At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage office operations, support directors, and ensure a smooth-running creative studio.
- Company: Established design agency with over 35 years of experience in impactful packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Why this job: Take ownership in a dynamic role and make a real impact in a creative setting.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in office management or executive support, strong multitasking and communication skills.
Office Manager / PA to Directors – Creative Design Agency
Location: Purley, Surrey
Salary: circa £45,000 DOE
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Are you an experienced Office Manager, Senior Office Coordinator, or Executive Assistant / PA looking for a highly autonomous role within a creative business environment? We are recruiting for a proactive and highly organised Office Manager / PA to Directors to take ownership of the smooth running of a busy creative design studio based in Purley, Surrey. This is a varied and fast-paced role combining office management, executive assistant support, facilities management, Health & Safety coordination, IT and systems administration, finance support, and operational assistance to the Directors. You will become the central point of contact for the studio, ensuring the business operates efficiently, professionally, and to a consistently high standard. Supported by a part-time Office Assistant, this role offers real autonomy and the opportunity to make a genuine impact across the business.
About the Company
We are a long-established creative packaging and brand design studio with over 35 years’ experience delivering impactful design solutions for leading retail and FMCG brands. Our studio combines creativity, technical excellence, and strategic thinking to deliver packaging that performs in highly competitive retail environments. We offer a collaborative, supportive, and fast-moving creative agency environment where innovation, quality, and attention to detail are highly valued.
Key Responsibilities
- Office Management & Operations: You will oversee the smooth running of the office and studio operations, acting as the central point of coordination for all internal services. This includes reception, visitor experience, meeting room management, office supplies, stock control, catering, cleaning, waste management, and internal events. You will also support the continuous improvement of office systems and processes.
- Facilities Management: You will manage office maintenance, repairs, and supplier relationships, liaising with contractors, cleaners, service providers, and landlords. You will ensure office facilities such as security systems, CCTV, and air conditioning are maintained and compliant, while also supporting lease administration and landlord communications.
- Health & Safety: You will act as Fire Marshal and First Aider for the business, maintaining Health & Safety documentation and policies. You will conduct risk assessments and workstation assessments, deliver inductions for new starters and freelancers, and ensure ongoing compliance with statutory requirements.
- IT & Systems Coordination: You will coordinate onboarding and offboarding of IT equipment and user access, manage laptops, phones, software licences, and office systems, and log IT issues through to resolution. You will also maintain asset registers and user lists.
- Finance & Administration: You will raise purchase orders, process supplier invoices, support monthly credit card reconciliation, assist with stock control and cost tracking, and provide general administrative support to the business.
- PA / Executive Support: You will provide diary management, travel and accommodation arrangements for Directors, along with administrative, research, and reporting support. You will also assist with ad-hoc business tasks and property-related administration where required.
About You
To be successful in this Office Manager / PA role, you will have experience within a busy commercial or creative environment and enjoy taking full ownership of office operations. You will have a minimum of 4 years’ experience in Office Management, Executive Assistant, or senior office support roles, ideally supporting a business of 50+ employees. You will be highly organised with strong multitasking abilities, excellent communication skills, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset. You will be confident managing suppliers, office operations, and systems independently, with strong IT skills including Microsoft Office. You will also have experience improving processes and working efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Creative agency or design studio experience would be highly desirable, along with exposure to Health & Safety, ISO standards, or IT coordination.
Why Join Us?
This is a highly varied and autonomous Office Manager / PA position offering genuine responsibility and visibility within the business. You will work closely with senior leadership in a collaborative and supportive creative studio environment, with the opportunity to make a real impact across operations and business support functions.
Office Manager - Design agency in Purley employer: Dovetail Recruitment Ltd
Join our dynamic creative design agency in Purley, Surrey, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment that values innovation and attention to detail. As an Office Manager / PA to Directors, you will enjoy a highly autonomous role with opportunities for personal growth and the chance to make a significant impact on our operations. With a focus on employee well-being and professional development, we offer a rewarding workplace that encourages creativity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager - Design agency in Purley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the creative industry and let them know you're on the hunt for an Office Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at networking events or interviews, be yourself. Let your passion for office management and creativity shine through – it’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! In a fast-paced environment like a design agency, you might face some curveballs during interviews. Think about how you’d handle various scenarios related to office management and be ready to share your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our creative team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are key traits we value.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager - Design agency in Purley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Office Manager role. Highlight your organisational skills, multitasking abilities, and any relevant experience in a creative environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to showcase your personality and passion for the role. Explain why you’re excited about working in a creative design agency and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love proactive problem solvers who can keep things running smoothly in a busy environment!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dovetail Recruitment Ltd
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the design agency thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and what sets them apart in the creative industry. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to align with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Office Manager, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Think about specific situations where you improved processes or handled a busy office environment, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle office dynamics. Practice responses to questions like how you would manage a last-minute change in a meeting schedule or deal with a supplier issue. This will show your proactive mindset and readiness for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the team culture, the challenges the agency is currently facing, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
