Operations & Project Manager

Weylandts; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A design studio seeks a highly organised Operations & Project Manager to ensure the smooth running of projects. This role involves managing timelines, coordinating with suppliers, and supporting designers. Candidates should possess a diploma in project management and 3-5 years of experience in a related field. The ideal applicant will be proactive, detail-oriented, and skilled in project management tools like Monday.com or Asana. This is an opportunity to work in a creative, fast-paced environment in South Africa.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in operations, project management, or traffic management (ideally in design, architecture, or a creative studio).
• Experience coordinating suppliers, contractors, and installation teams.
• Confident managing timelines, hours, resources, and high volumes of detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain clear project timelines, milestones, and studio-wide schedules.
• Coordinate designer workflow and allocate tasks based on capacity, availability, and skillset.
• Oversee the full operational lifecycle of each project from concept through installation.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Time management

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Diploma in operations, project management or a related field

Tools

Monday.com

Asana

Trello

Job description

StudioLandt designs spaces where the soul of a place is brought to life. Our work goes beyond aesthetics - we craft interiors that feel authentic, connected, and deeply considered. We approach each project with intention, sensitivity to context, and meticulous attention to detail. We combine concept, materiality, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design thinking to create interiors that feel personal, timeless, and emotionally resonant. Each team member contributes to this vision by helping shape environments that allow people to feel grounded in their space, connected to others, and inspired by the world around them.

Role overview

We are looking for a highly organised, detail-driven Operations & Project Manager to support the smooth running of our design studio. This role forms the operational backbone of the studio ensuring projects move forward with clarity, timelines are met, and designers are supported with structure so they can focus on creative work. Beyond internal workflow, the role includes coordination with suppliers, contractors, and installation teams to ensure site work runs seamlessly. A key focus of the role is managing studio traffic: keeping track of project schedules, team capacity, time tracking, deadlines, and incoming client enquiries. You will collaborate closely with the Design Director & Studio Manager, Creative Director, and broader team to ensure every design is delivered with excellence, clarity, and creativity. This is an opportunity to contribute creatively and technically to a highly collaborative, fast-paced team.

Key responsibilities

Studio Operations & Traffic Management

• Manage and maintain clear project timelines, milestones, and studio-wide schedules.
• Coordinate designer workflow and allocate tasks based on capacity, availability, and skillset.
• Lead weekly WIP/traffic meetings to ensure clarity on next steps and deliverables.
• Maintain accuracy across project management tools and studio systems.
• Track team hours across all projects and follow up on late or incomplete time entries.
• Provide weekly reports on project progress, capacity, and time tracking to the Studio Manager.
• Monitor workload distribution and flag bottlenecks or risks early.

Client Enquiry & Frontline Filtering

• Receive and acknowledge all new client enquiries.
• Gather initial information, assess scope/budget/timeline fit, and determine the validity of the enquiry.
• Prepare a concise summary and recommendation for the Studio Manager.
• Track enquiries to ensure timely follow-ups and quick response cycles.

Project Management & Site Coordination

• Oversee the full operational lifecycle of each project from concept through installation.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, procurement, logistics, and third-party stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain installation schedules, site documentation, and checklists.
• Track all required items for installation—ensuring they are ordered, delivered, quality-checked, and ready.
• Support the team to ensure installations run smoothly, on time, and to standards.
• Troubleshoot on-the-day challenges, escalating where necessary to leadership.

Systems, Quality & Process

• Strengthen studio SOPs, workflows, approval processes, and internal communication flows.
• Maintain documentation, checklists, QC points, and templates that support operational consistency.
• Create calm, structured communication channels between design, procurement, logistics, and leadership.

What you bring

• A diploma in operations, project management or a related filed
• 3–5 years’ experience in operations, project management, or traffic management (ideally in design, architecture, or a creative studio).
• Proficiency with project management tools (Monday.com, Asana, Trello, etc.).
• Experience coordinating suppliers, contractors, and installation teams.
• Confident managing timelines, hours, resources, and high volumes of detail.

Competencies and behaviours for success

• Highly organised, self-motivated, and proactive.
• Strong communication and time management skills.
• Able to work independently while contributing meaningfully to a team.
• Calm and focused under pressure, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Energetic, solution-oriented, and passionate about design that is both functional and emotionally resonant.
• A hands‑on, can‑do attitude with a desire to create outstanding work, every time.
• Comfortable having direct, constructive, and honest conversations when needed.