Practice Manager

THE CROWD; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A design-focused architectural studio seeks a Practice Manager to oversee operations and HR. This role involves managing studio day-to-day functions, coordinating recruitment, and liaising with finance teams. Ideal candidates possess strong organizational and people management skills, with a proactive attitude. The studio values collaboration and a supportive environment, making it an exciting opportunity for an operations professional eager to make an impact.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in practice or studio management within architecture or design.
• Strong organizational and people management skills.
• Experience with HR processes; CIPD advantageous but not essential.
• Comfortable liaising with external finance providers.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day studio operations.
• Manage HR processes including onboarding and performance cycles.
• Support leadership with recruitment and wellbeing initiatives.
• Liaise with finance teams on bookkeeping and financial reporting.
• Coordinate facilities, suppliers, and IT support.

Skills

Organisational skills

People management

Communication

Problem-solving

Proactive attitude

Job description

About The Role:

We are working with a mid-sized, highly desirable, design-focused architectural studio that specialise in a variety of ground-breaking cultural projects internationally. They are now seeking a Practice Manager to play a pivotal role in the operational, HR, and organisational running of the practice.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will take ownership of the day-to-day management of the studio, ensuring that people, processes, and operational systems run smoothly. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys autonomy, thrives in a fast-paced creative environment, and is motivated by building a well-supported, well-organised, and high-performing studio.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, confident, and hungry for a challenge – someone who can bring structure, clarity, and energy to the role while maintaining a warm, people-first approach. The practice has a collaborative, inclusive culture, making this an exciting environment for a motivated operations professional looking to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day studio operations, ensuring the practice runs smoothly and remains a welcoming, well-supported environment
• Manage HR processes including onboarding, offboarding, contracts, performance cycles, and maintaining accurate staff records
• Support leadership with recruitment coordination, wellbeing initiatives, and broader culture-building activities
• Liaise with external finance teams on bookkeeping, payroll, invoicing, and financial reporting while monitoring budgets and operational spend internally
• Coordinate facilities, suppliers, insurance, contracts, and IT support, ensuring all systems and processes are up to date and effective
• Lead on compliance, health & safety, risk assessments, and operational policy updates
• Plan and deliver internal events, meetings, and studio socials, fostering a positive, collaborative culture
• Work closely with directors on strategic and operational initiatives, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and practice-wide workflow

Key Skills / Requirements:

• Previous experience in a practice / studio management, or an operations role within architecture, design, or the wider creative industries
• Strong organisational, operational, and people management skills
• Confident across HR processes; CIPD advantageous but not essential
• Comfortable liaising with external finance providers; experience managing budgets or financial admin
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills
• A proactive, hands‑on attitude with the ability to work independently
• Collaborative, approachable, and calm under pressure

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