Kent, UK
Office manager
at Marian Boswall Landscape Architects
Marian Boswall Landscape Architects requires an office manager to join its office in Kent, UK.
Office manager
Marian Boswall Landscape Architects is an award-winning studio based in the countryside near Staplehurst in Kent. We are seeking an experienced office manager to join our successful and creative team.
Contract type
Part-time/freelance leading to a full-time employee. Approximately 20-25 hours a week to be agreed.
Hours
Flexible, Monday-Friday.
Core hours (9:30-1) to be worked in the studio, with working from home supported.
Role
You will work across all aspects of the business and ensure the smooth running of the office in respect of finance, HR, IT and office administration. You will have the ability to communicate confidentially both internally and externally and will encourage creativity, whilst ensuring efficient and sustainable working practices.
You will assist and advise senior management to set out and deliver the strategic objectives of the studio. You will hold regular meetings with senior management to identify, propose and implement any improvements for the studio in response to changing business needs.
You will be an experienced organiser who shares our values and is willing for your role to develop with the growing needs of the studio.
Responsibilities:
- finance; responsible for all financial matters including invoicing, bookkeeping, payroll, annual accounts, cashflow and projections. Input into budgets for all areas of the studio as well as financial control and analysis
- HR; lead for all HR related matters, manage and coordinate external HR advice where necessary. Update and maintain all guidelines for the studio. This includes employee handbook, studio manual, and IT manual, employee contracts, and HR processes
- fees and appointments; organise fees with prospective and existing clients with input from senior management. Oversee appointment documents and contracts and liaise with our solicitor when required
- PR and marketing; contribute to the studio’s digital marketing strategy including social media, press releases, awards submissions and website analytics. Develop and update the website in conjunction with external consultant. Liaise with photographers and the media, organise photo shoots
- operations; lead the operations side of the studio including premises matters and supplies including phones, printers, stationary, etc
- IT; responsible for all matters relating to IT including hardware and software and managing external consultant support
- reception duties; answering the phone and organising post
- PA duties; assisting the principal with daily duties including filing, diary management, and travel arrangements
- resource planning; in time, the role may involve the overseeing of resource distribution on projects to ensure all teams are running as efficiently as possible. Input into the weekly resource meetings with the studio team
Attributes:
- clear communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, who can confidently and sensitively liaise with members of the studio team as well as clients, consultants and the media
- excellent spoken and written English
- ability to oversee the work of the studio and anticipate the necessary support required
- a keen attention to detail
- highly organised, with ability to multi-task and operate effectively and efficiently
- ability to work to multiple deadlines and prioritise workload
- visual sensitivity; experience working with images and/or proofing
- competent in mac computer platforms; including Microsoft Office; Word, Excel and Outlook, Adobe software would be an advantage; InDesign, Photoshop and Bridge
Previous experience essential:
- prior experience in financial and HR aspects of a company
- proven ability to implement and maintain IT and administration systems
Prior experience desirable:
- prior experience in a management role within a creative business
- experience in working within an art, design or architecture studio
- qualifications in HR would be advantageous, alternatively a demonstration of experience in HR matters
- an interest in the art/design world or plants would be helpful but not essential
Please submit your CV and covering letter using the ‘apply’ link below.