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General Manager / COO (Growth & Operations) Application Form London, Moonshine Film

Moonshine Film is a London-based Production and Equipment Company spanning camera rental, production services and a narrative project development arm in its early stages.

We are looking for a General Manager / COO to take full responsibility for the day-to-day management, performance and structure of the business.

You will oversee all core functions including rentals, production, team management, internal systems and financial processes, ensuring the business runs smoothly, profitably and to a high standard.

You will lead the team, take ownership of hiring and performance, maintain control of delivery and client relationships and drive improvements across systems and commercial performance. During quieter periods, you are expected to proactively generate opportunities, strengthen client relationships and push the business forward.

You will take ownership of executing the company’s direction and opportunities, with full responsibility for how these are structured, resourced and delivered across the business.

You will work directly with the founder, who is responsible for setting direction, building key relationships and creating high-level opportunities for the business. Your role is to translate this into clear structure, execution and delivery across the company, while maintaining full control of day-to-day operations.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you are expected to bring structure, consistency, and accountability into the business, with full visibility and control over how it operates day to day.

We are ideally looking for someone with strong experience across operations, production, and business management. Who has led teams, managed performance and taken responsibility for running a business or division. Experience working on set, particularly within camera or production departments, is highly valuable.

Compensation:

• £40,000 base full-time salary

• Percentage share of gross revenue

• Additional bonuses tied to completed, paid projects and overall company growth

The modest base salary reflects the company’s current revenue level and stage.

Compensation is structured to scale with the business, with a goal of reaching £100,000+ compensation aligned with company performance and revenue milestones, and to remain competitive in the market at different revenue levels.

Base salary may be higher for candidates who bring proven, revenue-generating client relationships into the business.

This role is suited to someone who is motivated by building a company and increasing their compensation through its growth, rather than operating within a fixed structure.

View full extended job description HERE

Role Scope & Current Operating Reality

The role description above reflects the intended structure and scope of a fully built-out COO position as the business scales.

However, the current reality of the business is more hands-on and operational due to limited delegation and team structure at this stage.

The previous COO did not attempt to effectively build out the team or delegate responsibilities, which has resulted in a wider range of operational, administrative, production, and commercial responsibilities sitting within the role.

Current Team Structure:

• Founder (focused on direction, relationships and high-level opportunities, with no involvement in day-to-day operations)

• COO

• Head of Technical Operations

• Junior Admin / Marketing Assistant

Current Operating Reality & Responsibilities (Initial Phase)

Financial & Administrative Ownership

• Full ownership of all financial processes across the business

• Managing all incoming payments across all areas of the business, ensuring they are received, tracked, and accounted for correctly

• Managing all outgoing payments, including company bills, supplier payments, crew payments, and any other financial obligations

• Creating, issuing, and overseeing all invoices across production, rental, and any other revenue streams

• Maintaining complete and accurate financial tracking across the entire business, with full visibility on cash flow, outstanding payments, and overall financial position

• Taking responsibility for all financial reporting, including internal tracking, performance reporting, and visibility across revenue streams (including in-house kit holders)

• Managing and overseeing all administrative processes connected to finance, contracts, and documentation

• Ensuring compliance, documentation, and financial organisation are fully handled across the business

• Taking responsibility for ensuring the business operates in a financially controlled, organised, and commercially sound way

Operations & Delivery

• Production and coordination of all shoots, including call sheets and logistics

• Oversight of both production services and equipment rental operations

• Managing all incoming enquiries and ensuring they are handled efficiently and converted where possible

• Operational coordination, including team scheduling and resource management to ensure the right people are in place, available, and delivering as required

• Building and maintaining systems to ensure smooth day-to-day operations

Client, Sales & Revenue Ownership

• Full ownership of managing and converting all incoming enquiries into confirmed work

• Responding quickly and effectively to client enquiries, ensuring momentum is maintained and opportunities are not lost

• Leading all client communication across projects, from initial enquiry through to delivery

