Associate Manager

Title: Associate Manager - International Creative Services

Reports To: Sr Art Director - International Creative Services

Location: This role will be hybrid, based in our New York Design Office

Get to Know the Role:

Own the end‑to‑end flow of International creative work - from brief intake to weekly asset release - while quarterbacking timelines, vendor onboarding/POs, and photoshoot coordination. Directly interfaces with International & US Marketing Teams and International Franchise & Licensee partners to keep assets on‑time, brand‑right, and rights‑clean.

What You'll Do:

• Project intake & timelines: Run weekly/seasonal workbacks across print, digital, and video; maintain the master release calendar and status.
• Asset coordination & release: Manage Zipline uploads, distribution lists, partner access, and release notes; enforce image‑rights dates and coordinate takedowns.
• Photoshoot production (coordination): Operate as day‑to‑day POC to our freelance producer; track bids, call sheets, casting/usage, schedules, and wrap deliverables; flag risks early.
• Vendors & budget flow: Own Ariba vendor onboarding, POs, and invoice reconciliation for shoots/retouching.
• Cross‑functional syncs: Lead weekly creative ops/status; drive on‑time decisions with Intl Marketing, Intl Creative Services, US Creative, Legal, Retouching, and occasional Merch Teams.
• Process & tooling: Maintain boards, Google Drive hygiene, and template libraries; continuously tighten SLAs and handoffs.

What You Bring:

• 4–6 years in creative operations/production at a fashion/retail brand or agency serving retail.
• Proven command of (or comparable PM tool), Zipline (or comparable release platform), Google Suite, and rights/usage workflows.
• Experience with Ariba (or equivalent) for vendor onboarding/POs/invoices.
• Production‑literate (you've partnered with producers and understand the shoot lifecycle).
• Strong partner management and written communication; organized and calm under shifting timelines.

Soft Skills:

• Stakeholder EQ: Reads the room, adapts tone, and gets to decisions with clear next steps.
• Ownership mindset: Treats timelines, budgets, and releases as their business; escalates early with options.
• Prioritization under pressure: Ruthlessly sequences work, protects the critical path, and negotiates trade‑offs.
• Organization & systems thinking: Highly organized; creates clear file structures, naming, and checklists others can run with.
• Detail discipline: Zero‑miss attitude on rights dates, filenames, specs, and release notes.
• Process curiosity: Spots friction and quietly fixes it—templates, checklists, and smarter handoffs.
• Production calm: Steady in pre‑pro and on shoot days; anticipates blockers and keeps comms tight.
• Cultural fluency: Comfortable partnering across regions; respects local needs while protecting brand.
• Clear writing: Crisp agendas/recaps; documents decisions so partners aren't guessing.
• Vendor finesse: Professional, timely, and fair with producers/retouchers; follows through on POs/invoices.
• Adobe literacy (plus): Comfortable opening files for spec checks/exports; light-touch usage only (not a design role).
• Discretion: Handles sensitive product/launch info appropriately.

Perks: Why You'll Love it Here

• Generous employee discount.
• Summer Fridays.
• Casual dress code.
• Hybrid schedule.
• FOMO events (Exciting company-wide events).

AEO, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.