Operations Manager

NKBA; Beaufort, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana Bacher Design (DBD) in Beaufort, SC, seeks an Operations Manager to build the systems, structure, and rhythm that enable a creative studio to thrive. You will partner directly with the Principal, shaping how the studio operates and grows while turning chaos into clarity.

The role offers real ownership in a boutique, award-winning design studio with high-end projects and a close-knit team. You will implement scalable processes and lead critical studio-wide initiatives as the business scales.

Qualifications

• Experience leading operations in design studios or luxury service environments.
• Ability to design scalable processes and SOPs for a growing studio.
• Strong communication with designers, vendors, and clients.
• Autonomy and proactive, solutions-oriented mindset in a small team.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and implement operational systems and SOPs across the studio.
• Own and optimize project management and design software platforms.
• Oversee day-to-day project flow: timelines, budgets, orders, installs.
• Support onboarding, scheduling, and HR-adjacent admin; write hiring materials.

Skills

Project management

Operations leadership

Process design

Communication

Tools

Studio Designer

Ivy

Design Manager

QuickBooks

Job description

Open Position - Operations Manager

Beaufort, South Carolina | Full-Time

ABOUT US

Dana Bacher Design (DBD) is an award-winning, boutique full-service residential design studio serving high-end and luxury clients — including the 2025 Southern Living Showcase Home. Our small, close-knit team of seven works on beautiful, high-touch projects from concept through installation, and we're entering an exciting growth phase. We're looking for an exceptional Operations Manager to help shape what DBD becomes next.

THE ROLE

This is a rare opportunity to step into a boutique, award-winning design studio and make it your own. As Operations Manager, you won't just keep the trains running — you'll build the systems, structure, and rhythm that let a talented creative team do its best work. You'll partner directly with the Principal, with real influence over how the studio operates and grows. If you're the kind of person who gets genuine satisfaction from turning chaos into clarity, this role gives you a beautiful, high-profile canvas to do exactly that.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ROLE

• Real ownership, real impact. You'll build the operational backbone of a growing, award-winning studio — not maintain someone else's system, but design your own.
• Direct line to leadership. You'll work side by side with the Principal as a true partner in the business, not buried in a layer of middle management.
• Beautiful work, high standards. Every project you help run is high-end, design-forward, and recognized in the industry — including a recent Southern Living Showcase Home.
• A close-knit, talented team. Seven people who care about the work and each other — small enough that your contributions are seen and valued.
• Room to grow. As the studio scales, this role has real potential to grow in scope and seniority alongside it.
• Coastal lifestyle. Based in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina — a lower cost of living and a slower pace than a big-city studio, without sacrificing the quality of the work.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Systems & Process

• Design, document, and implement operational systems and SOPs across the studio (project management, procurement, client communication, vendor management)
• Continuously identify process gaps and inefficiencies and build solutions to close them
• Own and optimize the studio's project management and design software platforms

Project Coordination & Team Management

• Manage the day-to-day flow of active projects — timelines, budgets, order status, punch lists, installs
• Set and adjust team priorities across projects based on deadlines, workload, and studio capacity
• Serve as the point person keeping designers, trades, and vendors aligned and on schedule
• Flag bottlenecks and resource conflicts before they become problems

Studio Financial Systems

• Identify, evaluate, and recommend accounting tools and software best suited to the studio
• Oversee implementation and integration of accounting systems into the studio's broader workflow
• Manage financial reporting and provide the Principal with regular visibility into studio financial health
• Maintain and improve accounting systems and processes as the studio scales

Team & HR Support

• Support onboarding, scheduling, and general HR-adjacent administration
• Help write and maintain job descriptions and hiring materials as the team grows
• Contribute to a positive, organized studio culture

WHAT YOU BRING

• Prior experience in operations, project management, or studio management within the kitchen and interior design or related creative/luxury services industry
• Experience evaluating and implementing accounting or financial software/systems, and familiarity with financial reporting
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and shifting prioritiesExcellent organizational skills and process/systems-building instincts
• Clear, professional communication style — comfortable working directly with clients, vendors, and trades
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach; comfortable operating with autonomy in a small-team environment
• Experience with design industry project management or accounting platforms a plus (e.g., Studio Designer, Ivy, Design Manager, QuickBooks)

WHAT WE OFFER

• A key leadership role in a growing, award-winning boutique studio with room to shape how the business operates
• Direct partnership with the Principal on business strategy and studio direction
• Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience