Managing Director, Creative Operations & AI Strategy

Overview

*THIS ROLE IS PARTIAL ONSITE IN SEATTLE*

Job Description
About the Role
Aquent Studios is seeking a visionary Managing Director to lead a large-scale, high-profile engagement with a global enterprise technology client and drive both business growth and operational excellence. This is a pivotal leadership role where you will shape strategy, inspire high-performing teams, and expand the partnership's footprint within a complex, fast-paced environment.

This role is fundamentally responsible for leading both the business and creative operations of the engagement. We are looking for a well-rounded operator with strong commercial instincts and creative acumen-not someone focused solely on AI.

We are specifically seeking an AI Innovator-a leader who can critically evaluate the work we deliver and identify opportunities to push it forward through thoughtful application of AI and emerging technologies. This person understands how to enhance creativity and efficiency with AI while respecting the constraints, standards, and integrity of a highly established global brand.

You'll play a critical role in transforming how creative and operational workflows evolve. Your leadership will directly influence revenue growth, client satisfaction, and the future direction of one of Aquent Studios' most strategic enterprise engagements.

What You'll Do
Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day client engagement, overseeing both business operations and creative delivery within a large, enterprise environment

• Drive large, complex programs from planning through execution-ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and on budget

• Oversee and optimize end-to-end creative and operational workflows across digital, content, marketing, and experiential work

• Continuously evolve workflows by integrating tools, technologies, and AI-driven efficiencies where they add real value

• Align team structure, skillsets, and resourcing to support growth, quality, and profitability

Business Development & Client Growth

• Expand business opportunities within the client organization, identifying new areas for growth across a global stakeholder landscape

• Manage and grow a multi-million-dollar account, ensuring long-term partnership success

• Lead strategic planning initiatives to drive revenue and improve operational efficiency

• Build and maintain strong executive-level client relationships

• Develop innovative proposals and pricing models that position Aquent Studios as a preferred partner

• Financial Leadership

• Own and manage Profit & Loss (P&L) for a large-scale engagement

• Drive revenue growth while maintaining strong profit margins

• Oversee forecasting, budgeting, cost estimation, and financial reporting

• Ensure profitability through effective resource and project management

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire large, cross-functional teams across business, creative, and operational disciplines

• Build and scale teams aligned to business growth and evolving client needs

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Provide clear direction, coaching, and performance feedback

Quality, Innovation & Strategy

• Champion excellence across creative, design, and development outputs

• Act as an AI Innovator-evaluating current work and identifying opportunities to enhance it through AI and emerging technologies

• Ensure innovation is grounded in strong business judgment and creative quality, not technology for its own sake

• Balance innovation with brand integrity-ensuring all advancements align with client standards, voice, and constraints typical of a global enterprise brand

• Identify and implement emerging trends, tools, and industry best practices

• Act as a strategic leader within Aquent Studios, contributing to broader organizational growth

Communication & Governance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders across a complex, matrixed organization

• Manage escalations, risks, and conflict resolution with professionalism and clarity

• Oversee contracts, scopes of work, and compliance requirements

• Ensure adherence to security protocols and confidentiality standards expected in an enterprise technology environment

Thought Leadership

• Contribute to proposals, strategic documents, and industry perspectives

• Represent Aquent Studios as a leader in creative, operational, and AI-driven innovation within enterprise-scale engagements

Must-Have Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in business operations, creative services, or consulting environments

• Proven experience managing both business and creative operations within large-scale, enterprise-level engagements

• Proven experience managing multi-million-dollar client relationships in complex organizations

• Strong expertise in P&L management and financial oversight

• Demonstrated success leading and scaling large, cross-functional teams

• Experience driving business development and expanding client partnerships

• Deep understanding of creative, design, content, and marketing ecosystems

• Demonstrated ability to act as an AI Innovator-with a practical, business-first approach to applying AI

• Hands-on experience integrating AI into workflows, with a clear understanding of where it adds value in enterprise environments

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience working with large global technology or enterprise clients

• Background in experiential design or digital transformation initiatives

• Experience delivering both live and digital event-based work

• Track record of building operational efficiencies through emerging technologies

• Experience in a creative agency or consulting environment

• Strong writing skills for proposals, thought leadership, or strategic contentJob Description

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