Head of Studio

Role Overview

Reporting to the Chief Creative Officer, Paris, with a dotted line to the Global Head of Operations, London, this role ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the Paris studio. The Head of Studio maintains local practice alignment with global standards and holds full decision-making authority for internal Paris studio matters. Decisions impacting global operating systems, processes, or policies must be reviewed with the CCO-Paris or Global Head of Operations prior to implementation. The role is responsible for driving studio growth and building a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Paris management committee: chair meetings, act as a sounding board, implement local initiatives for continuous improvement, and escalate matters to the CCO, GHO, or Chief People Officer (CPO) as appropriate.
• Progress into formal management representation at CSE meetings, ensuring positive relationships with CSE members and collaborating with the CPO and Paris People Manager on agenda items.
• Provide line management to the Paris Studio and Culture Manager and the Operations Coordinator.
• Own Studio Facilities, Health & Safety, and legal compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Act as the Artist Manager for a small number of Paris-based artists.
• Maintain strong relationships with new and existing clients in collaboration with the CCO.
• Raise the profile of the studio in Paris through internal events, external networking, and event attendance.
• Collaborate with the recruitment team and Global Head of Resourcing to promote vacancies and maintain candidate connections.
• Execute the studio’s headcount and hiring plan, working with the CPO and CCO-Paris on local implementation of hiring, re-hiring, and career progression initiatives.
• Partner with the CPO to execute the Company People Strategy, ensuring alignment and consistent execution of people initiatives.
• Partner with the Head of VFX, Paris, with shared accountability for resolving concerns, recognizing the overlap between creative and operational priorities.

Skills and Attributes

• Decision-making and accountability: Confident, decisive, and capable of taking ownership of internal decisions while identifying when matters require global alignment.
• Project management: Ability to move tasks to completion and resolve barriers proactively.
• Communication: Strong communicator capable of adapting methods to support understanding and team alignment.
• Collaboration: Builds inclusive team environments that value diverse perspectives.
• Problem-solving: Leads issue resolution by considering broader impacts and company priorities; fosters constructive conflict resolution.
• Adaptability: Flexible and open to process changes while maintaining positive energy.
• Openness to feedback: Seeks and responds constructively to feedback; fosters a culture of clear, actionable exchange to support performance.
• Leadership: Sets clear vision, leads by example, encourages personal growth, and establishes a culture of learning and professionalism.
• Self-awareness: Skilled at diffusing problems and navigating different personalities with respect and kindness.

Experience Needed

• Previous experience in the VFX Industry is essential.
• Strong employment law and contract knowledge.
• Proven experience in line management and motivating/supporting teams.

Benefits

• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays (as included in IDCC 2717).
• 2 paid volunteering days per calendar year.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Company pension via Audiens.
• Healthcare coverage via Swiss Life.
• Access to a calendar of social events and wrap parties.

Hours and Location

• Core Hours: 9:30am to 18:30pm or 10:00am to 19:00pm, Monday to Friday.
• Location: Office in the 20th arrondissement, Paris.
• Attendance Requirement: Minimum 4 days per week in the office.