• Structuring, pricing, and negotiating deals across production and rental to ensure work is commercially viable and profitable

• Taking responsibility for closing work and ensuring a consistent flow of revenue into the business

• Managing and strengthening client relationships to drive repeat business and long-term value

• Identifying opportunities to increase revenue across existing clients, projects and services

Marketing & Outbound Growth

• Overseeing and directing all marketing activity, including website, LinkedIn and Instagram

• Managing and directing the Junior Admin / Marketing Assistant to ensure consistent execution

• Running and improving email marketing and client communication campaigns

• Taking ownership of outbound activity, including client outreach, follow-ups and relationship development

• Proactively generating new opportunities, partnerships and revenue streams for the business

On-Set & Technical Involvement

• Rare on-set involvement where required as a Producer, Camera Operator, Camera Assistant and/or Data Wrangler, typically averaging once every 14–23 days

• Operating as a licensed drone pilot and delivering smaller drone shoots where needed (on average once every 7–10 days)

Expectation of the Role

The expectation is that you will take ownership of this environment, remove bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and drive revenue growth across the business.

As revenue increases and the business scales, you will be responsible for building out the team, hiring appropriately, and delegating responsibilities to reduce operational pressure and allow focus on higher-level performance, strategy and growth.

Having reviewed the scope and current operating reality of this role, which best reflects your position?

I would prefer a role with a narrower or more clearly defined scope

I am open to this in the short term but would expect to move out of these responsibilities quickly

I am comfortable taking full ownership of this scope and see this as an opportunity to build and scale the business

Having reviewed the current operating reality of this role, how do you assess this situation and how would you take ownership of improving it?

Application Questions

Personal Details

Section 1: Eligibility

1. Do you have the right to work in the UK?

Section 1: Eligibility

Yes

2. What right to work documentation do you obtain?

3. Do you have a valid UK drivers license under 6 points

Do you have a valid UK drivers license under 6 points

Yes

Section 2: Working Style, Availability & Operating Expectations

At the current stage of the business, the company is operating with a lean team, limited delegation and developing revenue. As a result, the role requires a higher level of hands-on involvement, flexibility and ownership than would typically be expected in a fully scaled business.

The business operates across Production and Equipment Rental, and is effectively open 7 days a week, with the ability to service clients outside standard hours when required.

The previous COO lived on-site and was willing to step in operationally when needed, particularly within the rental department during periods of short staffing, urgent issues, or other practical emergencies.

The expectation is that you will build structure, improve staffing and increase revenue over time to reduce this reliance. However, at this stage, you should be comfortable operating in a “firefighter-style” role when required and stepping in to protect the business when situations demand it.

The Head of Technical Operations is based on-site and provides consistent operational coverage, including weekends where needed. However, as COO, you are responsible for ensuring the business runs smoothly at all times and are expected to maintain oversight, responsiveness and control across operations.

While weekend workload is typically minimal, the nature of the business means that issues, client requests, or opportunities can arise at any time.

What This Requires in Practice

• Being reachable and responsive when required

• Maintaining oversight of operations outside standard hours where needed

• Being available for occasional weekend communication, coordination, or intervention when required

• Stepping in operationally when necessary during short staffing or urgent situations

If not living on-site, you are expected to be consistently present in the business, working from the office full-time and actively managing day-to-day operations, team performance and communication.

You are expected to manage your time intelligently around the needs of the business, maintaining high responsiveness and standards, while taking time off appropriately during quieter periods.

1. Based on the current stage of the business and the working style, availability and operating expectations outlined above, which best reflects your position?

Based on the current stage of the business and the working style, availability and operating expectations outlined above, which best reflects your position?

I am not comfortable with this level of flexibility, responsibility, and hands-on involvement

I am open to parts of this, but would prefer clearer boundaries and structure

I am comfortable operating in this way, including stepping in when required, and understand the level of ownership involved

2. During the current stage of the business, there is an option to live on-site at the office in Pimlico, Central London.

