Associate Production Director

StudioXAG creates bold spaces that tell big stories.

We create evocative brand worlds, crafting immersive experiences that spark surprise, delight, awe and emotional connection, with Strategy, Creative and Production all under one roof at our East London HQ.

We're looking for our next Production leader to help shape and strengthen the team as we grow.

The Role

The Associate Production Director is a key leadership role reporting into our Head of Production. You'll lead and develop our Production Management team, helping them deliver ambitious work confidently and independently while owning the standards, strategy and commercial thinking behind how projects are costed, scoped and run.

You'll coach and mentor Production Managers, set the standard for how we work and maintain strategic oversight across the project portfolio. You'll use your own strong project delivery experience to support the team with costing, scheduling, production strategy and risk, particularly on our biggest and most complex projects.

A strong understanding of in-house fabrication, workshop processes, materials and making is fundamental to the role. You'll use this knowledge to challenge and develop production strategies and support better decision-making.

You'll also help grow our supplier network, develop new production capabilities and shape where Production Management goes next at StudioXAG.

What We're Looking For:

• An experienced Production Lead or Director with a strong track record in creative production
• Strong in-house fabrication and workshop knowledge, with a good understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and making
• A confident estimator and production strategist who can quickly understand an opportunity and develop the right approach
• Experienced in planning and oversight, not just single-project delivery
• A natural coach who develops others through clarity, support and accountability
• Commercially sharp, with a strong understanding of project costs, production strategy and risk
• Well connected to suppliers and the wider creative production industry
• A strong communicator who can build trust across Technical, Workshop, Project Management and Creative
• Comfortable operating at a senior level and contributing to wider business strategy
• Someone who enjoys being close to the work and the team, and is motivated by making both better

Responsibilities:

Costing & Production Strategy

• Lead and support rapid costing and scoping on live opportunities
• Develop production strategies, sequencing and options to deliver projects effectively and commercially
• Use strong fabrication and workshop knowledge to challenge and improve production approaches
• Support Production Managers in developing their own strategic and commercial thinking

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop Production Managers across scoping, costing, strategy and delivery
• Set clear standards and expectations for how we work
• Own the development, progression and performance of the team
• Build a culture of confidence, accountability and continuous improvement

Production Oversight

• Maintain a view across live production, schedules, sequencing and resourcing
• Identify risks, clashes and blockers before they impact delivery
• Provide senior support and challenge without taking ownership away from the responsible Production Manager
• Ensure projects are being delivered to the right creative, technical, commercial and production standards

Complex Project Input

• Provide senior production input on our biggest and most complex projects
• Support costing, scheduling, sequencing, risk and production strategy
• Use your experience to critique and develop the best approach for a project
• Step in where needed to help resolve complex production challenges while maintaining clear project accountability

Systems & Supplier Development

• Develop production standards, systems and ways of working that enable the team to operate more effectively
• Build strong supplier relationships and expand our production network
• Identify new capabilities, technologies and approaches that strengthen Production
• Help shape the future structure and capability of the Production Management function

Location & Hours

Full-time, in-house at our East London studio (E10).

This role works closely with a Production team and workshop operating from the studio, so regular in-person presence is an important part of the role. The expectation is that you'll be in the studio alongside the team, particularly for key production and workshop meetings.

Standard hours are 8am–5pm, aligned with the wider Production team.

Some of Our Benefits

• Gross profit-related annual bonus scheme
• Workplace pension
• 22 days holiday + bank holidays + 3 days Christmas closure + your birthday off
• 0.5 paid days/month to get inspired
• International research budgets and trips
• YCN creative learning membership
• Spill mental health support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Fitness discounts

Salary:

£60,000 - £70,000 DOE