Managing Director, Creative Operations & AI Strategy

Placement Type:N/ASalary:$1,500,000-1,900,000 SalaryStart Date:Jun 29, 2026Job DescriptionAbout the RoleAquent 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 DoOperational LeadershipLead day-to-day client engagement, overseeing both business operations and creative delivery within a large, enterprise environmentDrive large, complex programs from planning through execution-ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and on budgetOversee and optimize end-to-end creative and operational workflows across digital, content, marketing, and experiential workContinuously evolve workflows by integrating tools, technologies, and AI-driven efficiencies where they add real valueAlign team structure, skillsets, and resourcing to support growth, quality, and profitability Business Development & Client GrowthExpand business opportunities within the client organization, identifying new areas for growth across a global stakeholder landscapeManage and grow a multi-million-dollar account, ensuring long-term partnership successLead strategic planning initiatives to drive revenue and improve operational efficiencyBuild and maintain strong executive-level client relationshipsDevelop innovative proposals and pricing models that position Aquent Studios as a preferred partnerFinancial LeadershipOwn and manage Profit & Loss (P&L) for a large-scale engagementDrive revenue growth while maintaining strong profit marginsOversee forecasting, budgeting, cost estimation, and financial reportingEnsure profitability through effective resource and project management Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead, mentor, and inspire large, cross-functional teams across business, creative, and operational disciplinesBuild and scale teams aligned to business growth and evolving client needsFoster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvementProvide clear direction, coaching, and performance feedback Quality, Innovation & StrategyChampion excellence across creative, design, and development outputsAct as an AI Innovator-evaluating current work and identifying opportunities to enhance it through AI and emerging technologiesEnsure innovation is grounded in strong business judgment and creative quality, not technology for its own sakeBalance innovation with brand integrity-ensuring all advancements align with client standards, voice, and constraints typical of a global enterprise brandIdentify and implement emerging trends, tools, and industry best practicesAct as a strategic leader within Aquent Studios, contributing to broader organizational growth Communication & GovernanceServe as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders across a complex, matrixed organizationManage escalations, risks, and conflict resolution with professionalism and clarityOversee contracts, scopes of work, and compliance requirementsEnsure adherence to security protocols and confidentiality standards expected in an enterprise technology environment Thought LeadershipContribute to proposals, strategic documents, and industry perspectivesRepresent Aquent Studios as a leader in creative, operational, and AI-driven innovation within enterprise-scale engagements Must-Have Qualifications10+ years of leadership experience in business operations, creative services, or consulting environmentsProven experience managing both business and creative operations within large-scale, enterprise-level engagementsProven experience managing multi-million-dollar client relationships in complex organizationsStrong expertise in P&L management and financial oversightDemonstrated success leading and scaling large, cross-functional teamsExperience driving business development and expanding client partnershipsDeep understanding of creative, design, content, and marketing ecosystemsDemonstrated ability to act as an AI Innovator-with a practical, business-first approach to applying AIHands-on experience integrating AI into workflows, with a clear understanding of where it adds value in enterprise environmentsExceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skillsStrong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities Nice-to-Have QualificationsExperience working with large global technology or enterprise clientsBackground in experiential design or digital transformation initiativesExperience delivering both live and digital event-based workTrack record of building operational efficiencies through emerging technologiesExperience in a creative agency or consulting environmentStrong writing skills for proposals, thought leadership, or strategic contentJob Description#LI-RM21Client DescriptionAquent Studios is a global creative studio that delivers scale, speed and efficiency to the world's most recognized brands. We create the work that matters the most to them-work that has a real impact on their business. As an Aquent Studio team member, you'll have the opportunity to engage with the largest and most influential companies in the world, solving design challenges and extending their brands across tactic types and platforms, including digital design, UI/UX, video, motion, content, print design, web development, and more. If you want to do work that matters in a collaborative setting that values ingenuity and personal growth, you have found the right place!Other Requirements