Director of Agency Operations

Posted 26 Days Ago
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Berlin, DEU
In-Office
Expert/Leader
Consulting
Come solve with us
The Role
Leads operational excellence across an integrated communications agency, improving delivery frameworks, governance, collaboration, resource planning, efficiency, and performance. Partners with senior leaders across Events, Outreach, Production, and Client Services to manage risk, scale operations, develop capabilities, and apply AI and automation. Requires significant senior leadership experience, strong operational and commercial judgment, and a record of leading complex cross-functional programs and teams.
Summary Generated by Built In

Help shape the future of delivery for one of Europe's leading communications, engagement and events agencies.


At ICF Next, we combine strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, events, digital, creative and behavioural science to help governments, public institutions, NGOs and purpose-led organisations tackle some of society's most complex challenges.


Across Europe and Asia, our teams deliver high-profile programmes that inform policy, engage citizens, drive behavioural change and create meaningful impact. As our business continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced operational leader to help create a more connected, scalable and high-performing agency.


The Opportunity


As Director of Agency Operations, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping how ICF Next delivers its most complex and strategically important client programmes.


Working across our Events, Outreach and Production teams, you will ensure our people, processes and capabilities work together seamlessly to deliver exceptional client outcomes. You will drive operational excellence across the agency, strengthen delivery frameworks, improve collaboration and resource utilisation, and help identify new opportunities to leverage AI and technology to improve performance.


This is a highly visible role that combines operational leadership, strategic thinking and organisational influence. You will partner closely with senior leaders across the business to ensure our delivery model remains efficient, scalable and fit for the future.


Why Join ICF Next?


This is a rare opportunity to influence how a leading communications and engagement agency delivers its most important client work.


You will work at the intersection of operations, innovation and business growth, helping shape the future of delivery across a diverse portfolio of communications, engagement and events programmes that make a real difference to communities, citizens and organisations around the world.


What You'll Do


•    Lead operational excellence across ICF Next's integrated delivery organisation.
•    Drive quality, consistency and efficiency across complex communications, engagement and events programmes.
•    Strengthen delivery frameworks, governance and ways of working across multiple teams.
•    Partner with senior leaders to manage operational risk and delivery performance.
•    Improve collaboration across Events, Outreach, Production and Client Services functions.
•    Support effective resource planning, budget management and operational efficiency.
•    Identify opportunities to improve delivery through AI, automation and new technologies.
•    Help future-proof agency capability through workforce planning, skills development and continuous improvement.


What We're Looking For


•    Significant senior leadership experience within an agency, communications, events, consulting or integrated delivery environment.
•    Strong operational and commercial acumen, with experience improving efficiency, quality and performance.
•    Experience developing scalable operating models, governance frameworks and delivery processes.
•    A track record of leading complex, cross-functional programmes and teams.
•    The ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate strategy into effective execution.
•    A collaborative leadership style and passion for building high-performing teams.
•    An interest in innovation, AI and new approaches to improving agency performance.


Right to Work, Location & Sponsorship (Germany) 
We welcome applications from candidates based in any country. This role is in Germany, and successful candidates must: 

  • Have the legal right to work in Germany, or be eligible for sponsorship on a case-by-case basis, and 
  • Be physically located in Germany by Day 1 of employment (or shortly before your start date). 

Please ensure you can meet the right-to-work and location requirements or would qualify for sponsorship where applicable. 


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Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.  Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. 

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed. 


Berlin Germany (DU01)

Skills Required

  • Significant senior leadership experience within an agency, communications, events, consulting, or integrated delivery environment
  • Strong operational and commercial acumen, including experience improving efficiency, quality, and performance
  • Experience developing scalable operating models, governance frameworks, and delivery processes
  • Track record of leading complex, cross-functional programs and teams
  • Ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate strategy into effective execution
  • Collaborative leadership style and passion for building high-performing teams
  • Interest in innovation, AI, and new approaches to improving agency performance
  • Legal right to work in Germany or eligibility for case-by-case sponsorship
  • Ability to be physically located in Germany by the first day of employment or shortly before starting

ICF Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ICF and has not been reviewed or approved by ICF.

  • Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical plan choices (UHC PPO/HDHP and Kaiser in some areas) come with employer HSA/HRA funding and wellness incentives, with dental and vision included. Mental-health access is emphasized via Modern Health, offering up to 10 therapy and 10 coaching sessions annually.
  • Parental & Family Support — Family-building resources include Maven support on UHC plans, $10,000 lifetime fertility/surrogacy reimbursement, and $5,000 for adoption, milk-shipping, and clinician-led programs. Caregiver and 24/7 resources are also available through the EAP.
  • Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 5% discount is broadly available and regularly highlighted in postings. This adds a straightforward path for employees to build ownership alongside salary and benefits.

ICF Insights

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The Company
HQ: Reston, VA
9,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1969

What We Do

ICF is a leading global solutions and technology provider with approximately 9,000 employees in industries across the public and private sectors. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

Why Work With Us

At ICF, we’ve built a culture rooted in expertise, innovation, and purpose—enabling us to build a more prosperous and resilient world for all. When our employees grow, our solutions thrive—regardless of your role, team, or location, you’ll have opportunities to make connections, build community, and take action to develop your career.

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