Business Affairs Manager

The Business Affairs Manager is a senior operational role responsible for centralising and overseeing the company's business administration functions across Finance, Legal, Insurance and Human Resources. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), this role partners closely with the Head of Studio and Heads of Department to ensure the business operates efficiently, compliantly and is equipped with scalable systems and processes that support sustainable growth.

The Business Affairs Manager acts as the operational backbone of the business, bringing structure, governance and commercial rigour while enabling creative teams to focus on delivering exceptional work.

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Chief Information Officer (CIO)

• Head of Studio

• Heads of Department

• Finance providers and accountants

• Legal advisors

• Insurance brokers

• HR partners

• External suppliers and service providers

• Lead the centralisation of business administration across all operational functions.

• Develop, implement and continuously improve business systems, workflows and governance processes.

• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions to support business growth.

• Create and maintain operational documentation, policies and standard operating procedures.

• Monitor business risks and ensure appropriate controls are in place.

• Oversee financial administration in partnership with external accountants and finance providers.

• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting processes.

• Manage accounts payable and receivable oversight, expense management and purchasing procedures.

• Monitor commercial contracts, project profitability and operational reporting.

• Ensure compliance with financial policies and regulatory obligations.

• Coordinate all legal documentation, contracts and commercial agreements.

• Maintain contract registers and oversee renewals.

• Liaise with external legal counsel as required.

• Ensure ongoing compliance with relevant employment, corporate and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain company governance records and documentation.

• Manage all company insurance policies, including annual renewals.

• Ensure appropriate insurance coverage across business operations, projects and personnel.

• Coordinate claims where required.

• Maintain risk registers and support business continuity planning.

• Coordinate recruitment administration, onboarding and offboarding processes.

• Maintain HR systems, employee records and compliance documentation.

• Support performance review processes and employee development initiatives.

• Assist with employment contracts, workplace policies and HR compliance.

• Foster a positive, organised and high-performing workplace culture.

• Evaluate, implement and optimise business management software and operational systems.

• Improve integration between finance, HR, legal and project management platforms.

• Develop and oversee operational KPIs.

• Champion automation and digital transformation initiatives where appropriate.

• Lead sustainability initiatives for people and technology

• Partner with the CEO, CIO and Head of Studio on strategic operational initiatives.

• Support Heads of Department with business administration, planning and operational improvements.

• Build strong relationships with external advisors and service providers.

• Contribute to business planning and organisational growth strategies.

• 5+ years' experience in business operations, business affairs, operations management or a similar leadership role.

• Strong understanding of finance administration, commercial operations and business governance.

• Experience managing legal, insurance and HR administration.

• Demonstrated ability to implement systems, processes and operational improvements.

• Excellent organisational, project management and stakeholder management skills.

• High attention to detail with strong commercial outlook.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience within a creative, production, advertising, media or technology business.

• Experience implementing ERP, HRIS, CRM or project management systems.

• Understanding of Australian employment legislation and business compliance.

• Tertiary qualifications in Business, Commerce, Law, Human Resources or a related discipline.

• Highly organised and process-driven.

• Commercially minded with sound judgement.

• Proactive and solutions-focused.

• Collaborative leadership style.

• Calm under pressure and adaptable.

• Trusted with confidential and sensitive information.

• Passionate about building systems that enable people and businesses to thrive.

Within the first 12 months, the Business Affairs Manager will have:

• Successfully centralised core business administration functions.

• Implemented scalable operational systems and governance frameworks.

• Improved visibility of business performance through reporting and KPIs.

• Strengthened financial, legal and HR compliance.

• Reduced operational inefficiencies through process improvement and automation.

• Established themselves as a trusted strategic partner to the executive team and department leaders.