Senior Operations Lead (Freelance)

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention services across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Meta, eBay, and OpenAI. We have been certified B Corp and Climate Neutral since 2021.

JOB PURPOSE

This role designs the operational methodologies, frameworks, templates, and enablement resources that make the audit deliverable consistent, scalable, and repeatable across multiple clients. The focus is on process and scope creation and standardization—not executing individual audits.

Studio’s audit offering assesses current processes, people, and tools, diagnoses inefficiencies, and builds an executive-ready roadmap that improves client efficiency and profitability while preserving creative excellence. This role will support in building out process and service infrastructure.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

  • Build out and document a tiered, end-to-end audit process based on the framework provided
  • Define a standardized operational model for each tier and audit phase (set up, observe, assess, define) that includes:
    • Scope
    • Methodology
    • Inputs (e.g. templates and interview guides)
    • Outputs (e.g. executive presentation templates, findings frameworks, recommendation structures)
  • Create repeatable workflows and quality standards for conducting audits from intake through delivery with a focus on operational excellence
  • Gather inputs from and collaborate closely with Craft leads (Design, Copy, Strategy, Tech) in defining craft-specific audit deliverables
  • Collaborate closely with the Growth team in building out client-facing materials, including service descriptions, case examples, and engagement scoping tools

WHAT YOU BRING:

  • Outstanding communication skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders; excellent presenter and documenter.
  • Proven experience as a project/program manager assessing and establishing workflows and delivery systems in project-based environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to assess complex operations and convert insights into actionable, scalable designs.
  • Prior experience within creative agencies/studios or professional services; understands creative production workflows and team dynamics in an agency-like environment.
  • Ability to translate practitioner knowledge into documented, scalable processes.
  • Strong frameworks and systems design thinking with a service design mindset.
  • Experience building repeatable service offerings or consulting methodologies is a plus.

AI Disclosure: At DEPT®, we use AI-assisted technology (Metaview) to capture notes and summarize interview conversations, so our interviewers can stay fully focused. Using the AI is optional, just let us know if you’d prefer it not be used.

This posting reflects an existing vacancy at DEPT®.

WHO ARE WE?

We are pioneers at heart. What does that mean? We are always looking forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.

Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 30+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients problems, no matter where you are in the world.

DEPT® is committed to making a positive impact on the planet and since 2021 has been Climate Neutral and B Corporation certified.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.