Careers
1StepAhead hires remote creatives and operators across editing, design, web, content, and systems support. The work is real, the standards are clear, and reliability matters as much as talent.
This is for dependable creatives and operators who want real briefs, clear standards, paid tests, and a team that takes delivery seriously.
Remote, contract-based roles
Direct feedback, small team
Real briefs and real deadlines
White-label quality standards
Reply clearly and on time
Hit deadlines without chasing
Take feedback without drama
Produce work that can go client-facing
What This Team Does
We're a white-label and direct-support creative marketing team. Brands, creators, coaches, and agency partners bring us in to handle the production work that gets stuck between strategy and delivery: video edits, design assets, websites, funnels, social content, and backend execution.
The standard is simple: the work has to be good enough to go client-facing, stay organized, and hold up under real deadlines. That means clearer communication, cleaner handoffs, and output that does not create more cleanup later.
Real estate brand
Long-form YouTube + property walkthrough edits
DTC supplements brand
Paid social ad creative, motion ads, landing pages
B2B SaaS founder
LinkedIn short-form, founder-led content engine
Media production agency
Whitelabel post-production overflow
Online coaching business
Course visuals, sales page design, weekly social cuts
E-commerce DTC brand
Product motion ads, conversion-focused website builds
Who We Hire
We hire remote, contract-based specialists who can work independently, handle feedback professionally, and deliver without constant chasing. Most openings are best suited to mid-level and above. If you're earlier in your career, the Talent Pool is the better path.
What The Work Looks Like
We're going to be honest so you don't waste a Saturday on an application that isn't for you.
Most client work moves on actual timelines. Some tasks are straightforward. Some are fast-turnaround. Either way, deadlines are commitments, not suggestions.
Clients change direction, refine ideas, and ask for adjustments. Strong creatives expect revision rounds and know how to improve the work without getting defensive.
You'll get context, direction, and expectations. We are not hiring people who need constant hand-holding after every brief.
A strong portfolio does not offset poor communication. Reliable replies, clear updates, and visible ownership matter a lot here.
How We Work
Remote-first, async-friendly
We're spread across time zones. Most work happens async, with a few sync points when needed. The expectation is simple: be reachable within agreed working windows and keep things moving.
Paid in USD, paid on time
Rates are role-based and agreed up front. Payments are handled in USD on a consistent cycle. We take contractor payment reliability seriously.
Direct feedback, no committees
You'll work with Jez and a small team. Feedback is direct, fast, and tied to the actual job. We avoid bloated review chains that waste everyone's time.
Real growth path
Strong performers can move from project-based work into recurring support and higher-trust roles. We prefer to deepen relationships with reliable people before adding new ones.
Hiring Process
So you know exactly what to expect.
Fill out the application form. It takes around 8 to 10 minutes and includes your portfolio plus a few fit questions.
We review applications personally. If it's not a fit, we close the loop instead of leaving you guessing.
Shortlisted candidates get a short paid test that reflects the kind of work we actually hand off. If we ask for the test, we pay for it.
Short call with Jez. Direct conversation, no trick questions, no bloated panel process.
Paid trial work under real conditions. Clear expectations, real feedback, and a proper chance to see if the fit works both ways.
If it works, we keep building. If it doesn't, you still keep the pay for the paid steps you completed.
Self-Selection
We're trying to save both of us time.
Mockups and practice work can help, but they are not enough on their own for most roles. We need proof that you can shape work under realistic constraints.
This is one of the fastest ways to lose trust here. If you cannot manage commitments well, this is not the right team.
We don't expect 24/7 availability. We do expect clear communication within agreed working hours.
This team is contract-based. If you are only looking for a full-time employee setup with benefits, the fit is probably wrong.
Open Roles
Apply to a specific role if the fit is obvious. Use the talent pool if your work is strong but the slot is not listed yet.
Short-Form / Social Ads
Long-Form / Podcast / Vlog
Brand, social, ad creative
Marketing sites, landing pages, conversion
Multi-platform strategy, content, and growth
GHL build-outs, funnels, and lead automation
Talent Pool
We keep a talent pool for strong applicants who are not tied to a live opening yet. When the right role or workload appears, this is where we look first.
FAQ
Mostly SEA and APAC, with clients and collaborators across North America, Europe, and Australia. Time zone flexibility helps.
Rarely into direct client-facing roles. Strong junior applicants are better suited to the Talent Pool, where fit can be assessed against lower-risk opportunities first.
Role-dependent, paid in USD, and discussed directly once we see portfolio quality, scope fit, and your rate expectation.
We care more about output quality and workflow reliability than software tribalism, but you do need to be able to work with the file types and toolchain the role requires.
Around 8 to 10 minutes. If you're rushing through it, wait and do it properly. Half-complete applications are not useful signals.
Final Step
Pick the role that fits, or apply to the talent pool. The form takes around 8 to 10 minutes and every application is reviewed by a real person.
Paid tests only.
Shortlisted candidates are not asked to complete unpaid spec work.
Direct communication.
Feedback is handled quickly and expectations are surfaced early.
Best fit wins.
We care about reliability, judgment, and output quality more than polished talk.