THE OPPORTUNITY - US STUDIO & OPERATIONS LEAD
We're YellowBelly, a leading headshot and portrait studio with locations in London, New York City and Los Angeles. We work with actors, creatives and professionals across the entertainment industry to capture standout imagery in a relaxed, high-energy environment. Our work is rooted in creative excellence, strong storytelling and genuine industry impact.
We're looking for an experienced US studio & operations lead to join us on a part-time basis (2 days per week) to lead the day-to-day running of our New York and Los Angeles studios. This is a senior, hands-on role that sits at the heart of our US operation, connecting our teams, maintaining our standards and helping us grow.
If you have a background in the creative industries, real experience managing people and a sharp operational mind, we'd love to hear from you.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Studio Operations
- Oversee day-to-day operational delivery across both New York and Los Angeles studios, ensuring consistency, quality and efficiency.
- Carry out regular studio inspections in New York — ensuring equipment is well maintained, stock levels are monitored and repairs or maintenance are coordinated promptly when required.
- Monitor and report on operational performance, flagging risks and identifying opportunities for improvement before they become problems.
- Monitor operational spending and identify efficiencies, always balancing cost with maintaining an exceptional client experience.
- Implement and maintain operational processes, SOPs and workflows that support the smooth running of all US studio activity.
Team and People Management
- Line manage the US admin team across both New York and Los Angeles, providing clear direction, regular feedback and development support.
- Hold regular one-to-ones with photographers across both US locations, monitoring performance including client feedback, gallery sales, punctuality and professionalism.
- Coach and support photographers to continuously improve, managing day-to-day performance issues and escalating to the UK Operations Manager when needed.
- Foster a positive, high-performing team culture — ensuring everyone feels engaged, supported and connected to the wider YellowBelly business.
HR and Onboarding
- Support the UK Operations Manager with US HR activity including recruitment, onboarding and absence management.
- Manage appropriate working arrangements for a predominantly freelance workforce, ensuring clear expectations and compliant engagement practices.
- Lead onboarding for new US starters, ensuring a thorough and welcoming introduction to the company, its values and its ways of working.
Culture and Communications
- Act as the primary representative of YellowBelly's values, culture and vision within the US teams.
- Keep communication flowing clearly between the US studios and the UK leadership team, ensuring everyone remains aligned and connected.
- Represent YellowBelly at industry events, workshops and networking opportunities to grow our presence within the creative community.
Business Development
- Build and maintain relationships with key clients, agents, talent managers and industry contacts across film, TV, theatre and music.
- Identify new business opportunities and support the continued commercial growth of YellowBelly across the US.
- Collaborate with the Founders and UK leadership team on US commercial strategy and growth plans.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Essential
- Minimum three years in a management role, ideally within a creative, media or studio environment.
- Experience in an Operations / HR / Administrative senior role.
- A strong background in, or close working knowledge of, the film, TV, theatre or wider entertainment industries.
- Experience managing a workforce that includes freelance contractors alongside employed staff.
- Proven ability to manage and develop people across multiple locations or teams.
- Excellent communicator — confident representing the brand externally and leading teams internally.
- Highly organised and solutions-focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities without compromising quality.
- Comfortable working across time zones and collaborating closely with a UK-based leadership team.
Desirable
- Experience in a photography studio, production company or talent management environment.
- An existing network within the creative industries in New York and/or Los Angeles.
- Familiarity with Slack, Trello or similar project management platforms.
THE DETAILS
Location - New York - 2 x day in studio. LA trips every 6/8 weeks.
Hours - 2 days per week (part-time)
Salary - $95,000 pro rata ($38,000 for 2 days per week)
Start Date - 7th September 2026
Contract - Part-time, NY based in studio.
HOW TO APPLY
Send your CV and a short cover letter to:
harryet@yellowbellyphoto.com
Please use the subject line: US Operations Manager Application
YellowBelly is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive and supportive team.