Amenities include a private ensuite large bedroom, gym, sauna, free resident parking, and a congestion charge discount (£1 per day on days your vehicle is used).

How does this arrangement align with your preferred working setup and level of presence in the business?

During the current stage of the business, there is an option to live on-site at the office in Pimlico, Central London. How does this arrangement align with your preferred working setup and level of presence in the business?

I would not be interested in living on-site and would prefer a more flexible or remote setup

I would not live on-site but am comfortable being in the office full-time and consistently present in the day-to-day running of the business

I am open to living on-site if it supports the role

This arrangement aligns well with how I would prefer to operate

3. This role will initially involve both operational management and hands-on administrative responsibilities (e.g. invoicing, payments, compliance, supplier management).

Which statement best reflects your approach?

This role will initially involve both operational management and hands-on administrative responsibilities (e.g. invoicing, payments, compliance, supplier management). Which statement best reflects your approach?

Comfortable taking full ownership and building structure to transition out over time

Comfortable short-term but would aim to move out of admin responsibilities

Prefer a management-focused role without admin involvement

Not interested in admin responsibility at any stage

4. Which areas of this role would require the most adjustment for you initially, and why?

Section 3: Operating Style & Personal Effectiveness

1. When responsibility sits with you, how do you approach your workload and time?

Section 3: Operating Style & Personal Effectiveness When responsibility sits with you, how do you approach your workload and time?

I prefer clearly defined hours and boundaries

I maintain structure but adapt when required

I organise my time around what the business requires, ensuring delivery, responsiveness, and performance at all times

2. Which best reflects your approach to communication in business?

Which best reflects your approach to communication in business?

I prefer structured, formal communication and consistent channels

I adapt between informal and formal communication depending on the situation

I actively assess each situation and adjust communication style, channel, and tone to achieve the best outcome

3. Which best describes your natural operating tendency in business?

Which best describes your natural operating tendency in business?

Driving new opportunities, revenue and growth

Maintaining stability, consistency and preventing problems

Creating structure, systems and scalable processes

Section 4: Decision Making and Leadership Behaviour

1. This role involves close collaboration with the founder on key decisions.

Describe how you would handle a situation where you disagree with the founder on a decision that impacts the business.

Please cover:

- How you would approach the discussion

- How you would present your perspective - How you would handle the final decision if alignment is not reached - How you would move forward operationally

2. Describe a real situation where you disagreed with a senior decision-maker or founder. What did you do, and what was the outcome?

3. Which best reflects your approach to systems and innovation (including AI)?

Which best reflects your approach to systems and innovation (including AI)?

Prefer established and proven workflows

Open to new approaches but cautious in testing

Comfortable taking calculated risks where there is clear upside

Actively challenge and improve existing systems and introduce better ways of operating

4. The founder identifies a freelancer or contractor who could improve the business. How do you approach this?

The founder identifies a freelancer or contractor who could improve the business. How do you approach this?

Wait for clear direction before engaging

Review the opportunity and make an assessment before proceeding

Collaborate with the founder to assess, evaluate impact, and agree before taking ownership of execution

5. When working with freelancers or contractors, which of the following are you comfortable taking responsibility for? (Select all that apply)

When working with freelancers or contractors, which of the following are you comfortable taking responsibility for? (Select all that apply)

Assessing capability

Evaluating commercial viability

Defining scope and deliverables

Negotiating rates and terms

Deciding whether to proceed

Managing through to completion

6. Which areas of this role do you feel most energised by?:

(Select up to 3)

6. Which areas of this role do you feel most energised by?:

Building systems and structure

Running day-to-day operations

Managing people and performance

Financial oversight and organisation

Sales and deal-making

Production / Shoot delivery

Driving growth and scaling the business

Section 5: Operational & Commercial Capability

1. Please rate your level of experience across the following areas

0 = No Experience, 10 = Advanced

Please answer honestly—this is used to understand strengths and gaps.

