THE ROLE:

We’re looking for…

A Studio Manager who will be stationed in Boston and will partner to oversee Studio Operations, Merch Co, and Photography teams. Those on-site editorial photos that capture the product and Rue’s essence can be credited to this group of people.

The Studio Manager will manage the photo studio staff and workflow. We’re looking for someone who is technically savvy, has been a photographer and has managed a photo studio, with a proven ability to optimize ecommerce photography production and manage both an in-house and external team of photo associates. The manager should have a sophisticated aesthetic sense and be comfortable overseeing studio fashion photography with the taste level and ability to bring world-class fashion and retail brands to life for our members. They’ll be joining a group that prides itself on the excellence of everything they do, which respects and protects the integrity of the brands we feature, and has fun together doing it. This position reports to the Senior Director of Styling and Brand Production.

What you’ll accomplish…

• Manage the operations of a high volume, fast paced ecommerce editorial photography studio that produces between 100 editorial campaigns per week. Plan, forecast and coordinate workload and capacity for all studio disciplines
• Recruit, retain and manage team of full time and contract photographers, merch co, and shipping team. 
• Deliver regular feedback and performance reviews consistent with company policy for direct reports,and ensure that talent is effectively managed throughout the entire department.
• Collaborate with the Rue La La management team to understand boutiques forecasts, production schedules and future needs of the business
• Work collaboratively with Art Directors and Production team to ensure team is able to meet and exceed production deadlines; source, recruit and develop photographers to meet and exceed expectations.
• Leveraging photo industry best practices, develop and maintain an efficient photo workflow across sets to ensure daily production requirements are achieved, including opportunities to improve on daily productivity goals.
• Continuously improve photography production workflow processes and keep studio procedures up to date ensuring they are communicated proactively to full time staff and contractors.
• Manage studio equipment; assessing needs based on creative direction as well as needs to optimize production time.
• Select and purchase photo studio equipment, manage inventory and establish regular maintenance procedures. Allocate equipment to photographers and communicate and uphold standards and protocol with team.
• Partner with the Technology organization to bring innovative technical solutions to improve studio productivity, quality, and sustainability
• Establish and maintain a safe, professional and productive environment through regular, daily management and organization of props, staging of product samples and maintenance of sets and studio environment.
• Develop, manage and report on monthly operating and annual capital expenditures, keeping within approved budget. Manage working budgets for fashion and home props and photographer supplies.
• Communicate and partner daily with Studio Event Scheduling Coordinators and Manager to ensure studio, sets and photography staff are maximized - ensuring all information and materials are available and reviewed before the start of production.
• Manage the sample product inventory (inbound, in studio material management, outbound)
• In conjunction with Event Producer and Art Director, produce, update and regularly communicate lighting standards (light, angle, color consistency).
• Regularly review photography and events prior to and after being photographed and dropped to design to ensure standards are maintained
• Review photography regularly with Photographers, Stylists, and Art Directors so that quality is continuously improved
• Work on set as needed during peak business periods to meet demands of the studio.
• Develop and establish policies, procedures and practices to ensure photo studio operates within company standards, planned objectives and optimal efficiency.

THE RIGHT FIT:
You have…

• Minimum 8 years photo studio management experience and proven track record of leading and inspiring a team of 30 – 40 full time staff, including contractors and employees
• 8 - 10 years professional photographer experience (in studio and on location) of fashion product and/or creative images
• Adept at balancing the creative process with process efficiency
• Excellent technical skills, has led evaluation and implementation of studio equipment, hardware and software through partnerships with IT teams, vendors, and technically inclined staff
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Accountability, self-motivation and drive to succeed, leading by example.
• Excellent attention to detail, process orientation and follow-through; drives continuous improvement
• Ability to proactively manage, meet and exceed deadlines through resource forecasting and planning.
• Experience managing large, high volume photography studio and equipment
• Flexibility; accommodating last minute additions or changes to schedules
• Previous experience with photo production workflow and image management tools such as Workhorse, CaptureOne, Adobe Scene7, DAM
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong collaboration and influence skills
• Experience with fashion and luxury brands and photography
• Sophisticated aesthetic sense and awareness of style and trends

 This Company is an equal opportunity employer, and selects individuals best matched for the job based upon job-related qualifications regardless of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status or any other status or characteristic protected by law.