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Creative Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Support a more distributed and effective creative operating model by increasing ownership and reducing dependency on a single approver Hands-On Execution * Step in directly to concept, write, design ...

Support a more distributed and effective creative operating model by increasing ownership and reducing dependency on a single approver Hands-On Execution * Step in directly to concept, write, design ...

Support a more distributed and effective creative operating model by increasing ownership and reducing dependency on a single approver Hands-On Execution * Step in directly to concept, write, design ...

Creative Director

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Our team is made up of operators, marketers, and builders focused on products consumers actually ... This role owns creative direction for our owned channels, including brand websites, email, and ...

New

You'll also help operationalize Softline Creative's transition from brand-dedicated pods to centralized output teams (Copy, Brand, Digital, UX/UI), making sure the new operating model actually shows ...

Creative Producer

Glendale, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

You'll also help operationalize Softline Creative's transition from brand-dedicated pods to centralized output teams (Copy, Brand, Digital, UX/UI), making sure the new operating model actually shows ...

Comfortable operating in ambiguity and moving quickly at a startup Nice to Have * Experience in ... Own the entire creative function as an early hire with substantial influence over company direction

Comfortable operating in ambiguity and moving quickly at a startup Nice to Have * Experience in ... Own the entire creative function as an early hire with substantial influence over company direction

We are seeking a talented and innovative Creative Developer with a well-rounded skillset to join ... AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all ...

We are seeking a talented and innovative Creative Developer with a well-rounded skillset to join ... AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all ...

We are seeking a talented and innovative Creative Developer with a well-rounded skillset to join ... AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all ...

Creative Director About Us Hidden Acorn is a new game studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area ... Comfortable operating in a small team where process is minimal; you build structure where it helps ...

Comfortable operating in fast, evolving environments * Highly collaborative and team-oriented * Strong creative judgment - knows when AI helps and when human craft * Proactive problem-solver with a ...

AI Creative Strategist

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

A strategic operator who is excited about the intersection of creative ideas, performance marketing and AI tools. You'll use AI tools to bring to life high-performing ad ideas at a faster and greater ...

A strategic operator who is excited about the intersection of creative ideas, performance marketing and AI tools. You'll use AI tools to bring to life high-performing ad ideas at a faster and greater ...

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Creative Operator information

What are some common challenges Creative Operators face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Creative Operators often juggle several projects at once, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. One of the main challenges is balancing creative quality with tight deadlines and shifting client needs. Additionally, frequent collaboration with designers, copywriters, and account managers means adapting to various workflows and communication styles. Successful Creative Operators use project management tools and proactive communication to keep projects on track while maintaining a high standard of creative output.

What is a Creative Operator?

A Creative Operator is a professional who supports the creative process within industries such as advertising, media, and design. They are responsible for managing creative assets, ensuring projects run smoothly, and often bridging the gap between creative teams and production. This role often involves technical proficiency with creative software, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities. Creative Operators help ensure that creative ideas are executed efficiently and meet quality standards.

Which 3 jobs will survive AI?

Creative Operators, along with roles in healthcare and skilled trades, are expected to be more resilient to AI automation due to their reliance on human creativity, complex problem-solving, and manual skills. These jobs often require emotional intelligence, adaptability, and hands-on expertise that AI currently cannot replicate fully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Creative Operator, you need a solid grasp of creative production processes, project management, and a relevant background in media, design, or advertising. Familiarity with digital content creation tools (such as Adobe Creative Suite), asset management systems, and workflow platforms is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you coordinate projects and collaborate with diverse teams. These abilities ensure timely, high-quality creative output and smooth project execution in fast-paced environments.

What is the difference between Creative Operator vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative OperatorGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsTypically a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer certifications in digital media or designBachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or related field
Work EnvironmentMedia production studios, advertising agencies, digital content teamsDesign studios, marketing departments, freelance settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in media, advertising, and digital content industries for operational supportUsed across advertising, publishing, branding, and digital media for visual creation

The main difference is that Creative Operators focus on executing and supporting creative projects often with technical skills, while Graphic Designers primarily create visual concepts and designs. Creative Operators tend to handle technical tasks and production support, whereas Graphic Designers focus on designing visuals from concept to completion.

