Part of Dentsu International, Dentsu Creative is a Global Creative Network that transforms brands and businesses through the power of Modern Creativity. Led by Global Chief Creative Officer Fred Levron, 9,000 experts across the globe work seamlessly together to deliver ideas that Create Culture, Shape Society and Invent the Future. Dentsu Creative was launched in June 2022 to address a client need for simplicity and became Dentsu International’s sole creative in the beginning of 2023.  

The ideal candidate for this role will reside in the Chicago or NYC area (near our two major offices), however other locations may be considered.

With dentsu’s newly integrated global structure and an amazing roster of progressive clients who welcome a modern approach to delivery, there hasn’t been a more exciting time to join the team as a leader in studio production.

We are seeking a visionary SVP, Studio Production who is ready to put the full power of our worldwide network into action.

This leader will be responsible for all U.S. studio operations while igniting growth and development by radically collaborating with our nearshore and offshore studio hubs to assemble best in class production solutions regardless of medium, scale or locale. Process-driven, tech inspired and passionate about the future of story making, this industry professional is confident leading a team of makers in support of digital, video and print disciplines including producers, editors, production artists, designers, animators, developers, technologists, retouchers, proofreaders, and other subject matter experts. Expanding the offering to meet increasing demands for quick turn photography and live action assignments or CGI, AR and VR deliverables is an attainable goal for the right person. The winning applicant has an entrepreneurial spirit with abilities to business plan, forecast revenue and drive optimization. Above all, this special individual cares to deliver work that’s built with artistry, sustainable practices and diverse talent so we’re not only productive, but proud.

Responsibilities:

• Work with key stakeholders to establish a clear vision for the future direction of denstu creative’s integrated U.S. Studio
• Oversee all aspects of studio production across all disciplines, ensuring that everyone is working toward the same objectives set forth in the studio vision
• Establish centers of excellence for studio production within dentsu’s network, routing the work where it can be best supported
• Collaborate with dentsu’s in network studio leads to mirror people, process and tools at each outpost around the globe to ensure seamless cross studio collaboration and excellent delivery regardless of locale
• Lead with a lens focused on craft, sustainability, DEI and radical collaboration
• Test drive and activate dentsu’s proprietary tools including its cloud studio and automation software in support of virtual collaboration, real time rendering or scaling of campaign assets
• Establish best in class and secure systems for studio asset management, storage and distribution
• Pen and promote consistent Q/A methods taking into consideration evolving mediums and platform requirements, utilizing automation when possible
• Monitor the quality of work produced by production staff, continually providing feedback and resolution to ensure consistency of delivery excellence
• Champion virtual collaborations by applying methods and technology to further improve the experience
• Ensure that the crew have everything they need to complete their work efficiently and effectively
• Enable your direct reports to act as curators of creators and denstu’s global centers of excellence so they are equipped to respond to briefs swiftly, with the most excellent solutions regardless of time, location or scale
• Discover new cross-discipline talent to bring into the studio fold as you work with your direct reports to bolster the studio’s roster of modern story makers
• Continually attract the best talent and partners to reach “best-in-class” goals
• Finalize the studio production process for working onshore, nearshore and offshore
• Bring internships and fellowships to a new level, further enhancing our offering while giving back to communities and being the force behind growth for a new generation of makers
• Partner with Resource Management to match best match talent to projects, coordinating the activities and schedules of crew members, tracking to scope and balancing pace
• Evaluate and expand our preferred list of finishing vendors inclusive of color correction, VFX and audio as well as stock houses for image and audio needs
• Work with global procurement to standardize the most beneficial rates with preferred partners
• Finalize studio rate cards in collaboration with finance teams and workforce leads
• Oversee all financial aspects of studio, including: the building of retained and incremental budgets; accounting for expenditures; management of intercompany billing
• Lead your bidding team to answer briefs of all sizes, complexities and timelines with solutions for right fit tools and talent
• Maintain billability, utilization and revenue forecasts
• Run a sustainable and profitable practice while also providing efficiencies for our clients
• Establish and oversee discipline and platform specific practices to ensure standards are met and exceeded
• Promote client guidelines and see that they are shared and followed appropriately  
• Work with HOP to create ongoing studio training programs, keeping materials up to date and visible within the studio community, but also with those who engage directly with studio services
• Develop and maintain relationships within the network, promoting the studio’s story and capabilities
• Look for opportunities to engage upstream in the creative process whether providing proof for concepts or staffing solutions
• Work with key stake holders to formalize the look and feel for the studio brand as well as related  capability presentations and reel shares
• Plan for an on-team, industry style sales rep who speaks production and becomes an integral part of the studio’s voice, well versed in its talent and capabilities, adept at identifying and steering business opportunities

• 12+ years post-grad experience, with 7+ years in a management position, ideally in an industry leading production co or studio environment, leading multiple client initiatives across integrated disciplines including digital, video and print campaigns
• Bachelor's degree, ideally in advertising
• History of recruiting, retaining, and growing top performing, diverse, production talent
• Process driven, Tech inspired with a passion for modern story making
• Knowledge of email and web development processes and new technologies including AI and AR/VR
• Experience managing teams and leaders while delivering on highly creative briefs
• Deep relationships with designers, photographers, film makers and postproduction crew members
• Used to working at the speed of culture and retail on deadline driven projects for a range of clients from packaged goods to quick service restaurants, automotive, tech or financial institutions  
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit who takes initiative and shows continuous growth
• A positive and enthusiastic coach who is willing to jump in as a player
• Skilled in conflict resolution and relationship building
• Experience in account planning, budget forecasting and financial reporting

Preferred Qualifications:​

• Global production experience working with 3rd party vendors and/or direct reports
• Experience leading transformational change and operating in a complex matrixed organization

The anticipated salary range for this position is $136,000 - $238.000.  Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and geography.

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Employees from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds encouraged to apply.
Dentsu (the "Company") is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee of the Company, on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other legally-recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done that will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing an undue hardship on the Company. Please contact [email protected] if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process or to request or discuss an accommodation in connection with a job at the Company to which you are applying.