Studio Operations Lead

JOB TITLE: Studio Operations Lead

DEPARTMENT: Chelsea Creative Studio/ Marketing

LOCATION: Stamford Bridge, London

CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time

Closing date: 4th November

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

JOB FUNCTION: To become a globally renowned centre of excellence for creativity, football and culture.

As Studio Operations Lead, your mission is to create the conditions for Chelsea Creative Studio to succeed.

You are responsible for defining and continuously improving how the studio operates. You will work with senior stakeholders to design, refine and implement our new operating model to improve the studio's effectiveness, ensuring that the right people, processes, technology and governance are in place to enable outstanding creative work at scale.

You will lead the Studio Operations function, overseeing operations, production and project delivery while driving continuous improvement across workflow, commercial performance, technology and stakeholder experience.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overall

• Lead the overall operations of Chelsea Creative Studio, ensuring the studio operates efficiently, consistently and to the highest professional standards.
• Define and evolve the studio's operating model as the business grows.

Operating Model

• Develop and continuously improve the studio operating model, including briefing, scoping, workflow, governance, reporting, quality assurance and project lifecycle management.
• Establish processes that improve efficiency, collaboration and creative quality across the studio.

Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop the Studio Operations team.
• Build a high-performing culture centred on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Set clear objectives and performance expectations across the team.

Commercial & Financial

• Own the studio's operational budget, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce external spend and maximise value from internal resources.
• Support the evolution of Chelsea Creative Studio's commercial model.

Technology

• Lead the development of the studio's technology stack, identifying tools that improve workflow, automation, collaboration and production efficiency.

Stakeholder Management

• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across Chelsea FC.
• Ensure Chelsea Creative Studio delivers an exceptional stakeholder experience and is viewed as a strategic partner to the wider business.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Leadership

• Strong people leadership with the ability to build high-performing teams and create clarity across a complex organisation.

Operational Excellence

• Process obsessed with great attention to detail. Extensive experience designing and implementing operational processes within a creative environment.

Commercial

• Strong business understanding, financial and commercial awareness, including budgeting, forecasting and supplier management.

Strategic Thinking

• A tenacious problem solver that won't accept that something can't be done. Able to balance business understanding with long-term operational improvements and the demands of day-to-day delivery. Adaptable and solutions focused.

Communication

• A strong communicator- makes the complex simple. Highly personable with excellent stakeholder management skills. Carries the right gravitas to influence people across all levels of the business.

Experience

• Significant experience leading creative operations in a complex, high pressure organisation. Football and club experience not necessary.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:

• Chelsea Creative Studio operates through a consistent, scalable operating model.
• Workflow is efficient, transparent and well governed.
• Teams are well supported and consistently deliver high-quality work.
• Stakeholders have confidence in Chelsea Creative Studio's service.
• Operational improvements result in increased efficiency, quality and value.

OUR EXPECTATIONS:

• To embody the club's BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others
• To adhere to the club's policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
• To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels
• To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead
• To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.