mastermind

builder, maker, producer

captain, commander, director, handler, leader, manager, quarterback

contriver, designer, formulator, originator, spawner

arranger, hatcher, organizer, planner, plotter, schemer

finagler, machinator, maneuverer

developer, generator, inaugurator, initiator, inspirer, instituter (or institutor), pioneer

arrange, concert, conclude, hammer out, work out

angle (for), compass, intrigue, plot, scheme

connive

brew, concoct, cook (up), hatch

captain, command, conduct, direct, handle, manage, quarterback, run

gerrymander