Studio Manager Job Description

Location: London 
Type: Full time or Part Time
Category: Studio Management, Project Management, Business Development
Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience

Studio INI is looking for a creative Studio Manager to join its growing studio in Central London. Working at the forefront of experimental design methodologies and cutting edge manufacturing technologies, Studio INI explores the intersection of digital design’s impact and influence on the material world through ambitious and exciting large-scale interactive installations.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to the day-to-day operations of the studio, while being the main point of contact for suppliers/clients/collaborators in projects and generating and monitoring budgets and timelines. Additionally, they will have a keen eye for business development opportunities and provide their input on studio strategy. 

Ideal candidates will need to be bold and fast learners with excellent communication and organisation skills and the ability to work in a highly creative and fast-paced environment. They will be naturally curious and keen to explore new mediums to work within projects. 

Our most recent installation Urban Imprint was exhibited in New York, from May-Sep 2019. We are looking to expand our team for the requirements of our full pipeline of international projects that are ahead of us. Studio INI is represented by PACE Gallery- its PaceX division.

Previous works and installations include:

- A/D/O by MINI, Brooklyn, New York, 2019
- London Design Biennale, Somerset House Central Courtyard, 2018 - London, UK
- Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), London Design Festival, 2017- London, UK
- Triennale di Milano, Milan Design week, Lexus Pavilion, 2017 - Milan, Italy 
- Kochi - Muziris Biennale, MAP Project, Cochin, India, 2018-2019
- Ithra Centre, King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, 2018 - Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Kolkata Centre for Creativity, Emami Art, 2018- Kolkata, India.
- RobArch, 2018- Zurich, Germany
- MIT Media Lab, Members week, 2016 - Boston, US
- Martinos Art, 2018 - Athens, Greece   

More information can be found on our website here: nassia-inglessis.com

Core Responsibilities

Studio Organisation:

1. Asana + Google Calendar: To organise the workload of the studio within the team using task management platforms and calendars. Set deadlines and timelines for the team and follow up on task progress.

2. Email Communications: To monitor and respond to emails regarding new business opportunities, press inquiries and general enquiries regarding our work.

3. Financials: Liaise with our professional accountants, to monitor and organise the studio’s financials including procedures for VAT returns (using bank-receipt and Xero), expenditure and invoicing.

4. HR: To input on HR procedures of the studio along with the Founder/Director  (for example if the studio is recruiting)

5. Studio space / Storage: To help maintain an organised studio space and storage. 

6. Insurance: To assist with setting up insurance coverage for exhibitions

7. Best Practices: To set-up and maintain best practices and repeated processes for studio organisation.

8. Network Lists: Maintain and update studio network lists

9. Mailchimp: Create and forward newsletters, exhibition and event invitations through Mailchimp

10. Press: To compile “About” texts and project descriptions for press enquiries and make sure that these are responded to in time for deadlines. 

Project Management:

1. Templates: To work with template tools and create accurate budgets and timelines for projects and ensure the delivery of a project within a deadline

2. Budgets: To monitor budgets and ensure expenditure within budgets.

3. Team support: To organise tasks between team members of different disciplines and support them as necessary for the completion of a project.

4. Action Lists: To create and monitor action lists as required.

5. Suppliers / Procurement: To liaise with suppliers and negotiate prices and lead times.

6. Logistics / Transportation: To organise and input in logistics, transportation and customs as required for a project.

Business Development

1. Research: To input in research for business development

2. Eye-out: To keep a keen eye out for new opportunities

3. Evaluation: To input in incoming project evaluation

4. Presentations: To compile presentation and visual materials using Adobe Suite (InDesign, Photoshop and Premiere)

5. Fundraising: Input on fundraising as required

Education/Experience

• A strong undergraduate or masters in arts management, or art / design related studies

• An additional masters in any discipline of art, design and/or management will be a bonus.

• Prior experience of working in a project-based environment, understanding of project management principles in design/engineering projects

• Understanding of organisation principles of a small scale arts/design organisation

Skills

Key skills

- Excellent communication skills written and verbal
- Excellent organisation skills
- Ability to work independently and prioritise heavy workload
- Good negotiation skills
- Ability to communicate with private clients, suppliers and collaborators
- Willing to work flexibly and creatively and not limited by the job description
- Knowledge of the London/Global art scene and a passion for interactive, public installations, design, combined with dance performance. 
- Strong attention to detail
- Experience in project coordination
- A keen eye for creative synergies

Essential Software  

– Basic to good in Adobe Suite (AI, ID, PS) 
– Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office or Google Suite (word, excel, powerpoint and/or equivalents in Google)

Language

All candidates must be fluent in English. The ability to speak Greek is a bonus as the studio has workshops both in London and Athens

Benefits:

• Access to Somerset House Studios and Makerversity network, 24/7 working space and their workshops

• Access to Somerset House and special discounts for SH members

• Opportunities for research and to develop new skills

• Be part of a small but ambitious and growing design studio, with opportunities to contribute to core management process, philosophy and growth

• We welcome the creative ideas of our colleagues to drive future projects and research directions

• Possibility of traveling abroad across the globe to work on various projects

If you feel that you fit the bill and you have the right to work in the UK, please get in touch and apply through info@studioini.org with subject Studio Manager Application. Please include: 

1. CV

2. Cover Letter: Briefly and clearly explaining how you would fit with this role, clearly addressing all points of the job description.

3. Date of availability

Applications closing date: Friday 10 Jan 2020. Successful applicants will be contacted within a week of the application deadline to arrange an interview.