London, UK
Practice manager
at Studio Seilern Architects
Studio Seilern Architects is looking for a practice manager to join its London studio.
About Studio Seilern Architects
Studio Seilern Architects is a West London based international creative practice established in 2006 by Christina Seilern with the intent of producing exceptional architecture that lasts, working across geographies, building sizes and typologies. Our diverse portfolio of built work spans the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The practice manager role
Working closely with the senior members of our team, you will lead the key functions of the studio, driving everything from the recruitment process to staff reviews and ensuring the health and wellbeing of the team. Finally, you will drive the operations, systems, policies and procedures in the business to ensure we are efficient, effective and compliant with the necessary regulations. We approach everything we do with exploration – we need our practice manager to help promote and support this process.
This is a full-time role, based five days in our West London studio. Studio hours are 9 am to 6 pm.
Essential skill set:
- office management
- administration
- HR and recruitment
- ISO management
Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to)
General office:
- maintaining and updating office policies, ensure all studio policies and handbooks are kept up to date and are in line with industry best practice
- ensuring the studio operation and administration procedures are efficient and effective
- become the driving force behind creating a good working environment
- managing all IT, software and telecoms across the business and working closely with our external IT consultant
- managing office budget and expenditure with the finance manager
- managing all elements of the studio maintenance, including the utilities, cleaning, insurance and security
- maintain and manage the health and safety aspects of the studio
- manage and develop the quality management procedures in line with requirements of ISO
- updating template documents
- organise internal and external audits
Administration:
- reception cover, good telephone manner and excellent communication skills
- managing the office diary and any travel bookings with our external travel consultant
- managing and distributing incoming communication
- delegating admin responsibilities for outstanding tasks and following up
- chairing associate meetings and recording minutes and follow ups
Human resources:
- assisting senior management with studio recruitment
- staff contracts, dealing with issues involving confidentiality with professionalism and integrity
- coordinating staff administration associated with changes to staff employment conditions such as holiday and sickness records
- coordinating staff reviews and appraisal processes
- ensuring timesheet management within the studio
- managing staff onboarding and offboarding
- good understanding of employment law and HR practice including acquisition, optimisation and retention of talent
- ensuring the health and wellbeing of the team, first point of contact for any concerns they may have
- making sure the studio team is engaged, motivated and inspired
- manage team social events and knowledge-sharing forums
- maintain a studio that is rewarding and fun to work for and ensure the team is in the best position to deliver our projects
About you
Candidates should be professional and presentable with excellent written and spoken communication skills. Working both as part of a small admin team and independently, you will have at least four-plus years experience working as a practice/studio manager preferably in a design or architecture practice. You need to have excellent organisational skills, a strong attention to detail and have a proactive and positive disposition. The successful applicant will be responsible for the overall smooth running of the studio. This crucial and wide-ranging role would be suited to a proven multitasker with a focus on driving business and service development.
Salary dependent on experience and we would be grateful if you could submit your expectation with your application. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK without restriction. The role offers the opportunity to develop your skills and become an integral member of a close-knit, creative team. Continued growth and the potential to shape the future of a dynamic organisation within friendly studio environment.
Please send a CV setting out relevant experience together with a supporting statement stating your motivation for the role. Applications should be marked for the attention of Brian Seymour.
References from previous employers will be requested if required.
No agencies and no phone applications will be accepted.
Please apply via the apply for job button below.