Operations Director, Zoo 55

The Role

The role

In conjunction with COO and broader Zoo 55 leadership team this role will lead on supporting the transformation of the Zoo 55 business from an operational perspective and the delivery of a new operating model.

The Operations Director will design and implement the operational frameworks needed to exploit IP across Zoo 55, specifically focusing on the social video space, FAST/DTC and gaming/gambling areas. The role will also support optimising the end-to-end digital content supply chain, manage existing/new operational tools and systems and evolve Zoo 55 into a fit for purpose digital distribution business.

Main responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement operational strategies to support Zoo 55 growth, reporting to the COO
• Oversee and lead the Digital Operations team (currently 3 people) to drive operational efficiencies and optimisation across all elements of the Zoo 55 business
• Design and drive change agendas, embedding new processes and supporting COO/MD in implementing cultural shifts in ways of working.

Operational Transformation:

• Ensure the right tools and systems are in place to support the full Zoo 55 content life cycle from publishing through to producer payaways
• Consolidate all operational elements under one team including management of external contracts with 3rd party suppliers
• Implement consistent ways of storing and accessing content, metadata, imagery etc across the business
• Use first-hand platform data to identify "pinch-points" in delivery and implement strategies to support delivering £120m revenue target by end of 2027
• Develop relationships with GP Tech and Sales Operations teams to ensure Zoo 55 needs captured in broader GP operational change and to garner support and expertise in implementing Zoo operational changes

Workflow & Innovation:

• Streamline operational workflows and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency across 3 key Zoo 55 business pillars
• Identify bottlenecks, create new & evolve existing workflows, implement new tools, and streamline processes for time and cost savings and increased output/revenue
• Lead the deployment of new operational initiatives (i.e. cloud-based editing infrastructures) and AI-driven automation to optimise anything from the repurposing of content into viral moments right through to agentic data driven insights.
• Oversee content pipelines (YouTube, FAST channels, VOD) working closely with existing GP content operations team, Zoo 55 FAST Ops lead and ITV’s Content Supply & Delivery team

Systems/Account Management:

• Oversee technical relationships with major platforms (YouTube, Meta, TikTok) and optimise the delivery of thousands of assets monthly.
• Manage relationships with internal partners and teams relevant to the role including GP Operations, Global Content, Procurement, Data & SalesOperations/Technology to ensure appropriate content workflows, storage etc are efficient, aligned and consolidated
• Become the defacto lead and knowledge base on all internal tools and systems relevant to Zoo 55 (Salesforce, Monday.com, Rightsline, YART etc)
• Manage ITV’s GAM instance (Google Ad Manager), any associated 3rd party integrations and required ad ops support to deliver partner sales campaigns via existing and new partners.
• Lead relationships with key external vendors and assess opps to work with new vendors to support overall operational delivery plan and ensure Zoo 55 stays ahead of the evolving digital landscapes
• Manage Zoo’s YouTube's Content ID process & system + other associated tools and work closely with content protection vendors to support ITV’s broader anti piracy work.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Extensive experience in the global media industry with demonstrated track record of implementing operational excellence
• Experience of leading operational change in a legacy business
• Strong understanding of content, the evolving digital distribution landscape and associated commercial opps
• Established network of media industry contacts to support delivery of Zoo 55 operating model
• Experience of internal senior stakeholder management in a matrixed global business
• Experience in leading change and managing transitions within a digital or media environment, ensuring smooth implementation of new processes and strategies.
• Ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for digital operations within Zoo 55, aligning it with broader business objectives.
• Experience in cost management and partner/vendor relationship management including budget planning and oversight.
• Expert knowledge of digital content supply chains, including MAM systems, video encoding for diverse platforms, and project management tools like Monday.com.
• Proven ability to support leadership teams through business/operational change including scoping and implementation AI/Agentic AI to optimise performance & processes
• Understanding of social media content management systems, FAST channel operations and the operational requirements of gaming platforms/immersive environments (Roblox/Fortnite) would be desirable.

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)

• Exceptional communication skills, capable of conveying complex ideas clearly persuasively to internal teams.
• Process-driven mindset: placing importance on how things are done and seeking improvements of these processes continuously;
• Sharp eye for identifying pain points and inefficiencies (systems, processes etc) and ability to scope & build solutions quickly in response
• Deep passion for digital/social media and content distribution, with a keen interest in emerging technologies and platforms including AI and implementation of appropriate AI based tools in the workplaceStrong analytical skills and commercial acumen
• Ability to seamlessly transition from higher-level strategic work to the weeds of execution
• Willingness and ability to build excellent relationships across the business
• Capacity to scope & build solutions quickly, sharp eye for identifying pain points and inefficiencies