Photography Studio Manager

Overview: The Manager, Photography/Studio will play a critical role in driving the organization’s success by managing all operational components of David’s Bridal photography and photo studio asset creation. This position will ensure alignment with brand initiatives and collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders while integrating AI-driven insights to enhance efficiency and creativity.

Essential Functions:

• Process Optimization: Establish and maintain processes and standards for all studio-based photography, ensuring team members are trained to consistently adhere to these guidelines. Leverage AI tools to analyze workflow and identify areas for improvement.
• Studio Operations Management: Oversee all aspects of photo studio operations (fashion, still, video), continuously highlighting opportunities for efficiency improvements through AI-driven analytics and cross-channel communications with the marketing operations team.
• Production Scheduling: Build and communicate comprehensive production schedules for photography and video assets, utilizing AI for workload forecasting and resource allocation to ensure timely execution.
• Collaborative Support: Support marketing operations, PR, and visual styling on photography-based deliverables, using AI tools to analyze performance metrics and refine strategies.
• Creative Coordination: Coordinate creative and product shoots (in-studio, on-location, and via influencers) in partnership with marketing operations, PR/Social, visual styling, merchants, and planning, based on deliverable timelines and sample availability.
• Budget Management: In partnership with the Head of Brand Marketing + Operations, establish and manage the photo production budget, incorporating AI-based forecasting tools to estimate costs for props, photography equipment, external talent, and retouching support.
• Retouching Coordination: Support the retouching team by scheduling based on product launch priorities and creative content deadlines. Utilize AI tools to optimize resource allocation and enhance workflow efficiency.
• Planning Participation: Engage in launch and planning meetings with internal clients, creative partners, and operations team members, leveraging data insights to drive informed discussions.
• Challenge Resolution: Communicate project and operational challenges proactively, proposing AI-informed solutions to mitigate risks to schedule and quality.
• Talent Onboarding: Lead talent onboarding and experience process development across all parties, including Friends + Family, paid, and agency support, utilizing AI tools to streamline onboarding processes.
• Artistic Collaboration: Work closely with photographers, videographers, and creative teams to manage and produce projects, providing artistic direction and creative input as needed.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required.

Work Experience:

• 3-5 years’ experience in digital or social project management and studio operations.
• Experience in organization and project budget development and management.
• Proficiency in workload/shot forecasting.
• Demonstrated experience in photoshoot planning and production.
• Proven track record in cross-functional team leadership and management.
• Strong background in strategic planning and execution.

Skills:

• Business Acumen:

• Ability to read, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources.
• Strong knowledge of production processes for emails, landing pages, social media, paid digital advertising, and print collateral.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Adobe Creative Suite; preferred knowledge of project management software.

• AI Integration:

• Ability to integrate AI tools for data analysis, workflow optimization, and creative asset management.

• Project and Team Leadership:

• Highly organized, self-directed, and a collaborative team player.
• Capable of creating master timelines that outline key milestones from planning to execution.
• Flexibility to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
• Strong focus on timelines and deliverables, with a sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead and motivate project teams toward shared goals.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills, supported by data-driven insights.