Operations and Studio Manager

Job title

Operations and Studio Manager

Location

Bristol based

Reporting to

Events Director

This is a brand-new role and an exciting opportunity to join Studio Giggle at a key moment of our growth.

You’ll help deliver the structure, systems and support that allow our creative teams to do their best work – while helping the business to run smoothly, confidently and commercially.

Reporting to the Event Director, you’ll work closely with colleagues across the studio, from project managers and producers to technical artists and the senior leadership team.

You’ll be the go-to person for operations, facilities, compliance, reporting and continuous improvement.

This is a varied, hands‑on role for someone who enjoys bringing order to complexity, improving how things work, supporting people and making practical change happen in a busy creative environment.

About us

Established in 2006, Studio Giggle creates award-winning content for extraordinary events, immersive experiences and ambitious creative projects.

Based at The Paintworks in Bristol, our team works with global brands and organisations including Manchester United, Well Pharmacy, Ocean X, Sky TV and many more.

Our work brings together animation, film, motion graphics, mixed media, real‑time content, XR environments and live event delivery.

One week we might be creating a complex artistic installation; the next, a brand film, streaming experience, explainer animation or immersive environment.

You’ll be joining a dedicated, respectful and brilliant team who support each other and care deeply about the quality of their work.

We like solving problems, pushing ideas further and finding original ways to respond to creative challenges.

About you

• We’re looking for someone who
• Combines operational discipline with warmth, initiative and a practical, can‑do approach.
• May already be working in a similar operations role and looking for the next step in your career.
• Brings energy, enthusiasm and confidence to a fast‑paced environment.
• Communicates clearly and comfortably with colleagues, suppliers, clients and senior stakeholders.
• Can lead conversations, influence others and challenge constructively when needed.
• Manages multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Works well independently and as part of a team, knowing when to consult, involve others or take the lead.
• Enjoys solving problems logically and creatively.
• Thrives in complexity and is curious about how systems, processes and ways of working can be improved.
• Understands the balance of introducing change while supporting busy delivery teams focused on client work.

Key responsibilities

• Operations and processes; review existing procedures, identify gaps and develop clear policies and processes that support delivery, protect the studio and meet contractual requirements.
• Policy management; implement and manage a policy review schedule, ensuring policies and procedures are reviewed, updated and communicated at the right time.
• Compliance and data; manage GDPR processes including subject access requests, data retention, data asset registers and data deletion, supporting teams where needed.
• Continuous improvement; drive quality and improvement across the business by monitoring core processes and introducing practical, effective changes.
• Resource; hold the strategic understanding of capacity across the studio; highlighting challenges and capacity ahead of time with the Heads of Teams, to support the allocation of projects.
• Onboarding; implement and manage onboarding processes, documentation and contracts for clients, freelancers, suppliers and new starters.
• Client contracts and KPIs develop frameworks to monitor contractual KPIs and provide clear reporting for the Managing Director and CEO.
• Finance and reporting: work with the finance team and project leads to support accurate invoicing, ordering, expenses, cost control, operational budgets and regular financial updates.
• Risk management; review current procedures, identify operational risks and implement improvements that strengthen the business.
• Facilities; work with Paintworks and external suppliers to ensure the studio has the right contracts, infrastructure and support in place, including cleaning, maintenance, internet, phones, utilities and software licences.
• Business reporting; prepare monthly dashboard reports for the senior leadership team, including timesheet compliance, billability and project or client profitability, using findings to inform better ways of working.
• Software and platform; lead and champion all company‑wide platforms, including Streamtime, Microsoft 365, Monday. com, Dext and Xero, helping colleagues use them consistently and effectively.
• Meetings and action tracking; lead some of the company‑wide internal meetings, maintain action trackers and ensure follow‑up is clear and visible.
• Innovation: research, develop and test new approaches to working before introducing best practice across the studio.

Essential skills

• At least four years’ experience in a similar operations, business support or studio management role.
• Experience working in a service‑based agency or comparable creative, events or project‑led environment.
• A strong interest in continuous improvement, policy, process and operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and priorities while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
• Data‑driven mindset; confidence using data to interpret data, identify trends, present findings and demonstrate positive change.
• Initiative, independence and the ability to think on your feet when solving problems.
• Leadership and confidence to lead conversations and handle challenging discussions constructively.
• A pragmatic approach, with the ability to see the bigger picture while also paying attention to the detail.
• Pride in delivering work to a high standard.
• Experience leading or influencing change within a working environment.
• Confidence using digital tools and AI to support efficiency and improve ways of working.
• A qualification in project management, events, business management or a related discipline.
• Experience in the events industry.
• Interest in creative storytelling, content production or immersive experiences.
• A full UK driving licence.
• Everyone is welcome here

We welcome different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds, and we know that a more inclusive and representative team makes us stronger and more creative.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to do their best work.

Competitive salary, depending on experience. 24 plus bank holidays plus, a day off for your birthday.

What you’ll enjoy

We’re based at The Paintworks, a well‑established creative hub close to Bristol Temple Meads and the city centre.

We’re surrounded by other creative companies, many of whom we collaborate and socialise with.

We offer a cycle to work scheme, employee discounts, seasonal staff socials and wellbeing support.

We also support learning and development on the job, and we actively encourage ideas that help us improve how we work.

#J-18808-Ljbffr