Managing Director, Creative Operations & Client Growth (Aquent Studios)

About the Role

Aquent Studios is seeking a visionary Managing Director to lead a large-scale, high-profile client engagement 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.

You'll play a critical role in transforming how creative and operational workflows evolve-particularly through the integration of AI and emerging technologies. Your leadership will directly influence revenue growth, client satisfaction, and the future direction of Aquent Studios' largest engagements.

What You'll Do

Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day client engagement, overseeing team performance, delivery, and client satisfaction
• Drive large, complex programs from planning through execution-ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and on budget
• Continuously evolve creative workflows by integrating tools, technologies, and AI-driven efficiencies
• Align team structure, skillsets, and resourcing to support growth and profitability
• Oversee delivery across digital, content, marketing, and experiential initiatives

Business Development & Client Growth

• Expand business opportunities within the client organization, identifying new areas for growth
• 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
• 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
• Identify and implement emerging trends, tools, and industry best practices
• Act as a strategic leader within Aquent Studios, contributing to broader organizational growth
• Drive innovation, including the application of AI to improve workflows, productivity, and outcomes

Communication & Governance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders
• 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

Thought Leadership

• Contribute to proposals, strategic documents, and industry perspectives
• Represent Aquent Studios as a leader in creative and operational innovation

Must-Have Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in business operations, creative services, or consulting environments
• Proven experience managing large-scale, multi-million-dollar client engagements
• 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
• Hands-on experience integrating AI into business workflows, with the ability to articulate its impact and application
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• 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 content

#LI-RM21