London, UK
Operations manager
at Sarah Wigglesworth Architects
Sarah Wigglesworth Architects is looking for an operations manager to join its team in London.
Job title: operations manager
Line manager/s: director, associate
Salary: £40,000 to £50,000 per annum – dependent on experience
Contract type: permanent
Hours: full-time (40 hours) with the working hours Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 18:00. We are open to discussion with suitable candidates regarding a part time role.
Location: 10 Stock Orchard Street, London, N7 9RW
Primarily office based, with some remote working if desired. We operate a hybrid working operation and are happy to discuss details with suitable candidates.
About us
Sarah Wigglesworth Architects (SWA) is a small, well established and highly reputable practice, located in North London. We are based in an award winning, ecological office, designed by Sarah Wigglesworth, our founding director, and as an environmentally focused practice, sustainability is at the heart of what we do.
SWA are looking for a confident and self motivated individual to join their team. As operations manager they will be at the heart of the practice, expected to take the lead in a broad range of duties.
Job role responsibilities
Finance:
- manage company bookkeeper, ensuring all accounts records are accurate and carried out within accounting and HMRC deadlines
- manage company cashflow forecast and have a firm grasp of the practice’s current and projected financial standing
- ensure payment of all invoices correctly and within payment terms
- manage payroll, salary payments, pensions and other PAYE duties
- client invoicing and chasing debtors
- carry out financial analysis to best represent the practice’s financial activity
- present financial reports and lead monthly management meetings
- work with the architectural team to monitor job progress and profitability
- manage resourcing for project programmes.
Business development
- with the director and associates develop the practice’s business plan
- manage tender portals and assist with bids and competitions
- assist with fee proposals and resourcing planning
Human resources:
- ensure SWA policies comply with current HR laws and regulations
- manage all major HR matters. Including, but not limited to maternity/paternity, amendments to contract, grievances, disciplinary action, flexible working, EDI development, redundancy, promotions and benefits etc.
- plan for and manage recruitment processes for staff of all levels and roles
- act as line manager for other administrative staff as required
- manage staff induction, appraisals and performance management, annual leave and salary reviews
- draw up contracts, ensuring documents and practices comply with current employment and H&S law
Office management:
- accountable for all general administrative and housekeeping duties – cleaner, window cleaner, fire and security companies, energy companies etc.
- ordering/maintaining IT equipment, licensing, and software systems. Overseeing updates and roll outs of new systems and protocols
- office based and COVID-19 Risk assessments
- manage all insurance renewals (PII, Employers, Office, Cyber) and updates.
- manage the ISO 9001 accreditation and manage workflow. Maintaining compliance, implementing changes and managing the annual external audit process
- manage all business legislation changes and manage their effect and implementation into the practice i.e. GDPR, HR, Pension changes etc.
- arranging social events and staff gifts
Publicity and PR:
- act as first point of contact and manage opportunities with external PR consultants
- newsletter – manage and create content for quarterly newsletter
- website updates and PR pipeline planning, including social media planning and content creation with designated architectural team member
- awards – keep abreast of upcoming awards and assist with submission preparation
- liaise with photographers, collaborators, event organisers and any other PR related contacts when required
Person specification:
- proficient in Microsoft Office suite
- proficient in Xero
- proven knowledge and experience of managing HR/managing people
- proven knowledge and experience of managing business finances
- equally comfortable working on their own and as part of a team
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to take initiative and build strong, productive relationships
- a flexible and pro-active attitude with exceptional time management.
- a genuine interest in sustainable design and the built environment. Ideally the candidate will have three to five years’ plus experience in the architecture industry
- eligibility to work in the UK
How to apply
To apply for this role, please submit an application via the ‘apply for job’ button below and address your application to Sarah Wigglesworth.
Within your application please include the following:
- a covering letter outlining your interest in the position and working with SWA, as well as how you meet the job role criteria and what you feel you could contribute to the role and our practice
- a brief summary of your relevant experience and an accompanying CV (no more than two pages)
Application timeframe
Applications deadline Friday 12 November 2021. However, we welcome early applications.
We may invite suitable candidates to interview before the application deadline.
At SWA we are committed to our team reflecting the diverse communities we design for. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race or ethnicity, religion or spiritual and philosophical belief, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability (including neurodiversity), pregnancy and maternity or age. We welcome applications from everyone.