Operations Manager

Bespoke Careers; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading interior design studio in London seeks an Operations Manager to oversee studio operations and team management. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in professional consulting and a passion for the luxury design market, with excellent organizational and leadership skills. Responsibilities include managing financials, improving operational efficiency, and collaborating with design leads to enhance project delivery. This role offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Performance-driven annual bonuses

Pension contribution

Office closure during Christmas to New Year

Additional annual leave accrual

Eye test vouchers

Flexible working options on Fridays

Qualifications

• 10 years’ experience in a professional consulting studio or equivalent.
• Experience managing mid to large teams in the design or creative industry.
• Ability to motivate and empower a design team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and schedule work plan strategies for the design team.
• Define operational strategies and track KPIs.
• Manage HR processes including recruitment and performance evaluations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Xero

EstiPC

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Clockify

Job description

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About this role

This interior design studio, which works across commercial, hospitality, and residential projects, is looking for an Operations Manager to join their team.

The role will be responsible for leading and scheduling work plan strategies for their interior design team. It requires a highly motivated and organized individual with experience in managing all aspects of an interior design studio. The Operations Manager will manage multiple administrative tasks and interior design projects simultaneously.

Working closely with the design leads, the Operations Manager will define operational strategies and track key performance indicators.

Key Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with the design leads to set the vision for design operations.
2. Ensure efficient day-to-day operations of the studio.
3. Analyze processes, procedures, and working practices to identify and implement efficiency improvements.
4. Define and track KPIs to ensure operational efficiency of the design team.
5. Oversee finances, including budgeting, invoicing, and financial reporting.
6. Collaborate with accountants and financial advisors to maintain financial health.
7. Allocate team resources against project timelines.
8. Manage HR processes including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and performance evaluations.
9. Monitor and manage project finances and coordination.
10. Administer contracts with clients, suppliers, and contractors, ensuring compliance and managing negotiations and modifications.
11. Serve as a point of contact for clients on administrative matters.
12. Collaborate with Directors and assist with marketing and business development initiatives.

Skills and Experience

1. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a professional consulting studio or a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Management. Architects, Architectural Technologists, or Project Managers are also strong candidates.
2. Previous experience managing mid to large teams, preferably in the design or creative industry.
3. Organized, inspiring, and capable of motivating and empowering a design team.
4. Proven experience in developing and building an efficient studio operating model.
5. A passion for the design industry and an understanding of the high-end luxury market.
6. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
7. Able to handle shifting priorities and timescales.
8. Strong financial and commercial acumen.
9. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
10. Proficiency in other office software (Adobe, Xero, etc.) and familiarity with design software (EstiPC, AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.) is a plus, as well as Clockify (timesheet software).

Benefits

• Performance-driven annual bonuses at the Founder’s discretion.
• Pension contribution upon successful completion of probation.
• Office closure during the Christmas to New Year period.
• Additional annual leave accrual based on tenure.
• Eye test vouchers for employee well-being.
• Flexible hybrid working options on Fridays.