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Agency Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ulta Beauty

Media Operations Manager

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

The Media Operations Manager is the operational backbone of our paid media function. This role owns ... This position will oversee the performance of external agencies and technology vendors by ensuring ...

STV

Senior Engineering Operations Manager

Chicago, IL

$116K - $133K/yr

STV is seeking a Senior Engineering Operations Manager to serve as a trusted operations leader and ... This highly consultative role partners directly with agency leadership to guide operational ...

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All JobsAgency Operations JobsAgency Operations Manager JobsAgency Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Agency Operations Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32K

$65.4K

$122.2K

How much do agency operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for agency operations manager in Chicago, IL is $65,421.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an agency operations manager do?

An Agency Operations Manager oversees the daily operations and administrative functions of an agency, such as a marketing, advertising, or insurance agency. They are responsible for streamlining processes, managing staff, ensuring compliance with company policies, and optimizing resource allocation. Their goal is to improve efficiency, productivity, and overall organizational performance while supporting the agency’s strategic objectives. This role often involves close collaboration with other department heads and external partners to ensure smooth workflow and client satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an agency operations manager?

To thrive as an Agency Operations Manager, you need strong organizational, leadership, and analytical skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, CRM systems, and budgeting tools is common, and professional certifications like PMP can be beneficial. Outstanding communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability help you lead teams and manage client relationships effectively. These competencies are crucial for optimizing agency performance, ensuring smooth operations, and delivering successful results for clients and stakeholders.

What are some common challenges an agency operations manager faces when streamlining workflows across multiple departments?

Agency Operations Managers often encounter challenges in aligning processes across various departments, such as creative, accounts, and finance. Differences in priorities, communication styles, and workload can create bottlenecks or misalignment. To address these issues, successful managers implement standardized procedures, leverage project management tools, and facilitate regular cross-team meetings. Building strong relationships and fostering a culture of open communication are crucial for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth agency operations.

What is the difference between Agency Operations Manager vs Agency Account Executive?

AspectAgency Operations ManagerAgency Account Executive
Primary RoleOversees agency operations, processes, and internal workflowsManages client accounts, sales, and client relationships
Required SkillsOperational management, leadership, organizational skillsSales, communication, client management
Work EnvironmentInternal team, management levelClient-facing, sales-focused
Common CertificationsProject management, operational certificationsSales, marketing certifications

The Agency Operations Manager focuses on streamlining agency processes and internal operations, while the Agency Account Executive concentrates on managing client relationships and sales. Both roles are essential in agency settings but serve different functions within the organization.

Is agency operations manager a high paying job?

Agency operations managers typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on industry, location, and experience. In general, it is considered a mid- to high-level management role with potential for higher compensation as responsibilities and expertise increase.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Agency Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Agency Operations Manager job openings:

Agency Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Agency Operations Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,421 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Media Operations Manager

Ulta Beauty

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Ulta Beauty rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,010 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 24 rated health and beauty retailers

