Operations Director

At CSM we are driven by a clear purpose; to Pursue Extraordinary. We exist to create a positive impact on our partners, their audiences, our industry and our people, and to look for opportunities that can inspire a better world in everything we do.
Our diversity of experience, expertise and opinions is our greatest asset, which is why we celebrate our differences. We are looking for individuals who want to put their hand up and challenge convention to create something exciting, bigger and better each and every time.
CSM is proud to share fresh perspectives and new ideas to produce work that others don't and won't. What we do is fast-paced, exciting and rewarding which is why we love it and why you'll love life at CSM.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
CSM Live is one of the most experienced brand and live experiences companies around the world.
We have dressed some of the highest-profile sporting and cultural occasions as well as cities and public spaces, corporate and retail environments. We offer sector-leading expertise in branding and live event production, both directly and in collaboration with agency partners.
Our business is undergoing rapid expansion including the construction of a dedicated production facility in North Carolina, USA. This will become the latest global CSM Live wholly owned operation and will be a vital aspect of our offering across North America and beyond.
CSM Live North America is seeking an Operations Director. The Operations Director role, part of our Leadership team, will be crucial in the development and management of our business unit. It is one of the first appointments we are making and will shape the day to day operations going forward.
With a wide range of responsibilities focused on driving excellence within our operational delivery, as well as supporting client-facing capabilities, the role will require the individual to be controlled, forward thinking and expansive in their approach. This is a heavily people-centric role and the successful candidate must have strong experience in leading a dynamic and diverse workforce, bringing together teams to ensure smooth integration across all aspects of the business.
The Operations Director will set the standards within CSM Live and ensure we are at the front of cutting-edge process, technology and offerings within the branding industry. This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the world's leading Branding, Signage and Wayfinding companies while allowing for considerable free-scope and individual development.
Responsibilities:

• Operational & Production Lead
  • Responsible for all aspects of CSM Live's North America production, logistics and delivery.
  • Oversee branding production, factory infrastructure and operations. This includes all US sites, leases, and their maintenance.
  • Manage set CAPEX and OPEX budgets for production facility.
  • Integration with other functions such as IT, People and Talent, Insurance, Legal and Finance, to the extent this relates to operations, infrastructure and logistics.
  • Recruitment, resourcing and organizing teams, particularly in the factory and logistical parts of the business, ensuring planning is in place in advance.
  • Partner with the People & Talent team to provide day-to-day management of operation and production staff including resourcing, training, annual reviews, and performance management.
  • Ensure procurement processes are in place to properly support the business, for materials and related commodities, and finished products.
  • Oversee operation of branding print machines including raw materials purchase, stock control and maintenance.
  • Report on operational performance on weekly, monthly and annual basis for the business.
• Client Responsibilities & Project Delivery
  • Lead projects and be the main point of contact for clients.
  • Oversee the successful delivery of projects to the extent they require support from the factory, operations, logistics and project teams (as needed).
  • Assist global team members as needed to support the Live business.
• Systems Development & Integration
  • Become a champion of our purpose-built Quest management system and maintain levels of data management.
  • Lead integration of 3rd Party print and production programs into our existing Quest management system.
  • Provide guidance and assistance with the wider development of Quest as the business develops.
  • Have a strong understanding of the power of "Data" to ensure our business has both what it needs right now as well as in the future.
• New Business & Revenues
  • Drive new production efficiencies within the business.
  • Develop pricing strategy and estimating for all production.
  • Form strategies for enhancing operational elements of project delivery.
  • Collaborate on RFP and face-to-face client pitches where relevant.

This role will become the internal heart-beat of production facility here in Charlotte, North Carolina. The framework for this role allows for personal growth and development as the business expands. This is an early-hire and the right candidate will be joining the business at an exciting time as we drive our expansion in North America.
THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU NEED

• 10-15 years of relevant experience.
• A desire to deliver best in class branding, wayfinding and signage.
• Operational experience managing a facility, the physical assets, and the staff within them.
• An understanding of the US print and branding market.
• Previous experience of managing significant CAPEX/OPEX budgets.
• Knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of project management processes and procedures.
• Ability to successfully lead, delegate, and influence direct reports and peers.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, organization and problem solving.
• Creative thinker able to problem solve and provide innovative solutions.
• Excellent communication and team building skills.
• A drive and want to develop a team of new staff.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent time management and decision-making skills.
• Ability to prioritize and think logically and methodically.
• A "hands on" "can do" attitude with an ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Highly Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially in Microsoft Excel).
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite is preferred.
• A minimum of a Bachelors degree is desired but not compulsory.

CSM recognises that to be an agency of the future we must continue to increase the diversity of our team and the inclusivity of our culture, both of which are intrinsically linked to the health of our people, clients and business. That is why DEI continues to be a priority, ensuring our people and our work reflect and represent the next generation of fans, brands, and consumers.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on protected characteristics. Please note, people with differing abilities will be provided with accessibility adjustments during our recruitment process.