Photo & Retouching Equipment Manager

Overview

We are looking for a Photo & Retouching Equipment Manager for our client based in Corte Madera, CA. This is a 100% onsite starting with a one-month engagement, but looking for a long-term fit. This candidate will be responsible for the oversight, maintenance, procurement, deployment, and optimization of all photography, imaging, retouching, color management, and digital production equipment used across studio, on-location, and post- production environments. This role ensures artists, photographers, and production teams have reliable access to industry-leading tools, technology, and workflows that support efficient, high- quality image creation. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise in photography and digital imaging systems with strong operational, budgeting, inventory management, and vendor relationship skills.

 Responsibilities
Equipment Management & Operations

• Manage all photography, retouching, and imaging equipment across studio and production environments.
• Maintain detailed inventory records of cameras, lenses, lighting, computers, monitors, calibration devices, storage systems, and accessories.
•  Develop and manage equipment checkout, tracking, and return procedures.
• Coordinate routine maintenance, repairs, firmware updates, and equipment replacement cycles.
•  Ensure equipment readiness for studio productions, location shoots, and special projects.

Digital Imaging & Retouching Infrastructure

• Manage high-performance retouching workstations and artist hardware.
• Oversee monitor calibration programs and color management standards.
• Support imaging software deployment, licensing, and upgrades.
• Partner with IT teams to maintain storage solutions, backup systems, and network performance for imaging workflows.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-assisted imaging, automation tools, and new hardware platforms.

Procurement & Budget Management

•  Research and recommend new equipment purchases.
• Manage annual capital expenditure and operating budgets related to imaging technology.
• Negotiate pricing, warranties, service agreements, and vendor contracts.
•  Conduct cost-benefit analyses for equipment upgrades and replacement strategies.
• Forecast future equipment and technology requirements based on production demand.

Studio & Production Support

• Serve as the primary technical resource for photographers, retouchers, producers, and creative teams.
• Troubleshoot equipment, software, and workflow issues.
•  Support studio setup requirements, including camera systems, lighting, capture stations, and tethered workflows.
• Ensure consistency of image quality standards across all capture and post-production environments.

Vendor & Asset Management

• Maintain relationships with equipment manufacturers, rental houses, service providers, and technology partners.
• Coordinate equipment rentals when production needs exceed internal inventory.
• Manage warranties, service records, and equipment lifecycle documentation.
•  Establish and maintain asset security and loss-prevention procedures.

Training & Documentation

•  Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for equipment use and maintenance.
• Train photographers, retouchers, and studio teams on equipment best practices.
• Create technical documentation and workflow guides.
• Promote safe handling and operation of all equipment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing photography, digital imaging, or creative production equipment.
• Strong knowledge of professional photography systems (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Phase One, Hasselblad, etc.).
• Experience supporting high-end retouching environments.
•  Expertise in color management, monitor calibration, and digital asset workflows.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop and Lightroom.
•  Experience managing technology inventories and asset-tracking systems.
• Strong budgeting, vendor management, and procurement experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in e-commerce, retail, catalog, luxury, or advertising production environments.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted imaging and content production workflows.
• Knowledge of 3D capture technologies, photogrammetry, and scanning equipment.
• Experience with DAM (Digital Asset Management) systems.
•  Understanding of enterprise storage and high-volume imaging pipelines.

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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