Location
London, Hackney Downs studio (on-site)
Hours
Full-time
Salary
Not specified
About the Role
CDS is the London design studio of Chefman, the US company behind Chefman and CHEF iQ kitchen products. From Hackney Downs, a small team leads industrial design, branding, packaging, photography and content for products sold worldwide. The studio is growing with more people, more shoots, and a move to a larger space featuring a full content studio and prep kitchen. We need someone to run it.
As Studio Manager, you will be the person who makes the studio work — reporting directly to our SVP of Design and working alongside our US operations and HR teams. Your responsibilities include running the studio day to day: managing the space, supplies, equipment, couriers, and visitors; managing product sample logistics including shipments from factories and customs; owning the practical side of the studio move such as viewings, landlords, contractors, and fit-out coordination; coordinating hiring for London roles including scheduling, recruiters, candidate engagement, and keeping searches moving; onboarding freelancers and contractors while managing contracts and invoices with the US team; supporting shoots and studio production as the content team grows; and solving unexpected problems as they arise.
Experience
Previous experience running a studio is essential. This could be a design studio, agency, photo or production studio, architecture practice, or gallery. You understand what this role entails and have successfully managed similar environments.
About you
You are organised without being overly rigid, building just enough structure to keep things running smoothly. You are good with people including landlords, couriers, candidates, and designers working to deadlines. You are comfortable being the sole operations person in the room and have the initiative to handle a wide range of tasks independently.
Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated, but relevant experience and a proactive, adaptable approach are key to success in this role.