Creative Operations Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Operations Manager

🔹 Company: 404 Agency

🔹 Location: Zagreb, Croatia

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Advertising

🔹 Date Posted: July 11, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing the creative department's workflow
• Optimizing resource allocation and task delegation
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Ensuring project deadlines are met and quality standards are maintained

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Previous experience in project management, preferably in marketing or IT, is essential for success in this position.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Managing the creative department's workflow and ensuring projects are completed on time and to a high standard

✅ Coordinating tasks and resources among creative team members

✅ Defining project scopes and organizing new projects

✅ Developing and maintaining weekly work plans

✅ Liaising between the creative team and other agency departments to ensure effective communication and collaboration

✅ Identifying and addressing operational challenges and proposing solutions

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a high degree of multitasking and requires strong prioritization skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field

Experience: 1+ years of experience in project management, preferably in marketing or IT

Required Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong communication skills in Croatian and English
• Proven ability to manage projects and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Slack, Toggl)
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and in a dynamic team environment

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a marketing agency environment
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of formal education.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The average salary for a Creative Operations Manager in Zagreb is around 15,000 - 20,000 HRK per month (approximately 1,800 - 2,400 EUR). This range is based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.

Benefits:

• Personal development opportunities
• Relaxed work environment
• Team-building activities
• Social gatherings
• Sports activities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and the option to bring pets to work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills. The benefits listed are based on the company's provided information and may be subject to change.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Marketing & Advertising

Company Size: Small (11-50 employees)

Founded: 2015

Company Description:

• 404 Agency is an independent communication agency that successfully integrates public relations and digital services to solve business challenges for its clients.
• The agency is part of the MYTY group and has a sister company, Shape 404, which develops digital products.
• 404 Agency values working on good projects, doing good work, and living with full lungs.

Company Specialties:

• Public Relations
• Digital Marketing
• Branding
• Creative Services

Company Website: 404.agency

ASSUMPTION: As a small agency, 404 Agency offers a close-knit work environment with opportunities for growth and development. The company's independence allows for a high degree of creativity and flexibility in its approach to client projects.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the agency

Reporting Structure: The Creative Operations Manager reports directly to the Creative Director and works closely with other department heads and team members

Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexible hours and the option to work from home occasionally

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a senior role within the creative department
• Expansion into other areas of the agency, such as account management or strategy
• Opportunities to work on high-profile client projects and gain valuable experience

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Operations Manager role is a critical position within the agency, and successful candidates will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the creative department's operations and overall agency success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Creative and collaborative open-plan office

Office Location(s): Zagreb, Croatia

Geographic Context:

• Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, with a population of around 800,000 people
• The city is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and growing tech industry
• Zagreb offers a high quality of life, with affordable housing, a low cost of living, and a strong sense of community

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and the option to work from home occasionally

ASSUMPTION: Zagreb's central location in Europe makes it an attractive destination for international clients and offers opportunities for travel and collaboration with other agencies and industry professionals.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or video interview with the Creative Director and/or other team members
• Final interview with the agency's founders

Key Assessment Areas:

• Problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects
• Communication skills and ability to work well in a team
• Understanding of the marketing and advertising industry
• Cultural fit and alignment with the agency's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Be prepared to discuss your portfolio and provide examples of your work
• Research the agency and its clients to demonstrate your understanding of their business and industry
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the agency's culture

ATS Keywords: Project Management, Task Delegation, Resource Optimization, Creative Operations, Marketing Agency, Team Management, Process Organization, Problem Solving, Time Management, Attention to Detail, Responsibility, Dynamic Team Environment

ASSUMPTION: As a small agency, 404 Agency places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and may prioritize candidates who demonstrate a strong understanding of the agency's values and a passion for its work.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Asana
• Slack
• Toggl
• Clockify
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with project management tools and Adobe Creative Suite is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Continuous learning

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?
• Are you comfortable working in a close-knit team and collaborating with others?
• Do you have a strong sense of accountability and a commitment to delivering high-quality work?

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate a strong alignment with the agency's values and a work style that complements the creative department's dynamic and collaborative environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment
• Balancing the needs of the creative team with the demands of clients and other stakeholders
• Navigating a small agency environment with limited resources

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Operations Manager role can be challenging at times, but successful candidates will be able to thrive in this dynamic environment and make a significant impact on the creative department's operations and overall agency success.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other project management roles, the Creative Operations Manager position requires a strong understanding of the creative process and the ability to work closely with creative team members
• This role is unique to marketing and advertising agencies and may not be directly comparable to similar positions in other industries
• Career progression in this role may involve moving into a senior creative or account management position within the agency

ASSUMPTION: While the Creative Operations Manager role may share some similarities with other project management positions, the unique demands of the marketing and advertising industry require a specialized skill set and understanding of the creative process.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing a high-profile client project, including coordinating with multiple team members and ensuring project deadlines are met
• Developing and implementing a new project management system to improve the creative department's workflow and efficiency
• Collaborating with the creative team to develop a comprehensive brand guide for a new client

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Operations Manager role involves a wide range of projects and responsibilities, and successful candidates will be able to demonstrate a strong ability to adapt to new challenges and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
• How does the creative department collaborate with other agency departments, such as account management and strategy?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the agency?
• How does the agency support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the agency's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates a strong interest in the role and a commitment to understanding the agency's culture and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the application link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your relevant work and achievements
• Follow up with the agency one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.