Studio Operations Lead

About the Role

The Studio Operations Lead is responsible for creating the conditions for Chelsea Creative Studio to succeed. The role involves defining and continuously improving how the studio operates, working with senior stakeholders to design, refine and implement a new operating model. The postholder leads the Studio Operations function, overseeing operations, production and project delivery while driving continuous improvement across workflow, commercial performance, technology and stakeholder experience. The role sits within Chelsea Creative Studio, part of the Marketing department, which aims to become a globally renowned centre of excellence for creativity, football and culture; football and club experience is not necessary. Success will be reflected in a consistent, scalable operating model, efficient and well-governed workflow, well-supported teams, stakeholder confidence, and operational improvements that increase efficiency, quality and value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall operations of Chelsea Creative Studio, ensuring it operates efficiently, consistently and to the highest professional standards.
• Define and evolve the studio's operating model as the business grows.
• Develop and continuously improve the studio operating model, covering briefing, scoping, workflow, governance, reporting, quality assurance and project lifecycle management.
• Establish processes that improve efficiency, collaboration and creative quality across the studio.
• Lead, mentor and develop the Studio Operations team, setting clear objectives and performance expectations.
• Build a high-performing culture centred on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Own the studio's operational budget, forecasting and financial reporting, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce external spend and maximise value from internal resources.
• Support the evolution of Chelsea Creative Studio's commercial model.
• Lead the development of the studio's technology stack, identifying tools that improve workflow, automation, collaboration and production efficiency.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across Chelsea FC and ensure the studio delivers an exceptional stakeholder experience as a strategic partner to the wider business.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Strong people leadership with the ability to build high-performing teams and create clarity across a complex organisation.
• Process-obsessed with great attention to detail.
• Extensive experience designing and implementing operational processes within a creative environment.
• Strong business understanding, financial and commercial awareness, including budgeting, forecasting and supplier management.
• Tenacious problem solver who will not accept that something cannot be done.
• Able to balance business understanding with long-term operational improvements and the demands of day-to-day delivery.
• Adaptable and solutions focused.
• Strong communicator who makes the complex simple.
• Highly personable with excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Carries the right gravitas to influence people across all levels of the business.
• Significant experience leading creative operations in a complex, high pressure organisation.

The Application Process

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment screening.

1. Complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment.
2. Undergo other child protection screening where appropriate, depending on the role.