What cities in California are hiring for Creative Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Creative Operator job openings:
Creative Lead

Creative Lead

Kodiak

Mountain View, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Role Summary
Kodiak is hiring a Creative Lead to help elevate the quality, consistency, and speed of our marketing output across every major touchpoint. This is a senior, hands-on creative role for someone who can lead campaign thinking, shape both visual and verbal storytelling, guide the work of others, and step in to execute when needed.
In the near term, this role will help distribute ownership away from a single centralized bottleneck by taking on creative direction across campaigns and channels, setting messaging and storytelling standards, and overseeing the output of existing team members. This person will play a critical role in improving creative quality, increasing throughput, and helping build a stronger, more independent marketing function over time.
What You'll Do
Creative Direction and Campaign Development
  • Lead creative direction across major marketing initiatives, campaigns, launches, and company moments
  • Develop strong campaign concepts and translate them into effective execution across channels
  • Shape how the Kodiak brand shows up visually and verbally across marketing work
  • Establish and maintain a high bar for creative quality, consistency, and clarity
  • Build ideas that can scale from larger brand and campaign efforts into smaller day-to-day executions
Cross-Channel Creative Leadership
  • Guide creative development across web, social, presentations, paid media, events, partner storytelling, and other marketing materials
  • Ensure work is on-brand, channel-appropriate, and aligned to business priorities
  • Partner closely with marketing leadership to translate strategy into clear, compelling creative output
  • Help define and refine messaging and copy standards across content
Team Guidance and Output Oversight
  • Oversee and elevate the output of the current designer and content producer
  • Provide clear creative direction, actionable feedback, and strong quality control
  • Help keep projects moving by making decisions, unblocking work, and maintaining momentum
  • Support a more distributed and effective creative operating model by increasing ownership and reducing dependency on a single approver
Hands-On Execution
  • Step in directly to concept, write, design, edit, or refine work when needed, especially early on
  • Contribute to both polished campaign work and faster, scrappier executions
  • Support production planning, creative reviews, and photo/video direction as needed
  • Work with urgency and sound judgment, knowing when to push and when to move
What You'll Bring
  • 8+ years of experience in creative, brand, design, or campaign-focused roles
  • Experience at an agency and/or in-house brand team known for high output and a high creative bar
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating brand identity work, campaign development, and cross-channel creative execution
  • Demonstrated strength in both visual and voice storytelling
  • Experience guiding creative direction while also contributing hands-on to the work
  • Strong instincts for typography, composition, layout, storytelling, and brand expression
  • Ability to move fluidly between big-picture thinking and execution detail
  • Comfort operating in a fast-moving environment with shifting priorities and multiple active projects
  • Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, make decisions, and keep work moving
  • Experience providing creative feedback and guiding the work of others
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace, and common creative/collaboration tools
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience helping create, evolve, or sharpen a brand identity
  • Experience building campaigns from concept through rollout
  • Experience across B2B and/or B2C brands
  • Tech experience is a strong plus
  • Experience with photo and video direction or production support
  • Motion, video, or editorial sensibility
  • Comfort working on a lean team where speed, adaptability, and ownership matter
Work Environment
Hybrid role
Expected to spend regular time in the office to build presence, collaborate closely with the team, experience the culture, generate ideas, and help capture content as needed
Why This Role Matters
Today, too much creative ownership is centralized. This role is intended to change that by bringing stronger creative leadership, sharper storytelling, and more day-to-day momentum to the marketing function. The Creative Lead will help raise the quality of the work, improve speed and consistency, and guide the evolution of a more effective creative team structure.
What we offer:
  • Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
  • Flexible PTO and generous parental leave policies
  • Our office is centrally located in Mountain View, CA
  • Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging
  • Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance
  • Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health
  • Fidelity 401(k)
  • Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA
  • Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)

The pay range listed below reflects the base salary in our SF/Silicon Valley location, across several internal levels. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors including: work location, experience, relevant training, education, skill level and performance during interview. Total compensation at Kodiak includes base pay, equity, bonus and a competitive benefits package
California Pay Range
$170,000-$200,000 USD
At Kodiak, we strive to build a diverse community working towards our common company goals in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Kodiak is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
In alignment with its business operations, Kodiak adheres to all relevant statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. Accordingly, roles that carry more sensitive requirements may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility for such positions may hinge on verification of a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. Should the position require, and Kodiak determines that a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate an export license, bar the candidate from the position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak will consider the candidate for alternative positions unaffected by such restrictions, under terms and conditions set forth at Kodiak's sole discretion, or, as an alternative, opt not to proceed with the candidate's application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
We use a third-party AI tool (Endorsed) to assist in the initial screening of applications. As part of the evaluation process, we provide Endorsed with job requirements and candidate-submitted applications. Final hiring decisions are made by our human recruitment team, and no automated system makes the ultimate decision regarding hiring. Certain features of the platform may qualify it as an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) under applicable regulations. We began using Endorsed on January 1, 2026. You can review the independent bias audit report covering our use of Endorsed [here](https://endorsed.com/local-law-144). By submitting your application, you acknowledge that your application may be processed by AI systems as part of the screening and selection process. If you have any questions or would like to request a separate review of your application, please contact careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.