Head of Operations - Activations and Promotions

Role Overview

Join a well-established Sydney-based creative activations agency with 17 years of experience, working with major global alcohol and hospitality clients. This senior leadership position is responsible for overseeing the entire operations and delivery function, reporting directly to the Directors. The role involves managing the end-to-end process from client briefs through to brand activations, consumer promotions, and integrated campaigns across multiple venues nationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the account and activations teams to deliver high-quality results.
• Manage complete delivery of brand activations and consumer promotions for nationwide multi-venue programs.
• Coordinate production planning, supplier relationships, timelines, and onsite event execution.
• Oversee the national supplier network including production, print, kitting, signage, and fulfilment services.
• Hold accountability for the operations P&L, focusing on project margins, resource allocation, and delivery expenses.
• Develop and enforce delivery processes, quality standards, and team workflows.
• Collaborate with Directors on agency growth strategies, client engagement, and business development.
• Serve as the primary escalation contact for client teams regarding delivery issues.

Candidate Profile

• At least 7 years’ experience in brand activation, consumer promotion, or agency delivery leadership roles.
• Extensive knowledge of the alcohol, hospitality, or on-premise sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead delivery teams successfully.
• Exceptional operational skills, capable of managing multiple briefs and campaigns simultaneously with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong commercial acumen with understanding of agency P&L, resource optimization, and project profitability.
• Established network of trusted suppliers in production, print, kitting, signage, talent, and fulfilment.
• Maintains composure under pressure, communicates effectively with clients, and earns team respect.
• Must have the legal right to work in Australia.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary ranging from $110,000 to $130,000 plus superannuation, depending on experience.
• Influential role with a direct impact on agency operations and growth.
• Opportunity to work with a prestigious global brand portfolio, primarily alcohol brands.
• Small, flat-structured agency offering direct access to Directors and minimal political interference.
• Full-time position based in Sydney CBD with hybrid working arrangements (4 days remote, 1 day onsite).
• Company has a 17-year history with ongoing strong growth.

Additional Information

Candidates with direct experience in the alcohol industry will be given preference.