London, UK
Studio manager
at House of Grey
House of Grey is hiring a studio manager to join its team in London.
Overview of the role
We are seeking an experienced studio manager to support in running our growing interior design studio in north London.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative circular salutogenic design studio at a critical point in its evolution.
The studio manager works directly with and is a supporting role to the House of Grey founder and director, Louisa Grey.
The position requires excellent organisational and administrative skills, alongside with working on new business and publicising the studio.
House of Grey prides itself on creating a professional, nurturing, and healthy working environment; we are seeking a candidate who embodies these attributes.
What we offer
As an interior design studio, our ethos focuses on achieving a positive work/life balance. This is embedded in everything we do for ourselves and our clients, we actively encourage each studio member to embody this.
We are supportive of the growth of all our studio members. This role is one that the successful candidate will adapt and truly make their own.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and we would be grateful if you could submit your expectation with your application.
House of Grey is an equal opportunities employer and we encourage applications from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic, disabled, candidates, as these groups are underrepresented throughout the design profession.
Where you’ll work
You will work predominantly in our new holistic work/life studio/space in north London alongside our founder and studio members. We value each individual studio member, have an active listening policy, and offer flexible working.
What you’ll do
You will be instrumental in all aspects of running the studio – communication, team/project management, recruitment, bookkeeping – utilising your ‘all-rounder’ skills to facilitate a smooth and well-organised studio.
Responsibilities of the studio manager
Facilities management – day to day you will be responsible for general office duties ensuring the smooth running and neat presentation of the office, arranging meetings, and managing diaries- you should have the capacity to prioritise, multi-task, and work to deadlines with high levels of accuracy and reliability. Facilities management includes ordering office supplies, organising repairs and maintenance, filing and archiving, IT liaison, arranging post, external and internal meetings, greeting studio visitors.
Studio management – holding a weekly team meeting, updating all team members on project progress, scheduling studio appointments and welcoming guests, answering telephone calls, assisting with IT issues and set-up, and general studio inbox email management. Manage the location calendar and liaise with clients rebooking confirmations etc.
Team management – including hours of work/staff cover, staff support, and communication.
Project support – meeting arrangements, preparation of design PDFs. Preparing project estimates and managing availability – T&C’s project specifications.
Director support – providing assistance to the director, including booking travel, scheduling appointments, and meetings.
Marketing – managing press enquiries, assisting with social media, updating the website and online profiles (Pinterest, MailChimp), organising external events and award submissions.
New business – assisting director and design team with new business leads and enquiries and researching new business opportunities.
HR support – assisting with the recruitment process, managing CV inbox, inducting new starters, managing staff records and timesheets, organising staff training, appraisals and staff socials, maintaining office policies, health and safety, and general staff wellbeing. Managing annual leave entitlement.
Bookkeeping – manage the accounts/expenses plus petty cash, including issuing invoices and chasing payments, assisting with preparing quarterly vat accounts, reviewing finances with the director, managing employee payroll plus records of hours, and liaising with the external accountant. Knowledge of Quick books is desirable.
We are looking for a dynamic, experienced Studio Manager with at least three years’ experience of running a busy studio. The ideal candidate will embody our ethos, believe in our philosophy, and appreciate the House of Grey aesthetic and design work.
The ideal candidate will be:
- responsible, highly organised, confident, and will be able to impart previous experience in proposing solutions, planning ahead, and quickly learn the specific needs of the studio and its members to keep things running smoothly on a day-to-day basis
- a motivated, enthusiastic individual to join our studio – a team player who’s proactive and who will complement and enhance our studio values
- an energetic, practical candidate, a self-starter, and initiative taker with a sensitive understanding of the House of Grey aesthetic
- a proactive all-rounder with the ability to multi-task and meet the needs of a thriving design studio
Personal skills:
- excellent time-management and follow-up skills
- confident to delegate kindly to others under pressure and to clients
- professional telephone manner and competent in written English and composing considered emails
- independent attitude, calm and reliable
- a lateral thinker and problem solver
- positive and professional outlook, well presented
Experience and qualifications:
- we work on Apple devices and Macs, being literate on the Apple Mac system is essential for the role
- we are looking for an individual with strong professional communication skills, and applicants must be able to use Word and Excel proficiently
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign/Photoshop/Illustrator) knowledge is not essential but welcomed
- experienced in working both independently and within a team
Interests:
- an enthusiasm for architecture and design is a must
- interested in sustainable interior choices with a clear understanding of our studio aesthetics and design approach
Please submit your CV along with a short letter outlining your suitability.
No agencies, please.