Job description

OVERVIEW
Experience the possibilities of our progressive, omnichannel approach to beauty retail. At Ulta Beauty, our Marketing team is applying the latest technologies to personalize the buying experience of true beauty enthusiasts-in ways that surprise and delight. Building love and loyalty, one communication, one experience, one brilliant idea at a time. We represent the perfect blend of strategy and creativity. Of tactics and analytics. To make Ulta Beauty a brand guests will advocate for. Growing share of heart. Delivering with disciplined consistency. Whether your deepest passion is for design or content, strategy or data, or some combination of all things marketing, Ulta Beauty will provide significant latitude to explore your talents and passions, with opportunities to stretch and deepen, to grow and build. Truly, the possibilities are beautiful.
THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE:
The Media Operations Manager is the operational backbone of our paid media function. This role owns the systems, processes, tools, and workflows that enable the media team to execute efficiently and at scale - ensuring that campaigns move from planning to activation to measurement with speed and precision.
This position will oversee the performance of external agencies and technology vendors by ensuring that SLAs are met, relevant policies and guidelines are upheld, and partners can deliver excellence and innovation
This is a highly cross-functional role, sitting at the intersection of Marketing, Finance, and external agency and vendor partners. The right candidate is a process builder and systems thinker who thrives on bringing order to complexity.
YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THIS BY:
Process & Workflow Management:
  • Build and oversee campaign planning process and standardized back-out timing for Ulta-Funded marketing across Paid Media Strategy including Paid Media, Affiliate, and Search.
  • Design, document, and scale operational frameworks - continuously improve end-to-end media operations workflows - from briefing and trafficking to QA, reporting, and oversee billing operations
  • Establish and maintain a campaign calendar and intake process to align media execution with integrated marketing planning cycles
  • Identify bottlenecks and operational gaps; build scalable solutions that reduce manual effort and improve turnaround time
  • Partner with IM Operations & larger Marketing Operations to ensure Paid Media Strategy timing is aligned to larger Integrated Marketing planning lifecycle.
  • Partner with Retail Media Network (UB Media) campaign planning processes and how RMN timing connects with the Marketing enterprise
  • Oversees Paid Media process for Creative Deliverables - ensuring Paid Media planning cycle aligns with Asset Planning and Production Cycles
  • Hosts weekly status and planning meetings with Paid Media Team to align key milestones and action across the Media team
  • Interfaces daily/weekly with Project Management agency team

Tools & Technology:
  • Evaluate, implement, and manage integrations between media tools and broader marketing systems (i.e. Media Tools, Monday.com)
  • Manage MediaTools change management internally and with finance

Vendor & Agency Coordination
  • Serve as the primary operational liaison with media agencies and vendors - overseeing timelines, deliverables, and accountability
  • Establish agency SLAs & ensure SLAs and reporting requirements are met; escalate issues when needed
  • Own onboarding and offboarding of agency and vendor relationships, including access management and contract tracking

Standardization and Governance
  • Partner with agency project management leaders to build and maintain operational reporting that surfaces performance, pacing, and process health for internal stakeholders
  • Partner with cross-functional partners (Strategic Analytics, Integrated Marketing) on templates including Media Plan templates, Mid-Flight and Post-Campaign Reporting Templates, Hindsight, etc.
  • Oversee calendar and expectations for key ET deliverables including Sales Lock, GTM, Quarterly Performance Review (ensuring teams know schedule and expectations)
  • Create standardization across internal & external agency parties including documentation, naming conventions, etc.

Billing Operations:
  • Partners with FP&A partners to align on Purchase Order strategy and set-up; overseas set-up end-to-end in partnership with Procurement (Ulta) and Agency Partner.
  • Submits Purchase orders (annual or quarterly) on behalf of Paid Media Business leads
  • Provides framework for invoice approvals for Paid Media Business leads (does not physically own/approve invoices)
  • Business POC for any troubleshooting to partner with Ulta FP&A and agency teams on unpaid invoices, PO re-adjustments, etc.

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:
  • 6+ years of experience in media operations, marketing operations, or a related field
  • Demonstrated track record of building or improving operational processes in a fast-moving environment
  • Experience managing media budgets and working cross-functionally with finance
  • Agency experience preferred
  • Strong project management skills:proficiencyin project management tools (e.g., Monday.com) and best practices.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication: ability to clearly articulate project goals, updates, and challenges to stakeholders.
  • Problem-solvingmindset: ability toanticipateroadblocks and provide proactive solutions.
  • Solidanalytical skills:ability to interpret data andprovideactionable insights.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.Strongproficiencywith Microsoft Office Excel and PowerPoint.
#LI-CO1
#hybrid
The pay range for this position is $90,800.00 - $120,000.00 / Year with the opportunity for eligible associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company's bonus plan. Exact pay will be based on factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, level, shift, geographic location, and business and organizational needs. Full-time positions are eligible for paid time off, health, dental, vision, life and disability benefits. Part-time positions are eligible for dental, vision, life, and disability benefits. For additional information concerning our benefits, visit our Benefits and Career Development page: https://learn.bswift.com/ulta
ABOUT
At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest North American beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. We bring possibilities to life through the power of beauty each and every day in our stores and online with more than 25,000 products from approximately 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty's own private label. Ulta Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring-hair, skin, brow, and make-up services.
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.

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