a. Hiring and firing

b. People management and HR

c. Handling conflict and underperformance

d. Building systems and workflows

e. Day-to-day operations

f. Financial oversight and invoicing

g. Team leadership and accountability

h. Working directly with a founder

i. Managing upward and aligning on decisions

j. Scaling a business or department

k. Production / shoot management

l. Client relationship management

m. Sales negotiation and deal closing

2. How many years of experience do you have in operational, management or business oversight roles?

0 – 2

3 – 5

6 – 10

10+

3. Do you have experience negotiating deals with clients, agencies or investors?

No involvement

Supported but not led

Independently handled smaller deals

Led negotiations across multiple projects and budgets

If yes, briefly outline the types of deals, clients and your level of responsibility:

or answer n/a

4. Which best reflects your experience within the film equipment or camera rental industry?

No direct experience

Limited exposure

Practical experience

Strong experience

If applicable, briefly outline your experience:

or answer n/a

Section 6: Production & Industry Experience

1. Which best reflects your experience Producing Shoots?

Section 6: Production & Industry Experience - 1. Which best reflects your experience Producing Shoots?

No experience

Supported or assisted

Independently produced smaller shoots

Led productions end-to-end

If applicable, outline the productions you have worked on, your role and level of responsibility:

or answer n/a

2. Indicate your on-set capabilities

(0 = No Experience, 10 = Advanced):

a. Producer

b. Director of Photography (DOP)

c. Camera Operator

d. 1st AC / Focus Puller

e. Camera Technician / Kit Prep

f. Drone Pilot

g. Data Wrangler / DIT

Outline any relevant on-set experience: (optional)

3. Drone operations are a key part of the business. Which best reflects your position?

Can handle independently

Willing to learn and take responsibility

Not currently capable

4. A significant portion of work involves smaller, fast-moving shoots. Which best reflects your approach?

Prefer larger productions

Comfortable when required

Happy to take ownership and run efficiently

Section 7: Track Record and Career History

1. Please outline your employment history, including roles, responsibilities and level of ownership:

2. What was your most meaningful achievement in your most recent/current role and how did you make it happen?

3. In that role, which parts of the work did you naturally enjoy and which did you find harder to stay engaged with?

4. What led you to leave (or consider leaving) and what would have needed to change for you to stay long term?

Section 8: Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving

1. You identify missed sales, weak accountability and unclear systems. What are the first 3 actions you take in your first 2 weeks?

2. What opportunities, relationships or types of work could you bring into the business through your network and how would you activate them?

3. Describe a time you operated in a highly unstructured or ambiguous environment. What did you do to create clarity and progress?

Section 9: Ambition and Alignment

1. Looking ahead 3 – 5 years, what are your broad ambitions within the film industry or business industry?

2. What would need to be true for you to commit to a role like this long term?

3. What specific opportunities, relationships, or types of work could you realistically bring into the business through your existing network, and how would you activate them?

4. Which environments have you primarily operated in?

Highly structured corporate

Mixed environments

Fast-moving/start-up environments

Briefly outline and how you adapted:

5. This role requires Moonshine Film to be your sole professional focus.

If offered this role, what would you need to stop, reduce or restructure to ensure this is the case? Please be specific.

Are you prepared to make Moonshine Film your sole professional focus?

Yes

Section 10: Logistics

1. When would you be available to start?

Section 10: Logistics - 1. When would you be available to start?

Immediately

2–4 weeks

1–2 months

2+ months

Section 11: Final

1. Anything else you would like to share?

References

Please provide 2 – 3 professional references.

Reference 1:

Reference 2:

Reference 3: (optional)

Video Submission (Required)

Please submit a short video (max 3 minutes) covering:

- About you - Why this role aligns with you - How you naturally operate in a business - How you would bring structure, accountability and stability to a fast-moving company - Anything else you believe is important for us to understand

Size limit: 10 MB