providing guidance and stepping in when needed.
• Be the senior escalation point for troubleshooting challenges, ensuring risk is managed and confident decisions are made under pressure.
• Champion cost efficiency and value at every stage of production.
• Work closely with internal teams (creative, strategy, post) to ensure clarity on briefs, scope and timelines.
• Ensure all productions are appropriately scoped, resourced and planned using agreed systems and processes (ClickUp, Trello, etc.).
• Maintain strong relationships with freelance crew and suppliers to ensure availability, cost efficiency and delivery of high-quality work.
• Oversee all production legal requirements, including contracting, negotiating and issuing crew and talent contracts, securing location and appearance releases, and managing music licensing and usage rights with the team.
• Ensure client deliverables are compliant with all relevant legal standards (e.g. Clearcast, ASA), and that intellectual property rights are clearly agreed, documented and upheld.
• Liaise with clients and external legal support where needed to ensure clarity around rights, deliverables, and approvals.
• Collaborate closely with Business Development, Strategy and Creative to shape proposals, contribute to creative feasibility and plan approach from the earliest stages.
• Attend client pre-production meetings and lead on presenting production plans alongside creative leads and directors.
• Define and implement project milestones, workflows, schedules and budgets in collaboration with Business Development, Strategy and Creative.
• Work closely with creative teams to align storytelling ambition with logistical and budgetary parameters.
• Lead on negotiation of client production budgets and scopes of work.
• Support the scoping of new opportunities with a strategic view of both quality delivery and commercial return.
• Produce high-level and complex shoots yourself, while overseeing delivery across the wider production team.
• Assign Producers and support crew across productions to ensure the best fit for the project and individual development.
• Ensure all legal, contractual, insurance and safety documentation is completed for each production.
• Lead on crew sourcing and negotiation, and maintain a strong network of trusted freelancers and suppliers.
• Support Post Production Manager with planning edit schedules and deliverables.
• Be accountable for reviewing and signing off final content, ensuring work is high quality, on brief and compliant.
• Support client communication through production and post, including interpreting feedback and guiding amends.
• Ensure all production wrap processes are followed: budget reconciliation, file organisation, legal clearance and debriefing.
• Ensure client satisfaction is reviewed post-project, capturing learnings and identifying opportunities for future improvement or growth.

Line Management

• Line manage and mentor the internal production team (Producers, APs, PAs), driving a positive team culture built on clarity, respect and trust.
• Set the tone for production standards, process and mindset – leading by example and encouraging ownership and development.
• Schedule and lead internal production meetings, championing team wellbeing, efficient workflows, and operational clarity.
• Oversee freelancer and crew onboarding to ensure alignment with Cut Media’s culture and standards.
• Champion personal and professional development, actively seeking out and encouraging growth opportunities for the team.
• Confidently handle performance issues or interpersonal challenges within the production team, using clear communication and empathy to maintain a positive, high-functioning culture.
• Lead Cut Media’s internal environmental standards group, ensuring sustainable production practices are upheld across projects.
• Act as a senior leader within the wider agency, contributing to culture and collaboration across teams.

Strategic Production Delivery & Agency Growth

• Act as Lead Producer across key retainer and high-value projects, balancing creative ambition with operational clarity and financial control.
• Lead the development and evolution of Cut Media’s production offering, ensuring we stay competitive, compelling and commercially strong.
• Collaborate closely with the Finance Director to manage production budgets, reconcile spend, and contribute to overall agency financial planning. Ensure accurate forecasting and cost reporting across projects, supporting financial health and strategic growth.
• Attend Heads of Department meetings, feeding in production expertise to shape wider company strategy and growth plans.
• Collaborate with Marketing to align project launches with campaign moments and new business opportunities.
• Contribute to company forecasting and pipeline planning alongside Heads of Department and Business Development.
• Represent Cut Media at relevant industry events and communities, helping grow the agency’s network and visibility in the sector.

About you

• Proven track record of leading and delivering high-quality commercial production at a senior level.
• Experience working in a commercial agency environment is preferred.
• Outstanding production knowledge across pre, shoot, and post, including rights, risk and financial oversight.
• Excellent leadership, team development, and communication skills.
• Strong commercial and budget management experience, including client negotiations and project scoping.
• A confident, calm problem solver with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Comfortable in client-facing roles, able to manage feedback, resolve challenges and build trust.
• A strong network of crew, talent, and suppliers, ideally with experience in sports and/or branded content.
• Knowledge of contemporary production tools, trends and workflows.
• Passion for storytelling and a drive to make great work happen.
• Strategic thinker who balances creative, operational and commercial needs.
• Enthusiastic contributor to a positive and collaborative agency culture.
• A strong alignment with Cut Media’s values and purpose.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 31 days annual leave, inclusive of a full studio closure between Christmas Eve and New Year
• Private healthcare and benefits with Vitality Health Core Cover
• Regular company-wide social activities
• Blended working option- 3 days per week working from our studio, the rest is up to you.
• Cycle to Work scheme
• On-site bike parking facilities
• Kitchen stocked with healthy snacks
• Development and training programmes
• Volunteering, industry discounts, and other opportunities to get involved with our 1% For the Planet membership

SUBJECT HEADING: ‘YOUR NAME, HEAD OF PRODUCTION ROLE’

CLOSING DATE TO APPLY: 19.05.2025

PLEASE INCLUDE:

• Your CV and a short cover letter telling us a little about yourself, and why you’d like to work with us. Please include relevant examples of your work.