Creative Services Digital- Manager

Creative Services Digital- Manager Gentle Giant Studios Burbank, CA Job Details Full-time $60,000 - $80,000 a year 3 days ago Benefits Health savings account Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Budget management Teamwork Bachelor's degree Prototype creation Organizational skills 3D modeling Cross-functional collaboration Prototypes Technical Proficiency Maya Managing media, arts or design teams Art direction

Full Job Description Department:

Creative Services Digital Reports to:

CFO FLSA

Status :

Non-Exempt Gentle Giant Studios is a leader in high-quality 3D modeling, prototyping, and product design. We are recognized for producing high-end prototypes and digital assets across various industries, including film, television, gaming, and themed entertainment. With a reputation for bringing iconic characters and worlds to life with exquisite detail and creativity, we work with some of the biggest names in entertainment, delivering stunning results for both client and proprietary projects.

Position Summary:

As the Manager Creative Services Digital , you will spearhead Gentle Giant Studios' artistic vision, leading a team of designers, artists, and digital sculptors in the creation of groundbreaking and captivating content. You'll oversee all creative projects, ensuring they align with Gentle Giant's high standards, innovative spirit, and client expectations. Your role is central to inspiring and motivating the team to push creative boundaries, develop unique and compelling designs, and ultimately, bring characters, worlds, and stories to life in ways that exceed client and audience expectations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of toy design, market trends, and the ability to translate imaginative ideas into functional prototypes. This role requires strong leadership skills, a passion for innovation, and the ability to collaborate effectively across various departments to drive the creative process from concept to completion. Must be an expert in art direction for complex and multifaceted projects. Key Responsibilities

Creative Leadership & Vision :

Define and communicate a clear creative vision for Gentle Giant's projects. Inspire a culture of creativity, innovation, and collaboration across all teams. Provide art direction that leads to profitable jobs.

Project Oversight & Strategy :

Oversee the development, design, and execution of all creative content, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, client needs, and brand integrity.

Client Collaboration :

Serve as a primary creative contact for clients, ensuring their visions are accurately interpreted and brought to life while exceeding their expectations. Provide guidance and direction on design choices and creative approaches.

Team Management & Development :

Lead and mentor a team of creatives, fostering growth, professional development, and collaboration. Ensure resource allocation aligns with project timelines and deadlines.

Collaboration:

Work closely with the team of 3D Artists, Paint Shop, Mold Shop, 3D Printing, and Manufacturing to ensure cohesive and integrated product development.

• Collaborate with external partners, including designers, licensors, and suppliers, to enhance creative initiatives.

Quality Control & Consistency :

Establish and maintain creative standards, ensuring consistency and quality across all outputs, from initial concepts through to final deliverables.

Innovation & Trend Forecasting :

Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and design innovations to ensure Gentle Giant remains at the forefront of creativity and technology. Recommend new tools, techniques, and workflows that enhance productivity and quality.

Budget & Timeline Management :

Collaborate with project managers and other department managers to establish project budgets and timelines. Ensure creative projects are delivered on time and within budget.

• Help to maintain a positive, upbeat, and professional atmosphere for each project, being initiative-taking and results driven.
• Supervise and ensure quality control on all projects and give feedback to appropriate creative, production and operational personnel.
• Monitoring and reviewing project requirements on creative artists and ensure that they have sufficient support for staff and resources for each project.
• Provide ongoing line management during projects, managing the welfare of both creative and production teams.
• Advise clients on production techniques.
• Monitor and ensure the most effective use of the company's technical, creative and resources to deliver a successful outcome on projects both locally and internationally.
• Keep abreast of new techniques, workflows, and industry trends.
• Understanding of, and interest in, the latest trends and developments in the wider field is essential.
• Able to work within a team towards a common goal.
• Help to achieve the company goal of being the industry leader in AI. Project & Client Management
• Oversee multiple high-profile projects from inception through completion, ensuring they meet quality standards, stay within budget, and are delivered on time.
• Provide art direction for numerous projects simultaneously.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring alignment on project goals, timelines, and deliverables.
• Anticipate client needs and proactively identify potential challenges, providing solutions to mitigate risk and ensure client satisfaction.
• Ensure the timely and successful delivery of all creative projects from concept to completion.
• Work closely with the production team to allocate resources, set timelines, and manage project budgets.
• Establish and maintain streamlined workflows and processes to optimize productivity and quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any creative and operational challenges during the production process.
• Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders to understand project requirements, provide creative insights, and manage expectations.
• Present and communicate creative concepts, visual strategies, and deliverables to clients and executive leadership.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all creative services, ensuring client satisfaction and brand consistency. Quality & Brand Standards
• Maintain the highest standards of creative excellence, consistently producing top-quality work that adheres to brand guidelines such as Disney.
• Monitor and evaluate industry trends, ensuring Gentle Giant Studios stays at the forefront of creative and technological advancements.
• Drive innovation in visual storytelling, design aesthetic. Financial Management
• Develop, manage, and monitor budgets for global production operations, ensuring projects are financially viable and align with company targets.
• Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies without compromising quality and provide detailed financial reporting and forecasting to senior leadership.
• Negotiate contracts with clients, vendors, and subcontractors to secure the best possible terms for Gentle Giant Studios. Innovation & Industry Expertise
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices, and integrate relevant advancements into production processes.
• Promote and drive innovative ideas and methods to enhance the creative output and technical capabilities of Gentle Giant Studios.
• Assist in the company initiative to be the leader in AI.
• Represent Gentle Giant Studios at industry events, conferences, and meetings, enhancing the company's profile and expanding its network within the entertainment, toy industry, consumer products, fine art, gaming, and digital content industries. Program Management
• Make sure Sales Orders are entered in QuickBooks a timely manner.
• Create and manage TimeCamp
• Create and manage Trello workflows.
• Must be willing to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Perform other tasks as required by the Senior Director Creative/CFO or upper management.
• Must be a team player!

Qualifications:

• Expertise in digital design, 3D modeling, visual effects, or a related creative discipline.
• Demonstrated success in managing large, complex creative projects and cross-functional teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and budgeting skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence at all levels.
• Proficiency in industry-standard creative tools and software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, ZBrush, or similar.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Highly organized, professional business skills with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Exemplary time/project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize conflicting tasks.
• Able to remain calm and confident in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with the licensed collectibles and toy industry.
• Strong network within the entertainment and design communities.

Education:

o Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, preferred but not required.

Experience:

o Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in creative leadership roles, preferably within the toy industry or a related consumer products sector. o Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering creative projects from concept to prototype.

Skills:

o Strong leadership and team management abilities. o Excellent creative and strategic thinking skills. o Proficiency in design software (e.g., CAD, Adobe Creative Suite) and prototyping tools. o Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. o Strong project management and organizational skills. o Ability to balance creative vision with practical execution and business objectives. o Proficiency in product photography, image editing / composition software. Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with licensed properties or collaborations with external brands.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials used in toy production.
• Familiarity with safety standards and regulatory requirements in the toy industry.

Reporting Relationship:

Direct Reports:

None Pay:

$60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person