Creative Operations & Capacity Lead

Translation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Translation is seeking a Creative Operations Lead to own staffing across all active client accounts, partner with PMs, and safeguard delivery across a fast-changing creative environment.

The role drives resource planning, implements a new staffing platform, sources freelancers, and builds clear visibility into capacity and talent, helping the agency balance billable work and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in resource management, project management, creative operations, or a related function within a creative agency or marketing organization.
• Deep understanding of how creative agencies work, the rhythms of production, the difference between billable and non-billable time, and how to protect both.
• Freelance recruiting experience and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage staffing allocations across all active client accounts, ensuring people are planned accurately and updated in real time.
• Lead the rollout and ongoing adoption of Translation's new resource management platform, serving as the primary administrator and internal champion.
• Surface capacity conflicts, volume pressure points, and over-allocation risks proactively — before they become delivery problems.
• Partner daily with the PM team to align headcount plans with project timelines, scope changes, and shifting client demands.
• Develop and maintain clear visibility into who is available, who is over-committed, and where gaps exist across all functions.
• Track talent skills and passions.

Skills

Staffing management

Resource planning

Freelance sourcing

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Translation is seeking a Creative Operations Lead to own staffing across all active client accounts, partner with PMs, and safeguard delivery across a fast-changing creative environment.

The role drives resource planning, implements a new staffing platform, sources freelancers, and builds clear visibility into capacity and talent, helping the agency balance billable work and strategic initiatives.