Managing Director (General Operations)

ABOUT AP STUDIO, INC

AP Studio, Inc is an integrated creative production studio offering full-service production, including art buying and casting, for editorial and commercial shoots of all sizes, covering stills and motion. We support clients and creatives in navigating the artistic and production landscape – we can handle everything from initial concept to post-production and final delivery. We are an agile company with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Paris and a global network of partners. We are inspired by the artists we work with and find creativity and innovation essential to every project. As a result, we prioritize client services without sacrificing artistry.

THE ROLE

We’re seeking a seasoned operator and exceptional people leader to join our team as Managing Director. In this critical role, you’ll excel at turning strategy into action by implementing efficient processes, fostering strong systems, and building relationships that drive thoughtful collaboration across our three company locations. You’ll bring a unique blend of sharp business acumen and high emotional intelligence. As the linchpin of our operations, your expertise in leading teams and optimizing workflows within a creative setting will be paramount to our continued growth.

WHAT YOU’LL DO...

OPERATE

• Define and drive the company’s strategic goals and objectives, ensuring alignment across short-term priorities and long-term vision.
• Craft and implement tailored business plans and strategies to expand and optimize operations in New York, Los Angeles, and the broader US market.
• Manage all overhead budgets and expenses, ensuring financial efficiency and accountability.
• Manage relationships with Clients, Talent Agencies, and Artists.
• Elevate AP Studio’s public profile.

LEAD

• Motivate, inspire and directly manage a high performing team.
• Identify, address, and resolve employee relations issues and workplace challenges with professionalism and care.
• Own talent acquisition & new hire onboarding processes.
• Collaborate with HR & Accounting partners on strategic HR processes such as compensation & career growth.
• Own day-to-day aspects of staff management (PTO policies, holiday calendar etc).

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Give the owner and leadership 60% of their time back to focus on new business and promotion.
• Develop and implement business plan within first 6 months.
• Create a successful inter-office communication system over the first year.
• Ensure business has clear financial goals after 3 months.

Requirements

• Proven experience working with fashion, lifestyle, beauty, or luxury brands.
• 5+ years of experience managing people.
• Experienced establishing operational excellence within a creative startup environment.
• Obsessively organized and detail oriented.
• A self-motivated, entrepreneur at heart.
• Kind, empathetic and people-first.
• A confident decision-maker and natural leader.
• An exceptional communicator across all mediums.
• Willing and enthusiastic to travel for projects.
• Nice to have: well networked; able to bring in production contacts and clients.

Benefits

• 21 days paid vacation, plus major US holidays.
• Healthcare benefits after 3 months of employment.
• 401K plan after one year of employment.

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 annually