Estée Lauder Companies Senior Creative Operations Manager (6 month Fixed Term Contract)

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

POSITION SUMMARY

Overall responsible to lead and manage all the Creative output from the brand cluster for which role is responsible. Responsibe for the programme management and tactical execution of any brand creative requirements, including (but not limited to) VM launches and update, new store openings (new, remodel, relocation) for all store environments (inc. free standing stores, department stores) and pop ups & events. In addition will have an overview of asset creation campaigns. The role will work closely with multiple stakeholders including UK Brand teams, Global brand teams, UK Commercial, Finance, Procurement, IT and store operations.
The role will take a strategic and holistic view of the brands briefs and requirements. It will connect the three streams’ (SD, VM and Asset Creation) output ensuring design and assets are used efficiently (e.g. can an asset intended for online be used on counter?). The role will have a view of all future requirements, ensureing kit and equiptment is used in a resourceful manner.
Working with the Store Design, VM as well as Digital designers the role will be responsible for managing both opex and capital budgets capital expenditure budgets in terms of both value and phasing. As part of the role you should actively work with UK Procurement and Global Design teams to find creative cost savings in design of stores whilst maintaining high standards.
This role will manage support creative operation roles and therefore requires positive team culture contributions including mentoring, supporting, and motivating and management of internal as well as external communications.

• Functional Alignment across Brand Cluster and stakeholders
• Strategic to individual remit (holistic view will be S&L & Lead remit)
• Suited on an omni-channel basis
• Will manage efficiency across equipment & resource
• Will lead strategic initiatives & projects

WHAT THIS ROLE DOES

• Manage your direct reports within your team, including appraisals, performance reviews and personal development plans
• Oversees and project manage large-scale creative projects end-to-end
• Knowledge of competitive market costs
• Responsible for chairing the multi-discipline project update meeting and where necessary ensure appropriate and detailed minutes are produced
• Continually seek opportunities and enhancements to improve project schedule delivery timescale, including post audit of prior projects to aid future installations
• The candidate will have a good level of technical construction knowledge and ability to interpret CAD files and communicate in the appropriate terminology.
• You will be responsible for ensuring that the project complies with the specifications set by Retailers, Landlords and regulatory bodies applicable.
• The candidate must be able to translate and interpret, Brand, Design and Operational requirements to ensure project delivery meets all expectations
• You will have the ability to develop excellent collaborative working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure brand equity is maximized at all times, in conjunction with brand and retailer guidelines
• Working with the brand and the property services team, help manage maintenance issues when required
• As a Senior Creative Ops Manager you will take and own a strategic pillar to ensure the wider team are continulsy developing within that area and working to the highest standards

New Store Opening/Renovations

• Experience in construction of Counters/ Pop-ups/ Events
• Knowledge of retailer and regulatory body requirements (including but not limited to CDM)
• Insure a complete, clean and smooth handover to store/retailer personnel and others
• Prepare preliminary cost estimates and construction schedules
• Using a global bid template tender projects and evelaute to ensure costs are comparable globally.
• Establish and maintain a usable schedule for all phases of the project ensuring all revisions to specification are regularly communicated to appropriate parties.
• Create and maintain a suitable risk register, change request log and budget tracker
• Track any cost savings within the dedicated project management tool
• Track and report weekly on project status flagging potential issues, risks and changes
• Work with the Brand and Financial Teams to manage the CAPEX budget
• Responsible for reporting costs, via the central team’s dedicated project management tool, to ensure costs are being reviewed across the business.
• Manage the consolidation of snagging lists, store/retailer personnel and others
• Ensure that the snagging points are completed and signed off by store/retailer personnel, brand and landlord within 30 days of project completion
• Sign off final account in conjunction with Design Manager and confirm all invoices against each project
• Manage post installation reviews

VM

• Project manage all booking forms for window / sites national campaign with retailers
• Ensure all screens are up to date with latest content
• Prepare preliminary cost estimates and delivery scheduled (VM, Asset creation, fixtures).
• Establish and maintain a usable schedule for all phases of the project ensuring all revisions to specification are regularly communicated to appropriate parties
• Track and report weekly on project status flagging potential issues, risks and changes
• Forecast and manage inventory of all Main Line, Ancillary and POS units (with support of VM)
• Budget, tender and oversee production of locally designed POS
• Create order sheets for product launch with support of Creative Operations Co-Ordinator
• Manage VM OPEX budget, ensuring all costs are tracked. Attend montly calls with finance
• Manage post installation reviews

EVENTS

• Tender with suppliers launch events
• Manage negotiation and contracts, including legal and procurement approvals. Oversee retailer approvals where necessary

ASSET CREATION (CCH)

• Have an overview of all creative briefs within the Content Creation Hub.
• Whilst generally this role will not actively work on asset creation projects, there may be occasions where this role is required to do so.

How You Will be Successful

• Applies new and different ways of thinking to generate new ideas/opportunities
• Encourages self & others to be creative in approach to work
• Influences externally and internally to gain commitment, agreement and support
• Actively builds relationships
• Creates and sustains environment of trust and collaboration
• Adapts to new environments, processes and teams
• Proactively seeks diversification of knowledge, skills and abilities
• Keeps updated on the business environment and economic situations and understands the impact of the changes on the business

Qualifications

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BE SUCCESFUL IN THIS ROLE

• Strong cross-functional coordination skills
• Experience managing vendor relationships
• 360-creative PM skills
• Production experience
• Understanding of local regulations & standards
• Knowledge of local retailer/ media specs and requirements
• Office 365 – Excel and Word capabilities required
• Global mindset and multicultural understanding
• Experience managing multiple brands in fast-paced environ. (must have for Senior PM)
• Management skills (senior PM’s only)
• Qualification – Prince 2 or relevant PM experience

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Hybrid Working (2 days WFH, 3 days office based)
• Generous Bonus Opportunity that usually performs ahead of target
• 25 Days Annual Leave (exc. Bank Holidays) that increases with length of service up to 29 days.
• 1 additional day of Annual Leave to celebrate your birthday
• Holiday Purchase scheme that enables you to get five additional days
• Summer Fridays for five months of the year
• Market leading Family Leave provisions
• Generous Staff Discount & Credit
• Benefits platform with exclusive discounts and offers
• Mental Health Wellbeing Provisions (Unmind App and Employee Assistant Programme)

Job: Creative / Design
Primary Location: GB-ENG-London
Job Type: Standard
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: 1st (Day) Shift
Job Number: 240018

Estee Lauder Companies is an equal opportunities employer. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.