Who you are

• We’re looking for a strategic, detail-oriented leader with a proven track record in creative operations, production management, process optimization, financial oversight, and vendor partnerships, someone who thrives at the intersection of creativity and execution
• A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Project Management, or related field
• 15+ years of experience in creative operations, studio production, or marketing operations in large organizations or agencies, preferably with a global scope
• Proven expertise in managing creative workflows, financial operations, and resource planning
• Deep understanding of creative development processes and agency/vendor models
• Strong background in digital, video, packaging, and retail production
• Proficiency in tools like ClickUp, Asana, SharePoint, DAM platforms, and Adobe Creative Suite
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Analytical mindset with experience using data to inform and optimize operations
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments with multiple priorities
• PMP or relevant project management certification is a plus

What the job involves

• Rakuten Kobo Inc. is seeking a highly experienced Global Director of Creative Operations to lead and optimize the full concept to production lifecycle for creative assets that power our global brand and marketing initiatives
• This role ensures our creative teams deliver exceptional work, on time, on budget, and at scale. You will drive operational excellence across production, process, tools, and resourcing within a fast-paced, tech-driven environment
• Ensure on-time and on-budget development of creative assets, including branded content, video, website graphics, social visuals, product packaging, event materials, and in-store creative
• Manage the allocation and mix of resources (i.e. designers, copywriters, editors) based on project requirements, assigning internal, external and temporary resources as needed
• Translate briefs into actionable, scoped production plans with clear deliverables and timelines
• Ensure efficient handoffs between design and development (especially for web assets and app visuals)
• Develop and manage a scalable resourcing model to support fluctuating global demand
• Forecast and allocate talent across initiatives based on business priorities
• Maintain a strong freelance and vendor network to support peak workloads
• Design and implement streamlined workflows to improve speed, consistency, and quality across creative projects
• Identify production bottlenecks and drive process improvements informed by KPIs and performance data
• Align creative operations with broader marketing priorities and campaign timelines
• Build scalable systems for asset storage, reuse, localization, and version control
• Maintain brand and packaging guidelines and document creative workflows and systems
• Implement and manage platforms for asset management, reviews, and version control (ClickUp, Figma, Adobe CC, DAM, etc.)
• Own and forecast the global creative operations budget
• Track project costs, monitor ROI, and maintain financial reporting mechanisms
• Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors and agencies to optimize quality and value
• Evaluate and implement creative tools and project management systems to enhance team collaboration and efficiency
• Champion adoption of new technologies across global teams, including emerging AI tools
• Stay up to date with industry trends and recommend strategic tech investments
• Partner with the Global Creative Director to bring the creative vision to life within operational realities
• Collaborate with the Brand and Product Marketing Director to align on priorities, timelines, and project planning
• Act as the go-to operational lead for internal stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication on project status, risks, and delivery
• Ensure all creative outputs are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing creative operations team
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities for team members

Benefits

• 4-day summer holiday weekends
• Competitive health benefits
• Commuting allowance
• Salary, bonus & stock options
• Global projects & opportunities
• Dog-friendly
• Happy Hour
• Casual dress
• Maternity/parental leave top-up
• Free eReader
• Fitness allowance & gym discount
• Recognition programs
• Buddy program
• Training & development opportunities
• Healthy snacks
• Open concept
• Kobo Café
• Sports teams