Northern Trust

Creative Operations Lead

Northern Trust

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Chicago • Illinois • United States

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Salary

💰 $114,700 - $194,900 per year

Job Level

Senior

About the role

  • Build, own and continuously improve the operational framework that supports all Creative functions.
  • Develop clear processes, governance models, and documentation that scale with team growth.
  • Establish KPIs and reporting structures to track efficiency, throughput and quality.
  • Lead adoption and management of creative technology platforms — including workflow automation, AI tools, and creative software.
  • Oversee Workfront configuration, queue setup, intake, assignment and prioritization models.
  • Establish metrics and creative dashboards to drive optimization.
  • Identify opportunities for automation that improve speed and reduce manual effort.
  • Ensure projects are assigned effectively, resources are balanced and deadlines are consistently met.
  • Run daily Creative stand ups to ensure no issues in the priorities for the week.
  • Partner with creative leads to resolve bottlenecks and optimize cross functional collaboration.
  • Establish and maintain SLAs, intake standards and review/approval workflows.
  • Manage Creative project budgets, including software spend, licenses, subscriptions and production costs.
  • Oversee asset licensing, renewals and compliance with usage rights.
  • Track operational expenses and forecast future needs.
  • Manage relationships with external creative, production and technology vendors.
  • Oversee procurement, SOW creation, resourcing decisions and quality control for outsourced work.
  • Ensure vendor partners meet standards, budgets and delivery expectations.
  • Partner with the Visual Identity Lead to maintain and evolve the DAM platform.
  • Ensure assets are properly tagged, organized versioned and governed.
  • Drive adoption and training across Creative and Marketing partners.
  • Create and enforce operational policies and governance frameworks.
  • Ensure adherence to compliance requirements, including asset usage, brand standards and regulatory considerations.
  • Support the conducting of audits and implement continuous improvements.

Requirements

  • 8+ years of Creative Operations, Marketing Operations, or Marketing Project Management experience
  • Deep familiarity with Workfront (or similar tools) including setup, workflow design and administration
  • Strong command of the MS Office Suite
  • Strong understanding of creative processes across design, copy, production, and advertising
  • Experience with creative technology platforms, automation tools, AI solutions and resource management systems
  • Proven ability to manage budgets, vendor relationships and licensing agreements
  • Highly organized, process oriented and governance driven
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills
  • Experience in financial services or regulated environments is a plus
  • Curiosity-driven exploration and proactive research into emerging tools and trends.
  • Technological agility with AI, automation, workflow, and creative technology platforms.
  • Culture builder who models experimentation and innovation.
  • Systems-oriented problem solver focused on scalability and efficiency.
  • Clear communicator who can translate operational and technical concepts into value.
  • Continuous improvement mindset across processes and tools.
Benefits
  • retirement benefits (401k and pension)
  • health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability)
  • paid time off
  • parental and caregiver leave
  • life & accident insurance
  • other voluntary and well-being benefits
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
Creative OperationsMarketing OperationsMarketing Project ManagementWorkfrontWorkflow DesignBudget ManagementVendor ManagementLicensing AgreementsProcess OptimizationKPI Establishment
Soft Skills
Highly OrganizedProcess OrientedGovernance DrivenExcellent CommunicationInfluencing SkillsCuriosity-DrivenTechnological AgilityProblem SolvingContinuous Improvement MindsetCollaboration