Studio Manager | Values-Led Design Firm | London

Studio Manager | Values-Led Design Firm | London

London Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage studio operations and HR tasks while fostering a creative environment.
  • Company: Values-led design firm in London known for innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Flexible start date, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
  • Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in the design industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in studio or office management with strong HR knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

Harmonic are thrilled to be working with a values-led design firm based in London, celebrated for its creative, sustainable, and forward-thinking approach to design. Working across exciting projects in architecture, construction, and the built environment, they collaborate with leading designers and developers to bring bold ideas to life. The studio prides itself on being innovative yet supportive, offering a workplace where people are encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a real impact. With a strong culture of collaboration, curiosity, and professional development, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a team that values both technical excellence and the people who drive it.

The Role

In this dynamic role, you will collaborate closely with the Head of Studio, a mentor dedicated to fostering professional growth. Working alongside a team of directors, your contributions will be pivotal in driving the studio's success. This pivotal role combines operational management with HR responsibilities, ensuring the studio functions efficiently while supporting the growth and wellbeing of our team. Around 70% of the role focuses on studio operations – maintaining an inspiring and well-managed workspace, coordinating resources, supporting leadership, and keeping systems running seamlessly. The remaining 30% has a strong HR focus, including recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and ensuring policies and procedures are followed.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily studio operations and ensure a smooth and creative working environment
  • Manage office systems, data organization, and process improvements to enhance efficiency
  • Assist with HR tasks including onboarding and maintaining staff records
  • Support performance management processes, including reviews, appraisals, and training programs
  • Act as the first point of contact for clients, suppliers, and visitors, providing a professional and welcoming environment
  • Manage office resources, supplies, and maintenance, liaising with external contractors when required
  • Support senior leadership with scheduling, meeting coordination, and studio communications

What our client needs to see (required):

  • Proven experience in a Studio Manager, Office Manager, or Operations role within a busy environment
  • Strong knowledge of HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations
  • Experience managing HR documentation, contracts, and compliance
  • Excellent organisational and multitasking skills with the ability to prioritise effectively
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across all levels of the business

What we’d like to see (preferred):

  • Previous experience in an engineering, architecture, or design-led studio environment
  • Familiarity with HR software or systems (e.g. BambooHR, Personio, HiBob)

Location: London

Start Date: Flexible

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

Studio Manager | Values-Led Design Firm | London employer: Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp

Harmonic Operations™ is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for the Head of Growth to thrive. With a commitment to employee development and a hybrid work model, team members enjoy flexibility while contributing to meaningful growth initiatives in the vibrant city of London. As a Certified B Corp, the company prioritises sustainability and social responsibility, offering unique advantages for those looking to make a positive impact through their work.

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Contact Details:

Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Studio Manager | Values-Led Design Firm | London

Get Your Portfolio Game On Point

As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!

Slide into Networking Events

Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!

Learn the Software Inside Out

Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.

Refine Your Interview Skills

Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!

We think you need these skills to ace Studio Manager | Values-Led Design Firm | London

Operational Management
HR Processes
Recruitment
Onboarding
Employee Engagement
Organisational Skills
Multitasking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!

Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!

Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp

Master the Technical Questions

In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.

Bring Your Portfolio to Life

Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability

In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp.