Operations Manager (Maternity Cover)

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Operations Manager to provide operational continuity at an ambitious and fast-paced architectural lighting design practice during maternity leave. Working across various studios: Nulty London, Nulty Bespoke, Studio N London, and Nulty Lisbon, you will ensure that day-to-day operations, finance administration, and governance run smoothly. This is a hands-on, varied role suited to someone comfortable working across multiple business functions in a creative studio environment. There may also be an ad-hoc strategic project during the contract period, supporting and coordinating a potential office move in late 2026 / early 2027, so experience managing office relocations and logistics is highly desirable.

Contract: 12-month fixed-term maternity cover, with flexibility depending on the employee’s return date.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Operations & Compliance: Maintain operational systems, policies, and documentation across UK and European entities. Oversee organisational IT software and infrastructure, acting as primary liaison with external IT providers. Coordinate legal, insurance, ISO, and compliance requirements. Manage office facilities, suppliers, contractors, and landlord relationships. Line-manage the Office Manager and also cover the role in their absence such as sick / holiday leave. Prepare agendas, facilitate and minute monthly management and quarterly board meetings. Support planning and coordination of a potential office move in early 2027, including logistics, contractors, and fit-out coordination.
• Finance Coordination: Monitor cash flow, debtors, creditors, bank accounts, and credit cards. Oversee bookkeeping and accountant services. Coordinate VAT, Corporation Tax, R&D claims, and loan administration. Prepare monthly financial reports, P&L summaries, and KPIs for Directors. Track charge-out rates across global offices. Manage intercompany invoicing and reporting.
• HR & People Operations: Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes. Manage payroll and benefits administration. Handle visa administration with external advisors. Support the Head of People, Culture & Engagement.
• Business Development, PR & Marketing Support: Assist with pre-qualification and tender documentation. Support PR and marketing activity tracking and reporting.
• Project Management: Manage project invoicing, coordinating with team leads and the project manager. Support project profitability, team timesheet reporting. Assist with project management system (Rapport3).

Person Specification

• Proven experience in an Operations Manager or similar role within a creative, professional services, or SME environment.
• Strong knowledge of business operations, finance administration, HR coordination, governance, and facilities management.
• Experience managing IT systems through external IT providers.
• Basic knowledge working with accounting system Xero.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and spoken English with good numeracy and IT skills.
• Ability to remain calm and solutions-focused under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an empathetic, collaborative approach.
• Experience coordinating or managing an office move.

Hours: 9am – 5:30pm Monday–Thursday, half-day Friday (9am–1pm)

Hybrid: Office-based Tues–Thurs in Waterloo, with WFH Mon/Fri (subject to business needs)

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Benefits include: Subsidised gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, 23 days holiday + public holidays + birthday leave