Director of Agency Operations

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 (Spain) 
We welcome applications from candidates based in any country. This role is in Spain, and successful candidates must: 

• Have the legal right to work in Spain, or be eligible for sponsorship on a case-by-case basis, and 

• Be physically located in Spain 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.Madrid, Spain (ES01)