Los Angeles, USA
Studio operations manager
at AENARA
AENARA is seeking a studio operations manager to join its team in Los Angeles or remotely.
Location: Los Angeles or hybrid/remote
Employment type: full-time or part-time
Reports to: studio principal
About the role
AENARA is a multidisciplinary design studio devoted to advancing technologies supporting human exploration and habitation beyond Earth. With a specific focus on construction technologies, AENARA supports the development of new research in architectural robotics, systems supporting crews in Earth-independent environments, and in space architecture.
We are seeking a highly organized, strategic, and detail-oriented studio operations manager to lead administrative and operational functions in Los Angeles. This role is central to ensuring that all studio activities — from complex fabrication projects to creative partnerships — are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest level of excellence.
The ideal candidate has a background in design, architecture, art production, or creative operations, with a demonstrated ability to oversee procurement and scheduling and develop partnerships or sponsorships that expand the reach and impact of the studio’s work.
Key responsibilities
Studio operations and project management:
- manage studio operations, including scheduling, procurement, resourcing, and workflow optimization
- oversee project timelines and ensure milestones are met across internal teams, collaborators, and external vendors
- lead procurement of materials, services, and components for large-scale, specialty projects with complex fabrication needs
- identify, negotiate, and manage vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring quality, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery
Financial and contractual oversight:
- manage and track project and studio-wide budgets, invoicing, and reporting
- review contracts, scopes of work, and consultant agreements
Business development and strategic partnerships:
- support the growth of the studio by identifying and developing new business opportunities in the realms of design, art, and creative fabrication
- research and establish relationships with potential sponsors, partners, or grant-making institutions
- develop compelling proposals to support partnership or sponsorship opportunities
- represent the studio in external meetings and communications related to business development, funding, or client relations
Qualifications
Required:
- one to seven years’ of experience in studio management, operations, architectural or art production, or related fields
- bachelor’s degree in fine art, architecture, business management, communications, marketing, or a related field
- experience managing complex project schedules across multidisciplinary teams
- strong vendor coordination and contract negotiation skills, especially in the context of bespoke fabrication or specialty construction
- excellent communication, organizational, and leadership abilities
- demonstrated experience in relationship management and client-facing roles
Preferred:
- master’s degree preferred
- experience with business development, customer relationship management, and sponsorship and partnership development within creative or cultural sectors
- familiarity with large-scale fabrication, public art, architectural installations, or design/build workflows
Additional details
This role is available as full-time or part-time.
Must be available for coordination with teams based in Los Angeles.
Please apply with a CV, cover letter, and relevant work samples (portfolio or writing samples) via the apply for job button below.
Thank you in advance.