London, UK
Practice manager
Space Agency is looking for a practice manager to join its design studio in London.
Space Agency Design is a high-end architectural design practice operating within an exciting niche market that integrates space, communication and user experience into total design experiences The practice has forged an enviable reputation since it was set up 10 years ago, and as a result is experiencing continued success in winning high profile projects.
We are in a growth phase and we are looking to add to our existing high performing team. The role of practice manager is a newly created position, and offers the right candidate an excellent opportunity to put their own stamp on the day to day running of the practice.
Reporting into the business owners, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring everything is in place to enable the team to deliver their work. This includes building strong internal processes and operational infrastructure.
The role will also be relied upon to collaborate with the business owners to ensure they are ‘freed up’ to concentrate on the client facing and revenue producing opportunities. In practice this means taking ownership for the successful day to day running of the office on an operational level, including facilities, supplies, general office processes, HR, ensuring business critical work is completed accurately such as assisting with project tender/bid completion.
Specific duties are listed below:
- review existing processes and practices, develop and implement a plan for process implementation
- monitor, measure and report on operational issues, opportunities and development plans and achievements within agreed formats and timescales
- to manage and control business operations expenditure, recording day to day business expenses, maintaining the company’s bookkeeping and VAT reporting systems
- ensure relevant managers/team members understand all necessary aspects and needs of operational process, and to ensure they are fully informed of the overall requirements and end goal with new implementations
- ensure activities meet with and integrate with organisational requirements for quality management, health and safety, legal stipulations, environmental policies and general duty of care
- to monitor and manage office premises supplies and maintenance to maintain a professional environment for the proper functioning of business activities and team performance
- to play a part in training and mentoring new and more junior members of the team in business processes on a day to day basis
- ensure the right team members are in place and are engaged in exciting work that develops them and the business
- to coordinate the recruitment and team-building processes, administering key human resources functions
- help the owners in facilitating the interrelationships within the team
- to play a role in new business development by managing the bid process for new business acquisition
To be successful in this role you will need to have a proactive approach as well as an empowering, convincing and energetic style, and be able to provide leadership and management necessary to ensure that the company can follow the proper operational tools, systems and processes in place to effectively grow the business and ensure operational efficiency.
This role requires a professional with gravitas who will work closely with the business owners and team to develop and accomplish our objectives and deliver against the business strategy set by the business owners.
The successful candidate will be educated to degree standard, and have a minimum of five years experience within a similar type of role, ideally within a design or architectural environment.