VP, Operations

Hybrid: 3-4 days in-office.

About Us:

Saltwater is a mid-size marketing and advertising agency with full digital and traditional capabilities, all under one roof. We transform companies and evolve brands by creating audience-focused experiences, inspired by creative, driven by technology and backed by data.

About The Job:

The VP of Operations role is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring efficiency and fiscally productive operations of the company. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will oversee our team of producers — who function as both project managers and client engagement managers — while optimizing agency resources, identifying inefficiencies, and driving process innovations. This seasoned candidate will have a sharp financial acumen, and a visionary approach to enhancing workflows and resource management. As a member of the leadership team, the VP of Operations will be comfortable in a leadership role that requires clear and effective communication skills. We are committed to creating opportunities for professional development and career growth for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and lead the team of producers (project managers), ensuring optimal performance in project management and client engagement.
• Identify inefficiencies, streamline operational processes, and implement best practices to improve agency productivity.
• Monitor, track, and forecast the financial performance of the agency, ensuring fiscal success and identifying potential risks.
• Work closely with offsite VP of Finance and Finance manager to ensure the accuracy of financial reports for actuals and provide guidance on forecasts.
• Collaborate with above mentioned finance team to ensure accurate financial tracking, reporting, and billing.
• Develop and manage resource allocation strategies to maintain high utilization and optimize workloads.
• Ensure accurate time tracking, invoicing, and monthly revenue capture for all projects and services.
• Work closely with the CEO to analyze business performance and recommend strategic operational and financial decisions.
• Drive innovation in agency workflows, tools, and systems to maximize efficiency and profitability.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing agency culture, encouraging professional development and operational excellence.

Requirements:

• 8-10 years of applicable work experience in agency operations and experience in financial and operational management
• Proven experience in agency operations, preferably within a digital creative or marketing environment.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Expertise in resource management, utilization tracking, and operational efficiency.
• Leadership experience with the ability to manage and mentor a team of producers.
• Strategic mindset with a problem-solving approach to identifying business opportunities and risks.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working directly with executive leadership.
• Familiarity with project management, time tracking, and financial software systems.
• Ability to drive change, implement systems, and optimize workflows in a fast-paced, creative environment.

Package:

• Salary: Competitive, based on experience with a range or $120K - $150K and performance bonus opportunity
• Benefits: Comprehensive, including health, dental, and retirement plans

Location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 3-4 days a week in the office, (partly working from home is an option based on the business needs)

A dynamic and inclusive work environment that values innovation and collaboration