Aardman – Client Case Study

Hiring a VOD Content and Channel Manager to grow audience engagement and revenue (to cover a 12-month maternity leave).

Disciplines: Marketing

Client Overview: Aardman is a globally renowned, independent British animation studio based in Bristol, best known for its multi-award winning creations such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run and Morph. With multiple Academy Awards® and BAFTA®s to its name, Aardman is celebrated for its storytelling, craftsmanship, and signature animation style.

The Challenge

Aardman required a VOD Content and Channel Manager to cover a 12-month maternity leave. This was a niche and strategically important role, responsible for managing and growing Aardman’s large-scale YouTube presence. The ideal candidate needed a mix of creative flair, platform expertise, and commercial acumen to grow viewership, engage new audiences, and drive revenue.

Key challenges included:

• Specialist skill sets – sourcing talent with deep knowledge of VOD platforms and audience growth strategies.
• Creative and commercial balance – finding someone who could combine content creativity with data-driven decision-making.
• Speed – securing the right candidate quickly to ensure continuity and growth during the maternity cover period.

Our Approach / Solution

ADLIB had an existing relationship with Aardman and was engaged as a Recruitment Partner alongside another agency. Understanding the unique requirements of the role, we:

• Conducted targeted headhunting to identify candidates with specialist YouTube and VOD channel experience.
• Focused on individuals with a track record in content strategy, channel growth, and digital revenue generation.
• Maintained close collaboration with the hiring team to ensure alignment on the brief and timelines.

The Outcome

• Delivered a shortlist of four highly qualified candidates, each closely aligned with the brief.
• Aardman progressed through a two-stage interview process and swiftly extended an offer to their preferred candidate.
• Secured the talent required to continue Aardman’s digital growth trajectory during the maternity cover period.
• The entire recruitment process was completed in approximately five weeks.

Role Filled

VOD Content and Channel Manager

ADLIB Teams involved:

• ADLIB Marketing Recruitment team