Photo Production Manager

Catalyst Brands Creative Services & Operations drives the content supply chain across all Catalyst lifestyle and iconic brands — delivering high-quality creative content across every brand and channel. The team builds the systems, processes, and teams that power storytelling, efficiency, and innovation at scale.

Role Summary
The Manager, Photo Production – New York will lead a newly established team responsible for overseeing all photo production for Catalyst’s lifestyle and iconic brands. This role manages a team of producers and coordinators who support the planning, execution, and delivery of campaign, editorial, and marketing and Ecommerce photo shoots, while also overseeing the management for the NJ Based Photo Studio.
The Manager will establish best-in-class production practices, oversee budgets and schedules, hire and manage talent, and ensure creative excellence and operational efficiency across all shoots. This role requires strong leadership, deep production expertise, and the ability to collaborate across multiple brands and stakeholders.

Leadership & Operations
• Lead and mentor a team of producers and photo/sample coordinators supporting lifestyle and iconic brands.
• Develop and implement standardized photo production processes and SOPs.
• Partner with Creative Directors, Art Directors, and Marketing teams to translate creative briefs into executable production plans.
• Manage shoot budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Attend photo shoots as lead producer, ensuring sets run efficiently, meet creative goals, and uphold brand standards.
• Partner closely with the Director, Photography & Broadcast Production to continuously evolve processes and improve efficiency.

Production Management
• Oversee all marketing, campaign, and editorial photo production across brands.
• Manage all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production coordination, including casting, talent contracts, location scouting, and vendor management.
• Build and maintain production calendars, shot lists, and call sheets.
• Ensure smooth collaboration across creative, marketing, and post-production teams.

eCommerce Coordination
• Oversee coordination between New Jersey and the Plano Photo Studio for all eCommerce photo shoots.
• Manage communication with merchant partners to confirm shoot schedules and priorities.
• Oversee the shipment of samples and build eCommerce shot lists in partnership with coordinators.
• Ensure alignment with Plano Studio workflows and deadlines.

Innovation & Collaboration
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external photographers, stylists, hair/makeup artists, and agencies.
• Stay informed on production trends, talent, and emerging technologies to drive innovation.
• Foster collaboration across teams to ensure consistent visual and operational standards across all brands and channels.

Key Partners
• Creative Directors and Art Directors
• Brand and Marketing Leads
• Plano Photo Studio and Studio Operations Teams
• Post Production and Asset Management
• Merchandising and Sample Management Teams
• External Production Vendors and Agencies

• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in photo production within fashion, lifestyle, or retail brands.
• Proven experience managing large-scale marketing and editorial photo shoots.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Established network of photographers, stylists, and production vendors.
• Proficiency with production budgeting and scheduling tools.
• Must be willing to travel as needed to attend photo shoots and cross-location meetings.

Competencies
• Leadership & Team Development – Inspires, mentors, and builds high-performing teams.
• Operational Excellence – Plans and executes with precision and accountability.
• Creative Partnership – Balances creative vision with practical execution.
• Collaboration – Builds trust and alignment across creative, marketing, and operations.
• Industry Insight – Brings knowledge of trends, talent, and best practices in photography production.