London, UK
Head of operations
at Piercy&Company
Piercy&Company is looking for a head of operations to join its London-based team.
Piercy&Company is a practice of around 85 architects, interior designers and researchers, fuelled by a shared passion for materials, form, technology and craft. We are based out of a studio and workshop in London where interdisciplinary teams work together in a collaborative ‘design house’ model. The studio is a place for exchange, active production and the testing of ideas, forms and materials. Our studio support team works with matched energy and attentiveness to keep everything running smoothly.
Role overview
We are seeking an experienced head of operations to take a leading role in the smooth, effective, and forward‑looking running of the practice. This is a wide‑reaching position, responsible for overseeing core business operations and supporting the board, directors and department heads across the studio.
The role will suit someone with broad experience in practice and operations management, ideally within a medium to large architecture or design practice. You will be agile, pragmatic, and comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery, responding to the needs of a dynamic studio while meeting the expectations of stakeholders at all levels.
Key responsibilities
Studio and operations management:
- report to the board and take overall responsibility for organising and leading studio operations
- develop and deliver operational strategy in line with the practice’s wider goals
- chair and contribute to key operational meetings including director, senior management team and senior architect meetings
- lead finance and studio team coordination meetings and contribute to resourcing discussions
- support studio growth and change, including logistics planning and landlord negotiations
Compliance, risk and accreditation:
- lead and maintain ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation, including audits and updates to the ISO schedule
- take responsibility for Health & Safety across the practice and workshop, including COSHH, fire safety and risk assessments
- oversee professional and business insurances including PI, PPL, and D&O
- act as Wren Representative and support BSA‑related requirements
- lead our efforts to attain B Corp certification
Facilities, equipment and studio environment:
- oversee facilities maintenance, repairs, renewals and associated contracts
- act as main point of contact with the landlord for building updates and related matters
- manage studio equipment, including company mobile phone contracts
- support and oversee studio moves when required
IT and systems:
- lead IT strategy, planning and day‑to‑day management
- line manage the IT Technician/Manager
- use IT licensing and user data to inform strategic decisions
- oversee development of the project management system (CMAP) in collaboration with department heads
Finance, HR and departmental support:
- line manage finance and HR functions, working closely with department heads
- develop and manage the Studio and HR budgets
- support HR with the implementation of training and development initiatives
- support new business, communications and other departments in delivering their objectives
Workshop and practice Infrastructure:
- oversee workshop management and operations
- ensure alignment between studio, workshop and project needs
Line management
Direct line management responsibility for:
- studio manager and studio assistant
- finance manager and finance assistant
- executive assistant
- HR coordinator
- IT technician
- workshop technician
About you:
- significant experience in operations or practice management, ideally within architecture, design or a related professional services environment
- confident leading complex, interconnected operational functions
- calm, adaptable and solutions‑focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities
- a strong communicator who builds trust across creative and non‑creative teams
- comfortable working at both strategic and detail levels
We actively encourage applications from women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people from ethnic minorities as these groups are currently under-represented throughout the building industry. Piercy&Company is an equal opportunities employer dedicated to closing this gap and aims to build a workforce of skilled professionals from a range of diverse backgrounds.