Resource Manager

At AKQA, we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

Working alongside Department Leads, the Resource Manager is responsible for overseeing the resource pool for AKQA Amsterdam across permanent, freelance and outsourced partner staff, ensuring it aligns with current and future client needs achieving high utilisation across the team.

You will partner with Client Services and Project Management to effectively plan and allocate talent, shaping teams that respond to project demands while supporting the growth and development of individuals. You'll play a central role in ensuring efficient and proactive resource planning, coordinating freelance needs, and managing team capacity across international projects.

The role requires close collaboration across departments and the ability to balance detail-oriented execution with broader operational oversight. It combines resourcing responsibilities with operational process improvements and finance-related support.

Aligned with AKQA's founding values of innovation, service, quality and thought, you will thrive in a dynamic environment and continually seek ways to enhance how we work, ensuring our teams are empowered to succeed.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Resource Management & Allocation:

• Act as the primary point of contact for all resource requests and day-to-day resourcing needs.
• Input and maintain all project bookings, approved absences, and resource allocations in the system.
• Match resource requests to skill sets, considering individual capabilities and career goals.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of team skillsets, bandwidth, and availability across all departments.

Cross-Studio Collaboration:

• Share and communicate capacity and resourcing needs across the AKQA and broader WPP network, especially within European studios.
• Prepare for and lead weekly resourcing meetings with Project Leads and Department Leads, identifying current and upcoming needs, risks, and potential conflicts.
• Contribute meaningfully to resourcing discussions, facilitating problem-solving and effective decision-making.

Forecasting & Planning:

• Work with Project Leads, Client Services, and Department Leads to maintain a 2-month forecast of resource demand and staffing needs.
• Identify capacity gaps and skill shortages early, proposing solutions to ensure project needs are met.
• Handle all queries related to timing, allocation, and prioritisation of resources, resolving overlaps or bottlenecks with the support of Department Leads.

Freelancer Coordination:

• Identify freelance requirements in collaboration with team leads.
• Source, vet, and propose freelance talent to Department Leads for approval.
• Manage the end-to-end freelance process; from onboarding and contracts to invoice approvals and performance feedback.
• Build and nurture a strong network of freelance contacts to support project needs.

Process & Reporting:

• Continuously assess and improve resourcing processes and best practices.
• Follow up on weekly timesheet completion and ensure accurate data entry.
• Report on resource plans, utilisation forecasts, and freelance costs.

Operations:

• Present effective Operations point-of-view and recommendations to improve and enhance the studio's ways of working in collaboration with Delivery..
• Liaise with the Delivery team to provide Leadership with detailed weekly reports on program burn and profitability.
• Identify and evaluate capacity constraints and opportunities within the organisation (bandwidth and burnout), making data-driven recommendations for resource allocations and utilisation optimization.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and guidelines.

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Proven experience in operations, traffic, or resource management within a fast-paced digital or creative agency environment.
• Strong understanding of project lifecycles, creative workflows, and delivery processes.
• Demonstrated ability to forecast, plan capacity, and identify both short- and long-term resourcing needs or skill gaps, developing and implementing effective strategies to address them.
• Proficient in using resource management tools such as Workbook or similar systems, with strong reporting, planning, and administrative capabilities.
• Exceptionally organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and proactive, taking initiative and working independently while remaining aligned with team and business objectives.
• Committed to continuous improvement, with a process-driven mindset and a proven ability to refine workflows and enhance operational efficiency.
• Capable of balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution, maintaining both a high-level overview and attention to critical detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly, influence stakeholders, and collaborate across disciplines.
• Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution, with a calm, empathetic approach to managing competing priorities and resolving tensions constructively.
• Strong team orientation, with a focus on aligning individual capabilities and aspirations with project needs and business goals.

Explore our extensive range of benefits here.

AKQA is an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe that diversity is vital to AKQA's ability to provide our clients with the best recommendations and are committed to fostering a varied and inclusive work environment. Your race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or veteran status have no bearing on our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.