Operations Manager – Architecture PracticeWe are supporting a multi-disciplinary design and brand consultancy specialising in retail and hospitality projects. They are seeking a commercially focused Operations Manager to oversee daily studio operations, support leadership, and drive efficiency across the business.
This role is critical in ensuring smooth workflows, strong team performance, and the successful delivery of projects while supporting long-term business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate day-to-day studio operations to maintain an efficient, professional, and well-organised working environment aligned with business objectives.
- Manage and support a team of 15+ staff, ensuring accountability for performance, project delivery, and adherence to financial and operational standards.
- Oversee project timelines, resource allocation, and staffing to ensure optimal productivity, profitability, and timely delivery.
- Monitor team workloads and studio capacity, balancing resources across projects.
- Develop, implement, and refine operational systems, processes, and workflows to improve efficiency and support scalable growth.
- Manage core operational platforms including project management, resource planning, accounting, and billing systems.
- Oversee invoicing, financial tracking, and reporting; provide insights and recommendations to support decision-making.
- Prepare and present data for leadership meetings, contributing to strategic discussions and eventually leading these sessions.
- Track project budgets, hours, and pipeline performance; forecast future workload and identify growth opportunities.
- Collaborate closely with leadership, finance, and design directors to maintain a holistic view of the business.
- Act as a key execution partner to senior leadership, ensuring initiatives are implemented effectively from concept through to completion.
- Ensure all studio processes align with company policies, standards, and culture.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure timely follow-up on tasks and priorities.
- Identify challenges proactively and implement practical, forward-thinking solutions.
- Support leadership by managing operational demands, enabling creative teams to focus on design and business development.
- Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when working with senior stakeholders.
- Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in operations, studio management, or leadership within a design, architecture, or professional services environment.
- Strong organisational and multitasking abilities with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong financial and numerical capability, including project budgeting, cost tracking, and invoicing.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to oversee both high-level operations and day-to-day execution.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Experience with project management, resource planning, and accounting systems.
- Ability to interpret financial and operational data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
- Proactive and adaptable problem-solver with sound judgment.
- Comfortable working closely with senior leadership in a fast-paced environment.
- Interest in design or creative industries (preferred).
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and social media platforms (desirable).
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.#72729: Operations Manager
- Emily Lodola
