At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee daily operations of two design studios and support project teams.
- Company: Reputable architectural practice with a focus on design and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: 12-month maternity cover with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a respected firm and make a real impact in a creative setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in studio or operations management within architecture or design.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
An established, design-led architectural practice is looking to appoint an experienced
Regional Studio Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of its Bristol and Oxford studios on a 12-month maternity cover contract.
This is a pivotal role supporting the Regional Partner, studio leadership and project teams, ensuring both studios operate efficiently while maintaining high standards across operations, resourcing, administration and commercial performance.
The successful candidate can be based in either Bristol or Oxford but will be expected to travel to the other studio approximately once every two weeks, or more frequently if required.
The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operations or studio management professional with a background in architecture, design or the built environment.
You'll play a key role in keeping two busy studios running effectively, supporting leadership with commercial reporting, resource planning and operational improvements, whilst managing local administrative teams.
The position requires someone who is highly organised, commercially aware and confident managing people and multiple priorities within a creative professional services environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Studio Operations
- Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of both studios.
- Coordinate operational processes, communications and priorities across the region.
- Act as a key point of contact between studio leadership, project teams and central business support functions.
- Drive consistency in operational processes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Business & Project Support
- Coordinate monthly project reviews and operational reporting.
- Monitor project administration, resource planning, fee performance and pipeline information.
- Assist leadership in identifying commercial, operational and resourcing risks, ensuring appropriate actions are implemented and followed through.
- People Management
- Provide line management and day-to-day support to the studio administration teams.
- Set priorities, support performance and encourage professional development.
- Coordinate onboarding, inductions and training for new employees.
- Help foster a collaborative and positive studio culture.
- Facilities, Compliance & Administration
- Oversee studio administration, facilities coordination and operational budgets.
- Support procurement, travel arrangements and general office management.
- Ensure project documentation and filing procedures are maintained to a high standard.
- Assist with health & safety, compliance and quality management processes.
About You
You'll be a proactive, organised and commercially minded individual who enjoys improving processes and supporting teams within a fast-paced architectural environment.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience in a Studio Manager, Operations Manager or Regional Studio Manager role within an architectural, design or related professional services practice.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to interpret financial and operational data.
- Experience managing and developing administrative or operational teams.
- Excellent organisational and project coordination skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software (such as CMap or similar).
Desirable
- Knowledge of health & safety and quality management procedures.
- Experience with Common Data Environment (CDE) systems.
- Familiarity with ISO processes and facilities management.
- What's on Offer
- 12-month maternity cover contract.
- Hybrid working arrangement.
- Opportunity to join a respected architectural practice with an excellent reputation.
- Varied operational role with significant responsibility across two studios.
- Collaborative and supportive working environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Studio Manager (maternity cover) employer: 9B Careers
At 9B Careers, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Located in the vibrant area of Greater London, our studio offers unique opportunities for professional growth and development, especially during our exciting rebranding phase. With competitive salaries and flexible remote working options, we are committed to supporting our employees in achieving their career aspirations while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Studio Manager (maternity cover)
✨Get your portfolio ready!
When applying for that temporary architecture gig, make sure your portfolio is top-notch. Showcase your best projects, even if they were just uni assignments or side hustles. Include visuals and a brief description to show your design process and creativity.
✨Tap into local architecture events
Check out local architecture exhibitions, talks, and meetups. These events are brilliant for networking and you never know who might be looking for temporary help or just has a contact that could lead you to the right opportunity. Plus, it's a great way to stay updated on trends in the field!
✨Leverage temporary recruitment agencies
Consider registering with recruitment agencies that specialise in architecture roles. They often have access to temporary positions that aren’t advertised elsewhere. It's an easy way to find that next role without much fuss, plus they can help you polish your approach!
✨Show up where the architects are
Join online architecture forums or social media groups where professionals share opportunities. Engaging with these communities not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to job leads and collaborations. Don't underestimate the power of a simple message introducing yourself!
We think you need these skills to ace Studio Manager (maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Aesthetics:In the architecture game, your portfolio is your best friend. Make sure it showcases a range of your projects, highlighting both your design skills and technical ability. Don't just list what you've done – tell a story behind your designs, and show us how you think spatially!
Emphasise Collaborative Projects:Since this is a temporary role, showing you can work well with others is key. Highlight any collaborative projects in your CV or cover letter. Let us see how you’ve contributed in team settings – we want to know that you can hit the ground running alongside our crew at 9B Careers.
Tailor Your Application for the Short Term:For temporary gigs, focus on your flexibility and how quickly you adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your eagerness to learn and contribute immediately. We want to see that you’re ready to bring your skills to 9B Careers without needing a long onboarding process!
Stay Up-to-Date with Trends:Architecture is constantly evolving, so make sure your application reflects your awareness of current design trends, software tools, and sustainable practices. Mention any relevant certifications or courses you've taken recently – it shows that you're serious about staying on top of your game for that temporary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at 9B Careers
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
When interviewing for a temporary role in architecture, it’s crucial that we bring along a strong portfolio that highlights our best projects. Make sure to include a variety of work that showcases your design skills, technical drawings, and even any 3D models or visualisations. This will help the interviewers at 9B Careers see your creative process and your ability to tackle different challenges in architectural design.
✨Brush Up on Software Skills
Be prepared to answer questions about architectural software like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp, since many firms, including 9B Careers, heavily rely on these tools. If possible, brush up on your skills with quick tutorials beforehand, and be ready to discuss how you used these tools in past projects. This shows that you’re not just a pretty face but also technically savvy!
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to jump into projects mid-flow, so highlight experiences where you've quickly adapted to new teams or changing project scopes. Talk about your problem-solving strategies and how you handle unexpected challenges — this will show 9B Careers that you can seamlessly integrate into their ongoing work without missing a beat.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your critical thinking and design choices in real-time. Practice answers where you explain how you would approach specific architectural challenges or collaborate with different stakeholders. This will not only demonstrate our thought process but also show how we can contribute meaningfully to the team at 9B Careers from day one.
